Everybody eats...the food version

One of the great experiences about visiting a foreign country is being to taste all the new and different foods available.While the traditional food in Guatemala may not have the flair or panache of say the food in Spain or Mexico, it is still wonderful, hearty fair.

Demani and Manny dig into some of Dona Thelma's wonderful tortillas.

 Getting the students to eat with their host families and try new things while we are traveling about is often one of the most difficult tasks on the trip, but this year's group was pretty good about eating with their families and trying new things.

What better to eat at the beach than a fish, head and all?

 Because taking photos of food is what all the cool kids seem to be doing these days, Hoops Sagrado thought we'd provide you with a blog post of some of the things we've eaten along the way. This is just a snapshot (pun fully intended) of many of the wonderful meals and treats we've had in the last three weeks. 

Chicharonn and carnitas in a banana leaf? Yes please! Sorry Breezy!

The power sometimes goes out in Xela so you have to learn to cook by candlelight and headlamp.

People think I'm joking when I say the best Italian restaurant in the world is in Xela. But one look at this happy face should convince you that I am not lying.

Baking cookies is always an adventure (high altitude, questionable stoves, no cookie sheets, etc.). They aren't quite like the ones I make at home, but the kids seem to like them so that's all that matters.

For many years and special occasions, Hoops Sagrado ate at a restaurant owned by our good friend Don Otto. We were sad to learn of his passing when we returned to Xela so we made a Don Otto platter in his honor.

The Guatemalans love their bread and they make some of the best stuff around. Everyone quickly learns about Xelapan and it's gluteny goodness. This is a loaf of bread in the shape of an alligator.

While the kids have all been great about eating, they are all talking about going to Chipotle as soon as they get home. Sorry, but in my opinion, Chipotle ain't got nothing on a homemade tortilla, black beans, quac, salsa and queso fresco.

And finally, I give you Sebastian who has embraced his Guatemala side while staying true to his love for pasta. Who says you can't put your spaghetti on your tortilla?! I wasn't going to stop him.