Woke up thinking it was Sat. After a couple hours, I showered and headed out to do some shopping. Wasn't 'til I was riding in the transport van that I realized it was Good Friday.  

Good Friday is a big deal in Latin America. There have been processions for a week already, but Good Friday is the biggie. Several churches combine to make one big procession, like having multiple schools take part in a parade.  

I had planned (earlier in the week) to get up before sunrise to watch them create the longest alfombra in Xela. By 8am the sawdust is scattered by the procession coming in to and around the park.  

Got dropped off at the west end of town, by the mall. Looks like a little more than half the stores in town are closed. I went looking for a lampshade. Found a couple places closed, couldn't locate some other ones. Walked for a couple hours, then came up on a couple restaurants I'd been wanting to check out.  

One of the restaurants was closed, with no sign indicating hours of operation, the other one was open. This is a nice restaurant, the kind you would go to for a special occasion, not five star, or even four star, but what passes for 'special' around here. The waiter was an older guy that was a little ditzy and slow (another, younger, sharper, guy came in later). Ordered a small club steak, same price as the small filet mignon, $13. Guess I should have known by the price not to expect too much. What I got was a chewy piece of meat covered with a thin slice of ham, a slice of american cheese, an over easy egg, and covered with a mushroom gravy. Club steak or club sandwich?? Side of rice, tiny bowl of julienned carrots with raisins and pineapple, good garlic bread, decent wine. Less than $20 with tip, but not sure I will ever return.  

Strolled back through the park area back to my hostel, a 45 min walk. Came across two spots where sawdust had already been swept off the street. Tons of people walking back from the park after having watched the long procession. Each of these processions is a very slow moving, somber affair, many lasting six hours.  

Watched tv on my laptop. Just before dark, I headed to a local supermarket for snacks. Came across another procession. Some of the clothes they wear are real interesting. (You can check it out on the web.)  

Had chips, cheese sauce, and Coke for dinner. Followed by strawberry milk and 'Hostess' cupcakes for dessert.  

Got into bed and read until I fell asleep.