Hello readers. You might have noticed a lack of updates on my part.... unfortunately, a combination of a lack of free time and a lack of inspiration are the culprits. I thought I would update my readers on what's coming up in my life- in case anyone was keeping track.
Late February I went to Guatemala. I encourage you, if you haven't already done so, to check out my facebook profile for pictures- this will also give you a good idea of what I did there.
As for my impressions, I found it very interesting to compare to countries like Morocco and Thailand. These three countries are all quite similar in being "developing" countries with a pretty substantial tourist trade. Guatemala, given its history of civil war and gang violence, probably has the worst reputation for violence among these countries; indeed, I was constantly told to be prudent and guarded. Remarkably, however, I had virtually no problems with touts in Guatemala. This is remarkeable indeed because in Thailand and Morocco, touts ands hustlers are a constant hastle, particularly for the unitiated and in heavily touristed places. Yet there I was, having never previously stepped foot in Latin America and confining myself mostly to the most touristy of areas and..... nothing! Well.... apart from the typical late bus or the cab driver "conveniently" not having change. This, combined with fantastic food, beautiful natural scenery, vibrant cultures (indigenous and mestizo), and, perhaps my favourite part, stunning ancient ruins makes this country, in my eyes, a fascinating destination in which I could have easily spent another month.
Touts aside, I still prefer Thailand to Guatemala. Even though this was not a problem for me, Guatemala DOES have a problem with violence that virtually does not exist in a country like Thailand. Sure, you might be equally as likely to get robbed in some way, but Guatemala has an astronomical homocide rate and guns and machetes are everywhere. Unfortunately, until statistics change, one must always keep up his guard when in Guatemala... even in villages! Guatemala was also relatively expensive..... well, certainly it was cheaper than North America, but prices were much more expensive than Thailand.
The other thing that bothered me about Guatemala was all the gringos (foreigners). Of course, I have no problems with adventerous people exploring something new.... what bothers me is the typology of people doing it. In a country like Thailand, many travellers are young, open-minded Europeans. North Americans are quite rare in Thailand, but when you do find them, they break the mould of the typical North Americans.... not only is it relatively rare for North Americans to go shoestringing, but they normally don't do it in North America. But Guatemala is in the US's backyard.... in fact, Guatemala has a palpable US influence in the landscape that one simply does not see in Morocco or Thailand. From taking shoes off in the airport, to the American fast food chains along the highway, to the petrol priced bizarrely in gallons (and quite expensive!), to the dearth of sidewalk cafés. And similarly one finds the "Ugly American" I try so hard to avoid. You either have self-righteous missionaries or air-con Sheraton tourists- neither of whom I have much connection. From people who think they are enriching the lives of the poor Guatemalans to people who won't touch them, speak to them, eat with them, or even eat their food. In fact, during my flights down, everyone except this one Dutch couple could not understand why a young Canadian/American student would want to spend a week backpacking in Guatemala. You couldn't believe how many people asked, "are you a missionary?". Of course, then I meet Dutch and Germans who understood completely what it was that I was after... (which in itself is not something tangible or even easily expressible in words). .... Then you have what I like to call "Lonely Planet Travellers" - a curious type ubiquitous in almost all of the developing countries I've seen (Burma being the one exception).... these are sloppily-dressed twenty-somethings who feel a self-moral sense of superiority in expressing "solidarity" with the locals in compromising their own personal hygeine and proudly taking the lowest-quality transport, accomodation, and food they can find..... all while, of course, finding any possible opportunity to get stoned. But please stop me before I stereotype too much. :-)
Just days after getting back from Guatemala, I received an e-mail from NUS..... I was accepted with a Research Scholarship.... that means they will completely subsidise my tuition plus give me a $1500 SGD monthly stipend. Needless to say I accepted the offer right away. They will send me an "offer information booklet" in late May, so for the moment I know very little other than that orientation is sometime in early August (around the 3rd).
From early March until now (and most likely for the final two weeks which remain in my undergrad career), I have suffered from a severe case of senioritis....
I officially finish on April 22. After about a week or two between Montreal and New Jersey I will be off to San Diego for about 4 days (7 - 11 May). From San Diego (well, LAX technically), I will fly to Easter Island.... well,with stops in San Salvador, San Jose and Santiago de Chile. I will be in Easter Island from 12 - 16 May. Then I fly back to Santiago, where I will be for one week (or until the 23rd). I will probably travel a bit around Santiago.... but I haven't planned this far yet.
On the 24th of May I will be back in Montreal for my graduation and those sorts of festivities. I will leave Montreal for good on the 30th.
Then I am (presumably) off for my internship in Washington, DC. I say presumably because I haven't heard much about this, other than that I have a background check interview next Tuesday. I will have more details about this as I learn more.
Late July I will be off to Singapore!
That's my life as it stands now. Until next time.....
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