Politics: Part One
There is a presidential election approaching in September. The road is littered with campaign posters. They are slick and over-produced. Candidates look like news anchors selling pop. The current president's wife divorced him, so she could be eligible to run. I bet Hillary wishes she could have used that one as an excuse.
Technology
Developing nation (3rd world is not PC)
Decrepit economy.
Social and political strife.
Rampant crime.
High levels of illiteracy.
Wi-fi is faster than it is at home.
Women
Young women in Guatemala are quite good-looking, admittedly, more-so than I'd imagined. Their beauty is an understated one, simple, natural, yet pretty. Picture a land of Latina Jenna Fischers. Unfortunately, harassment seems to be an ever-prevelent ordeal. Many young women, who are professionally dressed and appear to have or pursue jobs in the besides sector, are constantly harassed in the streets. Their dress is modest and typical of what is worn in the US, yet they must deal with constant hooting, whistling, and honking as they negotiate the city streets. I've always been aware and sympathetic to the plight of women in the workplace, but I can't imagine the issues these women deal with.
Politics: Part Two
While driving around in a cab, a group of campaigners are rallying around a statue in the middle of a busy intersection. They are all extremely attractive, and dressed in green outfits, signifying their party's allegiance. The women are all busty, tall, curvy, and wearing extremely tight green leggings. They are the Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders of campaigners. Curious about the rally and wanting to know more about their party's ideology, my mom asks the cab driver, "What are they doing." The cab driver replies, "Wasting time." We chuckled.
Street Vendors
Women actually put baskets of food on their heads. The skill and resourcefulness is impressive. Makes you wonder why the waitresses at Hooters need help bringing out your wings.
Getting Around
Have you ever wondered what happens to old school busses after we retire them? They end up here. They are affectionately referred to as, "Chicken Buses." I never saw any chickens, granted, I never rode one. What I did notice is that they are incredibly packed! People literally hang out of the doors. Does this not seem safe to you? Don't worry, the bus driver has a large picture of the Virgin Marry taped over his left window.
Faith > Logic
Politics: Part Three
Sometimes, party logos are shown with an "X" over them, signifying a vote. To me, it looks like, "Do Not Vote."
Security
Any business large enough to be in a mini-mall warrants security guards in Guatemala. They are intimidating, heavily armed men. Most have a shotgun slung across their shoulder. No room for subtlety.
Spirit Airlines
Charges for carry-ons.
No complimentary beverages.
Leg room could only be measured in negative inches.
Never again.
The Esquipulas Pilgrimage
My mother, being the spiritual person she is, felt it necessary to take my sister and I to the town of Esquipulas. Here is a short run down of the adventure.
- Board an ancient Greyhound bus that has seen better days.
- Sit next to giant, used, dirty truck tires, that are being transported across the country.
- Deal with vendors jumping on the bus and sticking food stuffs in your face.
- Watch out for rock slides!
- Endure a 6 hour bus ride through forests with no air-conditioning or functioning windows.
- Get to Esquipulas, don't get murdered.
- See the Cristo Negro (That's right, Black Jesus)
- Watch out for rabid dogs! They bite!
- Sleep in the scariest hotel possible.
- Do the same thing the next day.
- $10, each way.
In conclusion, Guatemala is a beautiful land, rich with culture and natural beauty. It is also sad and difficult. It is the Schlinder's List of vacations.
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