Guatemala, Nebaj, Wal-mart

Here I am with my Guatemalan ladies the , the 2 on my left are twins (gemelos) both 3 (Sophia and Erica), on my right is 5 year old leader of the pack (Bertha).

I lived with this family for 3 weeks while studying Spanish - it was rather disjunct as a result of a arriving on New Years day, which is HUGE in Guatemala. I wouldn't be surprised if they were still shooting off fireworks. One of the professors died when I was there as well which was very sad - so though my language study was interrupted I was able to feel very close to this group of professors in their time of sorrow.

The school is truly amazing. It is located in Quetzaltenango, commonly referred to as
Xela. (Shay-la).
Check it out at
http://www.xelapages.com/plqe/index.htm

These little tikes are found in Nebaj, Guatemala - a town in the far north of Guat. It was hit the hardest under the scoundrel Rios Montt in the early '80's during the civil war.

If that sounds removed from you, I'll bring it a little closer...

Montts daughter just married our Illinois Congressman who has had an incredible amount of influence in Latin America - though the wedding has limited that.


Below is a small news bit - google this though, it is rather interesting. Especially since her father is on trial for genocide.

Illinois Rep. weds ex-dictator's daughter

- - - - - - - - - - - -
Sergio De Leon

Nov. 20, 2004 | ANTIGUA, Guatemala (AP) -- They met during a trade mission, and despite controversy over their engagement, U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller of Illinois and the outspoken daughter of former Guatemalan dictator Efrain Rios Montt tied the knot Saturday in a civil ceremony.

About 300 people -- including Rios Montt -- attended the wedding of the Republican congressman from central Illinois and Zury Rios Sosa, a 36-year-old Guatemalan senator. Security was tight as the two exchanged wedding vows at a mansion belonging to the former dictator.

U.S. Ambassador to Guatemala John Hamilton also attended.
___________________________________________________________________

Wal-mart just can't get enough.
They just bought all the super market chains in Guatemala.

They also have the big super stores there. Step inside and you will completely forget you are in Guat.

It is strange and sad.

Wal-mart, guatemala...Wal-mart, world.

Wal-mart world...its got a ring to it.