These facts are strictly based on our observations and experiences. We are not implying that these facts apply to all Canadians or all Guatemalans. The following list is what we found to be the differences between Canada and Guatemala. We have purposed to enjoy the difficulties as well as the simplicity of our days in Guatemala.
Canada
has hot water
houses made from wood
homes have heat
electric panels are adequate
power in homes is constant
elec. panels located safely
has many closets
internet is very fast
they flush toilet paper
have water most of the time
garbage goes to landfill
recycling is practiced
catalytic converters a must
most dogs are inside pets
streets are in good condition
streets are paved
speed bumps in parking lots
use of horns is moderate
fireworks are for Canada day and illegal to buy
buses are reserved for people only
the amount of people in a car is limited by the amount of seat belts
hanging out of moving vehicles is dangerous and illegal
you must stop at all stop signs
lumber is dried, shipped and stored at stores or lumber yards
gasoline is sold in liters
Currency is in dollars
kids are not able to work until they are on average 14-15
16 yrs old to get your begin drivers license
meat, milk, mayo, eggs and much more are refrigerated
you can not buy goat heads at the local market
walking down the street with knives is illegal
guns are illegal
security guards have flashlights
don't mix water and electricity
elevation in Vancouver and Windsor 0'above sea level
the only thing you put on your head is a hat
Guatemala
very few homes have hot water (electric shower heads are optional)
houses made from block and concrete
homes do not have heat (frost in Dec,January)
electrical power is not sufficient(lights flicker)
lose power frequently
electrical panels are located in showers
our house has no closets
internet is not fast
toilet paper goes in trash can
frequently have no water
not uncommon to burn garbage and recycling
they don't even know the word recycling
nope....man I see a lot of black smoke
most dogs roam the streets and are treated bad
u can get lost in some of the holes in the roads
some roads are paved and some are dirt
speed bumps are in the middle of the road for no reason and are huge
horns are a constant background noise all day
Fireworks are used for any reason and can be bought at corner store
buses included people, iguanas, chickens, dogs, etc
the amount of people in a car is only limited by imagination
people hang on the outside of vehicle when no room inside (bumpers,roof, etc)
stopping at stop signs is rare
lumber is custom cut from trees while you wait and is not dried
gasoline is sold in gallons
Currency is in Quetzales
kids as young as 6 yrs old are working in the fields or on the streets selling stuff
18 yrs old for drivers license but 12 yr olds drive school buses often....for real
markets do not refrigerate meat, milk, mayo, eggs and a lot more
you can buy any animal head at the market
a lot of people carry swords (machetes) every where they go
guns are not illegal
security guards carry big rifles and shot guns all the time
you must wire in your shower head which has water constantly running out of it
elevation where we are 8800' above sea level
people carry everything on their head like groceries, tables, big bags of stuff etc.
We hope this puts a smile on your face and provides a snapshot of the world around you. The people here are amazing, so loving and we can't imagine being anywhere else other then Latin America.
Thank you so much,
the virags
WIA
151-10090 152nd st
suite 314
Surrey, BC, Canada
V3R 8X8
If you are donating and would like a tax receipt make the cheques out to WIA. Do not put our names on the cheque, simply drop in a quick note allocating the funds to the Virag family.
I envy your fortitude to be called to the need. since the need is the call.
ReplyDeleteThinking of you all as it gets closer to Christmas .God bless you all and the work you are accomplishing every day .YOU ARE ALL IN MY PRAYERS EVERY NIGHT .
ReplyDeleteLove Barbara
thanks Greg. You are a great friend. Thank you for your prayers Barbara and we miss the tea time with you.
ReplyDeletethe virags
hi, every one .Shawn Chantelle emma, Addison and Carsten,
ReplyDeleteI have been praying for you all regularly.Hope all is well as Christmas approaches .
What will Christmas be like in Guatamarla?
All is well here.
love Barbara
hey barbara. thanks for the prayers and support. We can't believe that Christmas is almost here. We hear that Christmas begins on Dec 24th at midnight. Lots of fireworks and huge parties. It seems like they really like the Christmas holiday. We will probably do a very small Christmas this year with only us. Not sure what we are doing about presents yet, its not the same for presents around here. We will stay in touch for sure and thanks again for your kind words.
ReplyDeletethe virags