That's Guatemala for You
The phrase “That’s Guatemala for you” is one that is often used among us “gringos” (as few as we may be). This phrase is used in such circumstances as:
Being on time - you must know that 1 Canadian minute = 2.5 Guatemalan minuets, thus if you are told to meet in half an hour you should show up an hour & twenty-five min later. I’ve learned this the hard way! It’s actually quite difficult for me to not to be on time. I’m always ready to arrive on time, and then end up sitting around watching the clock so I can be late!
Shopping - Unlike a Canadian grocery store where you can find absolutely everything you want and more, here it’s more of a hit and miss. One week the store will have an abundance of one thing (so you think you can buy it when you need it), but when you go to purchase that one item you need a week later, none can be found in the entire country! For example, a friend and I were sent out on a mission to find a certain type of cheese for nachos. We drove around to six different stores and none could be found. I suggested using a different type of cheese but apparently only the kind of cheese that couldn’t be found would do.
Firecrackers - They can be heard at all hours of the day (3 and 4 in the morning are not exempt from this!). They recently celebrated mother’s day (May 10) and what better way to show your mother that you love her then to blow off firecrackers right outside her bedroom window at 3:00 in the morning!!!
Roosters, dogs, cat fights - Need I say more?
Church services - Many of the people here in Tactic attend a church service every night of the week. Allow me to define “church service” ~ It begins with half an hour of prayer, followed by an hour of music (really really LOUD music that can be heard all throughout the town, so that even if you didn’t want to go to church you have no choice). Then an hour long sermon, followed by another really long prayer and more singing. Average time = 3-4 hours.
Vehicles - If it were a challenge to see who could load up the back of a truck with the most fruit, logs, tires, people, animals (and other random things) this country would definitely win! Apparently the laws on weight restrictions or people riding in the back of a truck are not enforced. It’s actually quite amazing! One time I saw 5 people riding on a motorcycle (definitely breaks all safety regulations). Then you have the really stinky semi trucks that you can’t seem to pass because all the roads are winding (which makes it very difficult to see the oncoming traffic). If there isn’t something about to fall off and smash your front window, there is usually a very wobbly, loose tire and you just pray it doesn’t fall off. I won’t even get started on the driving, but I will say this: you can buy your drivers licence, and never even take a test (forget drivers training!).
This blog entry is certainly not intended to be a complaint about this country, there are many things I love about living here; It is merely a description of my observations. It also makes me realize how incredibly intolerant of inconveniences or of “breaking the rules” we are in North America. I remember how angry the customers were when there was a shortage of Sushi in St.Albert because the supplier was having machine problems. You must admit we are quite spoiled by all of the conveniences we have been given. Think about that for awhile.
Said with much love :)
Being on time - you must know that 1 Canadian minute = 2.5 Guatemalan minuets, thus if you are told to meet in half an hour you should show up an hour & twenty-five min later. I’ve learned this the hard way! It’s actually quite difficult for me to not to be on time. I’m always ready to arrive on time, and then end up sitting around watching the clock so I can be late!
Shopping - Unlike a Canadian grocery store where you can find absolutely everything you want and more, here it’s more of a hit and miss. One week the store will have an abundance of one thing (so you think you can buy it when you need it), but when you go to purchase that one item you need a week later, none can be found in the entire country! For example, a friend and I were sent out on a mission to find a certain type of cheese for nachos. We drove around to six different stores and none could be found. I suggested using a different type of cheese but apparently only the kind of cheese that couldn’t be found would do.
Firecrackers - They can be heard at all hours of the day (3 and 4 in the morning are not exempt from this!). They recently celebrated mother’s day (May 10) and what better way to show your mother that you love her then to blow off firecrackers right outside her bedroom window at 3:00 in the morning!!!
Roosters, dogs, cat fights - Need I say more?
Church services - Many of the people here in Tactic attend a church service every night of the week. Allow me to define “church service” ~ It begins with half an hour of prayer, followed by an hour of music (really really LOUD music that can be heard all throughout the town, so that even if you didn’t want to go to church you have no choice). Then an hour long sermon, followed by another really long prayer and more singing. Average time = 3-4 hours.
Vehicles - If it were a challenge to see who could load up the back of a truck with the most fruit, logs, tires, people, animals (and other random things) this country would definitely win! Apparently the laws on weight restrictions or people riding in the back of a truck are not enforced. It’s actually quite amazing! One time I saw 5 people riding on a motorcycle (definitely breaks all safety regulations). Then you have the really stinky semi trucks that you can’t seem to pass because all the roads are winding (which makes it very difficult to see the oncoming traffic). If there isn’t something about to fall off and smash your front window, there is usually a very wobbly, loose tire and you just pray it doesn’t fall off. I won’t even get started on the driving, but I will say this: you can buy your drivers licence, and never even take a test (forget drivers training!).
This blog entry is certainly not intended to be a complaint about this country, there are many things I love about living here; It is merely a description of my observations. It also makes me realize how incredibly intolerant of inconveniences or of “breaking the rules” we are in North America. I remember how angry the customers were when there was a shortage of Sushi in St.Albert because the supplier was having machine problems. You must admit we are quite spoiled by all of the conveniences we have been given. Think about that for awhile.
Said with much love :)
posted by Mariah | 12:39 PM
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