A side note

This morning I went to the grocery store near the apartment to buy juice for a brunch. On the way I passed a man at a large vendor stand who was grilling up a feast of different meats and soups for the people who might want a post church lunch. About 50 yards down the line I saw a couple grilling their breakfast using a grate over the cement planters that lined the sidewalk. Basically they had dug out the soil and plants and filled it with garbage or charcoal and we're cooking with it. 

This observation given without opinion. 

Zone 1

Zone 1 is the historical center and though I'd been here many years ago I didn't actually visit it when i was here... So yesterday was my first time down there. 

We went for the shopping, there are a few big thrift stores and I needed some work shirts. Some of my coworkers wanted to go thrift shopping too, plus there is a big produce market so we took a short bus trip 4-5 stops and got off in front of the market. 

There are a few big churches, some old arches and some buildings that might be a few hundred years old, but what is most noticeable are the people on the street, the vendors and good.  There are  several blocks of street vendors around the market, they sell fruits and veggies, DVDs and electronics, school supplies and house goods... Basically anything you want and fairly cheap. There are also artists who will do temporary tattoos, street performers and girls who will braid stuff into your hair.   

Unfortunately there are also a lot people with physical disabilities that are begging for money, which is hard to see. In many countries you can assume there are some basic services for people who are incapable of helping themselves but in Guatemala I am not sure there is a safety net.  

There are stores for rich and poor, lots of gringos hanging out in sit down restaurants, and lots of locals eating  street-foods like fresh fruits and fried stuff and grilled meats. Some of my coworkers love the tacos you can find down there. 

In just a few hours yesterday I got a taste of a larger Guatemala City, that though run down was pretty lively.  It made me really happy and I eagerly look forward to going back.