Guatemala City Dump

Guatemala City Dump- Urban Plunge

Friday, January 23rd we set out for Guatemala City, ready for a weekend of new experiences. We visited the Guatemalan National Cemetery noting the differences between most North American cemeteries and this one. We also saw the Guatemala City Dump, which was shocking to many of us. Knowing that people work in the dump and knowing that they sort though the city’s trash doesn’t quite prepare you for seeing it first hand. The smell was overwhelming and the vultures flying above made an ominous feel.

Fortunately the Government has made it illegal for children under the age of 14 to work in the dump and the Government has also made some other rules that can be good or bad depending on which side of the fence you are on. For example before any rules, workers could work at all hours of the day or night. But now they are only allowed to work from 6am to 6pm.

Sunday morning we visited a mega-church, where we really stood out because we were the only white people with a congregation of over 5000. But we had a great time! Some of the worship songs had a familiar tune and after some time we could sing the songs in Spanish as well as English! It was great to worship alongside people even with a language barrier. All in all the weekend showed us the extremes and differences of wealth and poverty in Guatemala.

By Kristine Bartel

We stayed at a wonderful Guesthouse for the weekend. The flowers in the hallway were amazing!

Jason, Rachael, Heather and Nic at Parque Central in Guatemala City.

Chris, Darin and Joel hanging out at the parque.

Linday and Carolyn in front of the National Palace.

At the National Cemetery it was easy to see the rich and the poor. There were small plots that could be rented out and large building to be bought.

No we are not in Egypt even though it looks like it. This is a large building for one of the richest families in Guatemala, where they put their loved ones when they have passed on. Why would they have an Egyption feel to their tomb? It may be because they wanted to look like the Gods.

Taking a break in the Cemetery. It was very large and there were many things to see.

Then we went to the Guatemala City Garbage Dump, which is near the Cemetery and right in Guatemala City.

So why did we go see the dump? Because there are people who work in the dump daily to make ends meat. Over 2000 people work in the dump. This is their way of life: to sift though the garbage and find recyclable things to sell. It is a dangerous place to work and few are able to get out of the cycle of poverty.