About apekzp

Currently Lives:

Citizen of:

Some Forum Posts:

Guatemala: AA meeting:

Dona Luisa --Second floor,near the back, 6pm. Monday,Wednesday Friday

Guatemala: rude foreigners:

I want to live at least part -time throughout the year, and have been disheartened by subculture that has emerged with North American, because the air of entitlement. As if Guatemala was there ONLY for their sole amusement--ignoring the obvious poverty--and I caught one man saying to a child--who was selling something----sternly don;t come here--while I am eating--do you hear me? don't do that again. And I was furious. He spoke VERY differently to me of course. How are you? blah-blah. I gave him a disgusted look and ignored his banter. I beckoned to the kid--and gave a him a few Qs--and it shamed that guy into giving the child a 5Q. I heard a woman after hugging an elderly Mayan woman trying to sell the tipico---say-- now go away--don't bother me. Poverty is not part of the romantic landscape--IT IS REAL--but it is treated like some sort of folklore. . I try my hardest to give and if I can't-I will share my meal --often in Pana --I give my orange juice or breakfast or lunch item. Once a bunch of boys came up for shoe shine--and I told the restaurant Kitcsch, give them each, a banana -and put it on my bill- -it was only a Q each, but to see them walking away, talking and eating the bananas, felt like--I tried to show my respect for what they were forced to do and in my limited way--tried to help..Sometimes--I have to say "I cannot my love--I just can't"--but I try to be compassionate---because this is not a game--they are not part of scenery and really hungry and really poor. I can imagine the living conditions that create walking around endlessly trying to scrape a living. Finally, at Rainbow ---there was one waitress on the floor, and this couple walks --sit for FIVE minutes--and she 'is clearing off one table for me to sit at --the man gets up in a huff to walk to the manager. She drops EVERYTHING and grabs her pad and takes his order and from then on--attends only to him. He sits down,placated---giving her only the merest acknowledgment-when she brings his order-it was like she was HIS servant. I was so disgusted--I gave them both dirty looks PARA SERVIRLE--is taken by the Norte Americanos for granted and as a right--instead of a courtesy and privilege I wish I could say--I see many kindhearted foreigners who act truly brother and sisters and recognized guests to my beloved friends here, ---but there are sadly those people are deviant and not the norm. Glad I am not alone in this observation.

Guatemala: Like Guate's Eco-Suites: Inexpensive short term rentals. Antigua-Pana:

Recently-I stayed at the Eco Suites in Guate--in a small gated community. The "suites" were nice furnished bedrooms with a separate sitting area, sofa and desk-table with an ensuite bathroom, and pullman type kitchen. There were also, several patios and outdoor common areas. And daily maid service. Completely ideal for me--except for two things-- one --I really want to stay in both Antigua and Pana, not Guate, and second--the cost is prohibitive at 52.00 a day--if planning to stay for a month to 6 weeks which I am. I was hoping to spend about 200. Any suggestions for even a room with a family with kitchen privileges--I use a magic bullet for smoothies--and make salads Thanks ~K

Guatemala: Blocking:

I am so glad this is being addressed! More than not, posters ask questions that I really wanted to know the answers to--and they were met with rude sarcasm. This was from a few people who are privileged to live in this beautiful country but somehow feel entitled to discourage or treat those who are interested in coming as if their questions were a nuisance or idiotic. And -if you feel THAT way--why bother answering? It just seemed an easy target dump on people. I would come out of lurking a few times to protest and address the hecklers--that's what they seem like to me--I would address them so the question could intelligently and respectfully answered . Fortunately there are awesome people like those mentioned who make it VERY worthwhile to stay. If there are no Guatemala moderators --why not create a pool of interested parties who could rotate? I would volunteer with team of like-minded individuals. And together we could kindly keep the forum on topic, and the wonderful resource --that it is. And we could kindly remind the repeat offenders of the possibility of being banned. This is obviously as a last resort--but still as a way to keep this lively forum informative and respectful!

Guatemala: Long Term Rental Panajachel:

I love Pana and Antigua and just got back from there in February. My dream is to live there--and I know some of the expats. Tallulah--someone told me her her house was like --375 or something --it was under 400 and I was properly envious---as she described a beautiful home--on short term sublet. I will try to find her info---she was very kind and promised to let me know about rentals or anything otherwise opening up. OFF-TOPIC--When someone politely asks a question--about the region --whether it's finding a good dentist, taking up residence there-or what-have -you, I too, eagerly look forward to the answers--it is so disheartening that certain individuals who also frequent this board--- take it upon themselves to rudely put down the original poster's question. I learn nothing from those kinds of comments. Where are moderators for something like that? Why should those of us--who just want to follow the thread and glean info too, have to be subjected to this *&^#@*.--- Back to the thread--I will ask the expats--I know--it will give me a good excuse to say hi---and I am going posting about looking for a house myself for September---and certain parties need NOT reply. Good luck!

Guatemala: Mail Service for Hire in Guatemala:

Hi jerryjan: I,too just got back from Lake Atitlan. And the weather is gorgeous. During the day--it was like a pleasant summer day--or when not as warm--it was like Spring. At night --the temp is cool. Please note: There is a rainy season from May to November--when it rains pretty much every afternoon. I made friends with an expat there and she that part of living at the lake was challenging--because there's flooding sometimes and it's damp cold etc. In terms of food---I enjoyed the local cuisine at local restaurants--and it is quite good! But there are also American-influenced places---my favorites are Deli and Chinitas! I felt completely safe as single female--at night---there are a million tuk-tuks( little golf cart like vehicles that you can ride in for less than a dollar--- but I also used common sense--so when two or three boys said they wanted to show me a good restaurant down an unlit alley near the lake I declined and hailed a tuk-tuk. You will have a great time!

Guatemala: Any know a good Dentist in GC:

With all due respect.. posting a public question ergo...asking for help....is not an open invitation to critique how the question is posited. You certainly have the right to choose to not even answer! But--it's disheartening to those of who are interested in thoughtful, considerate responses- and not sarcastic non-answers, that serves no one. To the poster-- there is a website----that offers reccomendations for American visiting medics in Guate including dentists. I also picked up a REVUE--the local cultural magazine and it posted advertisements from a few dentists. Good luck..and do not be discouraged! Many a conversation has begun with.."Do you know any good dentists (or fill in the blank) in Guate?" (fill in the city) :)

Guatemala: Unfamiliar with Guate areas for School visit:

I am going to visit two schools I am hoping to do both within an hour of the same day--so they would need to be no more than 30 minutes to an hour away from each other. I am not familiar with Guate! School number one is listed at KM. 12.5 Carretera a El Salvador, Santa Catarina Pinula, Guatemala 01051 and School number 2 is Finca El Porvenir, Don Justo, Fraijanes, Guatemala. Are they both in Guatemala City?? I also need a hotel right near near the first one--I have no idea where I am looking! And after visiting both schools ---visit ends at 3pm--- I need to find a shuttle to Antigua. Thanks!

Date Joined:

1/23/2014

Total Posts:

28

Posts/Day:

0.02