July 4th

So, how does an American celebrate 4th of July in a foreign country?

a) Drive around the town square in a pickup blaring the Star-Spangled Banner?
b) Walk around the town square wearing nothing but the flag and chanting "We're Number 1! We're Number 1!"
c) Hiking with the enemy--a young woman from England.



Of course the first 2 are outrageously attractive prospects. But I chose option C and headed to La Muela ("the molar"). Rose is a university student in England studying Spanish and art. She also lives in the same house with me. And, strangely enough, she's a source for one of my articles.

La Muela is an area of volcanic rock formations just outside of Xela. It's also a religious pilgrimage site. Religious heritages from the Maya and Christianity have created enclaves at the base of the rocks.




That's July 4th Guatemala style.