Right after the Maryknoll "Futuring Workshop" held in Guatemala City from April 5-8, 2011. I travelled to the province of San Marcos. Passing the vast plantations of sugarcane and corn, its mountains and hills along the national road that brings you right straight to Mexico and down to the US, the 4.5 hr. trip was not that long.
I attended the youth workshop on Ecology on April 9 and the next day we had an advanced Earth Day celebration which we commenced with a parade. Everyone brought a plant to be planted and a fair in the plaza, in front of the church has many things on sale like solar lamps, flashlights, wood/time saving stove, handmade clothes and bags, free blood tests from promoters of health, free reading materials on recycling, water, organic soap and shampoo among others.
I toured the border of Mexico in Talisman where I witnessed a couple of Guatemalans crossing the river to get to the Mexico border without passing the immigration checkpoint. What a sight to see how and what people do to find a better and different life outside of his/her country.
The ordinary life, simple life of people putting their goods on the street for the usual "market day" on Monday was for me a sight to behold: fresh and colorful vegetables, women and men vendors on their colorful outfits... I wish I can buy and bring back with me those fresh fruit, vegetables and other commodities.
The people endeared me and I wish I can work in this country for my future mission.
GUATEMALA
Antigua, Guatemala
I had a number of foreign trips this year. I never expected I would be able to visit Guatemala again this year 2010. This time, I had an experience of Mayan Culture, Food and Clothing in the known tourist spot called "Antigua" (old in English). This is a colonial Spanish town, influenced by a Baroque architecture. People who live and visit Antigua enjoy its temperate climate. Walking on the roads where big rocks and stones were used may not be a good idea. Thanks to the sensibility, Antigua has cemented pavements that makes walking enjoyable. I ate in a famous restaurant just beside the Hotel Casa Antigua were we were billetted and where Bill Clinton had dined before. That was the first time I ate real-Antiguan meal "pepian". I paid a visit to the famous church/shrine of the Franciscan Fathers where St. Hermano Pedro de San Jose Betancur´s remains were laid to rest and are being visited by pilgrims from all over Central America. Passed too the hospital and office where social services in the name of this St. Hermano Pedro were being availed to the poor and sick. The most exciting part to see and buy stuff for souvenirs is the handicraft (artesania) public market.
Guatemala City
I was in the city of Guatemala for a 5 day meeting. In February, it was both a hot and spring weather. One thing that I could not do freely is to walk in the city unaccompanied. Violence is present everywhere but in Guatemala one has to be cautious. The city has a metrobus which is a good advantage for the poor and workers commuting in and around the city. I went for a half day-relaxation in a resort where spas and massages are offered. I needed a chiropractor therapy for my head palpitations and since my booking was done late, I just content myself with a head massage. This resort is just a walking distance from Lake Amatitlan. It is a picturesque site. There are lot of souvenirs stores and restaurants around the lake where meat and fish are fried in front of the restaurant area.
The food in Guatemala is quite a variety. There are a number of choices: Chinese, Italian, Korean, Guatemalan, USA, etc. for fine dining. Coffee and bakeshops are the best spots for me as well as gourmet store.
What quite impressed me are the people of this country. They are friendly - with a ready smile, helpful and hospitable. There are modern shopping malls and infrastructures like airport, road and commercial centers. City is built on the mountains. The roads are dangerous to cross because drivers tend to drive fast and recklessly and there are no pedestrian lanes.
The trees and flowering plants are a bounty along the road. Mountains are bald. There are a number of volcanoes right in the city of Guatemala.
I need to explore Guatemala to learn more about the indigeneous people/Mayans and the inca culture.
I took the spiritual journey/pilgrimage from December 1 to 5, 2010 to honor the 4 women (2 Maryknoll Sisters-- Ita Ford and Maura Clarke 1 Ursuline Sister - Dorothy Kazel, 1 Cleveland Lay Missioner - Jean Donovan) who 30 years ago were kidnapped, raped and killed. They were El Salvador martyrs, there were our martyrs who gave their life and were united in death for the people of El Salvador. Before their martyrdom, another Maryknoll Sister, Carla Piette was drowned saving the life of Ita and companions in their mission to return a Salvadoran refugee back to his family. These 5 women, together with the other martyrs of El Salvador like Arch. Arnulfo Romero has become a deep source of my renewal and commitment to faith and love to the God who is constantly good and wonderful.
These 5 women is a source of living faith and hope to the poor, marginalized and those who work and seek for justice.
COSTA RICA
The cool weather, topography and warm people of Costa Rica are the factors why I want to visit, stay and live in C. Rica. It´s refreshing and calm living in the city of Heredia which is just 10 minutes drive away from the capital - San Jose. Who knows, if in the future I can live longer in Costa Rica as new horizons unfold. I came down to Panama exactly because here is the closest place I can get to, to go to Costa Rica. It´s true but funny how our reasoning could be at times.
My two beautiful-tica friends who I met in 2007 have shared with me their home generously. I don´t pay my board and lodging, hahaha. The gallo-pinto and tortillas, both are part of Costa Rican meal, particularly at breakfast is served with egg or meat. Fresh vegetable salad is part of the main meals. After waking up, I like the aroma of coffee. I want my hot black coffee with a piece of sweet bread particularly cinnamon. It´s heavenly! My dead cells are awakened as I start my morning, sipping my precious cup of coffee.
In this house, we are fortunate to have cable tv and wifi router. I drown myself with lots of english news and movies. While on my free time, I can access the internet right on my bed, without using a lot of cables. The World Cup became the occasion for me to know football and eventually I became a fanatic, like most of the latinos. I even won one cup of cappuccino and crepe in Cafe Las Flores for giving the right score for one game. It is a victorious feeling. I never screamed before.
The rain soaked the city during the months of June and July. I stayed most of the time in the house, doing my reflection, meditation, and relaxation that include a gym session with women at the University of Costa Rica and a full body massage. I say, thank you for the gift of wonderful people, nature, beauty and love.
Exclusively tican expressions:
Pura vida! - Pure life!
Pura vida! - Pure life!
¡Que tuanis! - Nice
Por dicha. - Luckily or what a suprise!
Estoy en una torta. - Am in trouble.
June 26-July 9, 2010
This is my second visit to C.R.
