March 7th, 2014 Casa San Jose, Guatemala City (READ MORE POSTS FROM THE DELEGATION)
Our first full day in Guatemala, and my mind is full of unfamiliar sounds and images. How to make sense of all this? I have to situate this new experience in relation to what I already know. Some points of comparison:
– Awakening to the crow of a rooster and the sound of church bells reminds me of France, but here they are quickly drowned out by the ominous drone of a plane taking off from the airport. The rural and urban are intertwined.
– The pancakes and syrup at breakfast were unexpectedly familiar, the hibiscus juice at lunch and the paches for supper delightfully different. This is Central America.
– Listened with interest to the presentation by Luis on the new economic model for Guatemala based on mining and energy at the expense of indigenous interests and the environment. What he described is depressingly parallel to the struggle of First Nations in BC to protect their culture and way of life against mines and pipelines. I hope we can learn from them.
– Meeting the representatives of the national women’s group and hearing about their courageous fight for justice in the past and present recalled similar situations in the Philippines. While we in Canada risk scorn as feminists and activists, they risk their lives.
– The domed, brightly painted churches and the religious procession for Lent that we saw last night were eerily reminiscent of Hindu scenes in India. But the traffic and people are less exuberant here, more subdued. People smile shyly and greet you as they pass by on the sidewalk. I guess history has taught them to be cautious.
– As in Cuba tall, elegant trees and luxuriant purple bougainvillea emerge from the cracked pavements and walls, surviving the fumes. Decay and resistance coexist. Poor women wear beautiful clothes. People have to be tough to survive here, but their pride and dignity shine through the poverty and hardship.
We met the rest of the group, who have finally arrived. What a range of ages and backgrounds! I can’t wait to see how we will interact with each other and this new, intriguing and challenging environment. Off now for my second cold shower.
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