OT. Guatemala

He only got pulled on one point, I wasn't happy with his calling us "pussies" either.

 

But she's not going to North London is she?

 

No. She went there with me last Summer. We were shot, stabbed, mugged, raped and fleeced by the price of drink. Terrible ****ing place. Give me Guatemala any day of the week. Guatemala City is only the 6th most dangerous city on the planet, but they're pussies compared to those North London animals

 

Can't possibly be true - ask afcftw - he's an expert on the area ......allegedly.

 

Did you find out exactly why the boyfriend wanted to go there?

 

Do keep up old chap - he's got a mate there working in a hotel and he's planning on doing the same

 

Guatemala is still a developing nation, a young democracy with a turbulent and bloody history that’s beset by deep-rooted inequalities. And yet, despite alarming levels of poverty and unemployment, most Guatemalans are extraordinarily courteous and helpful to travellers, and only too eager to help you catch the right bus or practise your Spanish.

It’s this genuine and profound hospitality combined with the country’s outstanding cultural legacy and astonishing natural beauty that makes Guatemala such a compelling place for travellers.

Read more: http://www.roughguides.com/destinations/central-america-and-the-caribbean/guatemala


Despite stories of high crime rates and volatile politics, most visitors encounter nothing but warmth and hospitality from its people, as well as epic landscapes that make them wonder why they didn’t visit sooner.

Worltravelguide.net

Just a couple of paragraphs from a couple of the big sites for information for travellers. I've taken the paragraphs out of long descriptions which are all positive, I've cherry picked the bits that mention crime. They have further advice available of course.

There are also several travel forums that can be found with a quick google search with people giving advice on travel to Guatemala and recommendations of where to visit. Within about five minutes of looking I've seen a solo female traveller suggesting it as a destination. (This doesn't qualify it as safe to travel for solo women, I'm just pointing out that others have had good experiences of travelling to the country).

It is a dangerous country. There is no doubt about that, but that doesn't mean people can't travel there and enjoy themselves while being cautious, safe and sensible at the same time. Like I said earlier it wouldn't be top of my list of countries to visit and in fact it's probably pretty low down the list! But I wouldn't discount it based on it's crime without first looking into the country and other travellers experiences.

Travel warnings tend to be overly cautious. That's not to say you shouldn't take note of the things being said, you need to be aware of the countries your visiting, the political landscape, the laws, what sort of crime to look out for etc... But it's worth doing deeper research rather than be put off at first glance. It does of course depend what kind of person you are and what sort of environments you feel comfortable in as to whether this sort of destination is for you, or what sort of things you do in these destinations.

 

I vaguely remember that from earlier on, but still didn't see the attraction. I thought there might be something more.
I've got friends who do all sorts of jobs in all sorts of places- doesn't make me want to emulate them.

 

Indeed it would seem the slightest assumption or comment can set you off like a pack of rabid dogs!

 

Do you perchance work for the Guatemalan Tourist Board?

 

I'm from South East London, what was being said about assumptions?

 

Really, guys- what's the point of these detailed investigations into the state of Guatemala? Some think it's a bad idea to go there, some think it's worth the risk.
Does anybody seriously expect to "win" such an argument?
Give it a rest.

 

Agreed - but when you were 24 would that have been different?

afc - try looking at it from a concerned father's point of view

 

Drama queen

 

I understand that, I'm sure the thought of your child going off to some far off country that you've heard bad things about is a difficult thing to think about. Just thought I'd chime in with an opinion of someone closer in age to his daughter who has done quite a bit of travelling so understands some of the motivations and thought processes that go into it. Plus I have friends and family of a similar age who are currently out in Central and South America travelling. I appreciate it's a different perception of the situation to the one RHC would be experiencing

 

I wouldn't travel around most of Central and Southern America, and I'm no ****ing pussy!

It's lawless in parts and extremely intimidating once away from the tourist trails.

Our Arsenal friend here is obviously young and has a somewhat gung ho attitude to travel, which in some ways is admirable but in others is plain dangerous. Without local support I wouldn't even think about it.

 

You're 20?

Danilo already nailed it with his advice - I'd stick to chips if I were you, you seem to know a lot about them ..........

 

I'm mid twenties so that may have a baring on my attitude to travel. I've done a lot of travelling and to some countries others would consider dangerous and most of my friends and family also do a lot of travelling so I suppose I feel more comfortable than some others might. But people of my age group and younger tend to do a lot of travelling these days, it's a lot cheaper with far better resources and information than it would have been 20+ years ago.

I've also worked for an airline which allowed me to travel to countries I normally wouldn't have which has probably influenced my views.

As for south and Central America I'd do plenty of research beforehand but I'd feel fine travelling round the continent.

 

Closer in age than her dad doesn't make me the same age as her... I'm in my mid twenties

 

My final point to you is this, as raised by my mate who's reported on football in Central and South America.
"She walked into the bar and Paula said 'there's Cuth's daughter'. All of us commented on what a very beautiful young woman she's become. She's be a primary target in a ****hole like that".

Apart from that and VERY importantly, I didn't want her ****ing her degree up on a whim with a loser.