Small Town Folks Visit the Big City

In the beginning of the month we were sent on an all expenses paid trip to the big city, otherwise known as Guatemala City, to attend an English teacher's conference. The conference was sponsored by the Guatemalan-American Institute or IGA, a bi-national institution dedicated to promoting the exchange of culture and ideas between the United States of America and Guatemala. With help from funds given to the organization from the United States Embassy, we went to the conference and attended about ten different educational sessions during the two and a half day event. IGA brought in speakers from all over the world; including professionals from the United States, Ireland, Uruguay, Panama, and many more countries. We attended a variety of sessions with topics ranging from using games in the classroom to stimulate learning to how to effectively grade writing assignments of intermediate “English as a Foreign Language” learners.


Although fun and free, the conference didn't come without its share of frustration and typical Guatemalan characteristics. Right off the bat we were sent to about three different rooms to register for the event, although none of these turned out to be the correct location. Additionally and perhaps the most sickening was the lack of respect the Guatemalans showed the speakers at the conference. In numerous sessions we had people arriving very late, talking to their friends or on their cell phones and in general disrespecting the speakers and other participants. Most notable was in one lecture at which were about 500 participants. About 15 minutes before the end of one hour talk about 15 people lingered by the door and finally left quietly. I guess they had had enough. But, then it seems that that had been a signal for others to exit as well as about 100 people in a span of five minutes left the room while the speaker was still talking. Just more examples of the lack of respect within the Guatemalan culture.



Aside from the conference itself, we had a blast staying in a nice hotel with hot water, a bathtub, and a maid that cleaned the room everyday! Can you believe that?!?! The city also gave us a chance to have some good food which included stops at a good Italian joint, Subway, and even an elusive Quiznos we found during our last day in the city. We were like kids in a candy store, marvelling at the four storey malls we visited and having a delicious latte just about everyday from our favorite big city coffee joint "& Cafe". Our last day in town we checked off another location on our list of the 32 Best Places to Visit in Guatemala, checking out the National Archaeological Museum. It was pretty interesting and filled with Mayan artifacts from around the country. We were also surprised to see that our local ruins had been the supplier of the majority of gold pieces on display.


Overall it was a fun and eventful trip, but like always, we were happy to get home to little ole' Quiché.