20 Perceptions of Guatemala

This post is going to be my perception of everyday sights and experiences in Antigua.

1. The toilet paper here is scented, if you are lucky. The reason: the waste system here cannot handle toilet paper. You will be thankful for that scent when it is really hot and humid here.
2. The traditional wear here is incredibly beautiful. It really is something when you see these beautiful tanned woman with their dark hair wearing their colourful outfits donning a wicker basket of fruit and other merchandise on their heads.
3. Near my Spanish School there is an elderly woman who sits in her store weaving these incredible tapestries. The amount of work that those wizened hands is capable of is awe-inspiring
4. Make no mistake this is a mans world down here. The women play a very secondary role in the society, even if in the relationship they wear the pants. It is very strange.
5. As a woman traveler, get used to the fact that men will stare and whistle. But I will say, in my personal experience it is completely harmless.
6. The food here is absolutely amazing. Every single day I have class I will inevitably find myself at a street side (read on the street corner) tortilla eatery which has some of the best food I have ever tasted in my life. I am delighted that the woman who runs it now knows that I order everything “sin queso”.
7. Speaking of food, you need to try guacamole here. I don’t know what they put in here other than an insane amount of lime juice, but you need to have it at least once in your life.
8. Fireworks are incredibly popular here. Last night I finally saw some of these loud buggers with my own eyes going off. While incredibly wicked to see them, it is less fun being woken up at 6:00am by a firework or similar.
9. Everyday I walk to school I walk past Iglesia San Francisco, there is a monk who seems to have a perpetual vigil over one of the trees in the courtyard, supposedly planted by Central America’s only Saint, Santos Hermano Pedro.
10. For the love of all that is good, ladies it is not customary here for the local women to wear skirts or shorts above the knee. So some bloody respect to the local customs and wear some pants!
11. There is nothing funnier than having “amigos con derecha” explained to you in Spanish.
12. One of the most important things to bring with you here is a sense of humour. Because guaranteed you are going to botch the language, you will have to make funny hand gestures (drowned rat was a particularly interesting one) to get your point across. Take it in stride, at least you are trying. And the people appreciate it too.
13. Get used to the fact that there will be men with shotguns patrolling the banks and some of the higher end stores. Also get used to the fact that there are bars on the windows. It is a fact of life here. But don’t let it freak you out too much. Common sense goes a long way.
14. Playing football  with the locals is definitely an entertaining adventure. Be prepared, unless you have played for many years, to be thoroughly impressed by their footwork. And get used to the fact you will probably look like an idiot.
15. Breakfast is at 7:00am, lunch is at 1:00pm, dinner is at 7:00pm. That is life if you are staying with locals. And have to go to Spanish school.
16. The chicken buses have the most pungent smelling exhaust fumes you will ever experience. Hold your breath when you know you’ll be walking past one and your lungs with thank you.
17. Never let anyone tell you not to come here. Guatemala is a thoroughly beautiful and amazing place. Come here if you ever get the chance.
18. Amazingly the street venders trying to sell you lutes and scarves leave you alone when you say no! At least here in Antigua. However if you are on Volcan Pacaya without a poncho or walking stick be prepared to have 12 year old boys or younger harass you until you are well up the path. But they are harmless and incredibly adorable.
19. When I finally finish my time in Antigua I need to write an Ode to Gladys, the young woman who keeps the student guest house. She quite possibly is the most adorable creature on this planet. In particular she sings along with her Spanish music while she cooks and watches tele novela’s every night.
20. It still shocks me that I have seen some incredibly expensive luxury cars here: Lexus, Audi, Jaguar, BMW, etc. I hate to say it, but your first thought is drug money.