It's hard to believe it has already been two years, but we head back to live in the States in 10 days! So, in honor of the 10-day countdown, here are some Top 10 Lists for Guatemala. They are written with a sense of humor, and we have absolutely loved living here even despite some drawbacks.
Top 10 Questions We've Stopped Asking
because there are no good answers
because there are no good answers
10. Are there really 4 people on that motorcycle, including two children under the age of 5?!
9. Why don't slow drivers get in the far right lane?
8. Did you feel that? Was that an earthquake?
7. Can we flush the toilet paper here?
6. Which volcano is that anyway?
5. Is that guy telling us we CAN go through this intersection or is his weird hand signal telling us we can't?
4. Why aren't the roads paved to get to the two of the largest tourist attractions in the country (Pacaya, the Lake)?
3. Is it safe or not safe to [name any activity here]?
2. Will it rain today?
1. Why does no one in this country have change to break a Q100 bill?
Top 10 Favorite Foods We've Eaten in Guatemala
10. Crepes (Guatemalans seem to love them!)
9. Torta Chilena pie (layers of caramel and pie crust)
8. Coffee coffee coffee
7. Macademia nuts
6. Emna's Cilantro-Lentil Soup
5. Hacienda Real Refried Black Beans
4. Fresh corn tortillas
3. Pineapple
2. Mangos
1. Avocados
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Top 10 Most Frustrating Parts of Living in Guatemala
10. The entire banking process and banker interactions
9. Ability to communicate and understand at times
8. Government and police corruption
7. The classist/racist system against Mayans and poor people, including the way rich people treat their maids and others in servant-like roles
6. Lack of U.S. products we love
5. Lack of safety
4. Lack of clean public bathrooms
3. Lack of safe drinking water
2. The large size of the impoverished population
1. The driving, road conditions, construction patterns, and city layout
Top 10 Activities in Guatemala
10. Enjoying tanning on the patio in the (almost always) year-round perfect weather
9. Going to the spa and getting massages
8. Going to the VIP movie theatre at Oakland Mall
7. The Santiago Kite Festival
6. Climbing Volcano Pacaya
5. Going to the beach
4. Enjoying the Semuc Champey pools
3. Going to Antigua
2. Being at Lake Atitlan (but not driving to or from it)
1. Tikal, the Mayan temple site in Northern Guatemala
Top 10 Accomplishments in Guatemala
10. Learning how to drive here -- being defensive and aggressive at all times
9. Knowing the earthquake drill inside and out
8. Helping local people out
7. Beth's accomplishments at CAG
6. Being some of the tallest people in the country
5. Convincing people to come visit us :)
4. Stayin' Alive
3. Learning how to cook Guatemalan food
2. Learning to bargain at the market
1. Learning to Speak and Understand Spanish! Yeah!!!!
We really have enjoyed our time here in Guatemala, and we are so happy that we have had so many wonderful adventures and made so many good friends. Go Guatemala!
3 comments:
Very entertaining post!
Looks like you guys made the most of your time there and have had an experience that only a move like that gives you.
Will it make you sad not to be the tallest people anymore once you move back?
Do you think you might get in some trouble driving in the states now, considering the lose rules in Guate? It would be kind of funny if you offered the American officer that pulled you over a 10 dollar bill and say: "Lets just forget about this, Ok??"
Love your Top Ten Lists, Beth & James!! Congratulations on a very successful run especially considering the numerous challenges.
We are all so proud of you two.
And,congratulations on your Number 1 Goal, learning Spanish!!
Thank you so much for the great Blog. It helped us tremendously and will serve as a wonderful archive of your adventure.
Have a safe trip. We will be so happy to have you home!
WE LOVE YOU BOTH!!
Steve & Jackie Kenny
I completely agree with most of your top 10 lists! They were sooo true. I would also add on the bad things about Guatemala is the transportation. I was there this summer for a summer job after college and loved it...except the part were we went o Atitlen, and Coban, Antigua, etc. After our first week, these other tourist told us to use Shuttle Guatemala and that we would be impressed (www.shuttleguatemala.com), AND WE WERE!!! I wish i could go back and spend more time there! Adios Mucha!
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