Beauty and Ashes

Fuego Volcano-Tuesday September 11, 2012

Tuesday September 11th I witnessed Volcán Fuego, an active volcano roughly 10 miles from Antigua, begin spewing dark smoke in the early morning. It is usually no surprise since smoke is frequently released, but the dark grey color was ominous of a much bigger eruption.

Fuego Volcano, view from Ciudad Vieja, September 13, 2012

Thursday morning September 13, 2012 social media is in a frenzy with photos of a huge eruption caused by the Fire Volcano in Guatemala. It was a beautiful sight from Antigua, Ciudad Vieja, and Escuintla but a frightening reality for the villages closest to the volcano. CONRED, known as Coordinadora Nacional para la Reducción de Desastres (the National Coordinator for the Reduction of Disasters) had declared an orange alert, which means dangerous conditions. According to the Prensa Libre, roughly 33,000 residents were evacuated from the following villages:

Sangre de Cristo, Panimaché

Morelia, Panimaché

El Porvenir, Escuintla

San Juan Alotenango, Sacatepéquez

San Pedro Yepocapa, Chimaltenango

The volcano ejected ash 3,000 meters from the crater with ash and lava that flowed southwest and east, covering about 500 meters.

Social network users indicated that the ash had reached Santiago Atitlan and San Lucas Toliman, Solola, Santa Lucia Cotzumalguapa, Escuintla, Mazatenango, Suchitepéquez, Retalhuleu and Quetzaltenango. 

According to CNN, the Red Cross set up ten shelters each able to house some 200 people which were opened in the affected villages. CONRED prepared shelters in Escuintla, Santa Lucia and San Pedro Yepocapa Cotzumalguapa, Chimaltenango. The evacuees also received aide from the Red Cross.

Right out of my front door was the Fuego Volcano. The only difference between me and the 33,000 who were evacuated was the direction of the wind. It blew away from me even though there was a faint smell of smoke. Each time I drove through San Juan Alotenango to go through Escuintla, I passed the small villages nestled at the foot of the Fuego Volcano. Homes with tin roofs and peasant families. I wondered to myself, if I had to be evacuated, where would I go? And what would life be like if my humble home was damaged by fiery rocks? Then came to mind all the people who had to evacuate in a rush. Families with small children, the elderly, pregnant women. Would the eruption affect their farms, hurting them financially? The health of their animals which they use to feed themselves with? Some of the men stayed behind in the villages to make sure their properties were not damaged. Did they inhale any ash or toxic gases? 

According to http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/ash/health/ there are serious side effects from a volcanic eruption. Heavy ash fall may result in the collapse of roofs under the weight of ash and high levels of respirable ash in the air (ash particles less than 10 microns in diameter). The collapse of roofs can be deadly for people within buildings. Ash and coarser particles inhaled from within a hot, dense pyroclastic flow or surge almost always results in death from burns or asphyxiation. People exposed to ash fall and subsequent ash-filled air commonly experience various eye, nose, and throat symptoms.

Due to 54% of the population being below the poverty line according to the CIA Factbook, many families cannot afford to see a doctor or pay for medical treatments. 

The following photos are courtesy of CONRED and feature the evacuated at shelters & humanitarian aide that was provided:

http://youtu.be/ujnHBDk_GUI

Senderos de Alux, A Hidden Jewel

A Bridge in Senderos de Alux

Parque Ecologico Senderos de Alux is an ecological park deep in the forest near San Lucas Sacatepequez on  Km. 26.2 that brings many different activities for families, athletes, national and international tourists such as retreats, camping, religious activities, special events, seminars, conferences, birthday parties, weddings, advanced hiking trails, mountain biking, and famously is known for bird watching.

Not far from Antigua, this park contains several different levels of trails from leisurely walking to trails that promote cardiovascular endurance for athletes. There are several fun playground activities, giant swings,  natural slides, bridges, picnic area with BBQ pits where families can enjoy a day of grilling, an ecological theater, multipurpose room, campgrounds, waterfalls, and a museum that showcases archaeological finds, unique insects, and the different species of flora on grounds. 

The Cerro Alux is part of the "Cordillera del Cerro Alux Springs", which was declared a protected area by the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala by Decree No. 41-97, published in the Diario de Centro America on July 1, 1997 , which is under the administrative coordination of the National Council of Protected Areas CONAP, which provides guidelines for management and conservation of natural resources. In this regard the Alux Cordillera, is a provider of natural resources, especially water resources for part of the metropolitan area, particularly in municipalities of Guatemala, Villa Nueva and Mixco and San Lucas Sacatepequez Sacatepéquez Santiago and Magdalena Milpas Altas, department Sacatepéquez. Also, is related to the surface water and groundwater basins strategic, among which stands out the Villalobos River (one of the most densely populated watersheds and industry in Guatemala) and Amatitlán Lake.

According to Guate Tips, this mountain range is one of the nature reserves around the capital and has very few tracts of dense forests, both coniferous and broad-leaved and mixed forests. Capability Map Land Use of Guatemala, to interpret that 85% of these lands are not suitable for intensive development activities (agriculture and livestock) and less for urbanizarlas high risk for natural disasters cause variables and steep slopes, so it is considered appropriate to use it to the conservation of ecosystems for forest production and ecotourism which makes Senderos de Alux, a Hidden Jewel. 

Hours

Tuesday to Sunday 8:00 to 16:00 hrs

Price

Adults: Q.10.00

Children: Q.5.00

camping: Q.20.00 per night / per person

Contact
7873-1333
4518-7151

Directions
From Guatemala: Taking the Interamerican Highway west, turn right before reaching San Lucas Sacatepequez at Km 26.5, where you will see a sign Senderos de Alux park, follow the road to the park entrance is located at 1.8 km. from the road.

From Antigua:  Take the road to Guatemala and after passing the town of San Lucas Sacatepequez, use the retorno to go back and turn left at km. 26.5.

Family Fun in Guatemala

IRTRA Xocomil Water Park 

Guatemala has so much more to offer for families than the typical tourist destinations! I was shocked at how many family friendly things there are to do in Guatemala while my step-children spent their summer in Guatemala. So parents, here it goes.

Auto Safari Chapin, located between Escuintla and Taxisco, is a drive through zoo which hosts native animals as well as exotic animals from all over the world. It began in 1975 when Roberto Berger and Ricardo Mata had the idea to create a wildlife reserve, with the intention of conserving and reproducing endangered Guatemala Fauna. Mr. Rafael Herrera donated the first animals to the reserve: 15 white-tailed deer. Auto Safari continued adding local and international species to its collection, many of them donations from different entities. The park hosts more than 96 different animal species and over 70 plant species. 

 

 

Auto Safari Chapin has several vans that can be used to fit large parties while driving through. This park is more than just a zoo, however. There's a children's petting zoo, a lagoon where you can take a boat ride around some small islands and watch monkeys putting on a show, a big swimming pool with a water slide to cool off, and a restaurant. The only negative thing I can say about Auto Safari Chapin is that there is only 1 restaurant in the park which means you end up waiting at least 2 hours for your food- and food is not allowed into the park (they check your bags). Other than that, it is a beautiful drive to get there & you can spend the whole day having a wonderful time with your kids. Auto Safari Chapin is open from 9:30am-5pm Tuesday-Sunday (closed on Mondays) and these are their fees.

IRTRA. There is so much to tell you about this amazing company and its 5 different amusement parks and glorious hotels. IRTRA is a Guatemalan institution dedicated to providing leisure and recreation service with excellence. The IRTRA was created by Decree 1528 of the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala in 1962. It aims to provide an excellent service to the community, especially for private company employees and their families, as well as to contribute to domestic and foreign tourism. Until the late 1950s in Guatemala, there were no suitable places for specialized and organized recreation for workers and their families. In 1960, the idea among some businessmen from Guatemala to create an institution to fill the gap in the recreation dedicated especially to employees of private companies giving them the opportunity to positively use their time off work to share with their family, came to life.  Entrepreneurs presented the proposal to the central government to form a committee which would study, present and promote a law that would give life to an institution that would provide healthy recreation to workers in suitable places. 

An IRTRA member has the right, with their ID membership card known as the "Carnet" or "Carne," to a free entrance into the various parks with up to five family members. Those who are not members and foreign tourists can also use the facilities of IRTRA by paying the non-affiliate admission fee. The non-affiliate admission fee is quite reasonable, as is the food inside the parks. It is unlike Disneyland or Six Flags where you expect to pay double for a soda and a churro. They also keep the parks extremely clean. IRTRA is very affordable. If you happen to have a friend or family member who is an affiliate, you're in luck. Some IRTRA parks lets them bring visitors in for free. Now to introduce to you the 5 different parks.

Xetulul-pronounced [sheh-tool-lool]



 is an amusement park located in Retalhuleu and is the third largest park in Latin America. Here you will find magic and fun for the whole family. You will discover the wide range of activities you can do, with breathtaking attractions, exciting electromechanical games for all ages, spectacular shows, the fantastic magic show in The Great Theatre of France, extraordinary gift shops, and a variety of restaurants to suit all tastes in the different buildings that provide architectural scenery showing the origin and history of Guatemala and European countries that have influenced the Guatemalan culture. Xetulul is capable of receiving 12,000 visitors simultaneously and consists of 7 plazas. Open 10am-4pm on Fridays, 10am-6pm Saturdays and Sundays.  Friday-Sunday only. For non-affiliate fee information go here.

Xocomil [shocoh-meel] is Guatemala's famous waterpark located right next to Xetulul, also located in Retalhuleu. It is one of my favorite places to go. Xocomil waterpark is an amazing water-playground amidst lush vegetation and an environment that showcases impressive Mayan architecture yet also includes the latest in equipment, facilities and amenities in a water park that is world class. In 1998 the World Waterpark Association (WWA) granted Xocomil the recognition as the world's best water park in the Innovation category. Xocomil has received over 4 million visitors, thanks to its spectacular and exciting attractions. It has the capacity to serve 8,500 attendees simultaneously. IRTRA offers joint admission for those who want to visit Xetulul & Xocomil in one day. They are open 9am-5pm, Thursday-Sunday only. For non-affiliate fee information go  here. Xetulul,  Xocomil,  and the IRTRA Hostels are on 180.5 km CITO-180 road that leads to the Quetzaltenango department of Guatemala's southern coast.



IRTRA Hostels. Since Xocomil & Xetulul are about 3 hours from Guatemala City, IRTRA has created a home away from home for both affiliates and non-affiliates called Hostales de IRTRA, so that families can have a weekend getaway enjoying not only the parks, but the amenities the hostels have such as several pools, mini-golf, a jacuzzi, several restaurants, bars,  an emergency clinic, laundromat,  office amenities such as faxing and photocopying, international phone calling, transportation by air or bus for groups of 30 or more,  lost and found, plenty of parking, and a choice of different room types on grounds. This is a fantastic luxury resort located in San Martín Zapotitlán, Retalhuleu 180 kilometers from Guatemala City on the road to Quetzaltenango Retalhuleu by the South Coast. It has 669 rooms, making it the largest hotel in Guatemala and one of the largest and most beautiful in Central America. You can choose from four different concepts:

Hostal San Martin / Colonial style
Hostal Santa Cruz / Mediterranean style
Hostal La Rancheria / Bungalow style
 Hostal Palajunoj / Forest style

They have facilities and high quality service, offering different rates to suit your taste, budget and lifestyle. It is a gorgeous community. I say 'community' because you must pass through gated security similar to entering a gated community. Plenty of grass, trees, walkways, and peacocks everywhere! They have a shuttle service that takes guests from the hotels to the parks and back. A map of the grounds is needed to get around. The hotels are reasonably priced as well. If you are an affiliate, they are even better! For reservations you can contact Hostels Offices +502- 7722-9100.

Mundo Petapa. A surprisingly great theme park located in Guatemala City. This park was inaugurated on March 26, 1976, is located on Avenida Petapa and 42 Street in Zone 12. The capacity of the park is 12,000 visitors. The park was designed to give recreation to private sector workers without leaving the city. Mundo Petapa not only has rides for all ages, but there is also a petting zoo, picnic grounds, restaurants, the coolest dinosaur playground I've ever seen, and swimming pools. Parents can choose to buy a 'passport' booklet which buys 12 rides and the passport can be shared among the family or buy a wristband per person that gives an unlimited number of rides. Open Thursday-Sunday, 9am-5pm. For non-affiliate fee information go here.



Agua Caliente (in Spanish it means 'Hot Water'). IRTRA Agua Caliente is the second park that was opened.  Its doors opened on May 16, 1967 and as a capacity of 3,000 visitors. It was named Agua Caliente due to it being a natural site of sulfur baths, desirable for pleasure and health. You will love this park because you can take enjoy the baths (natural jacuzzi) and then have an outstanding picnic outdoors, since it has a reserve of vegetation intended for recreation and enjoyment for visitors looking for wholesome family entertainment. There are restaurants, picnic areas, sulfur pools,  regular swimming pools, sports fields, electromechanical rides, kiddie rides, souvenir store, ample parking, a first aid clinic, and recreation games for the whole family. Open Thursday-Sunday, 8:30am-4:30pm. For non-affiliate admission fee and ride fee click here.


IRTRA Amatitlan is located at Lake Amatitlan. It was the first park established by IRTRA being inaugurated on September 3, 1963. It has a capacity for 2,500 visitors. This park does not have rides although there is a boat ride on the lake. It has 2 swimming pools, restaurants, playgrounds, lots of BBQ pits and picnic tables, and a recreational salon with games. It is a place to go with family and have a picnic and go for a nice swim. It is very inexpensive for non-affiliates. The great thing about the location of this park, is that it is next to the Santa Teresita spa & thermal water pools where you can have some luxury in a bath of rose petals or natural hot springs. IRTRA Amatitlan is also near the famous Pacaya Volcano where many tourists spend an adventurous day hiking this grand volcano.




Auto Safari Chapin & IRTRA parks are just a few of the many activities that bring family fun in Guatemala while you're on vacation. These businesses are specifically designed to bring a full day of adventure to your family with great quality, great service, & professionalism. As an American I was impressed at the high quality of service, the modern equipement used, how inexpensive the cost of food is, & the cleanliness of each park. So when you decide to visit Guatemala with your family, throw in a trip to IRTRA or Auto Safari Chapin. These parks are off-the-beaten-path and travel agencies don't include them in packages.

13 Baktun' Guatemala Hiking/Camping Tour

La Danta Maya Pyramid. The largest in the world

You can make December 2012 one of the most memorable months in your life with the opportunity to celebrate the beginning of a new era on 13 Baktun in the heart of the Mayan world- Guatemala.

This is an Indiana Jones-type trek through the jungles of Guatemala into the newly discovered archaeological gold-mine that is El Mirador.

Hotels near the Mayan city of Tikal are preparing for "a full sell-out" for the events planned on December 21 to mark the start of a new era for humanity in the Maya cosmology.

"We have more than 95 per cent of the rooms occupied, tours sold, airline seats reserved. The interest keeps rising as we get closer to December 21," said Guatemalan National Tourism Institute director Pedro Duchez. Lodging in Peten, where Tikal is located, is nearly all booked, the tourism department chief said.

Tourists are flocking to Guatemala because the Mayan calendar ends on December 21, 2012, an event that some people consider an apocalyptic omen, according to The West Australian.

So here is the specifics for our adventure trek:

Wednesday 19th December 2012 to Sunday 23th December 2012 (*)

5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS

COMPLETELY CONFIRMED 

-400 US$ p.p. (from Flores) Starting points

Flores, Peten – any hotel or hostel , at 07.30 am (pick up provided)

-450 US$ (From Quetzaltenango, Antigua, Panajachel, or Guatemala City)

-320 US$ for Guatemala Nationals (2,400Q)

Itinerary

Day before (18th December 2012) , leaving at 04 am from Quetzaltenango , 05 am from Panajachel , 07 am from Antigua, 08 am from Guatemala (TIKAL FUTURA) depending where you are at, in a Toyota coaster (max 27 person, numbered seats)

Day 1

Wednesday 19th December 2012

7:30am: PICK UP AT HOTEL , HOSTEL or HOME in FLORES (wait at the airport for those arriving by air in airline TAG) Start the route of 83 kilometers from Flores to Carmelita, the last community settled for more than a century northwest of the Maya Biosphere . This is done by one of our vehicles and included in the price.

11:00am: Enter a unique adventure in the majestic virgin forest , for the next four full days!

3:00pm: Stop at the camp El Guacate with lunch included.

3:30pm: Leave for the archaeological site Tintal.

6:00pm: Arrive at Tintal and dinner included.

Not included: Breakfast, you should bring a few snacks for this first day  (chocolates, fruit, energy bars for the middle of the day) as well as raincoat , good shoes and a very small backpack to take with you … your bags/luggage will be going on the mules and will not be accessible during the hikes.

Day 2

Thursday 20th December 2012

6:15am: Breakfast, included.

7:00am: Leave for the break area "El Zompopero"

10:00am: Arrive at "Zompopero" where you receive refreshments, included.

1:00pm: Arrive at the archaeological site "La Muerta" where we eat lunch (meal included).

An hour and a half later we are finally at the El Mirador site at the temple El Tigre to see the sunset (weather permitting).

7.00 pm : Dinner (meal included) & MIDNIGHT ceremony!

 Day 3

Friday 21th December 2012 …. The end of 13baktun and a new beginning, the fifth sun!

13.0.0.0.0. / 4 Ahaw / 3 Känkïn

Watch the sunrise for those who wish to participate. A tour of the archaeological site (including snacks) in the morning with certified community guide from Carmelita. La Danta and other structures in the evening followed by watching the sunset. It's a quiet day where you can relax and interact with the other participants in a very different environment.

Day 4 & 5 

Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23th December 2012

13.0.0.01

Breakfast included and start the return to Carmelita in two days on the same path as days 1 and 2. Arrive at approximately 1:00pm for lunch in Carmelita (included). Immediately after, we head to Flores  (**)

END

(**) At about 18 pm or earlier after a shower in a hotel in Santa Elena , we are driving back to Guatemala city (arrival at 04 am latest ), at 05 am in ANTIGUA and a few hours later in Panajachel and Quetzaltenango on the 24th December 2012. 

Included:

• 4 nights accommodation: 4 nights of camping (tents, hammocks, mosquito nets, and blankets).

• All food during the hike, 4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 4 dinners, pure water.

• Travel under the program with community guides from Carmelita, in Spanish language, authorized by INGUAT as well a English speaking guide

• Mules to carry food, luggage, water and other tools for the trip. No mules for participants, only the above mentioned

• Trained cooks with assistants, porters responsible for the mules, first aid kit.

• Transportation from Flores to Carmelita and back

Not included:

Food that is not on the hike, alcoholic drinks, mules for people and tips.

Transport from Quetzaltenango, Panajachel , Antigua or Guatemala go & return and one overnight in Santa Elena (additional cost 50 US $)

Recommendations:

Cool pants (no jeans), long-sleeved shirts or blouses in light colors, raincoat, lightweight but strong shoes or boots, repellent against ticks, hat, binoculars, flashlight with extra batteries, water bottle, backpack small to wear during the walk, soft socks (at least to change every day), camera, knife, plastic bags to put your dry clothes in your backpack (in case of rain), personal medications.

www.LostCityAdventures.com

Contact: Info@LostCityAdventures.com 

www.Facebook.com/LostCityAdventures

1-866-524-9867 

Celebrate the End & Beginning of a New Era

Maya Calendar

December 21, 2012 is a special day. A day that marks the end and beginning of a Mayan era. "Oxlajuj" in several Mayan languages ​​means number thirteen (13) and "b'aktun" refers to a period of 400 years. This December 21, we will be closing a cycle of 13 B'aktunes, making a total of 5,200 years, which concludes an era. The eras are distinct spaces of time since the beginning of the world and man. According to the Mayan culture, several cosmic ages have passed since life appeared on earth. The current era (13 b'aktun) ends on 21 December 2012. The Mayan concept of time is cyclical and infinite.

Many people have mistakenly thought that December 21 marks the end of the world. But that is not what the Mayans believe. "On the contrary, that date marks an awakening symbol of hope that humanity will be changed; a natural universal regeneration giving civilization another chance to enter the era on a new course with renewed values over our life, our choices, & our values to become one with nature,"said Carlos Batriz of the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Government of Guatemala on a Guatemalan news program.

The Mayans have a strong belief that mankind and mother-nature must be united and that man has contaminated the world, thus contributing directly to natural disasters. We must better ourselves & reflect on how our choices in life have created chaos. So the question is, what must we do to be in harmony with mother nature? Once we make strides towards harmony with the earth & with others, it secures the future of our generations.

As a result of this new era, the Guatemalan government is taking steps to improve harmony with nature by taking firmer stands on human rights, making policy changes to end poverty, & end discrimination. For example, in April 2012 Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina spent a weekend with a family in the poorest district of the western city of Huitan to help him better understand aspirations and problems of ordinary people. He will be among other 5,000 volunteers of the government-backed program “We All Can Do Something” that is aimed to provide help to families with low income, according to RiaNovosti News [ http://en.rian.ru/world/20120429/173127659.html ].

How about you? According to the way in which the wise and ancient Mayans calculated time and understood the universe and all life forms in it, it is known that based upon the exact birthdate of a person, personality traits and the patterns of energy used to experience life are revealed. This unique influence is your Nahual, a spiritual guide waiting to be acknowledged. Now you can understand Yours and celebrate the end and beginning of a new era.

And You Thought There Is No Surf in Guatemala...

When you think of all the places in the world to surf, Guatemala does not cross many minds. But that has been changing in recent years as surfers are finding Guatemala's beaches as virgin surf turfs with little to no crowds & challenging breaks. The sport of surfing has been practiced in Guatemala since 1966 and has welcomed professional surfers such as Dane Reynolds & others.

I sat down & interviewed a surfer enthusiast who has lived in Guatemala for 11 years and is the owner of  Global Surf Guatemala, Mr. Gal Kaedar, to learn more about surfing in Guatemala.

In Gal's search for places to surf with no crowds, hard surf, & virgin terrain, the black sand beaches of Guatemala was exactly what he was looking for.  "To surf in Guatemala, you must understand the ocean because the coast of Guatemala is a straight coastline which means it has a lot of currents going around so you really have to feel comfortable in the ocean. The waves here are not perfect like in El Salvador and Costa Rica with point breaks. There is a difference between point breaks & beach breaks. Here in Guatemala we have more beach breaks which mean the waves are faster, shorter, & not so consistent which makes it more interesting."

Surfing in Guatemala requires experience but it also requires the knowledge of where to surf on what days. "You have to know where to go and you have to plan your trip on what the swell looks like and once you know where the different breaks in Guatemala are, that's where you'll be going." A surfer who steps off the plane in Guatemala & goes to an unfamiliar beach may be disappointed at the surf conditions. According to Gal, one spot may have the perfect break and a half hour down the coast, the waves are terrible. There is an online Surf Forecast that provides surfers with the current conditions, however,  experienced surfers in Guatemala rely on contacts who live at the beach for forecast & conditions. Sometimes you have to change your surf locations due to the inconsistency of the breaks. "For example, Iztapa is good one day and then Sipacate is terrible but on another day Sipacate is the best day to surf and Iztapa isn't. So you have to talk to someone who knows the beach in Guatemala. And that is what is so unique about Guatemala. If you know the places, you will surf a lot."

Seasons in Guatemala affect surf conditions greatly as well. The dry season, which is October to early May, is prime time to have surf camps teaching kids how to surf because the ocean is calmer as opposed to the rainy season.

One benefit the locals get from surfers, is the English language. Many children never thought they would learn English, but due to the increase in surf tourism, locals are learning the language and learning how to surf.

The following are the best places to surf in Guatemala, according to the Asociación Nacional de Surf de Guatemala:

1. On the beaches: Port of San Jose, near the ruined pier (km 111), the Pale (km 139), Los Pinos (km 140), in Sipacate Marmaya beach (km 135), The Paredón (Km . 141 to the left of Sipacate); Champerico (km 229) and point to the right of John Gull (km 124).

2. Breakwater in bars without: Barra "Bump" from Hotel Radisson and Juan Gaviota (km 120), Rama Blanca near the Palisade (km 145), The Paredón located to the left of Sipacate (km 142), The Tulate (Km 222) and Ocós (km 265).

3. In bars with Breakwater: San Marino located between Puerto Quetzal and Iztapa (km 115), Iztapa, located between Puerto Quetzal and Monterrico (km 120), Juan Gaviota located between Puerto San José and the wall (km 120) .
Some beaches of Guatemala for its topography are less suitable for surfing in the form of fiberglass tables, however, allow the practice mode or short board Bodyboard flexible, also known as Boogie, among which are: Monterrico Beach (km 143 per Iztapa) and Playa del Seed (km 179, by Tiquisate).

Why isn't Guatemala known as a surf destination? As we have learned, the waves are not as consistent as Costa Rica, El Salvador, & Nicaragua. Furthermore, the beach communities are not quite as developed though there are few resorts, restaurants, & hostels. However, when asking Gal what the reaction of first time surfers in Guatemala are, he says, "They just love it!"

And you thought there is no surf in Guatemala....

Typical Guatemalan?

A boutique in Panajachel. Notice the indigenous woman & what she is wearing

Guatemala is not known for their fashion. Guatemala is not known for it's many professional, successful, & talented citizens. Guatemala is not known for luxury or class. 

But it should be. 

Sadly, when one thinks of Guatemala, the most common thing to come to mind is: violence. Drug traffickers. Coffee. Poverty. Mayans. 

I'm embarrassed to admit that when I thought of Guatemala, I too had similar perceptions as above. The civil war was gruesome yet many Americans don't even know that the civil war was created by AMERICA! However, moving here has opened my eyes to so many things I never knew! For one, there are MANY successful Guatemalans! There are MANY professionals! Lawyers are a dime a dozen. I've met with congressmen & business owners (of which there are THOUSANDS). Even the Indigenous people are business owners and are highly skilled in weaving textiles, in leather, in carpentry, in jade making, in agriculture: nuts, coffee, chocolate, spices, produce, & mining. If you come to Guatemala you will also see how many talented artists there are selling their paintings.

Did you know that the inventor of the "Captcha" is Guatemalan? 

Luis von Ahn, 28, computer scientist, Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Von Ahn, who was born in Guatemala, helped develop CAPTCHA, a test used on many commercial Web sites to determine whether the user is human. He also devised Google Image Labeler, a game in which two Internet users tag images in real time and are rewarded for using the same tag. A little over a month ago, von Ahn gave a very entertaining talk on the Google campus. In that talk, he mentioned that if you could just hook his game up to Google images, and get 5,000 simultaneous players, every image in Google's index would be labeled in two months. 

There are many notable Guatemalans. If you're interested, check out a list Here.

See those ladies? Do they look 'Guatemalan?' Or did you expect all Guatemalans to look like this:

Did you know Guatemalans also compete in beauty pageants? 

The indigenous make up about 70% of the Guatemalan population. But you will also see blonde hair, blue eyed Guatemalans because many of them have Spanish & Italian roots, not Indigenous. Don't get me wrong, yes there is still a lot of poverty, mostly among the indigenous communities. There is a problem with having clean, running water. And even then Guatemalans are attempting to help themselves. A Guatemalan company called Ecofiltro has aided much of Guatemala with purifying water. They have helped Haiti after the earthquake and World Vision has used them in their humanitarian efforts.

Now onto souvenir shopping, which is my whole point. Of course we all want to buy something colorful made by the indigenous. But something struck me one day when someone was purse shopping and said "I want to buy something that looks Guatemalan." If it isn't colorful enough does it not make it Guatemalan? If it looks too much like something you would buy in the states, is it not Guatemalan?

So here's a little project I'm starting. I'm going to take photographs of things that are Guatemalan but do not have a typical, indigenous look. My goal is for people to not be afraid to buy classier looking artifacts for them to take back home. When they get complimented on a nice purse, belt, or scarf I would hope they would say "I got it in Guatemala!"