Guatemala 1980

by Maria Castorina (Argentina)

A leap into the unknown Guatemala

It was long ago, in the eighties when I happenened to go to Guatemala. Once at the Airport I was nearly sent to prison because I was wearing an army green jacket. It took me hours and telephone calls to convince the Airport Authorities that it was just fashionble in Argentina; at that time news from abroad where few so I did not know I had arrived to such a dangerous country. The hotel was fine, belonged to one of the American chains. But every morning, after a night full of bullet noises, some corpses were found nearby. I was working for a Dutch tourist agency and they sent me to Guatemala not knowing anything about the actual dangerous situation of the country. My task was to sell tickets to Europe, with good discounts, to the clergy. So I had to visit all of the congregations. One afternoon I went to a house, where the priests told me that in that place I was risking my life. One priest had already been killed while in mass recently, and they knew they would be killed at any moment. Guatemalan Government and Guerrillas where torturing people in small villages and leaving them in such terrific state. Everything was cruel. I could learn horrible things that happened every day. Unfortunately my Dutch Company did no take in account that in Catholic countries, there were holidays, 1st November, Day of Saints; 2nd November, Day of the Dead and then Saturday and Sunday. I intended to visit beautiful Tikal Mayan ruins, but, because of the guerrillla, the excursion was suspended. Luckily I manage to go to Sacatepeques, where, during Day of Dead, they showed enormous and beautiful kites to the death and they took food and eat over the tombs. It was a day of joy for them. Coulorful and happy. On Saturday I wanted to go somewhere. The market in downtown had pretty embroidered things, but I had already bought many already. So, I was adviced by the girl at the counter to go to the Pacific beach, she told me to take a public bus. A pair of jeans and a white T shirt and off I went. The bus was full and smelly, apart from people, there were all sort of small animals, mainly chickens. I felt so different. Luckily, next to me there was a very young mother in her typical and beautiful dress. She was holding a newborn baby. Her eyes very sweet and proud of being a mother. Her happiness was noticeable. As we were leaving Guate Capital, humidity and heat was increasing, it was really hot. Through the window I could see straw huts, naked children playing, and men taking naps at hanging hammocks. After around two hours, we arrived at a village, which image is still in my eyes. It seemed from the times of colonies, I was quiet scared. Another world in fact. I managed to get some information. I had to take a boat through the river to reach the beach. The boat was ready. We entered in a dark gallery. The trees were making a ceiling over the river and we could even touch their roots. It was a mangrove swamp. Totally silent. When I, at last, reached the resort, I took some delicious fruit juices and went to that marvellous transparent and emerald see. For my surprise, I fall asleep on the sun, so, I lost the last bus!!!!!!!! I was standing at the side of the road, all alone. No car, no bus at sight. I did not dare to think anything yet. Suddenly a gigantic Land Rover stopped at my side. A beautiful young man opened the door. I could not refuse. I was really lucky, I woudn't want to imagine myself in the jungle during the night. We hardly talk during the trip, which, this time was fast. In twenty minutes I found myself in front of my hotel. I thanked my rescuer and I finally felt safe. Up in my room, I realized, it had been one of the most adventurous days of my life. Enviado desde Yahoo Mail para Android