The Little Flavors of Guatemala

What the heck is that thing at the top right of this blog?!?  Does it look familiar?  Sure does!  That´s because its the same bus you rode to school when you were first learning to dress yourself.  I found your milk money, and spent it on firecrackers.

This is what is called a chicken bus.  Dun dun dun dun dun dun dun dun (headbanging).  Rock on!    http://www.google.com/images?q=picture+chicken+bus&rls=com.microsoft:es:IE-SearchBox&oe=UTF-8&rlz=1I7SKPB_es&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=fDFYTZCvJoPLgQe-u-GNDQ&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=2&ved=0CCYQsAQwAQ&biw=1260&bih=809

They are the main transport for getting around Guatemala.  The US ships their used schoolbuses down here, and then the Guatemaltecos get to refurbishing.  Inside is just as decorative, and on your trip you will listen to blasting latino love-rock.  Paruse the pics in the link above and you may find out why they are called "chicken" buses.

Oh, and here´s the firecrackers I bought with your milk money.

That´s a single ignition, with a big boy in the middle.  These things are set off regularly in the cities of Guatemala.  Usually in a small alleyway of concrete.  Perhaps you can imagine the reverberating sound.  Duuun dun dun dun dun dun duuuun.  Fireworks are set off all the time as well - everyday its some Guatemalteco´s birthday.  Alas, it is no match for the dynamite they celebrate with in Peru...

What else?  CUMBIA brother!  Last night I nearly hit my head on the ceiling dancing to cumbia-reggae.  It will light you up like a roll of firecrackers!  Check it out, and make it happen in the States.  Also, in Xela (second biggest city in Guate) I have been watching this professional flamenco-trova-cubano guitarrist.  He plays with a trumpeter and a couple hand drummers.  Man!  I can only describe it as fast, technical, melodic, and harmonious.  Left fingers stretching five frets, all moving with complete independence of each other, while the right hand somehow strums super fast syncopated rhythms in between finger-picking.  I have made a vow to learn some spanish guitar while down here (how could I not!).  Upon my return, we will start a psychadelic cumbia-flamenco-metal-noise-funk band.  Cassidy, I need you on synth!!!

And, I have to mention the ´Washing Machine Disco´:  Pretty ridiculous.  Some gal on the trailer bed of a truck showing of a washing machine, on the mic, blasting dance music.  Nothing special, but nothing I´ve seen in the States.

The market is quite a scene for those who have never been out of the country.  You think there´s a giant farmers market in your town!  Ha!  This is one part of the massive outdoor market in Xela:

That´s veggies and fruit as far as the eye can see.  Avacado, tomato, potato, broccoli, califlower, spinach, onions, garlic, green onions, beets, cabbage, cilantro, mangos, papaya, banana, plantain, orange, and more.  Butcher shops are here too.  But no coffee...

While trying to figure out which vendor to buy produce from, you can grab street empanadas or taco-like plates.  Get a hot dog if you are homesick!  And for a quarter, enjoy an ice-cream cone.

This, the bikers will find cool.  Street food cooked and sold out of these:

Maybe this video will work?

And, I´m off.

All for you,

Ronjon ("Ron") (= Rum)