Divide and conquer

Saturday was divide and conquer day for Hoops Sagrado. Seven of the team left Xela at 2 a.m. for a hike of Santa Maria and the remaining members of the team met at the more dignified hour of 10 a.m. for a trip to San Andres Xecul to visit the aldea's famous yellow church...which I might also add involved a hike, albeit not one as great at those who hiked the volcano.

We ended our day with a Super Chivos game, which is always a highlight of our time in Xela. 

Santa Maria
At 2 a.m. Ronny, Manny, Alex, Max, Miguel, Nigel, Malik and Sanu met up with adult leaders Alex and Mark along with our friend and their guide Malba for a sunrise hike to the top of Santa Maria.

To put it into perspective, Xela is located at about 7,600 feet above sea level. The peak of Santa Maria, which is an active volcano, although it has not erupted for years, is 12,357 feet.

Of the seven students who braved the trek three, Miguel, Max and Alec, as well as adult leaders Malik, Alex and Mark made it to the top. According to reports, Nigel was pretty darn close and the others gave it their best, but just couldn't make it to the top.

Early reports indicate that it was a really great time, although I don't think any of them are chomping at the bit to climb it again. To quote Alec, "I'm glad I did it, but I'm never, ever, ever doing it again."

San Andres Xecul
The rest of the group, Johanna, Jionni, Carlos, Daniel, Demani and Carlton headed to an aldea about 30 minutes away called San Andres Xecul. Our trip there included almost every mode of transportation including microbus, "chicken" bus and pick-up as well as a lot of walking (although not nearly as much as the volcano group).

The town is known for it's yellow church (pictured) and the "rainbow roofs" which are hand-dyed thread drying on the roofs of houses. The church is in the main plaza of town, but at the top of the hill, there is a smaller yellow church that is symbolic. Mayan ceremonies are held next to the church and frankly, it's a hell of a view from the top of the hill.

Super Chivos
And a super fun day was capped off with a win by the Super Chivos! Often the Super Chivos games are the highlight of our trip (okay, well one highlight), but the Guatemala soccer association has changed the rules about what supporters can/can't do at the games and although the games are still fun and the Chivos won 4-2, the atmosphere just wasn't quite what it used to be. Still, Vamos Xela!