Writings By Date| Guatemala Is Not Mexico | 1 | 2 | 3 |
The people, of course, are at the center of all this. It's hard to imagine a culture full of nicer people. Pretty much everywhere we went, we were greeted with smiles and friendly assistance. Random strangers would say hello as they passed us on the streets, continuing a tradition we first experienced in Belize. Store clerks and hotel keepers would speak slowly and clearly if we demonstrated trouble understanding their Spanish (and they didn't speak English). Taxi and minibus drivers automatically helped with our luggage, struck up friendly conversations, and sometimes acted as outstanding tour guides. They would casually offer suggestions on things to do or places to go when asked, and would take us there and wait without hesitation (and sometimes even without commission). We found dozens of restaurants and hotels with free book trading, so travellers could keep a fresh supply of new reading material.
Evidence of the open-heartedness of Guatemala can also be seen in their internal culture. The country is home to no fewer than twenty-nine different Mayan tribes, all with different languages, making it even richer in ethnic diversity than the United States. They make up a considerable percentage of their population, and, after many years of mostly violent-free tension, they are even represented in the nation's government. Although many indigenous areas are still very poor, the majority latin population and government have made significant efforts to improve their lifestyle by, at the very least, bringing tourists right to their doorsteps. (This is a good thing, even if it doesn't sound it.)
After nearly two weeks in Guatemala, I found myself in awe of the people, the culture, and the atmosphere. It was an overwhelmingly positive and uplifting experience, and we were eager to stay longer, even though the airline gods were against it. For so little money, we left with more than we could have hoped for. And if there was any downside to the entire experience, it was only the realization that I really don't care much for Mexico when I can go to Guatemala.
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