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African American Traveling alone in Antigua, Guatemala....HELP AGAIN

African American Traveling alone in Antigua, Guatemala....HELP AGAIN

Old Sep 17th, 2013, 08:18 AM
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African American Traveling alone in Antigua, Guatemala....HELP AGAIN

I have done many post asking about the safety of Guatemala but never mentioned I was African American Female going ALONE until now. Many people have told me it might be a problem and I should reconsider my already booked trip next week. Im not really concerned but now the negative comments are just becoming overwhelming. I need to know straight up....WILL I BE OK?
I plan on heading to Antigua first then the next days using a shuttle bus to Lake A. and to CHICHI...

Please help..
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Old Sep 17th, 2013, 08:30 AM
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No one can guarantee anything for another person when you are traveling, but what exactly is your concern? Who are these "many people" you are talking to? Have they traveled in Guatemala?
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Old Sep 17th, 2013, 08:33 AM
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I think you'll be fine! I'm a small middle-aged white woman and 'people' told me the same thing years ago. I went anyway and now return year and year and have never had a problem. I don't think your ethnicity will make you a target, just travel smart and have a great trip.
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Old Sep 17th, 2013, 08:46 AM
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Oh I think I understand now. Someone posted a VERY negative reply about safety on your first thread here.
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Old Sep 17th, 2013, 08:58 AM
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Yes Suze. thanks for catching that. But its not only the comments on here but others who have traveled to the city and family members who are highly concerned.

My main concern is being harassed, robbed, and this might sound ignorant but CUT UP..lol
And these are things that I am hearing happens once civilians see you traveling alone.

Hopefulist your great and give great Hope for a good time.
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Old Sep 17th, 2013, 09:00 AM
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I am actually packing today! Is there anything you suggest I pack. I was told a small light and a rain coat
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Old Sep 17th, 2013, 09:17 AM
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Don't pack too much. Dragging around huge bag is one way to draw negative attention to yourself. You want to look under control and like you know what you're doing.

As I've said, I've never been to Guatemala (and recommended Mexico myself when you first asked, because I think it's easier traveling there). But I have traveled solo often.

While crazy things can sometimes happen out of the blue, mostly I think how and why you stay safe is your own smart actions... be aware always of your surroundings, if something doesn't feel right get out of the situation immediately, etc.

As far as packing remember anything that would be hard or impossible to replace like prescription glasses/contacts or medications, passport, money, etc.

A tiny first aid kit is always good to have (a few bandaids, neosporin pack, Advil, Immodium, tweezers). And yes to a small flashlight, definitely.
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Old Sep 17th, 2013, 09:34 AM
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thanks Suze...your the best
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Old Sep 17th, 2013, 10:23 AM
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I believe you'll be OK. I hope you have a wonderful trip. But just do realize you picked a faily "adventurous" destination. And even when I go to Puerto Vallarta which is fairly mainstream and very safe for solo travel, my family still worries.
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Old Sep 17th, 2013, 10:38 AM
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Aderonke, wish i was going with you!I came across your post quite by accident and signed up just to answer you.
I used to spend a lot of time in guatemala (many years ago)and often miss the place. This is the only post of yours that i've seen so i don't know the important answers to the basic questions: when are you going, for how long, and can you speak some spanish? The more time you take to get to know the place the easier it gets.
Antigua is a lovely spot. Calm and interesting and friendly. Also, from what i've seen, it's become another refuge for people "retiring" from North america.Lot's of english speaking sevices(maybe too many for me now). Even back in the 80's there were some foreigners living there full time. Antigua would be agood place to stay for a week and find out from the locals just what the current travel conditions are in the less civilized parts of the country. Most places of interest can be day trips out of antigua. lot's of people will speak english and there are also lot's of language schools there if you have a few weeks. (i used to stay there 6 months at a time so "vacation' is a bit of a foreign concept to me )
Guatemala has always been generally safer in most respects than mexico. however they have always had a culture of mild banditry aimed mostly at busses-not tourists per se, just whoever is on the bus. I understand that that still persists, off and on. So, before you go to chichi, for instance, check on the current status of the route. ask at the cafes or your hotel. also you need to presume that there will be pick pockets some places. Use a money belt, the hotel safe etc, be aware in crowds, don't carry all your money with you at any one time and keep a photo copy of your passport, drivers license and air tickets somewhere safe(your hotel safe?) just in case.
In my day antigua was one of the safest and quietest places you could find. People in guatemala where usually always respectful,calm, and honest. It was real rest after driving through mexico....and i was there during much of the civil war period.
Guatemala city, however was a bit crowded, poor, and not as safe...maybe a bit sacry looking to an ineperienced traveller(as I guess you are). Most tourisist go directly to antigua from the airport. Don't be cheap-be comfortable and let yourself adjust to the newness and strangeness of the place and you'll have a nice time.
In my day a single woman would be much safer in guatemala than in mexico. It was very old world, well brought up, honorable kind of place. And being black you might fit in more than us pasty white guys, so don't worry about it. It's mostly a dark skinned culture.
I would really like to know how things go for you down there. stay in touch. Gee, i wonder if the Angeletti family still has that pizza and pasta place just around the corner from the plaza...
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Old Sep 17th, 2013, 10:58 AM
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hipgraham- What a wonderful post, thanks for registering to reassure Anderoke.

A tiny aside, I don't think you can talk about "safety" for a woman in "Mexico". It's a huge country and many parts of it are OK, while a few spots perhaps are not. Also yes things have changed significantly since the 80s.
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Old Sep 17th, 2013, 11:02 AM
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HipG. Thanks you so much for signing up just for me. I was even hesitant to post this question, but I have received the best advice.
I am going a week from today. Im From NYC and really need some peace and quiet from
this busy life style and I heard Antigua and Lake A. were the best places. Straight from the airpot, i am going straight to Antigua. I heard GC is not that best place to travel.

Im just packing now. Trying to pack as small as possible. Would you suggest a roll on carry on suitcase (small) or a school bag? lol

Again, Thanks. I will definitely post my experience and hopefully looking for suggestions on another destination...
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Old Sep 17th, 2013, 11:04 AM
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rollon carryon is good (i'm not sure what you mean by "school bag"). whatever is the smallest size you can pack in, use that.
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Old Sep 17th, 2013, 11:09 AM
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Changed? yeah...my friends in mexico city with whom I who used to sell artesenias on the street now have a house in coayacan. And there's walmart down the street. Have n't been to guate for so long...really shocked to see so many foreigners doing buisness there, judging from theinternet only. I like looking at a site called antiguadailyphoto sometimes.
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Old Sep 17th, 2013, 11:11 AM
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lol I meant backpack..Okay WIll do.
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Old Sep 17th, 2013, 11:23 AM
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Yes,travel real light.. and take nothing you can't afford to lose. That way you can relax and not worry about your things. Your only going for a week??!! can't imagine that...really can't. i read your august 1st post and would agree with hopefullist's travel suggestions. Excellent idea about a throw down(or thow away) wallet. Did you see her blog? quite interesting. and nice to see that antigua at least looks the same...although there is odviously so much more tourist developemnt. When i was there almost no one went there. I'm a slow kind of traveller and could easily spend a whole week just walking around antigua. I like back streets and unpretentious shops and daily local life. And hanging out with the kids selling textiles on the square. There was one young girl there who was a reallt good sales person...boy was she good, should have been selling cars or houses. wonder where she is now? Actually, i used to spend weeks there without going much out of town, even though i had my onw truck. It's a long drive from canada...nice to just walk...
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Old Sep 17th, 2013, 11:30 AM
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If you can get everything packed in a small backpack, that'd be good. Or a small roller suitcase, either is OK. I'd choose whichever is smaller/lighter but still fits what you need to take.
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Old Sep 17th, 2013, 05:28 PM
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Hi Aderonke, I, too, signed up here to answer you. I haven't been to Guate for many many years, but am going down for 5 months with my 15-yr-old in January (Lake Atitlan), so I've been looking at/reading lots of websites, etc. I've also spoken directly to about 5 Americans, some of whom live there full time. They have all said that it's safe. But you know the drill, I also live in NYC (Manhattan) and I think what you look out for here you look out for there! And like many crazy dark places in the U.S., you wouldn't want to be caught in one alone at night. And don't let your family get your worked up, they don't know anything, most Americans don't know anything about the rest of the world! I went to Egypt last January, and Mexico before that, and my family said the same thing!! So great that you're going, I imagine I'll go and never want to return!! It seems like heaven to me right now! Enjoy!!
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Old Sep 17th, 2013, 05:50 PM
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Juleslaroa...wow thanks. You guys surely eased the anxiety! That makes sense. Theres parts of New York I wouldnt get caught dead in the middle of the night. Thanks again for signing up for me. I appreciate it. Maybe Ill have my sibilings and friends take a look at this. It might help ease them too
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Old Sep 17th, 2013, 06:04 PM
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I decided to just paste in the text of the PDF I send to folks who travel in my groups. Generally we're living with local families and - though you might not be doing that - I left it in in case others are interested. Here goes:

PACKING NOTES
I need everyone to travel light on Live & Learn group trips. Excessive luggage is much more apt to get lost enroute and cause delays and problems once you arrive. If one traveler in a group has a luggage problem it causes delays for everyone. If you’re traveling independently it’s your choice but I still highly recommend it; check out www.onebag.com

The airlines generally allow one carry-on bag no larger than 21” x 14” x 9” and a small personal item like a day pack or camera bag; best to check ahead to be sure. I travel with a carry-on sized conversion pack (straps tuck away as needed) and a small day pack. I wear my passport, bank cards, traveler’s checks, and most of my money under my clothes in a travel wallet, pack other valuable and personal items in the day pack, and the clothes I’m not wearing in the main pack. I’m not a wheelie fan (heavier, less space for clothes, and a pain on cobblestones) but they can be handy in airports and are perfectly acceptable.

I usually don’t feel comfortable wearing shorts in Latin America for cultural reasons unless I’m in a beachy area; locals wear skirts and long pants. Although they’re socially acceptable, I avoid cotton t-shirts and jeans because they’re hot, dry slowly, and are stiff when line dried. Laundry services are readily available and it’s easy to rinse out a few things in a sink as needed so you don’t have to pack 2 weeks worth of clothes. Comfortable walking shoes are important; be sure yours fit well and are broken in before the trip. I swear by my Keen Newport H2Os and my husband and sons love amphibious shoes by Merrell and Salomon, but tennies or leather walking shoes can be great, too. Unless you’re extending your trip to include island time or high altitude hiking, the attached list should be plenty. [Obviously guys would want to alter the list to include an additional pair or 2 of long pants and no skirts, sarong, or nightgown.]

Petty theft can happen so keeping your things right with you as you travel is important. Also, don’t wear flashy jewelry or expensive watches; I even leave my wedding ring at home. In all my trips I’ve never had anything stolen and I would like to keep it that way. A laptop, tablet, e-reader, or smart phone is 1 more thing to worry about but OK if you can accept the risk. Internet cafés are widely available and some schools and cafés have wifi.

For airline security reasons all liquids, gels, and aerosols in carry-on luggage must be in 3.4 ounce (100 ml) or smaller containers; larger containers that are half-full or toothpaste tubes rolled up are not allowed. You can buy good quality containers that side and fill them yourself if you prefer. They must be placed in a quart-size, zip-top, clear plastic bag, one per passenger. There are a few exceptions; for more information check out www.tsa.gov/traveler-information/3-1-1-carry-ons .

Let me know if you have questions regarding luggage or clothes.
HAPPY PACKING!

PACKING LIST
5-6 shirts or blouses (wicking ones are nice)
1 light weight long sleeved shirt
1-2 pairs of light weight long pants (some folks like convertible ones that zip off to become shorts) 2-3 pairs of capri-length pants and/or skirts, just above knee length or longer
1 sarong (optional - skirt, swim wrap, doubles as a towel or sleeping sheet)
1 light weight nightgown or pajamas (warmer for highland areas)
Uns and socks for 5-6 days (wicking ones are nice)
1 swimsuit
1 bandana and/or neck cooler
1 sunhat/rainhat with strap (a baseball cap will work but I like neck shade, too)
1 light weight goretex rain coat or a dime store poncho (some folks prefer umbrellas)
1 light fleece jacket, sweater, or sweatshirt for highland areas
Flip flops for swimming and showers
Comfortable walking shoes for everything else

Cash, passport, traveler’s checks, debit and charge cards in under-your-clothes travel wallet Snacks and head phones if desired for plane trips
Toiletries and prescription meds (good to bring a paper prescription, too)
Travel towel for showers or be willing to buy a towel there - not all families provide them Sunblock and bug stuff (I recommend Sawyer’s Controlled Release Deet Formula or Ultrathon) Earplugs
Small sewing kit and medical/1st aid kit (liquids and gels go in ziplock) Sunglasses, spare glasses/contacts
Cheap watch with alarm and/or travel alarm, spare batteries
LCD headlamp (or a small flashlight), spare batteries
Camera with extra storage cards/film/batteries/recharger/computer cord or card reader? Smallish binoculars (if you’re interested in birding)

Journal, writing materials, reading materials, and art supplies to use or share Spanish/English dictionary and other Spanish study aids

Small gifts for teachers, hosts, and kids: small photo books, calendars, magnets, or other items that represent your home make nice gifts for hosts and teachers. For kids pack small toys or finger puppets, hair trinkets, pencils, or stickers; consider bringing travel games but note that you’re unlikely to know if your family has kids before arrival.

Photos of your own family, home, pets, friends, town to share with others - great conversation starters with host families and good practice with teachers

Various sizes of ziplock bags
Small zip ties for securing luggage zippers
3-4’ of duct tape wrapped around a waterproof marker

String and a few clothespins or 3-4 feet of braided surgical tubing - great clothesline and no
pins needed (let me know if you’d like specific directions or ordering information)

Half a roll of t.p. removed from core and flattened
Water bottle to refill with purified water which will be supplied by school and host families
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