Impressions of Guatemala
My first impressions of Guatemala came in with the break of dawn our first morning in country. It was early, I was waking up in a new place, and walked outside into this beautiful courtyard garden attached to the outside of our hotel room. I was delighted to see the canopies of fruit trees, passion vines, birds of paradise, and even a papaya tree. The beauty of the tropical environment and horticultural plants surrounded me from the beginning.
Our hotel was open and almost a mix of Greek and Spanish style architecture with the outdoors coming in through large, open, clear windows and the courtyard garden space. Open ceilings allowed the feel of the space to be connected to nature; and I continued to notice similar architect choices throughout the week.
Our first morning in Guatemala, our study abroad group packed up and left after our breakfast in Guatemala City and drove to Antigua. As soon as we stepped outside, we met the volcanoes.
We explored the city of Antiqua, and even wandered into a Chocolate Museum. There, we sampled some chocolate tea, and learned about the different processes cocoa goes through to become cocoa butter and chocolate.
On this first day, we were also introduced to De La Gente, and learned about how they are a non-profit connecting five cooperatives for coffee farmers.
We were welcomed into De la Gente and learned about coffee processes
and were taught distinguishing steps within the processes, and how differently the steps typically run economically.
At the ending of our day, we were welcomed into a farmer's home, ate a homemade meal, and conversed but mostly heard about his life and experiences. The hospitality of De la Gente and their farmers was apparent in every gesture, from the table setting to the hibiscus tea served. We were all seated and given food before the farmers would take their seats. He answered our questions around the table and our ears were attentive that first night to hear everything from his previous profession as a traveling musician, to his struggles with coffee rusk, and help from the cooperatives and even how he benefitted from offered economics classes through De la Gente. I was surprised and amazed to see the humility and kindness from these dinners throughout the week, and learned that each meal is an extra opportunity for income for their families.
My first impressions of Guatemala were of the beautiful horticultural landscapes, the rich culture and languages, and a kind, welcoming from the peoples.
Kelsey Wentling
Our hotel was open and almost a mix of Greek and Spanish style architecture with the outdoors coming in through large, open, clear windows and the courtyard garden space. Open ceilings allowed the feel of the space to be connected to nature; and I continued to notice similar architect choices throughout the week.
Our first morning in Guatemala, our study abroad group packed up and left after our breakfast in Guatemala City and drove to Antigua. As soon as we stepped outside, we met the volcanoes.
On this first day, we were also introduced to De La Gente, and learned about how they are a non-profit connecting five cooperatives for coffee farmers.
We were welcomed into De la Gente and learned about coffee processes
and were taught distinguishing steps within the processes, and how differently the steps typically run economically.
At the ending of our day, we were welcomed into a farmer's home, ate a homemade meal, and conversed but mostly heard about his life and experiences. The hospitality of De la Gente and their farmers was apparent in every gesture, from the table setting to the hibiscus tea served. We were all seated and given food before the farmers would take their seats. He answered our questions around the table and our ears were attentive that first night to hear everything from his previous profession as a traveling musician, to his struggles with coffee rusk, and help from the cooperatives and even how he benefitted from offered economics classes through De la Gente. I was surprised and amazed to see the humility and kindness from these dinners throughout the week, and learned that each meal is an extra opportunity for income for their families.
My first impressions of Guatemala were of the beautiful horticultural landscapes, the rich culture and languages, and a kind, welcoming from the peoples.
Kelsey Wentling
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