by Kate
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Thank You......
Well, we are back in the States and I cannot wait to go back to Guate. Trying to describe the whole experince has been really hard because I do not know how to start explaining how much I've learned and grew in such a short period of time.
Before leaving I though that I had an advantage over others because I had lived in a Latin American country and the culture shock was not going to be a problem; I was wrong. Yes, there are many similarities between Guate and Mexico, but in the long run the differences are greater.
This trip gave me the certainty of what I want to do. For a while I was having doubts, but those quickly faded and a new sense of commitment and purpose are prevalecent.
I am so thankful for everything I have, for all that my family has done for me, for those who were with me on this magnificent trip, and to Lynne and Laura for allowing me being part of their lives for such a short period of time, yet so magnificent and life altering.
I hope that this is only the start of my life as a passionate activist and never ending student of the amazing countries of Latin America.
Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH to those in Guate and here in the States for allowing me to experience such an amazing journey of a lifetime.
PAU
Before leaving I though that I had an advantage over others because I had lived in a Latin American country and the culture shock was not going to be a problem; I was wrong. Yes, there are many similarities between Guate and Mexico, but in the long run the differences are greater.
This trip gave me the certainty of what I want to do. For a while I was having doubts, but those quickly faded and a new sense of commitment and purpose are prevalecent.
I am so thankful for everything I have, for all that my family has done for me, for those who were with me on this magnificent trip, and to Lynne and Laura for allowing me being part of their lives for such a short period of time, yet so magnificent and life altering.
I hope that this is only the start of my life as a passionate activist and never ending student of the amazing countries of Latin America.
Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH to those in Guate and here in the States for allowing me to experience such an amazing journey of a lifetime.
PAU
Thursday, March 22, 2007
reminiscing about the good ole Guate...
| So, today, I got up and it hit me. I was back into reality. No longer surrounded by my friends and peers, no longer crammed for hours is small vans, no more cold showers, no more sweat infested odored clothing to wear, no more Guate...I missed waking up to everyone, I missed those eggs and refried bean breakfasts. My stomach is definately not the same. It's wierd to think how fast things can change for a person, or how what may seem as a small excursion can become something so altering and impacting upon one's life. I have found it awkward to use the computer again and even more so my cell phone. The hot shower was wonderful, but the whole time I took it, the whole time I washed my dirty laundry in the WASHING MACHINE, the whole time I drove my truck around doing errands, the whole time I developed my pictures, I found myself speachless to come up with the words to express what I felt. I've always know that my life has been very blessed, and that I get to experience things that not many others get the opportunity to, such as owning my own car, having a day without "work" or hard labor, or even getting that nice warm shower right when I wanted it. I mean, I've had relatives die, but I've never had to be forced out of my home or run off my land, I've never had my entire family exploited because of another country's selfishness. I've never had to face half the things the people we met have had to and are even currently dealing with. Yet, it amazes me how there is still joy in all of it. I mean even the children found some hope, even though they don't have hardly a roof over their head, they are content, and joyful; they smile, they laugh, they joke, they tease, they play....they work hard, their lives are hard, but they still find something to hope for. Just looking in their eyes you see that something in side them that says "see I'm okay, I'm happy, I have what I need, and I'm more than greatful for that!!!" There's something about them that tells me that even though they have little material wealth, they hold the world, they hold something so great and so powerful that anyone who encounters them and interacts with them and hears their story is left nothing short of speechless!! I look forward to brushing up on my spanish (as well as many other languages) and going back to volunteer and stay for a while...one community at a time...one life at a time, one day at time....To give to others is the truest of gifts. It started with them, and now it's my turn...will you follow? |
In Guatemala
Jacaranda
Women pick fallen petals from the bright sun tiles
of the central plazas in Solola, in Antigua
and Santiago Atitlan. They tuck the washed purple
into plastic bags, packing the perfumed flesh
together, taking the flowers home to the kitchen.
In the cooperative farmacia, I can buy a tiny bottle
of the sour tintura, count 25 drops into a glass
of naranja, 25 drops into bottles of Gatorade, into palms
held out, cupping water. No one wants an upset stomach;
we turn to the Mayan remedies. The trees
spread their evening-cloud light over courtyards,
lakefront parks, over winding unpaved highways.
The bare ground where children squat, playing
with a new litter of puppies, feels the redemption
of jacaranda. Pale and soothing, cooler than the concrete floors
of their huts, mothers weave the lavender blossoms
with the long tail feathers of quetzal birds, with jaguar kings,
and stair-stepped temples of mottled stone to make
tapestries, offering these to visitors passing by.
LPF
Women pick fallen petals from the bright sun tiles
of the central plazas in Solola, in Antigua
and Santiago Atitlan. They tuck the washed purple
into plastic bags, packing the perfumed flesh
together, taking the flowers home to the kitchen.
In the cooperative farmacia, I can buy a tiny bottle
of the sour tintura, count 25 drops into a glass
of naranja, 25 drops into bottles of Gatorade, into palms
held out, cupping water. No one wants an upset stomach;
we turn to the Mayan remedies. The trees
spread their evening-cloud light over courtyards,
lakefront parks, over winding unpaved highways.
The bare ground where children squat, playing
with a new litter of puppies, feels the redemption
of jacaranda. Pale and soothing, cooler than the concrete floors
of their huts, mothers weave the lavender blossoms
with the long tail feathers of quetzal birds, with jaguar kings,
and stair-stepped temples of mottled stone to make
tapestries, offering these to visitors passing by.
LPF
Back to the life of time and cell phones.....and rules of the road.
Hello family in Sellwood, WASPC, and people in Washington. After all the service learning experience we have had, most of us are ready to continue our lives back in the states. There are a few from the trip who would have stayed behind if they would have had the opportunity. WE HAVE CONQUERED THE GUATE, most of the group needed things translated for the majority of the trip, (thanks to Paulina and Lynne), however we made it.
Words will be hard to explain the things we say and the stories we heard. What we can do now is share our experience with others and influence people to travel and see the world, but most importantly tell them to not take things for granted. People need to hear the stories of communities in Guatemala who have nothing or perhaps things were taken from them. These people still enjoy life and struggle everyday to provide food for their families. We have access to many things in our lives such as food, hot water, a nice bed, and all the freedoms we have for living in America. If you do not have the time to travel, see what you can do in your local community. Or perhaps encourage students to travel by providing donations so they to can make an impact in the world. See the world, but put aside the paradise places, see what hunger looks like and listen to stories that will move you. I had a blast and it will be hard to explain, however i will do my best. Thanks to the instructors who set up this trip. Thanks to Saint Martin's for allowing the opportunity. Thank you, thank you to those who helped me by finding ways to fund my trip. Well, i have to make a Mocha for a customer and prepare for class. Hope to see my family soon and visit with others by sharing my story. Love all of you!
Words will be hard to explain the things we say and the stories we heard. What we can do now is share our experience with others and influence people to travel and see the world, but most importantly tell them to not take things for granted. People need to hear the stories of communities in Guatemala who have nothing or perhaps things were taken from them. These people still enjoy life and struggle everyday to provide food for their families. We have access to many things in our lives such as food, hot water, a nice bed, and all the freedoms we have for living in America. If you do not have the time to travel, see what you can do in your local community. Or perhaps encourage students to travel by providing donations so they to can make an impact in the world. See the world, but put aside the paradise places, see what hunger looks like and listen to stories that will move you. I had a blast and it will be hard to explain, however i will do my best. Thanks to the instructors who set up this trip. Thanks to Saint Martin's for allowing the opportunity. Thank you, thank you to those who helped me by finding ways to fund my trip. Well, i have to make a Mocha for a customer and prepare for class. Hope to see my family soon and visit with others by sharing my story. Love all of you!
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
The "N" Word
This trip has been so amazing, I don't know where to start. Being among all the extreme poverty and oppression these people are experiencing really makes you appreciate how privleged we are as US citizens. We have decided that there is a new 'N' word: need. We in the states are given everything we need and so much more, yet we seem to find a million and one things to bitch about on a daily basis. Being in Guatemala has really challenged me to re-evaluate the manner in which I live my life and what I take for granted. Hot water, good food, medical care, shelter, gender equity, a safe place to live; we are not entitled to anything, but we seem to think we are. One of our more recent visits was to a rural Mayan community fighting against the expansion of a nickel mine. The mining company has moved in and claimed the land that these peole have been living on for literally hundreds of years, but because the people have never had land titles or the necessary paper work, they are able to manipulate them and steal there land. This January, an entire community was evicted from their homes when people paid by the nickel mine came and burned down their entire village. They are now coming back and rebuilding, even though the same thing will probably happen again. One of the men we spoke with said, "We are not rich people, we do not live in mansions, yet they feel the need to take everything from us. All we want is our land, nothing more. We even offered to buy it back from them, even though it was never there in the first place, but they refuse." The most messed up part about all of it was that the nickel the company is after is located in the hills, and these people lived in the valley below-- the company doesn't even need the land they are taking, but doing to just to exercise power and exploit the people so they do not seem weak to others. This example is one of hundreds happening right now. It saddens me that there aren't more people taking action; it seems like everyone is waiting for someone else to fix the problem, and we just turn a blind eye and don't hold our companies, investors, or government accountable, because the US has had a huge hand in all of this, read Bitter Fruit. But as far as people actually taking action against these problems, to me, its seems like we should be asking ourselves, "if not me, then who?" - Alicia
departing
So, it seems that the saying you never know what you've got till its gone is most definately true here. We definately had our rough patches on this trip and it feels that it has been until lately that we've fully come to be well adjusted here and now we have to be packed up and ready to leave. I have to be honest and say that I haven't written on here because I was being selfish in wanting to soak up all the beauty that there is to be found here. And although we have spent the better part of our time here being herded like cattle crammed into vans on squished on boats, there was so much to take in that when I had the opportunity to venture out and find the internet or find some local to pretend I could understand, I definately took to the pretending as my spanish isn't quite up to par. Over all this trip has been amazing beyond words and for all the frustrations and fears that may have been had, I wish I could get lost and suck here if only for a short while longer. It's definately a place I feel comfortable in, at least while traveling with others and the scenery, the people, the culture, the life is just so impressionable on such a greater scale than I can begin to put words together for!!
_Bonnie_
_Bonnie_
Less than 10 hours
How sad, i can't believe it is almost over. It has been great and i encourge all who view this to take the opportunity to travel. The weather was beautiful and the people are kind. I will miss this place however, i am looking forward to visit my family. My eyes have seen many interesting things and i will not forget them. I have taken a lot of pictures and will be able to borrow others. I am not looking forward to the cold rain, but i like the tan i got from being down here. We will be arriving in seattle wednesday around 7:00 pm, we will travel all morning and all afternoon. Hopefully i can make it to class and work on thursday. Thanks to all who have made this possible! Love all of you, singing off from Guatemala, Frederico Brugato
Today is our last day and I am writing my first blog. It has been an amazing 10 days learning about Fair Trade, the history, economics, and lives of the Guatemalans and Mayans. Working with them and seeing how they live their lives daily makes me wonder why we are so selfish and greedy. We have no idea what it truly means to be poor, to lose someone because they stood up for their people, or to lose land because others are selfish. I wish more people could see what I have seen and experience it. There is so much need here and in so many other places in the world. We need more people to step outside their comfort zones and realize that the world is bigger than them.
On a different note, part of this trip has been enjoyable. We have seen things that I would never have dreamed possible. Tikal was my favorite stop, although the volcanos and markets were amazing too. Next country on my list... Honduras perhaps?
~Elizabeth aka Isabel
On a different note, part of this trip has been enjoyable. We have seen things that I would never have dreamed possible. Tikal was my favorite stop, although the volcanos and markets were amazing too. Next country on my list... Honduras perhaps?
~Elizabeth aka Isabel
TIKAL RUINS AT NIGHT!
Nothing is more amazing then standing atop a temple in the Gran Plaza, in the still of the night, staring across to the outline of the Gran Jaguar temple - with a blanket of stars lighting the vast sky above your head.
The only sound that surrounds you is the crickets, frogs and wild birds singing their song in harmony. The only human sounds are the ones made by our feet, walking through the cool ground beneath us.
No, you can't get a guide or even purchase a tour to see this amazing sight. How does one get the luck of this once in a lifetime event? Simply by being in the right place, at the right time.
Wendy, Rosario (our in-country hosts) and I were returning from having a cool drink when Wendy struck up a conversation with one of the park's guards.....after a few minutes, he had found out who we were and why we were there - at which point, he offered to take us up there - completely against the rules - but none of us cared, and we went for it. The four of us hiked to the Gran Plaza in about 35 minutes, and we didn't return back to our rooms until around midnight.
It was so incredible being the only ones there, that late at night....standing on structures that were thousands of years old, and standing in the spot that former Mayan kings had stood. It gave us chills thinking of the history that surrounded us. I know I won't have another experience like this in a very long time, if ever.
C. Oakes
The only sound that surrounds you is the crickets, frogs and wild birds singing their song in harmony. The only human sounds are the ones made by our feet, walking through the cool ground beneath us.
No, you can't get a guide or even purchase a tour to see this amazing sight. How does one get the luck of this once in a lifetime event? Simply by being in the right place, at the right time.
Wendy, Rosario (our in-country hosts) and I were returning from having a cool drink when Wendy struck up a conversation with one of the park's guards.....after a few minutes, he had found out who we were and why we were there - at which point, he offered to take us up there - completely against the rules - but none of us cared, and we went for it. The four of us hiked to the Gran Plaza in about 35 minutes, and we didn't return back to our rooms until around midnight.
It was so incredible being the only ones there, that late at night....standing on structures that were thousands of years old, and standing in the spot that former Mayan kings had stood. It gave us chills thinking of the history that surrounded us. I know I won't have another experience like this in a very long time, if ever.
C. Oakes
Last day
Hola from Guatemala! Today is our last day and despite being pick pocketted, crammed in vehicles, and called gringo putas I have had a blast. We have listened to inspirational stories, met many different people, and seen beautiful sites. I have a lot of stories to tell when I get back-if I return. It will be very difficult to leave this country. I might have to accidently get lost in the airport and miss my flight...
Love and miss you all!
Rachel
Love and miss you all!
Rachel
Last day
Hola from Guatemala! Today is our last day and despite being pick pocketted, crammed in vehicles, and called gringo putas I have had a blast. We have listened to inspirational stories, met many different people, and seen beautiful sites. I have a lot of stories to tell when I get back-if I return. It will be very difficult to leave this country. I might have to accidently get lost in the airport and miss my flight...
Love and miss you all!
Rachel
Love and miss you all!
Rachel
final day
March 20th, our final day in Guatemala. We are in Guatemala City, and could hear it around us all night, the non-stop traffic, sirens, hum of background city-noise. We are in a hotel called the San Jose, which is a cozy haven from a rather dangerous town - at least dangerous at night. Several of the students went to a concert last night with one of our guides from Rights Action, and this morning's report was that all enjoyed it.
We have warm showers here!!!!!!! This is something we've not had the whole time we've been here. Today we get to visit a human rights organization to hear about their work on behalf of civil war widows and orphans. We will also spend our afternoon in the central market, spending those last quetzales that we have. We'll be home tomorrow evening - can't wait to see everyone then! Lots of stories to tell and many more pictures to share!
Laura
We have warm showers here!!!!!!! This is something we've not had the whole time we've been here. Today we get to visit a human rights organization to hear about their work on behalf of civil war widows and orphans. We will also spend our afternoon in the central market, spending those last quetzales that we have. We'll be home tomorrow evening - can't wait to see everyone then! Lots of stories to tell and many more pictures to share!
Laura
Monday, March 19, 2007
CHECK OLDER POSTS!
Be sure to click on the "older posts" link at the bottom of the page. We have at least 4 pages of pictures and blog entries - don't miss out.
Lions, and tigers and jaquars - OH MY!
They actually have signs like this posted on the Tikal reserve. Other signs present are snakes, turkeys, coatimundis and deer.
Eeeewwwwww - monkey poo!
Kate had a bit of a run in with the monkey poo in Tikal. She's working hard to get it all out of her shoes.
Sunrise from Temple IV
This is the sun rising at Temple IV in Tikal. We are all sitting atop the tallest temple in the area.
wow
hello, family in portland, waspc, and washington! It has been amazing! sorry i have not kept up with my duty on keeping all of you up to date, but we have been out of touch from the interent for a few days. The past few days have been an eye opener and have listened to great stories. We have done a lot of traveling, more than expected, but it has been worth it. Thank you once again to all those who have given me a chance to attend this trip. There are many great stories to share with all of you. I would like to stay longer, but i dont think school will permit it. Love all of you. Berto..... better brush up on your spanish, next trip Colombia
Saturday, March 17, 2007
7th day!
Hello everyone!
It´s been long since I have written or said that I am still alive. This experience cannot be described as much as I want to get it all out. The people, the food, the weather, the roads, the bonding.....nothing that I have ever done can compare to what I have experienced in such few days.
Right now we are in the town of Livingston; they have such diversity and interesting and in a foreing way for a person that has an idea of a latin american culture. I have met wonderful people along the way that are facinated with this country and I can see why.
Today was a wonderful experience visiting a cooperative that hosts kids with low incomes and orphans. It was beyond moving seeing them wanting to acchieve many things in life and the support that they are getting from the organization.
I´ll keep the writing up for the nex ferw days with more adventured to come.
Paulina
It´s been long since I have written or said that I am still alive. This experience cannot be described as much as I want to get it all out. The people, the food, the weather, the roads, the bonding.....nothing that I have ever done can compare to what I have experienced in such few days.
Right now we are in the town of Livingston; they have such diversity and interesting and in a foreing way for a person that has an idea of a latin american culture. I have met wonderful people along the way that are facinated with this country and I can see why.
Today was a wonderful experience visiting a cooperative that hosts kids with low incomes and orphans. It was beyond moving seeing them wanting to acchieve many things in life and the support that they are getting from the organization.
I´ll keep the writing up for the nex ferw days with more adventured to come.
Paulina
Sisters of Charity
Another thing I forgot to mention on the postings.....the day we visited Solola market, we wound up getting lost after leaving. We were trying to find the Sisters of Charity, affiliated with the Spokane Diocese. Leeza (spelling?) read about them from a Spokane newspaper, and thought our group should try to meet them.
I'm glad we did. We finally found them, and what wonderful Sisters they were. There are 3 nuns, from NY who have been down in Guatemala from 6 months to over 26 years. They receive a great deal of support from the Spokane Diocese.
They showed us the clinic they had set up for the local villages to use. Amazingly, they charge only 10 quetzales for a consultation visit. That's less than $1.50 USD! Most often, villagers are unable to pay this, and that's okay too. They also have someone come in to do dental work - and, they work with women on gender equality issues, domestic violence and women's rights.
Sadly, the sister who had found that location, and strived to develop a strong community base there, was murdered 5 years ago. It is believed it is because she worked with families whose disappeared family members were being discovered in mass graves. So, she counseled them; work with grief issues and such - and it was this kindness and social action that cost her her life.
Funding is difficult, and the work is plenty - but these sisters absolutely love what they are doing. It's an inspiration to see others give so selflessly of themselves.
I'm glad we did. We finally found them, and what wonderful Sisters they were. There are 3 nuns, from NY who have been down in Guatemala from 6 months to over 26 years. They receive a great deal of support from the Spokane Diocese.
They showed us the clinic they had set up for the local villages to use. Amazingly, they charge only 10 quetzales for a consultation visit. That's less than $1.50 USD! Most often, villagers are unable to pay this, and that's okay too. They also have someone come in to do dental work - and, they work with women on gender equality issues, domestic violence and women's rights.
Sadly, the sister who had found that location, and strived to develop a strong community base there, was murdered 5 years ago. It is believed it is because she worked with families whose disappeared family members were being discovered in mass graves. So, she counseled them; work with grief issues and such - and it was this kindness and social action that cost her her life.
Funding is difficult, and the work is plenty - but these sisters absolutely love what they are doing. It's an inspiration to see others give so selflessly of themselves.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
March 15 Rio Dulce
So...today we´re on the Rio Dulce river in a ecotourism ¨camp¨. We are staying in open air huts, with many little creatures sharing our bed space with us. Scorpions. Large (palm of your hand sized) spiders. A water creature that Lynne nor I could identify this morning. But we stayed away from the edge of the water! We hear the sounds of the jungle all around us. There are beautiful flowers dripping from enormous leafed plants, streamers-creepers hanging from the trees. Our huts are thatch roofed, wood floored, very sweet. Can we say it´s hot? It´s hot.
There are cruise boat tours coming in along with us. Many of the students stayed up and swam in the lovely, water fall pool last night. Got told in just the nicest terms by another camp patron to be quiet. We have found that Danny is the champion of exterminators for us. He rid us of the large spider fearlessly. He was called back over to the girl´s hut for the scorpion, but it made an escape. He is fearless though. Scorpions are just good at getting away. There was a lot of screaming, dancing feet, and beating the floor with brooms.
Later today we will go up further into the Peten region and find our hotel that is near the Tikal ruins. Tomorrow we will be up before sunrise to climb Tikal and watch the sun come up from the top. We are all pretty excited for that major experience. We haven´t had much opportunity to get on the blog, we´re just going, going, going so much. But, here we´ve had a chance and are glad to be able to let everyone know what´s happening with us.
Jessica and Laura
There are cruise boat tours coming in along with us. Many of the students stayed up and swam in the lovely, water fall pool last night. Got told in just the nicest terms by another camp patron to be quiet. We have found that Danny is the champion of exterminators for us. He rid us of the large spider fearlessly. He was called back over to the girl´s hut for the scorpion, but it made an escape. He is fearless though. Scorpions are just good at getting away. There was a lot of screaming, dancing feet, and beating the floor with brooms.
Later today we will go up further into the Peten region and find our hotel that is near the Tikal ruins. Tomorrow we will be up before sunrise to climb Tikal and watch the sun come up from the top. We are all pretty excited for that major experience. We haven´t had much opportunity to get on the blog, we´re just going, going, going so much. But, here we´ve had a chance and are glad to be able to let everyone know what´s happening with us.
Jessica and Laura
Day 2 - forgot to mention!
regarding the village of Quixaya. After visiting this devasted village, the students decided to pool some money together to donate to their rebuilding efforts - I was very proud to see SMU students altruism come forward without prompting or asking from others. It was just the right thing to do, and the Mayans were so very appreciative.
Day 3 - March 13th
Not much to report for this day. We went from Hippietenango to Solola for the market. Very interesting experience.....very cramped, and close in - no space is wasted.
In order to get here, we had our first experience on what is affectionately called a Chicken Bus. So, imagine an old school bus; repainted in bright, multiple colors - with as many people as you can cram in. At this point, I feel it important to impart a little bit about driving in Guatemala. I'll just say should anyone at home feel that people can't drive there - visit here, and you will surely change your mind.
At any rate - it is called a Chicken Bus because of how many people are piled inside, how many goods are stored on top, and yes, on occasion - a chicken or two will also be riding with folks. Definitely an experience to remember, taken lightheartedly, it becomes comical.
The market - well.....I didn't participate much in it - the many dried fishes were kind of a deterent for me....however, it was nice to watch women make large mixtures of blue corn tortillas. Very methodical with much care put in to it.
From here, we had a looooooong van ride to Antigua (the old capital of Guatemala - a very old colonial city). Apparently, one of our vans broke down - and only one was there to collect all 17 of us!!!! OMG. Elise and Lisa get many kudos for their sacrifices......
The one nice thing about this ride, is that I was able to talk with our host and driver about the different politics occuring in Guatemala right now. The presidential election is coming up, and there are about 15 different parties vying for the position. Of which, is Rigoberta Menchu - the nobel prize winner whose testimonial book brought to light many of the atrocities and human rights violations that occured during this country's civil war.
The people are torn regarding Menchu. She has been appointed to a goodwill type post in the government. Many are disappointed she hasn't been able to implement much change - but at the same time, acknowledge that this is one woman fighting the 'boy's club.'
Interesting about other candidates running is that a few are some of the military men who carried out these atrocities! Of particular importance is Efran Rios Montt. During the country's civil war, he was responsible for many (what some would call without hesitation) crimes against humanity. Currently, he is the President of the Congress; running to reclaim a post he had assumed during the war. Sadly, it is only the older generations who remember the terror he bore; the younger generations do not know, or remember - and he is finding support among them.
We could spend another semester studying Guatemala, and still not be able to fully comprehend all of the dynamics and layers that exist in the social/cultural/political climate.
Night in Antigua......more later.
In order to get here, we had our first experience on what is affectionately called a Chicken Bus. So, imagine an old school bus; repainted in bright, multiple colors - with as many people as you can cram in. At this point, I feel it important to impart a little bit about driving in Guatemala. I'll just say should anyone at home feel that people can't drive there - visit here, and you will surely change your mind.
At any rate - it is called a Chicken Bus because of how many people are piled inside, how many goods are stored on top, and yes, on occasion - a chicken or two will also be riding with folks. Definitely an experience to remember, taken lightheartedly, it becomes comical.
The market - well.....I didn't participate much in it - the many dried fishes were kind of a deterent for me....however, it was nice to watch women make large mixtures of blue corn tortillas. Very methodical with much care put in to it.
From here, we had a looooooong van ride to Antigua (the old capital of Guatemala - a very old colonial city). Apparently, one of our vans broke down - and only one was there to collect all 17 of us!!!! OMG. Elise and Lisa get many kudos for their sacrifices......
The one nice thing about this ride, is that I was able to talk with our host and driver about the different politics occuring in Guatemala right now. The presidential election is coming up, and there are about 15 different parties vying for the position. Of which, is Rigoberta Menchu - the nobel prize winner whose testimonial book brought to light many of the atrocities and human rights violations that occured during this country's civil war.
The people are torn regarding Menchu. She has been appointed to a goodwill type post in the government. Many are disappointed she hasn't been able to implement much change - but at the same time, acknowledge that this is one woman fighting the 'boy's club.'
Interesting about other candidates running is that a few are some of the military men who carried out these atrocities! Of particular importance is Efran Rios Montt. During the country's civil war, he was responsible for many (what some would call without hesitation) crimes against humanity. Currently, he is the President of the Congress; running to reclaim a post he had assumed during the war. Sadly, it is only the older generations who remember the terror he bore; the younger generations do not know, or remember - and he is finding support among them.
We could spend another semester studying Guatemala, and still not be able to fully comprehend all of the dynamics and layers that exist in the social/cultural/political climate.
Night in Antigua......more later.
hola
hello, to waspc, family and washington. it has been an interesting experience! i will have many stories to tell. you should save money and take a trip down here. Weather is beautiful, people are nice and we have all met people from other parts of the world. breakfest is coming, we are eating next to an awesome pool. hasta luego
Guatemala - Day 2
Hola amigos, the second day in Guatemala was much better. We weren't suffering from sleep deprivation so bad. Today was interesting.
We visited the Comite Campesino de Altiplano. This is a fair trade coffee cooperation near the Cerro de Oro (Gold Mountain). In order to reach this area, we had to take an hour and a half boat ride, and then a half hour truck ride (oh yeah, standing up in back holding on to a bar - just like the locals!)
At this Comite, Guatemalans are able to bring their coffee beans, and be paid a fairer price than they would be paid at other farms/fincas for their labor. We were shown how they clean, seperate good/bad beans, and how they are husked and laid out to try. Interestingly, they are able to practice water conservation and other measures - for example, they use only 10% of the water used in other similar methods.
As part of our service learning - we assisted in the seperation of bad beans that are laid out to dry. This part is very labor intensive. After seeing the entire process of how coffee beans reach the market, it is amazing how cheap the end product is.
In order to keep to our schedule, we had to leave in order to reach our next destination - Quixaya. Here we toured a village still devasted from Hurricane Stan two years ago. Most of these people are living in inhumane living conditions; as most people are in threshold countries. It just illustrates the unequal distribution of wealth globally.
I was happy to hear about some Canadian University students who have committed themselves to helping rebuild two hundred of these homes. In fact, this week, a group of Canadians are coming to rebuild a school for this village. We love if we could've heard about that sooner.
A little bit about the city we are staying in - Panajachel. I love this place, and could easily come back. To the locals, it is called "Gringotenango" - tenango means 'the place of' - so, it is the place of gringos. However, after some close observations - I would name this place Hippietenango. Very laid back, very beautiful - lots of hippies. :)
We visited the Comite Campesino de Altiplano. This is a fair trade coffee cooperation near the Cerro de Oro (Gold Mountain). In order to reach this area, we had to take an hour and a half boat ride, and then a half hour truck ride (oh yeah, standing up in back holding on to a bar - just like the locals!)
At this Comite, Guatemalans are able to bring their coffee beans, and be paid a fairer price than they would be paid at other farms/fincas for their labor. We were shown how they clean, seperate good/bad beans, and how they are husked and laid out to try. Interestingly, they are able to practice water conservation and other measures - for example, they use only 10% of the water used in other similar methods.
As part of our service learning - we assisted in the seperation of bad beans that are laid out to dry. This part is very labor intensive. After seeing the entire process of how coffee beans reach the market, it is amazing how cheap the end product is.
In order to keep to our schedule, we had to leave in order to reach our next destination - Quixaya. Here we toured a village still devasted from Hurricane Stan two years ago. Most of these people are living in inhumane living conditions; as most people are in threshold countries. It just illustrates the unequal distribution of wealth globally.
I was happy to hear about some Canadian University students who have committed themselves to helping rebuild two hundred of these homes. In fact, this week, a group of Canadians are coming to rebuild a school for this village. We love if we could've heard about that sooner.
A little bit about the city we are staying in - Panajachel. I love this place, and could easily come back. To the locals, it is called "Gringotenango" - tenango means 'the place of' - so, it is the place of gringos. However, after some close observations - I would name this place Hippietenango. Very laid back, very beautiful - lots of hippies. :)
Sunday, March 11, 2007
Day 1
We're all here safe and sound after the red eye flight. We arrived at 5:30am, had no trouble with customs or collecting our baggage. We had breakfast in Guatemala City, a small cafe next to the tour agency office we are working with. After that, we went to the tour office and talked about the plans for the upcoming days. I went right to sleep during this conversation; couldn't take one more minute!
After that, we hit the road and came to a weaving cooperative, where we learned about fair trade and weaving, the projects this cooperative is working on, and what the role of consumers is in fair trade. They took us to their showroom afterward, and of course we all found things we couldn't live without. Family and friends are in for some goodies.
After that, we drove up into the highlands, long, winding roads with a few misplaced and radical bumps in them. My neck won't be forgiving me for a couple of days, here...
We've stopped in the town of Panajachel for the night where our tour-guide/host, Rosario, took us to a beautiful restaurant that sits right out over the edge of Lago Atitlan - Lake Atitlan. Danny said that place "was tight." After that we've all scattered and done some looking at the market, dancing at the Circus, reading in our rooms, and attending Sunday evening Mass. We are staying at Larry's Place hotel tonight. Surprisingly nice place for the dorky sounding name. The water runs warm and the sheets are clean. What more could one want? I've certainly done much, much worse!
Laura
After that, we hit the road and came to a weaving cooperative, where we learned about fair trade and weaving, the projects this cooperative is working on, and what the role of consumers is in fair trade. They took us to their showroom afterward, and of course we all found things we couldn't live without. Family and friends are in for some goodies.
After that, we drove up into the highlands, long, winding roads with a few misplaced and radical bumps in them. My neck won't be forgiving me for a couple of days, here...
We've stopped in the town of Panajachel for the night where our tour-guide/host, Rosario, took us to a beautiful restaurant that sits right out over the edge of Lago Atitlan - Lake Atitlan. Danny said that place "was tight." After that we've all scattered and done some looking at the market, dancing at the Circus, reading in our rooms, and attending Sunday evening Mass. We are staying at Larry's Place hotel tonight. Surprisingly nice place for the dorky sounding name. The water runs warm and the sheets are clean. What more could one want? I've certainly done much, much worse!
Laura
Hello
Hello to the homeland. To the family. I made it! Smu hola! day one arrived inb guatemala at 5 30 IN THE MONRING. WENT TO BREAKFEST AND TOOK A LITTLE CIESTA. WE ARE TRAVELING LATER AROUND TOWN LATER. I HAVE TO GO. ADIOS.
Saturday, March 10, 2007
Here we come!
It is 1:30 in the morning and i am getting ready to do some laundary and still have not thought about what to pack. Oh, well i will just throw some shirts and pants in a bag 30 minutes before take off; i should be good. Good bye U.S.A
Friday, March 9, 2007
Less than 24 hours...
We leave tomorrow! And I still have laundry to do, is anyone else in this dilemma? Nothing like procrastination...
~Senorita Raquel
~Senorita Raquel
Hasta la bye-bye
28 hours 55 minutes until hasta la bye-bye.This is my 3rd day of being goofy(er) - beside myself -stupidly enthusiastically excited about leavin on a jetplane. Now that I am 99% packed, I am thinking about Senior Seminar work that I should be doing and other projects due after our return,but I am already way too much on my way to focus on much of anything else. So right now my plan is to forget about all the other stuff and hope(and pray!) that I will be so energized I will attack with great vigor all that I need to do to graduate.Wow! Vamanos ahora.
No estoy el jefe,
Jim
meet the president
That's so interesting Bush will be in Guatemala at the same time as us. How ironic would it be if we met him? "It only took a nine hour plane ride and travel to another continent, but I finally met him" lol
alicia
alicia
Thursday, March 8, 2007
2 more days!
Well, well! I am beyond words can describe excited at this point; I haven't packed yet, but I still have some time I guess.
I was reading the news today and I came across with the news that Mr. Bush is going to be in the municipality of Chimaltenango at the same time and day that we are going to be there. Long pause, recover my breath, and move on. I hope that we are still able to do things around the town without being disrupted by his agenda, hahahaha.
Paulina
I was reading the news today and I came across with the news that Mr. Bush is going to be in the municipality of Chimaltenango at the same time and day that we are going to be there. Long pause, recover my breath, and move on. I hope that we are still able to do things around the town without being disrupted by his agenda, hahahaha.
Paulina
SMU is covering the world right now!
I was just talking to Economics Prof Riley Moore, and we were noticing that in the next week there will be students, staff, and/or faculty going out to three different continents: South/Central America (our Guatemala trip leaving Saturday,) Asia (China - leaving Friday,) and Europe (France - leaving today, Thursday.) I was so impressed with our little university I just had to say something. SMU - so global! ------ Laura
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Guatemala, comin' at ya!
Man, I can't believe we are finally leaving for "the Guat". It will be a great chance for me to practice my Spanish, and learn more about fair/free trade. This is my first adventure outside the US, and truly believe it will be a life changing experience, especially considering all the great people I will be travelling with. This is going to be so much fun. Rigoberta Por Presidente, Dos Mil Siete!!!!!!!
- Alicia LeDuc
- Alicia LeDuc
Trip Itinerary
Saturday, March 10th
Depart for flight to Guatemala City
Sunday, March 11th
Arrive Guatemala City and meet our group leader, Annie Bird
Orientation
Breakfast and off to Aj Quen Chimaltenango weavers cooperative
Arrive Lake Atitlan
Monday, March 12th
Meet with Comite Campesino del Altiplano, an association of coffee producers that markets coffee in fair trade markets. Discussion of CAFTA impact. Visit with campesino committee in San Antonio Palopo. Visit and assist at fair trade coffee plantation.
Tuesday, March 13th
Visit Solola for market day to observe indigenous practice of barter and trade. Depart for Antigua, beautiful colonial city near the capitol.
Wednesday, March 14th
Morning in Antigua. Visit human rights NGO. Depart for Rio Dulce.
Thursday, March 15th
Depart for the region of El Peten in northern Guatemala. Visit honey producer village. Depart for Santa Elena.
Friday, March 16th
Predawn visit to Tikal ruins. Return to Rio Dulce.
Saturday, March 17th
Depart for Livingston. Visit Ak Tinamit.
Sunday, March 18th
Depart Ak Tinamit in boat. Travel 2 hours to El Estor. Meet with mining affected communities. Evening Mass in El Estor.
Monday, March 19th
Leave for Guatemala City. Visit Quirigua ruins or visit Rio Hondo community resisting construction of a dam. Arrive Guatemala City.
Tuesday, March 20th
Presentation by Asociacion Mujeres en Solidaridad; women who work in the maquilas surrounding Guatemala City. Meet with staff of Mama Maquin, partner NGO; organization of returned refugee women from 35 communities.
Wednesday, March 21st
Depart Guatemala City and return home.
Depart for flight to Guatemala City
Sunday, March 11th
Arrive Guatemala City and meet our group leader, Annie Bird
Orientation
Breakfast and off to Aj Quen Chimaltenango weavers cooperative
Arrive Lake Atitlan
Monday, March 12th
Meet with Comite Campesino del Altiplano, an association of coffee producers that markets coffee in fair trade markets. Discussion of CAFTA impact. Visit with campesino committee in San Antonio Palopo. Visit and assist at fair trade coffee plantation.
Tuesday, March 13th
Visit Solola for market day to observe indigenous practice of barter and trade. Depart for Antigua, beautiful colonial city near the capitol.
Wednesday, March 14th
Morning in Antigua. Visit human rights NGO. Depart for Rio Dulce.
Thursday, March 15th
Depart for the region of El Peten in northern Guatemala. Visit honey producer village. Depart for Santa Elena.
Friday, March 16th
Predawn visit to Tikal ruins. Return to Rio Dulce.
Saturday, March 17th
Depart for Livingston. Visit Ak Tinamit.
Sunday, March 18th
Depart Ak Tinamit in boat. Travel 2 hours to El Estor. Meet with mining affected communities. Evening Mass in El Estor.
Monday, March 19th
Leave for Guatemala City. Visit Quirigua ruins or visit Rio Hondo community resisting construction of a dam. Arrive Guatemala City.
Tuesday, March 20th
Presentation by Asociacion Mujeres en Solidaridad; women who work in the maquilas surrounding Guatemala City. Meet with staff of Mama Maquin, partner NGO; organization of returned refugee women from 35 communities.
Wednesday, March 21st
Depart Guatemala City and return home.
Getting ready for the trip!
I still need to buy:
BUG SPRAY (don't want to get Malaria!)
SUN SCREEN (don't want to get burned!)
MONEY BELT (don't want to get robbed!)
I am getting my money changed to Quetzales here, through Bank of America. They said they should have the money in by Friday!!
I am excited to go!!
I have TWO tests from Dr. Snider as soon as we come back from the trip so I think I am going to spend the plane ride stuyding Public Opinion and Political Ideologies.
~Marie M. Gibson-Barnes
BUG SPRAY (don't want to get Malaria!)
SUN SCREEN (don't want to get burned!)
MONEY BELT (don't want to get robbed!)
I am getting my money changed to Quetzales here, through Bank of America. They said they should have the money in by Friday!!
I am excited to go!!
I have TWO tests from Dr. Snider as soon as we come back from the trip so I think I am going to spend the plane ride stuyding Public Opinion and Political Ideologies.
~Marie M. Gibson-Barnes
Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Last Class Before Departure for Guatemala
Wondering if I will get my passport in time to be able to go on this trip!
-Danny Clark
We'll be adding our itinerary so that people can follow our journey. We were lucky enough to get an additional trip through the Peten (an area we studied) to visit Tikal. Super-excited about this addition!
Lynne Welton
-Danny Clark
We'll be adding our itinerary so that people can follow our journey. We were lucky enough to get an additional trip through the Peten (an area we studied) to visit Tikal. Super-excited about this addition!
Lynne Welton
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Preparing for Guatemala
We're getting ready to take off to Guatemala - only 9 more days! Everyone has passports! Not Danny and Fred, though! Everyone has filled out all the paperwork! Most of the students have a project in the design stages, ranging from exploration of the history of textiles to the current candidacy of Rigoberta Menchu Tum for Guatemalan President. These will be presented to the SMU community and public at the end of this semester on campus.
We're super-excited and we plan to relay information as it happens on our adventure. We'll log in at internet cafes and keep everyone updated on this adventure - starting with how Lynne Welton fares on the red-eye flight down.
This SOC395 class includes this trip as the service learning component of the work.
Stay tuned!!
We're super-excited and we plan to relay information as it happens on our adventure. We'll log in at internet cafes and keep everyone updated on this adventure - starting with how Lynne Welton fares on the red-eye flight down.
This SOC395 class includes this trip as the service learning component of the work.
Stay tuned!!
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