Tuesday, November 26

OVERVIEW:

     Unlike yesterday, today we woke up to beautiful sunlight shining through our windows. The temperature rose steadily throughout the day and there were times that we would have all welcomed a little bit of rain. But we suppose we should be careful what we wish for because tonight, the temperature has dropped drastically, the rain has started coming down, and almost everyone has curled up into bed. All three sites made amazing progress today, both in the construction of the homes and in the forming of the teams. All the sites are at very different stages and very different settings, which means that we all have great stories for each other at the end of the day. 

Site 1, Team Tony (Santa Cruz):

The sassy little girl who makes us smile

 A completed Habitat home that we had the pleasure of visiting

The team

Site 2, Chris' Site (Cobán):

 Planting the Toonie in the foundation for good luck

 More rocks to carry up the hill!

A job for everyone

Team Chris

Site 3, Team Paulie (Cobán):

 The rebar team

 The "carry the sand up the hill" team

 Almost done the foundation

 Melissa, the Habitat leader for the team

Team Paulie

QUOTES OF THE DAY:

"So much easier to lift rocks and tie rebar in beautiful sunshine and heat!" - Lisa

"The scratches, bruises, bug bites, and trips to the bathroom to shed parasites did not stop the hard work and enthusiasm." -Lauren

"While you are shovelling snow, we are shovelling clay, sand, and rocks." -Carolyn

"The locals are as intrigued and excited about us as we are for them. They are definitely making this whole trip worth while." -Mark

Monday, November 25

RECAP:

     The weekend was filled with travel. We made it to Guatemala safely after a VERY close transfer in Newark. Sixteen Canadians were sprinting from one gate on one side of the C terminal, to another gate on the opposite side. We were out of breath, but we made it! Unfortunately, our luggage didn't make the trip. Eleven pieces were stuck in Newark, and were sent to Guatemala City via Houston later that night, and were picked up by "The Luggage People" the next morning, as we made our way from Antigua to Cobán. Once we successfully retrieved our luggage, and breathed our sigh of relief, we sat back and enjoyed our beautiful drive to Cobán. The country side is a beautiful mix of mountains, and beautiful, lush forest. 

     Late Saturday afternoon, we met the 3 families that we were building the homes for. They are all hard working, beautiful families, with hearts of gold that we get the pleasure of spending the next week with. 

DAY 1:

     We wake up to the pitter patter of rain on our roof. We weren't expecting this kind of rain, but we are flexible, and we can adapt! We were divided into three different work sites, two were in Cobán, and one in a small village outside of Santa Cruz (approximately 30 minutes outside of Cobán). Team Tony is in the Santa Cruz worksite, Team Chris and Team Paulie are on the Cobán worksites. The Santa Cruz home already had the foundation built when we arrived, but the rain was coming down for most of the day. 

The two Cobán sites are at the beginning stages of construction, but the afternoon was but clearer.

Site 1, Team Tony, Santa Cruz

 Tony and Brian proudly displaying the Habitat for Humanity signs

The state of the worksite when we arrived

 Still working in the rain

 Father and son, Tad and Mark, working hard and enjoying the view

Father and daughters taking a break from working on their house with us.

Site 2, Team Chris, Cobán

 Learning the tricks of the trade for the foundation

 Welcome to your first Habitat build. Do the heavy lifting.

 The gravel has been delivered. Now to unload it!

 TEAMWORK!

Chris digging the foundation. Why is there smelly water leaking?

Site 3, Team Paulie, Cobán

 It takes 3 to move the wheelbarrow up the hill. (50-80 yards!)

 The ladies of the worksite looking good in the mud.

 The foundation being laid out.

Break time under the tarp.

     After a hard days work, most of us covered in mud, we were ready for a bit of rest. We exchanged stories, ate dinner, and had our nightly meeting (Euckre). 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JILL!

QUOTES OF THE DAY:

"Love it when we get to spend time getting to know our host families." -Cheryl

"Today it rained but work was noticed. Well done Team Paulie!!" -JM

"We had rain, mud, slip, and falls, but in the end we had Chris' corner dug out, carried a gazillion pounds of rocks, and twisted out miles of rebar. It was all fun in the end and we made some new friends and did some good in this crazy world. Thanks Team Chris." -Alan

"Working and singing in the rain... Great beginning to the week." -Tony

"There are many gifts you can give, but the gift of giving to others without return is the most genuine." - Chris

"Fantastic start to the week. Its all uphill from here!" - Paul

MEMORIES OF GUATEMALA 2006

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

TRAVEL TIPS

TRAVEL TIPS

Preliminary needs:

 Passport:         Scan a copy and send it to Paul at tpmack@rogers.com

Health card:    Scan a copy and send it to Paul at tpmack@rogers.com

We will have all the copies with the emergency kit in case of injuries.

 See your local travel clinic re. Shots and meds

2) Packing:

Less is better. Split luggage to include a day’s essentials in carry-on.

Baggage loss and delay is getting common. (No complaining allowed).

Suggested inclusions:

-          Two pairs work pants, two long sleeve work shirts

-          one pair khaki or casual slacks, or skirt, dress tops, shirts for dinner, R&R and travel

-          basic first aid kit, tweezers, travel wipes, hand sanitizer

-          A couple of pairs work gloves, one pair casual/hiking shoes, one pair work shoes or boots (open shoes not allowed on site),

-          wide brimmed hat: Tilley-type, (sunstrokes and dehydration  do occur)

-          sunglasses or safety glasses; bathing suit, sunscreen, bug repellant

-          special foods or medications; travel alarm, tiny flashlight; rain poncho,

-          Spray on sun block is much easier to use on the build site

-          A water bottle that you can refill on the build site

-          Electrolytes replacements..they are available in “jellybean” form, they work great on those days when the tummy is just not right!!!

-          Some snacks of choice (snack or protein bars)

4) Not recommended:

Gifts or toys for locals, on one-to-one basis

On the job sites, Shorts (officially they say no shorts, we have had no trouble with the cargo type shorts) tank tops, halter tops, high heels expensive jewelry, expensive cameras, or video cameras

5) Donations:

 Gifts, tools, books, or toys…may be made through the local affiliate on a group, not individual, basis. It is customary to leave excess clothing behind upon departure.  

6) Research:

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

GUATEMALA - Exercise a high degree of caution

There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Guatemala. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to the violence, roadblocks, strikes and demonstrations that occur periodically throughout the country.

Emergency services

Dial 110 or 120 for police, 122 or 123 for the fire department and ambulance services. It may be difficult to obtain police assistance. Police forces lack resources and are often corrupt. National police officers do not speak English. PROATUR officers are able to provide assistance in English.

7) The weather:

Natural Disasters & Climate

Forest Fires

Forest fires often occur from November to June. Even though they can happen anywhere, they usually affect the department of Peten. In the event of a major fire, you should follow the instructions of local emergency services, particularly with regard to evacuation procedures. Monitor local media for updated information.

Hurricane and rainy seasons

The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. The National Hurricane Centerprovides additional information on weather conditions. Stay informed of regional weather forecasts, and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.

The rainy season extends from mid-May to mid-November. Flash floods and mudslides are common occurrences, causing temporary road closures. You should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Seismic activity

Guatemala is located in an active seismic zone. Familiarize yourself with earthquake security measures in hotels and public and private buildings, and follow the advice of local authorities in the event of an earthquake.

Volcanoes

The Fuego, Pacaya and Santiaguito volcanoes present consistently moderate activity which is considered to be within normal parameters. Monitor levels of volcanic activity through the local media and amend travel arrangements accordingly. Hiking on volcanoes should be done only with a reputable tour company that tracks volcanic activity. Follow the advice of local authorities in the event of an explosion or eruption.

8) Money: US dollars!!

VISA, Mastercard, and Bank Card. In most places, one of these three works in ATMs , for cash withdrawals. American Dollars are also recommended.  American Express and Traveller’s Cheques are not popular.

9) Waters and Diet:

Bottled water is provided, free, continuously. Katadyn water treatment bottles are handy, if you bring them.  If it isn’t cooked or peeled, don’t eat it.

Smile, and expect the unexpected!!!

Coban

The following information was located on Wikitravel.

Coban 

is a city in the Alta Verapaz department of the Central Highlands region of Guatemala.

Get in

The most common way to get to Coban from Guatemala City is using the Monja Blanca bus service from the capital, approximately four hours. There are also competitors, as well as more expensive shuttles. A ticket to Coban on the Monja Blanca costs about 55 Quetzales per person (according to January 2012).

The real magic is all the villages the spread all over. On the the way, all the mountains are covered with beautiful Mayan villages. If you are looking for adventure, just ask some locals from Coban about the villages. In Spanish pueblos like Tactic, Tomtem, Yoho, you will discover a new world.

From the Western Highlands, regular microbuses run from Quiche to Sacapulas to Uspantin to Coban (you will probably have to change buses in each town). The road between Uspantin and Coban is only paved about half way, and has some rough stretches. Travel time (in 2010), including time spent waiting for buses, is about 6 hours from Quiche to Coban and 2.5 hours from Uspantan to Coban.

Get around

Coban is a relatively walkable city in terms of size (sidewalk conditions are horrible, however, and you should always assume that cars will take the right of way). For local destinations around Coban, there are buses that leave in front of Plaza Magdalena. You can take a taxi almost anywhere around town for Q20 for something like 5 Kilometers. Always get in the taxis that are marked with a Taxi number on the door, the unmarked ones are not licensed to work as a taxi. Another option is to take a bus (collectivo) that start from coban and finish at the nearest villages like Tactic, San cristobal and etc.

See

By walking on the street from the Parque Center to the terminal Market you will fell the Spirit of the Mayan, Workers from the nearest village that surrounding Coban come to the city in the morning to work and leave afternoon. The people all over, their smile on the morning and Saying hallo at afternoon are the view.

the Main Cathedral at the town Center. Semuc Champey about two hours from Coban - There are private tours you can hire to get there that contains also visiting the Caves in lanquin. On 1 Avenida there are several tours guide.

You don't have to book tours or walk around with your nose buried in your LP guidebook to figure all this out. I f you want to go to Champey, hop on a colectivo across from Plaza Magdalena (a big yellow shopping mall - everyone knows it, just ask) and go to Lanquin; get off there, hit up the dudes at El Zapote immediately to your right when you get off for a free ride down to Las Marias hostel, and pay 15Q for a mattress and 15Q for a tour. Simple as that.

Do

Every Sunday there is a small crafts market in the center of town. Be sure to offer a lower price or ask what the sellers best price is. Same goes for the market behind the cathedral. Take a tour around and buy some of the local clothing. A Huipil, or women's woven and sometimes embroidered shirt can go for as much as 500 Quetzales / $50 USD or more depending on the quality and detail of the work, so don't be surprised if it seems like a high price for a non-tailored shirt. More simple styles can be found for about 100 Quetzales.