A Culture of Love

Time in Guatemala: Happy 2 month Anniversary Guate!
Weather: It has been perfectly sunny and 80 degrees for over a week with only a few hours of rain the last two days!
Occupation Status: English teacher-Oxford Language Center, Volunteer-Camino Seguro 
Mental Status: Pensive, grateful
Misc: Couch coming this week?


It's been a wonderful week. I spent the afternoon on the roof of my friend's apartment building, where we sat in the pool and looked out over the city and at the beautiful volcanoes surrouding it. What a view. Sunday we had a big mexican fiesta and I met someone who works at the Embassy and I think she is someone I could become good friends with. I also started volunteering for an agency that works with families who live and work in the city dump, which has been wonderful thus far. But another post will be dedicated to that.
With Guatemalan Independence Day last week, I thought a good post topic would be a discussion of the people. Latin America in general is a very different place than the US. Guatemala has its own nuances, and I'd like to share some of them. I think Latin America has a bad reputation: lazy, dishonest, etc. So I'd like to shed some light on those misinterpretations, and hopefully those of you in the states can set anyone straight who continue to feed the negative fire.

One thing that has impressed me the most is how courteous people are. When someone walks into a room, they are greeted by each person individually, even if its a room of 12 people. This often includes handshakes (for men) and kissing cheeks (for woman/man and woman/woman) so you can imagine showing up to the party late can lead to a lot of handshaking and kissing all at once. Additionally, when someone leaves a room or group or event, the same salutations occur. Handshakes, kissing and lots of "nice to meet you, thanks for coming, see you soon" but its very genuine. The US has some regional areas like the midwest and the south in which the group mentality of inclusion is embraced, but for the most part I think the US is very individualistic. I love how kind and inclusive people are here. I have to often remember to say hello or goodbye to more than just the person who invited me.

Guatemalans are very shy initially, but once you have earned their trust, they are as loyal as can be. They are very helpful and kind. Also they love to have parties. And when you have a party, you invite EVERYONE you know. Last weekend I was invited to a party and towards the end I noticed that all the "gringos" were sitting around a table talking about politics, and all the Latin Americans were gathered around playing a game, laughing and joking all rowdy. They know how to have a good time, that's for sure.

Being on time has a loose definition. Especially when its a social setting, people just take things as they come. You get there when you get there, and you leave when you're tired. Who cares what time it is? Life is lived much slower here, and I have to admit I really enjoy that. There seems to be less pressure, less stress, less road rage (even though the traffic is like downtown Boston). People just know how to take life at an easy pace. The other day Lucas and I were at the store and he backed into the side of someone's car while he was pulling out of a parking spot. They both got out, the guy looked at it, waved his arm in a dismissing manner, smiled and got back in his car. That would be a rare sight in the US. People here are less materialistic, and more realistic. They don't expect a lot and they appreciate everything. What a good mindset.

I'm sure the more I interact with people here, the more I will learn about the culture. Thus far, I love it. It isn't easy to adjust to a different country and culture, but I think we picked the one that will make the transition very much worthwhile.