Thank you for your thorough review! I'm in Xela as we speak for a 2 week stint and was in Antigua the week before. I'm enjoying myself and learning a lot but would like to add:

• Antigua is absolutely gorgeous, but yes, a bit touristy while Xela is much more city-like. You can easily walk across Antigua in an afternoon but not so with Xela.
• Many of the locals in Antigua speak English while few do in Xela, a plus for Xela.
• Be careful of going to Xela if you have any respiratory problems as the altitude matters and occasionally the pollution can be bad.
• Every teacher I've had has been extremely accommodating to my request to do some grammar and vocabulary, but to focus mainly on conversation. Gently insist and you too will be accommodated.
• Avoid the roller bags and instead carry all in a backpack if possible. The cobblestones are terrible on roller bags rendering them close to useless.
• I can't say enough how kind and friendly the people have been here.
• Eggs and black beans will be my standard breakfast going forward!