Guatemala is a special place. We spent the last 11 months there in the Rio Dulce and can see why many cruisers call it home season after season. It is hard to label exactly what the country gives to us, it is something more that you experience and feel. Bracketed by time in other countries that don't have this essence, its absence is noted.
Geography in Guatemala is truly unlike we've ever seen. On trips inland for sightseeing or city bus trips, you cross from oceanfront river gorges to lowland tropical lakes, inland past limestone crags, high desert, mile-high cities, or highland villages on the sides of cold, steep mountains surrounding volcanic lakes.
I'll never forget the vision of the farming communities in the height of melon season tending the meticulously maintained fields ~ perpendicular rows of ripening melons covered in plastic, men with hats and sacks dotting the lines to take the harvest under the bright sun in the valley, in the distance a white church dome silhouetted under a backdrop of steep, dry mountains. Gives one a new appreciation for the food that comes to market.
The cultural sights are renowned (think Tikal) and there are also hidden gems that friends have opened to us, including an archeological site with complete giant sloth and mammoth skeletons.
The Rio Dulce supports a range of ways of life from fisherman living in huts built over water to cruisers at anchor or in marinas to Guatemalteca private mansions. The canals add endless waterfront area to explore.
Nature sometimes struggles to find a place amongst the agriculture and ranching taking over the open spaces, yet persist it does.
The bird life is impressive in a variety of terrain.
Being an avid nature photographer, I had to look in new places only to discover treasures that had been there all along, like the world of butterfly life.
Above all, people are what defines a place for us. In Guatemala it's the little things that make a difference ~ a smile and wave by everyone to greet you as they you walk, drive or dinghy past... a simple acknowledgement that we're both here at this moment and life is good.
The smiling children (whom we never hear cry) that shyly or playfully run, jump and wave to give their greeting.
We value the character and integrity of the people whom we've spent time with, including special cruiser friendships and our team in the boatyard.
The stern extension project and sense of accomplishment for Mark resulted in some strong friendships. Language and cultural differences hinder nothing here, it's all found in the heart.
