Guatemala: Day 2
I know, I know. It's been way too long since my last post. Quick update: I am now doing my master's in Global Affairs (MGA) in Toronto, Canada and for the summer I'm in Guatemala doing an internship. I really want to share my adventures here with all my friends on both side of the Atlantic so this time I have chosen to write in English so more people can understand. Here we go!
I arrived at the Guatemala City airport on Sunday night. I had been reading online about the security risks in the country and heard some horror stories about robberies and violence. Hence I was a little scared that someone would immediately jump me and steal my luggages. The reality was pretty much like any other airport, I got both of my luggages and went through migration/border control with no issues. The only new thing was that the door exiting from the baggage claim leads you directly outside into the hot Guatemala air. I was again thinking about all the possible security threats outside but luckily my organization had sent someone to pick me up and they were already waiting so again I was not jumped or robbed of my luggages (mom!).
I am currently staying not too far away from the airport. I like the feeling, like in Estonia, that you don't have to drive too far from the city centre to get to the airport (unlike Pearson in Toronto). Another sign that it's not always safe here is the fact that the building I'm staying in has huge metal bars attached to the front door and ground floor windows. But again, nothing bad has happened (mom!) so I think it's a precaution. I'm sharing the apartment with a guy from Spain who is here finishing a project for the organization I'm interning for. The apartment is pretty decent, there is wifi and a big balcony. However, this morning I figured out that in the shower the blue faucet gives you hot water and the red one cold so I was freezing for a bit but I figured it out. Also, there is only one plug in my bedroom and it's hidden on the side of the wall because a whole bed covers it. The worst news of all is that there is an extremely cute dead bird on the balcony and I don't feel right stepping over it so I have no access to the aforementioned large balcony.
Guatemala city is divided into 21 zones. I am staying and working in zone 14, where the wealthiest people live in (with the exception of myself). In Toronto this area could be compared to the Bridle Path or in Tallinn to the most exclusive parts of Viimsi. There are both private homes and apartment buildings here but all of them have one thing in common: they are surrounded by high metal gates and security guards. The area doesn't have grandiose gardens or beautiful cars parked outside but I'm sure behind all those walls are lots of Rolls Royces and beautiful pools. I like this area because I feel truly safe walking around with a phone in my pocket or bag but on the other hand I'm a little disappointed because I know this does not truly reflect Guatemala City. Most Guatemalans cannot afford this type of luxury and some are living in extreme poverty. I really want to see the rest of the city to get a more accurate vision of the local situation. Of course I will not be looking for adventures in dangerous areas such as zones 3 and 5, don't worry (mom!).
Sidenote: in Toronto I have spent way too much money on Starbucks so I was excited to be away from that awful delicious place but to my surprise there are Starbucks here too! I haven't gone in yet but let's be real, it's just a matter of time now.
At work I'm currently just going through some online courses to get to know the organization and its projects better. I am hoping to finish with those at the end of the week and next week start with more hands on work.
Food of the day: frijoles con queso. It's pretty much black bean mass with cheese and it was really delicious with some rice and hot sauce. Caution though, it did smell like dog food when I first opened the can but try heating it up, it makes all the difference.
Spanish lesson of the day: Buen provecho! Which means Bon Apetit (Head isu!) or enjoy your meal. Guatemalans say that before AND after the meal.
I arrived at the Guatemala City airport on Sunday night. I had been reading online about the security risks in the country and heard some horror stories about robberies and violence. Hence I was a little scared that someone would immediately jump me and steal my luggages. The reality was pretty much like any other airport, I got both of my luggages and went through migration/border control with no issues. The only new thing was that the door exiting from the baggage claim leads you directly outside into the hot Guatemala air. I was again thinking about all the possible security threats outside but luckily my organization had sent someone to pick me up and they were already waiting so again I was not jumped or robbed of my luggages (mom!).
I am currently staying not too far away from the airport. I like the feeling, like in Estonia, that you don't have to drive too far from the city centre to get to the airport (unlike Pearson in Toronto). Another sign that it's not always safe here is the fact that the building I'm staying in has huge metal bars attached to the front door and ground floor windows. But again, nothing bad has happened (mom!) so I think it's a precaution. I'm sharing the apartment with a guy from Spain who is here finishing a project for the organization I'm interning for. The apartment is pretty decent, there is wifi and a big balcony. However, this morning I figured out that in the shower the blue faucet gives you hot water and the red one cold so I was freezing for a bit but I figured it out. Also, there is only one plug in my bedroom and it's hidden on the side of the wall because a whole bed covers it. The worst news of all is that there is an extremely cute dead bird on the balcony and I don't feel right stepping over it so I have no access to the aforementioned large balcony.
Guatemala city is divided into 21 zones. I am staying and working in zone 14, where the wealthiest people live in (with the exception of myself). In Toronto this area could be compared to the Bridle Path or in Tallinn to the most exclusive parts of Viimsi. There are both private homes and apartment buildings here but all of them have one thing in common: they are surrounded by high metal gates and security guards. The area doesn't have grandiose gardens or beautiful cars parked outside but I'm sure behind all those walls are lots of Rolls Royces and beautiful pools. I like this area because I feel truly safe walking around with a phone in my pocket or bag but on the other hand I'm a little disappointed because I know this does not truly reflect Guatemala City. Most Guatemalans cannot afford this type of luxury and some are living in extreme poverty. I really want to see the rest of the city to get a more accurate vision of the local situation. Of course I will not be looking for adventures in dangerous areas such as zones 3 and 5, don't worry (mom!).
Sidenote: in Toronto I have spent way too much money on Starbucks so I was excited to be away from that awful delicious place but to my surprise there are Starbucks here too! I haven't gone in yet but let's be real, it's just a matter of time now.
At work I'm currently just going through some online courses to get to know the organization and its projects better. I am hoping to finish with those at the end of the week and next week start with more hands on work.
Food of the day: frijoles con queso. It's pretty much black bean mass with cheese and it was really delicious with some rice and hot sauce. Caution though, it did smell like dog food when I first opened the can but try heating it up, it makes all the difference.
Spanish lesson of the day: Buen provecho! Which means Bon Apetit (Head isu!) or enjoy your meal. Guatemalans say that before AND after the meal.
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