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.