Xela, Xela, Xelaaaa!* That oh so familiar sound signaled our arrival in,
you guessed it, Xela. So, off the chicken bus we poured. Nine passionate and
eager participants who had joined us only a day earlier all came rushing out
and into the busy bus terminal. Although still jetlagged the group had already
endured a whirl-wind 24hr tour of the country’s capitals, old and new, as well
as an epic 5hr chicken bus ride up and onto Guatemala’s Western Highlands. They
had even overcome a blown tire, albeit with help from a couple of ayudantes
that would rival Nascar’s best pit crews. So, after a little urban trek from
the Terminal to Escuela Xelaju and our cosy little casita, the group settled
in. But before any sleep could be had OG got word that the Chivos, Xela´s
beloved football team, would be playing in Guatemala’s National Championship
against its rival from the capital, Municipal.
Soccer isn’t a sport here, it´s a way of life. So, OG went and grabbed
some grub and prepared for their first cross-cultural lesson. The group of
gringos crowded around the TV, cheering on the Chivos with the gusto of any
Quetzalteco. And the Goats did not disappoint… After 90 minutes of nail biting,
two action packed overtimes followed. But still nothing could be decided on the
open pitch, so the Championship came down to penalties. Some participants
covered their eyes, while others shouted profanities. A few were visibly
confused by the whole ritual. But within minutes they were all on their feet as
the Chivos and their Quetzalteco followers stormed onto the field and into the
streets to celebrate the city’s fifth championship and the extra cleft moon
that would now adorn their jerseys. And what better way to celebrate the new
moon than to howl at it. Fireworks blasted and music blared as Parqué Central
became party headquarters with a group of gringos and Xela’s newest honour
guard right at its heart.
