stephen baruday
@scifisteve59
American looking for information about Guatemala
Forum posts
24
About me
American
Lives in Tampa
Speaks english
Registration: 19 March 2013
2013 Trip to Lake Atitlan by HippieMama
When I first joined this site, I was planning on visiting Guatemala for the first time in January 2013. Our plans have changed somewhat, but I am glad to say that we are still planning to go to Guatemala for the first time in 2013...just a little ...
Hey, TheDQ! Did not know you were going a mini convoy! There is safety in numbers. Just a little heads up you may already be aware of. The guards on the Mexican border can be real trouble as they like giving Americans a bad time. Since you might ... Read More
2013 Trip to Lake Atitlan by HippieMama
When I first joined this site, I was planning on visiting Guatemala for the first time in January 2013. Our plans have changed somewhat, but I am glad to say that we are still planning to go to Guatemala for the first time in 2013...just a little ...
Oops, I may have been referring to another post.My bad! Nobodies perfect, but I do recall someone mentioning that traveling in peek traffic hours could result in "stopped traffic" which is perfect for thieves on motorbikes.Also someone mentioned ... Read More
2013 Trip to Lake Atitlan by HippieMama
When I first joined this site, I was planning on visiting Guatemala for the first time in January 2013. Our plans have changed somewhat, but I am glad to say that we are still planning to go to Guatemala for the first time in 2013...just a little ...
Thanks paddyroyal for adding those refinements. I'm glad you were listening, especially since I did not relay your information to me exactly as you said it. Didn't really know about the "Chicken Buses"! Are the private one's safer against robbers? ... Read More
2013 Trip to Lake Atitlan by HippieMama
When I first joined this site, I was planning on visiting Guatemala for the first time in January 2013. Our plans have changed somewhat, but I am glad to say that we are still planning to go to Guatemala for the first time in 2013...just a little ...
Yikes! So far my information points to spending a day or two in Antigua. I believe you can take an airport shuttle to there, rest up and then head to the lake. It's a long trip to the lake and you will need a breather before taking that long trip. ... Read More
Checkpoints and safety by Guategringo
I found in my time here in Guatemala that checkpoints are a good thing, as long as you are not hiding anything!!!:cool: There have been a rash of robberies by people on motorcycles in Guatemala City. They find stop lights that have long, long lines ...
Again, great input. It's hard to imagine worse crime in the capital as in the surrounding areas! I would have thought the local police would have more control in densely populated areas, and more resources! Steve Read More
5 good reasons for living in Guatemala by Julien
Hi, if someone asks you the best reasons for making the choice to live and stay in Guatemala, what would be your top 5? Thanks in advance for participating, Julien
I am asking all the questions right now. I do not live there yet and have not even visited yet! So for me, I am asking all the questions as to---what are the pros and cons to living there--this does in fact fall under the heading "What are the best ... Read More
Checkpoints and safety by Guategringo
I found in my time here in Guatemala that checkpoints are a good thing, as long as you are not hiding anything!!!:cool: There have been a rash of robberies by people on motorcycles in Guatemala City. They find stop lights that have long, long lines ...
Thanks, Guategringo. I'll take note of that shuttle service. P.S. TheDQ ! I appreciate that sense of humor! I am a nut myself, but I do have a "well Hidden" mean streak. I prefer to be fun loving and playful, but I don't put up with bullies--never ... Read More
Checkpoints and safety by Guategringo
I found in my time here in Guatemala that checkpoints are a good thing, as long as you are not hiding anything!!!:cool: There have been a rash of robberies by people on motorcycles in Guatemala City. They find stop lights that have long, long lines ...
That makes a lot more sense. You had me worried for a minute. Read More
Checkpoints and safety by Guategringo
I found in my time here in Guatemala that checkpoints are a good thing, as long as you are not hiding anything!!!:cool: There have been a rash of robberies by people on motorcycles in Guatemala City. They find stop lights that have long, long lines ...
Good heads up. Like I said, you have to be aware of the areas you are living in. You have first hand knowledge, I do not. It is always a good rule to not play or act "the Victim" in any scenario. Single women in cars are an obvious target and I ... Read More
5 good reasons for living in Guatemala by Julien
Hi, if someone asks you the best reasons for making the choice to live and stay in Guatemala, what would be your top 5? Thanks in advance for participating, Julien
Scifisteve55 from Tampa, I scrolled, seams pretty good, so long as you don't forget where you are! I will be down there in late October, will spend a few days in Antigua, and then head for the lake! I will be down there for a little over a month. ... Read More
Checkpoints and safety by Guategringo
I found in my time here in Guatemala that checkpoints are a good thing, as long as you are not hiding anything!!!:cool: There have been a rash of robberies by people on motorcycles in Guatemala City. They find stop lights that have long, long lines ...
I personally don't like thieves! I live in a bad part of town in Tampa and I have visited Columbia, in Parada. I usually see trouble before most, but I would not give in--as my first choice! Every situation is different and requires a smart mind ... Read More
5 good reasons for living in Guatemala by Julien
Hi, if someone asks you the best reasons for making the choice to live and stay in Guatemala, what would be your top 5? Thanks in advance for participating, Julien
I'm scifisteve55, I am surprised a little that someone else has part of my "Call Sign"! Anyway, yes, I would like to hear the five good reasons to move there. I have a friend that has just been down there and that is why I am going to check it out. ... Read More
Checkpoints and safety by Guategringo
I found in my time here in Guatemala that checkpoints are a good thing, as long as you are not hiding anything!!!:cool: There have been a rash of robberies by people on motorcycles in Guatemala City. They find stop lights that have long, long lines ...
That's good advice to anyone and a nice "heads up"! Every culture has its problems, but you do need to know the "Local" common sense procedures to avoid being robbed or worse. I will be down that way in late October, so all of this is good to ... Read More
5 good reasons for living in Guatemala by Julien
Hi, if someone asks you the best reasons for making the choice to live and stay in Guatemala, what would be your top 5? Thanks in advance for participating, Julien
very interesting. I had not thought about checkpoints. Hope there will be no "Fake" checkpoints where you might get robbed--or worse. I guess I watch too many movies--but it is possible. Read More
Just how dangerous is Guate nowadays? by BasiaAlm
I have to go to Belize for 6 months to a year and during summer I would like to visit Guate, especially highlands, as it is cooler. Found a lovely house on Lake Atitlan to rent for 2-3 months, but how about getting there? I heard the maras target ...
Thanks for the information. I will be visiting there towards the end of October for about a month. Your information seems very straight forward and pretty easy to follow. It's just getting into a whole different environment which is always a ... Read More
Just how dangerous is Guate nowadays? by BasiaAlm
I have to go to Belize for 6 months to a year and during summer I would like to visit Guate, especially highlands, as it is cooler. Found a lovely house on Lake Atitlan to rent for 2-3 months, but how about getting there? I heard the maras target ...
That's promising! What area are you living? When I pulled up all the stats on Guate I was shocked about all the negatives! You know, bad weather, earthquakes, volcano eruptions, civil unrest, gang problems, transportation problems and issues-- the ... Read More
Just how dangerous is Guate nowadays? by BasiaAlm
I have to go to Belize for 6 months to a year and during summer I would like to visit Guate, especially highlands, as it is cooler. Found a lovely house on Lake Atitlan to rent for 2-3 months, but how about getting there? I heard the maras target ...
How hard is it to find a part-time job there? I know computers pretty well, photography, video and editing. I also do some graphic art and will expand into any area that has an opening. I am looking at possible retirement, at least part-time. Are ... Read More