Spent a few days getting the lay of the land in Guatemala City.
I took this picture because I kind of liked the way the painting contrasted with the McDonald’s sign. But since I’m on the subject, wow are there a lot of fast food places in Guatemala City. We have a game we play as a family sometimes when we’re walking around. We pick out something, maybe a letter B or a number 7, and then whoever sees one first calls it out and they get the coin (in this case a Q1 coin). Next person to see it gets the coin, and so on, until we get home. Here we’ve decided to use McDonald’s signs and Taco Bell signs for the game, and it is non-stop action. We rarely go two blocks without either a restaurant or an advertisement for one of them.
Even the dog seems to know he looks utterly ridiculous.
This lady was doing a steady business. I wonder how many thousands of faces she’s painted. Ali and I always joke about the fact that when we are walking around town we generally try to keep a low profile, meanwhile the kids draw attention to themselves constantly without it ever crossing their minds. They’re even more comfortable in their surroundings than we are.
Our travels constantly have us learning new things—things we would never hear about in the States. Frankly, it’s a wonder that Guatemalans treat us Americans so well. We overthrew their democratically elected President in 1954, installing a military dictator in his place. Just like that democracy was dead and the country was embroiled in a Civil War for 36 years, during which time the army “disappeared” upwards of 200,000 people, some 45,000 of whom are still unaccounted for. Anyway, this isn’t a history book, but it is important because everywhere you look in the city there are signs, posters, and paintings, still asking for justice.
One of the few places I have seen that still has functioning phone booths that take coins.
The train museum has to be the best bargain anywhere. For 1Q (.15 cents) we could wander around the old train station filled with cool train cars and engines. Families were even able to bring in their own food and have picnics while sitting in the trains. Camera battery died before we got there, but grabbed a couple shots with the iPad.
Army Day was held on June 30th. Lots of helicopters and airplanes circling the city to celebrate it, but we decided to avoid the downtown centro area and just watch from our rooftop. Army Day is supposed to be a celebration of certain events that took place in the 1800s, but in the last decade or so has become a bit of a lightning rod for protests against the Army, especially by the HIJOS, a group committed to remembering the 45,000 missing at the hands of the army.
Last week some boat friends who visited the States brought us back a package. Our “small” camera, the Fuji X100 had pretty much succumbed to our abuse and we found ourselves wanting another small camera but with zoom capability. We finally decided on the Sony RX100 VI with a 24-200 zoom and great reviews. We’ve still got our Canon 6D as our “big” camera, but that one has also taken serious abuse and is in the shop here in Guatemala City having two lenses and the camera body repaired. So for the time being, everything is being shot on the new Sony, and while we’re still learning how to fiddle with the settings, we’re very happy overall with the picture quality. We also like how tiny it is, fitting easily inside the palm of our hands.
Just a random roller coaster in the park. There is also a bumper car ride and a trampoline. The kids were happy we stumbled across this in our wanderings.
Stopped in at a brewery where they had a pile of blocks to play jenga with out in the yard. The kids were happy to build houses out of them instead. And Ali and I were happy because they were happy, and…
Clay pot water filtration. Genius. We’re seeing these all over the place now. Tap water in, filtered water out.
We use affiliate links from Amazon on this blog. Their revenue sharing proceeds help support our adventures. Thank you your support!
12 Comments on “Guatemala City”
Hi Pat and Ali! Could be wrong, but there seem to be a few pictures missing, of the rollercoaster, brewery and clay pot contraption, maybe?
I was too quick! They show up now 😀 Sorry, I’m a bumfuzzle addict!
Glad they showed for you, Yvonne. 😉
Hi, Pat. First, thank you sharing your one true and beautiful life with us. I love hearing history that is not tainted by U.S. propaganda also. I admire you and Ali so much. I identified strongly when you found your birth mother. I was 14 when I had my son in a home for unwed mothers, and he found me when when he was 35. Our reunion was just glorious and I am blessed with peace of mind and love. And grandsons!
My question is about measures you take to protect your family. I am adventurous but would be hesitant to visit Guatemala City, for instance. Surely you have some sort of weapon? I understand if you wouldn’t want to discuss it here. I am being nosy but concerned.
Again, thank you. Wishing y’all every good thing!
Congratulations on reuniting with your son. I’m glad that you were able to get that peace of mind as I think it’s likely the not knowing that is really the hardest part for birth parents.
I don’t carry a weapon anywhere. It’s my feeling that people who carry weapons are people who are looking for the worst in every situation. In my experience trouble finds people who are out late at night doing late night things. That’s not us. Walking around a place like Guatemala City during the day feels every bit as safe as you would likely think walking around St. Paul, Minnesota would be. Look for the best and expect the best from people and you won’t be disappointed. The U.S. doesn’t hold some sort of monopoly on good people, believe me.
Love the clay pot water filter. I wonder if it is available in 1st world countries? It would save buying and wasting all those water filters.
They are pretty cool. The website is http://www.ecofiltro.com – the sink and fridge water filters are crazy expensive in the States.
Yesterday I spent about a half hour on the phone with the Quicken Help Desk. While waiting for downloads, the support guy told me about his home town of Guatemala City. He was very proud of it and urged me to visit. He told me about the cool weather, the best fast food places (“You won’t believe how good the McDonalds are….”), the beautiful sights, and living near active volcanos. He made me want to visit.
Haha, we had an Uber driver yesterday who was telling us about Zona 16 (the city is broken down into zones) and proceeded to list all the different fast food joints it had. Not one local restaurant that we should try. American crap-food advertising-world-domination complete, I guess.
Thank you, Pat S. I have felt the same way about guns most of my adult life. Does my heart good to know you and Ali share that view. Also, it is just a wonderful privilege to share your journey and family. Thank you.
I have been debilitated from spine surgery in 2016, so it is even more precious to share your adventures. I miss sailing and walking around in new places. I pray you continue to be blessed.
Thank you, Pat S. I have felt the same way about guns most of my adult life. Does my heart good to know you and Ali share that view. Also, it is just a wonderful privilege to share your journey and family. Thank you.
Thanks for a great post and insights to the Guatemala city. Such bright colors, old buildings co-existing with new ones, museums, and parks!