OT. Guatemala

My youngest daughter dropped a ****ing bomb on me at the weekend. First she told me her boyfriend was going travelling for a year in a few months - to Guatemala. When I asked her what she was going to do whilst he was away, she said she was going to defer her final year at uni and go with him. She said her mother has sanctioned it, which I found impossible to believe, knowing her. Her sister didn't know anything about it and asked her mother, who said she was aware she was travelling, but not living there for a year.

I have to say I'm extremely unhappy about this. Neither of them have given me any grief in their 24 and 20 years respectively (apart from no longer being untouched), but this is a shocker. She's currently on target for a first/2.1 and I don't want her to **** it up.

I don't know a lot about Guatemala per se, but it's obviously in Central America, which by and large is a ****ing dangerous place. I'll be seeing her for a proper discussion about this over the next couple of days. Does anyone have any inside track on the ****hole that I can use for ammo? I'll be telling her I'm no ****ing Liam Neeson, so don't have the ability to come and kill a load of revolutionaries/terrorists if she gets kidnapped.

I've always let them make their own decisions (with input), but I can't stand aside and let this happen without getting her to explore the potential dangers of a journey like this. So, can any of you help? I'm actually being serious here, so try to keep the jokes and winding to a minimum please.

 

On 10 July, the Guatemalan President declared a “State of Public Calamity” for 30 days to enable local authorities to co-ordinate relief and reconstruction efforts after the earthquake that struck Guatemala on 7 July 2014. This measure has been extended by local authorities and is still in place. Travel disruption is likely in the worst affected areas. You should monitor the situation and follow the advice of local authorities. See Earthquakes

The rainy season in Guatemala normally runs from June to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean. See Local travel and Rainy season.

Guatemala has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. Take care in all parts of the country, including Guatemala City. You should carry personal ID when travelling (certified copies are fine). See Crime.

Guatemala has active volcanoes, some prone to heightened activity. Before climbing any of the volcanoes, you should check and follow the advice of local authorities and monitor the situation. See Volcanoes.

Avoid travelling on public buses (repainted US school buses). Private inter-city coach services are safer, but not immune from attack. See Local travel.

Large demonstrations occur throughout Guatemala, often with little or no notice. See Political situation.

There is a low threat from terrorism. See Terrorism.

35,065 British nationals visited Guatemala in 2013. Most visits are trouble free.

Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel.

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/guatemala

 

#sympathypost

(in more than just the standard way)

 

I'll let you off, but is that all the help you can provide?

 

I don't know anything about the place. All I'd say is consider the fact she may well have already looked into all this herself so ask that first

 

Why Guatemala would be my first question?

If she wants to go travelling that's fine, but finish your degree first ffs, would be my comment if it was one of mine.

You either do the 'gap year' thing before or after Uni, not in the ****ing middle.....

My daughter did the back packing thing to Morocco and then the Hong Kong, Thailand et al path they seem to like at that age. It worried me sick, but you can't stop them mate, just offer your advice.

 

They do good rum.

 

One of my main worries is that she'll never go back to uni if she does this. I don't know why he's chosen the ****ing hell-hole but I intend to find out.

 

I wanted to take a year travelling but didn't have the money to do it. Pretty much ****ed any chances of me ever doing it now

 

If you push too much you want stand a chance. Remember that kids like to do the opposite of what their parents tell them. that never changes.

 

I think you're right to worry about that, as that'd be my prime concern, get the degree in the bag and then go enjoy yourself.

Is the boyfriend a year older and finishing Uni this year?

 

No. He's a ****ing landscape gardener. I don't have an issue with him not being intellectual, but he's got nothing to lose. She has everything.

 

Ok, so you've got another angle here.

There's no reason why he can't wait a year for her to finish her studies before he goes......and if he really wanted to do what was right by her, he'd encourage her to finish her course and then go travelling.

Which if he agrees give them a year to realise that the place is a **** pit and that there's plenty more interesting places to go back packing to

Win - Win

 

A few things to consider: I don't know if your daughter already lives with her boyfriend but if she doesn't, a long time in his company, a long way from home, may make her want to get on the first plane back asap; most kids I know who took a year out travelling went on to uni as planned, the only ones who didn't were the ones doing some sort of voluntary work abroad; it may make her realise how good she has it at home, and she'll enjoy the experience but see it for what it is - a nice long escape/holiday; very often the idea of something is far better than the actual reality of it; and finally delaying going to uni by a year, possibly more, doesn't mean she wont go in the future.

 

We get plenty of German British and American students here down in Kenya who do similar stuff but end up liking the place get knocked up (always a dread locked fella) and elect to stay. So be happy as you may be getting a grandchild soon.

 

Fair point. I was already going to put him under the most pressure.

 

None of my three have wanted to do the "see the world thing". Two have got their degrees and are working and my youngest is chomping at the bit to go to Leeds to start a 4 yr Masters. I think Leeds is a dangerous crappy place, so you have my sympathy.

My nephew traveled all over and the only problems he had were in South America (mugged twice once at gunpoint and once at knifepoint) he is 6ft 4" and was a trainee centre back at Tranmere before he upped roots to travel so was very fit and could handle himself.

He was a different person when he came back, appreciated what he had a lot more. He said the main thing that struck him in many of the countries he visited was the extremes of wealth and poverty, and some countries low regard for human life.

I would suggest you take the stance of finishing the degree and getting it under her belt before she takes off as she will always have it to fall back on, even if she stays in one of the countries she visits (she may move on from Guatemala). A degree from a decent UK university carries a lot of weight abroad.

If she does go I hope she returns safely, although I know you will worry all the time she is out there, just as I would if it was one of mine.

 

I asked for no jokes or wind-ups

 

Maybe let her know that she shouldn't underestimate how quickly the knowledge from the course fades, so that it'll be much tougher to remember the stuff from the first two years once she gets back. It's also more difficult to get into the whole studying rhythm/mindset etc.

Don't know much about Guatemala itself, although my sister has been there and was fine. I also know someone there so can put you in contact if need be.

 

I found these tips on trip advisor -

Sometimes I travel alone, sometimes with one or more of my kids and/or my husband, sometimes with a group in tow. I don't feel overly paranoid but have never had a problem and would like to keep it that way.
Here are my concessions to safety when I travel in Central America:
:: I avoid the big cities as much as possible
:: I don't "party"
:: Where recommended I take specific transportation (ex: Hedman Alas in Honduras, avoid chicken buses on the mountain runs in Guatemala, take taxis after dark)
:: I know where I am and where I'm headed and make major transitions with plenty of daylight left
:: I don't wear jewelry (not even my wedding band) and try not to flash camera equipment or money around
:: Some trips I carry a “throw down wallet” with an expired card or 2 and the day’s cash in it
:: I keep important documents and cash under my clothes (except what I need for shopping, buses, etc. for that time period) and keep close watch on my things, especially in crowded places and when I’m tired
:: I ask locals about safety in an area - evenings, hiking, etc.
:: I travel really light so I don't feel vulnerable getting my bag off and on buses, shuttles, etc.
:: I continue to build skills in Spanish

1. Get a local cell phone. They are cheap and prepaid. Good for staying in touch.
2. Some people suggest registering with the embassy. I've never done that, but it may be wise to consider.
3. Make local contacts and friends when possible.
4. Be aware in crowds and market areas.