So Many Injustices, So Little Me

This weekend we spent a few days in the capital, Guatemala City. My head is spinning with the statistics of the various human rights abuses and injustices occurring in this nation. I began reading Bitter Fruit: The Story of the American Coup in Guatemala this week. We also watched When the Mountains Tremble; a documentary about the war here. Each time I learn of a new genocide backed, funded, and prolonged by the U.S. I cringe and despise Capitalism that much more. For those of you who may be unaware (which I was prior to coming here) from 1960 to 1996 there was a “civil war” in which 200,000 Guatemalans were murdered, 50,000 disappeared, 1 million displaced, and countless women raped. A vast majority of victims were Mayan indigenous.

After taking a tour through the presidential palace, which in no longer occupied, we exited into a small group of women peacefully protesting with flowers. They informed us that over the past month 31 women, including 4 children, were murdered in Guatemala. Their only crime: their gender. These women were rallying for justice against domestic violence, abuse, and exploitation of women. See photos below.

While exiting the city we also drove by slums awkwardly positioned on the side of a steep valley.

Where do I even begin?

On a lighter note, Aaron and I were able to participate in a few Mayan traditions and ride a tuk tuk to our internship. Check out the photos below.

Catedral Metropolitana built in 1815.

The biggest Guatemalan flag flying outside of the National Palace.

Peaceful protest for justice for women outside of the National Palace.

The National Palace.

Tuk Tuks!
I do not own this photo. All rights belong to the owner.

Basket carrying like a boss!

Mayan Bride!

Making tortillas.

Have a question? Please ask me in the comment section of this blog post. Thanks for reading! :)