Suggestions from our Host

ITEMS TO BRING FOR YOUR BUILD WEEK

• Sturdy work shoes or boots--Shoes on the work site MUST be close-toed. Don’t forget comfortable shoes or sandals to change into after
• Old clothing for the work site (Shorts must be knee-length or below. Tank tops are NOT allowed on the worksite)
  o Please note that you will be able to leave all clothing that you do not want to take back home with the affiliate as a donation. They will then distribute it throughout the community as they see fit. And it’s a double bonus, as you will then have more room in your suitcase for souvenirs!
• Work gloves
• Hat and bandana for sun protection
• A very cool and light long sleeve shirt for sun protection (especially if you are building in the
  east of the country)
• Protective goggles (at least one pair per house)
• Old sunglasses
• Mosquito repellent (especially for tropical/coastal locations)
• Sunscreen and plenty of it. The sun is a LOT stronger down here, even if it is a cloudy day
• Rain gear like plastic ponchos
• A water bottle with a wide mouth that is easy to refill

o If you get sick of the (lack of) flavor of water, bring flavor packets to add to your water bottle. Anything to keep you hydrated!

• Duct Tape and a Sharpie marker for name tags
• First aid kit (the team leader is in charge of having one per worksite)
• A bathing suit in case your hotel has a pool
• One nice(r) outfit for a dinner in Antigua, not too fancy but not building clothes!
• If you are a coffee addict, bring a thermos to fill up in your hotel in the morning and
  bring to the worksite with you.
• If you have an allergy to bee stings, nuts, etc. please bring your epi-pen!
• Any necessary medications
• If you’re vegetarian, have specific dietary restrictions, or are a picky eater, bring
  peanut butter, power bars or snacks!!!
• Handy wipes/moist towellettes or hand sanitizer come in handy before lunch on the
  worksite
• Bubbles, balloons or other fun things for the kids on the worksites. These can then be donated to a local school or to the affiliate at the end of the week.
• Guatemala is a LOUD country. Sometimes, you will feel like you just can’t escape the noise. Pack Ear Plugs if you’re a sensitive sleeper
• If you don’t have your cell phone, pack some kind of small alarm clock. The roosters aren’t too reliable!
• Chocolate (to share with GV Guatemala staff!!) 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Videos

  Recommended Pre-trip Media
  
  

  • The Global Village Experience http://vimeo.com/12123626
  • Our Towns Global Village Project http://www.vimeo.com/20910518
  • AMWAY in Zacapa http://youtu.be/6uTLfEW0WoE
  • The First Presbyterian Church of Bend in San Lucas Tolimán http://vimeo.com/63696522 • University of Oregon in Zacapa http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JVsOgqX7Tv0
  
  Movies
  
  

  • When the Mountains Tremble
    
  • El Norte
    
  • La Hija del Puma
    
  • Todos Santos: The Survivors (Documentary)
    
  • Who’s Counting: Marilyn Waring on Sex, Lies, and the Global Economy (National Film
    Board of Canada)
    
    Links
    • Local Press (Spanish) www.prensalibre.com
    • INGUAT National tourist agency http://www.visitguatemala.com/soyparati/es/portada/
    Books
    

  • I, Rigoberta Menchú Trans. By Elizabeth Burgos-Debray
    
  • Bitter Fruit by Stephen Schlesinger
    
  • ¿QUÉ ONDA VOS? By Juan Carlos Martinez (English guide to Guatemalan slang written by
    a language school director)
    

     
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Travel Advisory

http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/guatemala