Guatemala is a small country geographically, but really packs a punch. Diverse landscapes, from volcanoes and lakes to coastlines and jungles, mark it as an outdoor paradise, while historical wonders of the Mayan and Spanish colonial periods will astound those who prefer slightly tamer activities. But what do you need to know to plan a…
For so many Americans, Guatemala isn't a place per se. Rather, it is synonymous with drugs, violence, and illegal immigration, since that is what we see in the news. As a first-time visitor to the northernmost of the "northern triangle" countries - or as Fox News put it, three Mexican countries - I was curious…
Antigua Guatemala, literally meaning Old Guatemala, sits about an hour outside of the bustling capital of Guatemala City. It is, for many tourists, the first and most mandatory stop on a trip to this Central American nation, and it was for me. Easily walkable (distance-wise, as the cobblestone streets and sidewalks seem to yearn to…
There is still plenty more Guatemala content on the way - don't worry - but I am changing locations shortly and it's time to lay out the itinerary for the second half of my Central America journey: Nicaragua. Before you start, yes, I am aware that there have been violent crackdowns of anti-government protests over…
It is hot. Very hot, sitting at an even 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The air is steamy, the humidity approaching 85% and seeping through me. I stand in the shade of a tree, drinking water and sweating it out just as fast, staring at Temple 1, a large pyramid at one side of Tikal's grand plaza.…
Arriving in a new country (or even a new city) can be a complete culture shock. It is incredible how seemingly insignificant differences can be truly mind-blowing. New plant life, different architectural styles, or a change in climate or topography are common differences to notice. Sometimes, though, the first thing to truly stand out is…
I can't believe that this trip is upon me. I've wanted to visit Guatemala since my first exposure to Mayan culture in Belize about fifteen years ago. On that trip, I journeyed to Altun Ha, a small Mayan trading city. It was impressive, and I learned of the existence of the grandest Mayan city of…
Solvang looks like any other Danish village. Wildflowers line streets filled with buildings looking like they are straight out of a Hans Christian Anderson fairy tale. Heck, there is even a statue of Anderson in the local park! Bakeries are everywhere, serving danishes and butter cookies. The sun is shining, and the nearby Mission Santa…
After an incredible three months in France and a month back stateside, it is time for me to head back out of the country. The destination? Central America! I've designated this Central America Part One since I will be returning to a couple more countries later in the year. It wasn't intentional to visit Central…
What makes a neighborhood evolve? Is that evolution good or bad - or can it be both? These are the questions in my head as I stroll the streets of Over-the-Rhine, an iconic urban neighborhood just north of downtown Cincinnati. OTR, as it is known to locals, is an area in flux, an historically working-class…