Being torn between homesickness, loneliness, adventures, adrenalin, fun and breathtaking landscapes makes me feel intensively alive.
What has happened the last few days?
I realized that even by trying to be cultural sensible the stigmas and prejudices are fixed in my mind. By visiting San Simon i thought in the first place that this religious believe in a stupid man size doll, wearing sunglasses and flags of America is ridiculous. Later i found out that people ask San Simon for miracles by offering him gifts: when someone tries to immigrate into the US people will offer San Simon a flag in order to ensure a safe pathway. When people give him shades- someone might have become blind and relatives which for a miracle....
The ignorance and haughtiness people care with them, including myself, is invisible.
I felt really bad and realized that there is a huge gap between thinking to be cultural sensible and actually being cultural sensible...
The other day, Saturday we went with the school to Laguna Chicabal, a former volcano in which now is a lake. For the Mayans that place is one of the most sacred places since they believe that earth and the skies come together at this spot. It is truly magical to see the quite water of the lagune, the thick impervious forest surrounding the lake and the clouds rushing by. Sometimes the fog comes into the crater and files the area with a mystic thick and coldish atmosphere...seriously a unique experience!
Another quite unique experience is my newly most preferred way of transportation: on the back of a Pickup! Next to former US schoolbusses- which are lovingly called Chickenbusses, it is one of the most common way of transportation between the villages. It is amazing to stand on the back, rapidly drive through the clouds and have the scents of fresh vegetables and flowers in your nose.
Next to all those exitments the poverty and post-armed conflict environment is permanently sourounding me: mass graves in between the forests of the Laguna Chicabal, old women working in the fields for 2 Quetzales an hour (20 Euro Cent) or the lack of education and medical services is frustrating and the cycle of exploitation seems never to end...
However, I am curious to explore more of the country and share more impressions with you!
Hey Sascha!
ReplyDeleteSee you're doing quite well over there. I would love to switch places with you. Keep the stories coming and dont forget to include some pictures!
Bunny-Boy