Camioneta Chronicles II: The 7 People You Meet on the Camioneta

La Camioneta

1. The Ayudante

  Your camioneta experience is invalid if there is no interaction with the ayudante. The Ayudante helps with your belongings (if he is nice) and collects your bus fare aka pasaje. Common phrases will include, "(insert destination name said rapidly multiple times)", "Pasaje por fa", "Corrense por atras", "Donde caben dos, caben tres", and "Servidos". Ayudates may be occasionally responsible for the musical selection on the camioneta, with musical choices ranging from 80’s and 90’s hits, bachata and duranguense.

2. The Beggar/ The Preacher

  The beggar/preacher can be found at any major bus stop or terminal. The beggar can range from having a sad unfortunate tale to a disfiguring ailment that prevents the individual from actual gainful employment. The preacher is usually an older evangelical man carrying a black briefcase with pamphlets on one of two causes why you should give to him, the orphaned children that need food and clothes or help the church because if you don't you will spend an eternal life in hell. 

3. The Vendor

  The vendor can quench your thirst, alleviate your hunger, heal your pain, cure your diabetes and provide you with the latest music and movies on the market. Some times you can find some good deals on household items, including tools and kitchen utensils. Some of my favorites include fruit in a bag, caramelized peanuts and coconut cream.

4. The Baby

  This little human being is usually being carried on their mothers back; some will be cute and irresistible. Be cautious when making funny faces not to make the child cry because it will be likely they will not stop. They are most irritating while crying.

5. The Drunk aka Bolo

  It is highly advised to stay away from this person. A bolo can be young or old, alone or accompanied by other bolo friends. There are two distinct types of bolos: the street bolo is usually soiled and beaten up; the party bolo is most likely accompanied by others and more belligerent than the street bolo. Bolos can be heard rambling or crying from sorrow and heartbreak. If they are too out of control they are likely to be thrown off the bus at any given moment.

6. The Good Citizen

  This can be a generous man or woman who can share a simple kind word, a piece of their fruit during a long ride or treat you to a gelatina (Jell-o) or ice cream. You can talk to this person the whole way or have short random conversations on the way to your destination about everything from where your from, what you do, how you like or don’t like living in Guatemala and why your not married. Their intentions are genuine; there are no ulterior motives or creepy vibes.  These people are hard to come by, but when they do they brighten up your day. 

7. The Pickpocket

    There is no general description of a pickpocket. He/she can be a man, woman, child, or a team of pickpockets. Some are better skilled than others. A word of advice learned early on is to spread it all around. Items commonly confiscated are wallets, loose bills and cell phones. A stupid pickpocket will answer the stolen phone and tell you that you should not expect to see it again. 

Chuchos, Tortillas, Trash....One of These Do Not Belong

There is one thing there is no shortage of in Guatemala…trash (and tortillas). Unfortunately, trash is a common problem in developing countries. In Guatemala, trash can be seen on every roadside and mountainside. The common thing to do with trash is burn it, everything from chip bags, baby diapers, plastic bottles and tires are burnt. There are even designated days and times to burn trash. 

This school year I felt like a gave a million charlas on everything from self-esteem and sex ed to recycling and environmental awareness. Students learned the importance of properly disposing of trash and the deadly effects of improper elimination, students were also taught how to make Eco-Ladrillos (filling plastic bottles with inorganic trash) and the possible uses for the bricks.  I worked with all of my schools on the topic of environmental awareness and recycling, but one school took the initiative to do something more. They organized trash pick up days and as the school year went on the science teacher required each student to bring in 20 eco-ladrillos each semester and the graduating tercero students were going to make a bench.

With over 1,000 bottles collected and funds collected from each student and the help of the local municipality. A class of 19 tercero students built a school bench.