Chanchuyeros!

Alexandra organises twice-weekly games of kickball in her garden, gathering a pool of players from all the ages, sexes and classes in the neighbourhood. If you have ever played a competitive team sport with Guatemalans, you will be aware how nine tenths of available playtime is habitually lost to argument and general histrionics:



Immense fun though. It always takes me a week to feel physically comfortable in Antigua because of the altitude. The first time we played on December 24 I sprained a finger on my right hand quite badly. The thights hurt like mad from kicking at the end of our second session. I was just reaching the full match fitness when it was time to go!