USA gets recognition

There are so many things here that make me feel like I'm still in the US. It all started when I disembarked from the plane at the airport in Guatemala city. The airport had developed immensely since my last trip to Guatemala when it was basically empty. Since, they have added not only a McDonalds but also a Pizza Hut. And they added ambient music...and by that, I mean cheesy '80s hits.

Even in Antigua, it's inescapable. The pre-packaged food, the Coke trucks,

the McDonalds (the only difference is that the McD's here is guarded by a soldier with a big gun like it's the most important establishment in the city),

the Michael Jackson legacy living on as the subtle music playing in every tienda and every other travel agency....

Then, I am reminded of the strong local culture that peeks through the thick blanket of American and European offerings that are in place to please tourists. A majority of the women on the street sport the indigenous garb and there is a GIGANTIC mercado on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays where hundreds of families emerge with fresh fruits and vegetables and meats for sale, huge bags of beans and rice and corn, cheap clothing and shoes, and the local artisan goods like handbags and jewelry. The market is expansive and quite impressive. Be sure to show up on a market day though or you'll be sold expensive fruits imported from the United States (just when I thought I could get away...).

I look forward to learning more about the culture and finding ways to dig through the American and European influence on the city. I got to see a Guatemalan funeral procession on Thursday. It was surprising but encouraging to see. Rather than a line of cars with lights and flags, it was a long scattered line of people following a set of ushers carrying a casket. They were solemn but still chatting among themselves.

In the meantime...here are some photos of CasaSito's Volunteer House where I am living...