Elevation, Bugs, Metric and more

ELEVATION!!!
I used to live at 5000 ft with no difficulty. Is it my age or for the fact that I lived at sea level for so long that I have had more difficulty than usual at close to 8000 ft? Age could be a factor here of course and the fact that prior to arriving here in Guatemala I had a bug of some sort.
  


BUGS!!!
There are bugs here. I am not speaking of the kind that crawl or fly about and become a menace. Yes Guatemala has those as well, but they are mostly on the two coastal or more tropical areas. What I am talking about the kind that invade your very being. The kind that make you ill. You can decide to get all manner of shots prior to coming here, the very fact is that you will have to get your body, your immune system, adjusted to the bugs that live here. 

There was a big decision I had to make last year before my trip to Guatemala on whether I should get the HEP A/B shots. There are arguments both sides,. The one thing that is for certain is that the drug company that makes the drug is very keen on you getting it. The drugs are expensive. This little nasty beastly bugs are famous and have a fantastic marketing program that has one believing that laying on the sand in any tropical country will have you contract the condition. The very simple fact is that you can contract this condition at home.
  


The PHARMACIA!!!
Get sick, get ill, get hurt and need meds??? Solution. Here in Guatemala just go to the Pharmacia and tell them what you need and your meds will be given to with a payment. The danger is of course not knowing what you need. The second danger and bigger danger is not being able to tell them what you need. If you already have a prescription of your drug of choice and need it refilled then that is usually no problem at all. The one thing for certain whatever you get at the Pharmacia will be a lot cheaper than what you are used to paying at home. 
  


KEEPING WARM!!!
While it does get cold here (where I am) in Xela, Guatemala there is no snow. The temperature is temperate at 2330 metres. During November to early February it can get into the low single digits Celsius with signs of frost, but NO SNOW. 

Cold is many things to many people. Here in Guatemala at this elevation cold is felt as a dry cold. Most houses and hotels and hostels do not have any form or source of heat.The windows are single pain so no insulation value there. What the places here do have for that source of warmth at night is wonderfully warm woollen blankets and lots of them. 

What you need to bring if you are going to be here in Guatemala during the colder dry season is warmer clothes. Two items that I was advised to bring and did, was a pair of light gloves and a toque. 
 This was great advice which I followed last year and yes now on this trip as well. A sleeping bag liner sheet can also give you some added comfort. This year I brought along what is termed a tropical sleeping bag. The bag has a sheet on one side and minimal loft insulation on the other side. Depending on the value of warmth needed you decide which side is on the up side, the sheet or the loft.  The difference here in Xela, Guatemala is that while is it on the coolish (brrr) side at night, during the day it will be in the low twenties (C) so really warm.



METRIC MEASUREMENT!!!
All temperatures written here are in Celsius. Most of the world including Guatemala uses the Celsius scale of temperature measurement. Distances are in the metric system here as is measurement of volume and sizes.

So if you are from the USA, which does not use the metric system, get a good conversion table or or device or better still just adapt to the way it is here. 

The MAYA civilization, a people well ahead of their time used a very accurate form of measurement, the decimal or metric system. The Maya were able with closely and with great accuracy chart the stars and constellations, develop both a short count (still used today) and long count calender. Remember according to the Maya calender the world will end in 2012. Or is that the long count calander will end and ready to start again?

The Maya also invented the wheel, but discarded it as useless except for toys for children.



DANGER!!!
I an still astounded by people that think that Guatemala is the most dangerous place to travel to or live in. Yes there is danger. Yes there are killings. Yes there is violence. Yes there is corruption. But all this happens in every country in the world.

Your country is dangerous. Your country has murders. Your country is violent. Your country is corrupt.



GUN CONTROL!!!
Yes Guatemala has a gun and registry law. Purchasing a gun here in Guatemala is relativity easy even for a tourist. You can purchase a gun and carry a concealed gun here in Guatemala. The gun just needs to be registered. You will have to undergo a criminal record check to get a gun. You CANNOT carry a gun in plain sight. You CANNOT own or use any form of military gun or ammunition that is armour piercing. Ammunition for guns has a restriction on the amount of ammunition you can purchase for that particular gun. 



GUARDS!!!
There are more armed guards than there are police officers. There are more guns in the hands of private people than the police forces have. Am I speaking about the USA or Guatemala? The fact is the situation is the same in both countries so I am speaking about both countries. 



SPANISH!!!
Spanish is the official language of Guatemala. Saying that the Maya people have a language collection of their own. There are approximately 23 different Maya languages used in Guatemala. Each is specific to a different areas. There are also a spattering of other world languages spoken here by tourists and travellers. 

Spanish and the relevance of the language is important here in Guatemala. Yes you can get by with a few Spanish phrases and words. Yes you can adapt parts of Spanish and mix that with something termed Spanglish. What you will miss by doing this is an amazing culture and people of Guatemala. 

If you want to get by on just English or just a little bit of Spanish, then go to either Belize or Costa Rica. The latter, Costa Rica is now over run with English speaking expats. What happens to a country when that happens is that so much of the value of the country is lost in the process.  What also happens is that the cost of living goes up and housing becomes so expensive that only the expats can afford to live in some places there. What also happens is that crime increases.

Speaking only some Spanish here in Guatemala  mans that you miss out on so much. Yes I am still struggling.



ADJUSTING!!!
It takes time to adjust to many things here in Guatemala. You will need time to adjust to the Elevation, the Bugs, the Climate, the Metric system (for some), the chatter about Danger, the need for a Gun, the observance of armed Guards everywhere and yes learning Spanish.

Adjusting is also about slowing down. 

Adjusting is about not rushing off to do everything right away. Adjusting is all about about getting into that "lets do it tomorrow" attitude, about not planning for everything. 



GUATEMALA
Remember you cannot see Guatemala or experience what Guatemala is in few days or weeks. 

If you are planning a trip here to Guatemala and only have a couple of weeks to do that in, it is important to keep in mind that Guatemala is just so special a place that just two weeks will not do it justice. 

Do some research, choose a few locations within Guatemala (or let me help you there) and yes please come here and experience what this amazing country has to offer. 

What you really have to do when you come to Guatemala is just chill out, learn to smile a lot and yes relax and have fun. Most importantly though please learn to adopt the feeling of  if we cannot do it today.... "lets do it tomorrow."

Guatemala!!! 

"land of Eternal Spring" 

I love it here.

Retire in Guatemala....IT JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT BETTER

GUATEMALA 

The LAND OF ETERNAL SPRING

Just imagine retiring in a country with no winter. 
Guatemala has two season, that dry one and that wet one.
It has several geographical zones from the temperate Highlands to the tropical coasts

Retire in Guatemala??

Well NOW You Can!!!!

Why not..

 NOW... It is so possible 
And at 
Less than half the price or either 
Costa Rica or Belize

Now is the best time to be here. If you are thinking of retirement..... well yes why not RETIRE right here in GUATEMALA.

The recession has actually lowered real estate and rental prices.

A downside in any economy is never good news
but for you a retiree, it will mean 

Incredible savings,

Incredible opportunities

An incredible chance to retire in a lifestyle you have always wanted. Check out Expats exchange  http://www.expatexchange.com .

People always shy away from Guatemala. People always think that Guatemala is a dangerous and unstable country to be in, let alone retire in. People listen to gossip. Gossip that usually comes from someone that has never been to Guatemala. I am here and know and see this gossip and am appalled when I read this nonsense.

Did you know that there is more violence in the city of 
Los Angeles than in all Mexico and Guatemala put together. 

Yet no one ever says.... do NOT go to Los Angeles. 

WHY?? 

Why, because people listen to the wrong people. It is just easier to do that... and sometimes people feel they believe in what they think is the truth.

I have been in Guatemala now on five extended trips and I can guarantee you that it is as safe, if not safer than most places in the world.

Most of my true friends are Guatemalan. 
My connections are with the Guatemalan people. 
That is what makes this opportunity that I can offer you so rewarding for you. 

It is important who you know in any country. 
It is important that you have a reputable person who will work with you to show you the opportunities.

I have the contacts, the legal people the resources to make this work for you.

So please set aside all those rumors and all that wrong information.  

The time is right. 

The opportunity is right

Together 

we

can make this 

work for you.

Retirement 

in 

Guatemala

never got so easy

You may never get another chance 

FRIENDSHIPS

Friendships.

Last year I went tio Guatemala to learn a language and instead learned about myself. The experience changed me and for the better.

I met many people on my travels. There is though one singular subject that I found to be confusing. This came from travellers that I met that where seeking "expats." Expats to me are people that are living in a country and from somewhere else. Expats speak English mostly.  Expats for me would be either Canadian or people from the states.

When I look back at that time wonderful  in Guatemala and ask myself who are my friends there, the word "Expats" doesn't enter the equation. All my friends in Guatemala are Guatemalan.

Why would I purposely seek out groups of people and friendships that are Canadian or from the states? The pleasure and the joy of experiencing Guatemala is advancing my knowledge and my understanding of the Guatemalan culture and the people. Associating myself only and primarily with people from Canada or the USA, cancels out that experience.  

Mi amigos son gente Guatemala

"STARING AT WALLS"

I was reminded recently of how many people when they retire just sit somewhere and "stare at walls."
Fine I guess, if you like just turning off who you are. But not fine for so many people that have so much in them to share with others.

Sharing something you have, something you know, something you delight in and allowing someone else to gain from that sharing is nothing short of magic.

Hola, mi nombre es Gavino...(hello my name is Gavin).
I am offering anyone that opportunity to share with others what you know and understand. With a group of professional Guatemalans we are going to build homes for people that cannot afford homes. Yes, there are many well known names out there building homes. The catch is that a candidate for that opportunity first has to have land. Their land of course becomes the equity for that arranged loan.

What happens to those with no land? Who will help them?

We want to. Will you help us to help them?

There are many plans to generate that cash flow needed.
An alignment with a recognized Spanish language school is one, where participants would learn espanol part of the day and the rest they would (physically) build homes.


Another is me being a retirement consultant for people that wish to retire in the land of eternal spring. Here I would offer my knowledge and connections for people to see the advantages of retirement in Guatemala. Believe me when I say that a couple can retire in a great and comfortable lifestyle for less than a thousand dollars (CAD) a month.

Another is your idea...

Or would prefer to stare at walls?

Take a look at my blog for contact info and more information. There are NO WALLS there.
 http://www.heartquest-guatemala.blogspot.com

Gracias,
Gavino

Guatemala, Please Help the People..

It was a reminder, something I felt.  I was laying in my warm comfy bed and the rain was tapping its dance on the tin roof above. There was something in the shadows, a stir from my memories.

Pasaje Enriquez is a long high arcade passage with wrought iron facades at either end. It is situated on the west side of Parque Centroamerica in Xela Guatemala. Originally designed and constructed in 1898 for high end shops it's high partly glassed covered roof, with restaurants and bars is the hang out for university and the tourists crowds.

Now it was raining memories.

Puddles in the mall had grown to impassible lakes of wetness. Dripping rain everywhere as it collected below, from far above where the towering glass met the rusting metal roof above. The party crowd were there, it was loud and happy.

At one end in the shadows I felt a stir. People, children, a family huddled in some shadows. Huddled for dryness, for quiet, for safety in the dark marauding night with its ever wetness. Huddled on the cold dark concrete.

Building homes for people, is a purpose I cannot put down. While there are many organizations doing this, helping, there is that catch that money is possible to help them, if they have land.

What then happens to the people with no land?

What happens to the family huddled in the doorways and the shadows .

Who will help them?

I want to.

I want to build these people homes.

Give them new hope, away from the shadows and the fears of survival.

Help me to Help the People.

ANGELS WANTED

I am looking for people that are Angels

I ask "Angels Wanted".. and people always ask me what do I mean? As in  what is an angel?

It is a fair question and yes one that deserves a fair answer.

An Angel is a person that wishes to be involved in assisting a project. This could be anything from donating funds, to providing marketing assistance, to promotions, to book keeping, to arranging trips, to just talking to everyone they know about a certain project.

An Angel is someone that gives their time and talent and energies to better the lives of someone else.  Angels asks for nothing in return. Angels understands the true meaning of love. 

Angels give love without conditions.

When I was in Guatemala last year I met several people all with similar if not the same passion I have and that is to give back. To provide for instance housing for people that cannot afford housing. While there are several groups doing that in Guatemala, what I/we want to accomplish is a little different.

 

Some well known organizations provide housing opportunities, but it is not for free. Someone pays that mortgage, or someone is responsible for that bank loan, someone provides that labour. Some organizations will only deal with people that have titled land. 

What about those that have no land holdings?

Who will care for them?

Who will love them enough to provide a home for them?

 Angels Wanted

I went to Guatemala 

to learn a language. 
What happened instead 
is that I found

my heart.

The experience

of being in Guatemala 

changed me

&

for the better 

Angels Wanted

Angels wanted... Yes I am looking for people, very special people. They are Angels, people who have a need to give back, to help in some way. 

Guatemala a hidden gem in Central America is the poorest country next to Haiti in the region. As in any developing country, there is no plan for any future as the struggle just to survive is a survival for a now. Survival is that basic need.   

Angels wanted

Many people do not have a home, or if they do it is not a safe one. Safe in a country that sits on eight fault lines.

 The plan I have will enable safe housing for those that cannot afford housing.

There are many groups that do this in Guatemala.They build cheaply constructed houses out of cinder block just like they built houses in Haiti.

Angels Wanted

I want to find Angels to help me build SAFE housing.

While in Guatemala I was blessed with meeting several professional people that all share my same vision. I call these people Angels.

Help us Help the People

Angels Wanted

We are presently in the planning stages setting into place an NGO that will handle this seemingly immense project. Land is being sought out in areas where housing need is critical. Support is always ongoing. 

Under this umbrella of hope and with your support, the realization of this project will go from a dream to help, to the warmth and comfort of love that a home can supply.

Angels wanted.. please help.

gavjonessm@gmail.com

GUATEMALA RETIREMENT

Retirement?

Escape the rat race?

The economy?

Just traveling?

Want to have a different experience?

If you are considering an alternative living arrangement, that early retirement or just plain want to get away from it all.... please read on.

Guatemala land of eternal spring is truly a hidden gem in Central America that could be perfect for you. 

 Hola, mi nombre es Gavin

 (Hello my name is Gavin)

  En Guatemala se me conoce como Gavino

 (In Guatemala I am known as Gavino)  

I am here to help you....
and while a lot of other people might say that to you, I am actually in Guatemala. 

I have all the right stuff and the right contacts that will allow you to retire and/or live in a style of comfort that you will easily become accustom to. 

Everyone has their different lifestyle and needs... and while that determines your costs and budgets is is possible to live a decent, relaxing life on a lot less than most people are accustomed to...

  As a couple

Just imagine living on less than

$1200.00 per month

As a single person

Imagine living on less than

$600.00 per month

Just imagine that.

Being able to live a comfortable lifestyle on less than $1200 per month (for a couple). 


This amount would cover all your living costs in a furnished complex with everything you need in it, including TV and High Speed Internet. 


Most gated complexes come with maid services and 24 hour security. 

Now that $1200 a month for two people would include all housing, food and your basic transportation. 


I know that it all sounds so unbelievable. 

The fact is it is not!!

It is an actuality!!

The fact is that a lot of people are able to live on a lot less and still enjoy a great lifestyle.

I am here to assist you

To show you how 
  

I am here to show you the options and the choices available that will enhance your living experience at incredible inexpensive costs.

What I have to offer you is invaluable information and those special contacts and a knowledge of a lifestyle that could be yours.

I am not a tour guide...but can put you in contact with the best Guatemalan tour people. 

I am not a real estate person...  but again can introduce you to people like this. 

I am not a rental agent... and nor do I benefit from your choices of living. 

********

When I first arrived in Guatemala it was to learn a language. I had no intention of staying in Guatemala or in calling it my home. I actually had no idea where Guatemala was...

When I am away I miss it... 


The experience of being in Guatemala changed me, changed me for the better...


The experience allowed me to see and understand what is really important in life...

******** 

I am a 

Retirement Consultant

I am here to assist you

to show you options

You make all the decisions not me... I will just guide you...

You make up your own list of places you would like to visit and whatever else you want to see and experience on your trip into Guatemala... 


I will make all the arrangements for you ...
Including... 

meeting you at the airport 

arranging your comfortable transportation 

advising you

and

look after your needs 

to make it so easy for you 

Imagine living in a tropical paradise, the sounds of the ocean lapping on the shores. 

Guatemala has two coastlines.

The smaller Atlantic with its lazy sun drenched lifestyle. 

The Pacific with long black sand beaches and waves that attract that surfing set. 

Perhaps you would prefer the peaceful tranquility of Lago Atitlan rimmed with cone shaped mountains and quaint Maya villages. 

Then there are the rolling hills and mountains of the western Highlands. So many options.

Whatever you want, I can assist you with the right choices, the right options for you.

I have such wonderful contacts and people that I trust. 

Professional people all available for your benefit. 

Moving to paradise should be non-stressful. 

I am here to help you and to allow any transition you need, to be an easy one.

Living in paradise should be inexpensive.... or cheap...

Paradise 

for less than a

 $1200 per month 

per couple

Paradise

for less than

$600 

 single person

Allow me to show you 
a better way.. 

join me...

Here in Guatemala

Time to stop thing.... time for action and the rest will just fall into place...