Guatemala
Literately translated as 'Smile Camp' Campamento Sonrisas is a summer camp only for young adults born with cleft and now are completely recovered from all surgeries. Often, children that are born with cleft in Guatemala faced or are facing severe bullying on their schools because of their scars...
Ofcourse, when travelling around in Guatemala and Central America, a basic knowledge of Spanish is 'a must' to connect with local Guatemaltecos. Guatemala has several hotspots if you decide to slow down and learn some Spanish -or improve your existing knowledge.
Een HBO meeloop en/of onderzoeksstage in een regio die bruist van de toeristische ontwikkeling -maar ook haar veiligheidsissues kent?
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Guatemala, land of Maya people, mysterious traditions and amazing landscapes.
Quite a while ago ;-) I stayed in Guatemala for about six months, to do my traineeship at Inguat, the Instituto Guatemalteco de Turismo. Since then I follow this country and read and write about it.
When travelling from e.g. Europe to Guatemala, you will probably not fly on a direct flight to GUA, Guatemala City.
On your way from Tikal to the Western Highlands Semuc Champey ("Where the river hides under the stones") is a must-stop for some hours. Semuc Champey is a natural monument near Maya town of Lanquín.
Rigoberta Menchú is een Guatemalteekse mensenrechtenactiviste. Ze is als Maya actief als voorvechtster voor de rechten van inheemse Guatemalteekse groepen.
Guatemala really is a souvenir-walhalla if you like handmade "artesanías", textile, ceramics, blankets and traditional techniques.
My personal favorites:
