Five Moons over Xela

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.