We haven't been able to see much of Guatemala City. Our new Guatemalan friends have insisted that we be careful on the streets (there is a considerable amount of petty and violent crime in the city) so we've been driven indoors every afternoon and evening. And really, it's kind of nice to unwind and watch "The Big Bang Theory" with Spanish subtitles. Music and Lyrics in Spanish, however, is not fun.
We've been told: "oh, don't walk at night. It's very dangerous. And never walk alone. Or jog. Or go to any zone except 14. And even then, don't wear nice clothes, or jewelry, or talk on your cell phone, or have blonde hair, or look American." Nice.
I exaggerate, but the truth is that Guatemala City is fairly dangerous if you aren't careful. Fortunately, we had the chance to see some of the city today with one of our colleagues from school. His name is Moises, and has been teaching for 26 years and he owns a pig farm about an hour outside of the city. He drove us into Zone 1, which is the historic center of the city. We walked around el Parque Central and saw the old president's home called the Palacio Nacional and the National Cathedral, which are both beautiful. Sam--the palace has been turned into a museum of history...I'm so excited to visit:)
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| El Placio Nacional de Cultura en el Parque Central |
For dinner, Moises bought us "shucos" which are basically hot dogs with chili sauce, cabbage, and guacamole. They were delicious! I think I said "que rico!" a dozen times.
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| Un shuco:) |
We had to leave by 6 because the parking garage Moises chose doubled as a club after 6. I'm not kidding. You pull into the parking garage, park on hardwood floor, and, as you leave, you pass a stage to your left and a bar to your right. It's so bizarre, but strangely brilliant...
It was wonderful to see Guatemala City with our new friend. It's definitely, as the Guatemalans say, "a city of contrasts" with it's beautiful Parque Central and guards with machine guns manning every other store (I'm not exaggerating this time). I think the words graffitied on the police headquarters we passed today said it perfectly: "Donde estan?"
Ummm be careful down there sis! But it sounds like you had a good day, the pictures are fun! That's kind of odd that everyone is telling you it is so dangerous... I thought everyone was friendly! :( But I'm glad your first week went well. What does next week have in store? More training? Love you
ReplyDeleteEveryone is friendly, but a few are just desperate, I think. Next week is more training and hopefully setting up our classrooms (though it's not clear if we will have enough classrooms for all of us...). I love you too!
ReplyDeleteI've traveled and lived in U.S. cities with similar restrictions for the sake of personal safety. We do indeed live in a broken and wounded world. But you have found some beauty in Guatamala City and a new friend too. Love the picture of the food. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteThanks for blogging, Jenny! Good luck with the lesson planning. When do the students arrive? Hope you're safe too!
ReplyDeleteP.S. The "hot dog" with guacamole looked good! Glad you have a friend to show you around :).
I just realized you made this post more than one week ago... my bad! Your students are probably there by now :).
ReplyDeleteHello Jenny Ann! I miss you and can't wait to hear how your students love you to pieces:)Hello to Heather from us and hugs to you both. Sarah
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