Viva el color!

My Scholarship entry - A 'Place' I have visited

GUATEMALA | Sunday, 6 January 2013 | Views [214]

There is no greater way to view life than through a child's face. They have not yet learnt the social graces to hide their expression out of fear of society and judgement. This photograph stood out to me from our daily morning market visits. We would purchase fresh ingredients there from the local women for our delicious breakfasts (by far my favourite meal of the day!). I'll leave it up to you to interpret the thoughts behind this beautiful child's emotive eyes...

Myself and my best friend spent 2 weeks backpacking in Guatemala, which was far too short in my opinion!

This photograph was taken on our return journey from the beautiful Lago de Atitilan, after a breathtaking sunrise that morning. I have an obsessive love for interesting clouds, sunrises and sunsets, both at home and abroad.
The lake has a fascinating history, where the remains of Guatemala civil war are still seen in the inscriptions on stones around the lake, proclaiming support for the guerrilas. The lakeside villages scattered between the mountains and volcanoes are filled with indigenous villagers dressed head to toe in colourful Mayan traditional costumes.

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Due to the fact the Lake is formed by collapsed volcano, there is no supply of freshwater yet it is one of the deepest lakes in Central America. When a hurricane hit the area in 2005, it destroyed the sewerage system, and led to an outbreak of algae bloom in the lake. The daily laundry that takes place in the lake unfortunately continues to contribute to this algae bloom.
Having said this, I had never witnessed women as hardworking as the locals we met at the lake. From washing clothes at the break of dawn, to carrying huge loads on their heads, taking care of their children whilst selling their crops and products at markets, along with little medical care and primitive living conditions they survived. Each face spoke of a story of hardship, yet we were greeted everywhere we went with open arms, a smile and friendliness.

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Viva el color!

My Scholarship entry - A 'Place' I have visited

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