Prospective Guatemala Trip

[kgd]

Came back last week from a UN meeting to intiate some research projects on pollutants in the Caribbean area. A couple of colleagues and I are quite smitten by Lake Izabal, Guatemala - the largest freshwater lake in the area and draining as estuary into the Caribbean Sea. It will be on the order of 1 to 2 years before this project actually comes into fruition, right now we are really performing services in capacity building, but eventually want to turn this into some real research initiatives. While we have much of the information we need on the scientific components of setting up a project there, it is much harder to gather working conditions from a social stand point and logistics.

Guatemala is one of the 10 poorest countries of the region and we were already told that kidnap insurance is a must. There is also major tensions between government and citrus growers as well as logistical nightmares such as chartering boats and such. Lake Izabal is only about 600 km2, but that is big enough to require a larger vessel. I was hoping somebody might have some information about working in Guatemala or Honduras apart from a miltary setting. Perhaps Pict might have some insights being situated in Brazil.

Also - last but not least - knives - I figure several cheap machete's will have to be bought along for giving away to guides and such. My interest in this trip is also reinforcing my wants for the RTAK as a knife/machete hybrid. Or would going with a really good machete be better?

 

[RescueRiley]

Ive been to the maya mnts of belize which border guatemala word on the street there was that guatemala is not safe.... Iwould imagine fauna to be similar and would reccomend a machete hands down...the rtak is a solid knife but it's a knife to thick for hacking the springy vegetation of the jungle also something smaller for slicing a like a plastic handled mora perhaps....

 

[peripatew]

Speaking from very limited experience, and from a completely different culture. But I have some friends who have worked with the Kham Tibetans. Most men carry a larger belt knife, the ornateness demonstrating social status. But they have very cheap steel. They took along some Buck seconds to use to trade and for making peace. They had the most luck with smaller fixed blades. I'm sure that Guatemala would call for a machete much more than the mountains of Tibet. But it would be interesting to see, considering most people try to just give them cheap machetes.

Just some thoughts. The people I know worked a deal with Buck to get free factory seconds.

 

[kgd]

Naked, that is a good comment about having some smaller fixed blades as these may have different uses but also may be perceived as having greater value.

 

[peripatew]

It would be interesting to see if Guatemalans would like Kydex over Leather as far as a sheath. It just seems that whatever would be out of the usual, might be exotic and attractive. Maybe some rain drop Damascus folders?

 

[kgd]

Okay - so I see a new trend in the making. Next time you see some Guatemalan's walking around with a Hartsook neck knife quipped with an On-Scene Tactical sheath ---- well you know that they didn't want another Tramontina!

 

[Daniel Koster]

I lived in El Estor for 2 months

One thing I can say about the area...is that you are a looooong way away from anything....you are deep "in the sticks".

Definitely get a machete - but buy one there (cheap). Back it up with a small cheap folding knife - one you can beat on...and also afford to lose.

Don't wear/take/show anything that says "I have money"....guarantee you'll get robbed.


Just keep your head up, eyes open and you'll be fine.

Sounds like a fun trip! :thumbup:

 

[Steven Dick]

When I was down there a few years ago you could buy all the local Colima brand machetes you wanted for a few dollars each. Another $5.00 or so and they would throw in a leather sheath. Buying what you need locally will also help you make friends that may come in handy later.

 

[kgd]

Great and thanks for the advice. Not sure I'm looking forward to being robbed. If you just hand over your stuff do they let you go? Daniel, mind if I e-mail you in the future about some specific details of the area?

 

[Daniel Koster]

Email me whatever questions you need answered, Bro. Lived in Guate 1991-93...so some things have probably changed...but I bet most things are still the same.