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    Viva el color!

    Guatemala

    There are [10] photos and [2] stories about Guatemala

    Caught taking a quick snooze in the square! I loved the contrast of the traditional Mayan outfit with her magnificent grey hair, sun weathered skin and the Western element of the easily recognizable global brand Coca Cola! by: aoifekk Views[286] 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. by: aoifekk Views[266] 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... by: aoifekk Views[236] 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. by: aoifekk Views[328] Any traveller can appreciate the sights, smells and sounds of the local market. In this particular one, I was unfortunately too slow to snap a child playing inside a bucket of rice with his toy before his mother grabbed him and sold a customer a bag of it! However I loved this shot of the 3 girls on their way out of the market with their purchases. It amazed me the strength the women had to balance the huge baskets of goods on their head without a single complaint. Their companion, matching in her huipals, was trailing after them, dragging her bucket and singing to herself as they left the bustling market. by: aoifekk Views[222]
     
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    Photos: My Scholarship entry - A 'Place' I have visited

    Sunday, 6 Jan 2013 | Photo Gallery

    Curiosity in a Colorful Country
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    My Scholarship entry - A 'place' I have visited

    Sunday, 6 Jan 2013 | Photo Gallery | Scholarship Entry

    Colour. Beauty. Passion. Three of the hundreds of adjectives that run through my head when I pick up a National Geographic magazine, as each page turned brings a rush of adventure, life, a world where words are not necessary. Words are a burden. People ... Read more >
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    Tags: Travel Photography Scholarship 2012

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