Expat Interviews

I never hear of the police stopping a crime hear in Chicago, sure they come fast after the fact but what good is that, you need to learn to take care of yourself no matter where you live. if you think the police will protect you just because you live in the states you are wrong.

How 'bout: Do you rent or own? (and why)

Not to start a debate here, but I live in a smaller town than Chicago or Houston. Here one never need lock the doors to his house or auto. No one needs to erect a 15 foot wall with broken glass around his property and belongings can safely be left outside at night.
One never has to fear injustice in a courtroom simply because he is a gringo. The price for goods is constant no matter your original birthplace. Bad drivers here are angels compared to Guate drivers. I can get my banking done here in minuites. Other services can be arranged and paid for by phone or E-mailals also in minuites. The list is endless.
These advantages are the norm here in the states in thousands ( millions? ) of towns from coast to coast.

I write this for the benifit of readers who have never been to the states and are clueless as to the differences between Guate and the US.

Given the opportunity, I would still move to Antigua because It 's warm and charming as all hell. However, I would have no delusions that life woild be as secure or easy as in the states.

No problem Bud, but keep in mind that there are cultural differences between countries so when you see bars on windows that does not necessarily mean it is a crime ridden neighborhood. If every house on your street has home alarm systems that does not mean it's a bad neighborhood. I can tell you first hand that eternal spring weather is a true blessing, coming from the Chicago area. Also a very slow paced simple life that is cheap puts everything into perspective. I had all the toys in the States, but sold all that junk and don't miss it a bit. I enjoy nature, culture, history, people, art, etc. rather than junk and bling and all that materialistic keep up with the jones American dream crap. It's a much better life and you are not a slave to the rat race. Regarding safety, there are a lot of myths. There is a lot of petty theft in Central America due to the poverty, but you rarely if ever see whacked out random crimes like school shootings or parents killing their whole families, etc. I see young girls walking alone at night all the time without any fear. In the States if you are a young girl out walking alone you need to carry mace, or simply not do it at all and stay in your house like a prisoner. Maybe not in your humble town, but in a lot of America it is that way. There really is nothing to debate. There are a lot of benefits to moving to Central America that outweigh the inconveniences. So it becomes a personal choice and not a simple right or wrong answer.

Funny how Antigua homes have had bars on their windows since the city was founded. I really doubt there was a high crime rate in the 1500’s. Just Pie de Lana was around to do any of the robbing.

Bud, any Guatemaltecos reading this blog would definitely speak English and probably know what life is like in the US. You´d be surprised to know that some know more about US history and government than US citizens.

Thanks Christina. I didn't want to bring up that whole can of worms, but let's just say that those who left the U.S. are lucky to have gotten out in time. There will soon be a time when you will need exit visas to leave and you will not be able to wire your money out, thus forcing you to stay on the "plantation". Those who stayed will be in for a rude awakening. Forget about bars on windows and doors. Instead you will need thousands of rounds of ammo to fend off your starving neighbors.

San Cristobal de las Casas

Certain parts of Guatemala are very unsafe. Certain parts of USA are very unsafe. Many parts of Guatemala are safe. Many parts of USA are safe. SO WHAT? I've lived in Central America for over a decade and know where to go and where not to go. How to behave and how not to behave. Please stop scare mongering. Most of the murders you are talking about are internal and drug, gang or spousal related and not directed at foreigners. Foreigners are primary targets of petty theft. Just don't flaunt your stuff, get along with the locals and earn their respect. They will look out for you. Crime is getting much worse in the USA. Once the economy collapses, USA will be very dangerous all over.

I agree with you completely. The efficiency, lack of corruption, and civil virtues that many (not all) exhibit are enviable. Just one disagreement. Because you are a gringo, you cannot fanthom the injustices meted out daily to non-Whites in the States. While you do have a working legal system, justice is a bit more ethereal.

El Gordo, how do you know I am "white"? I understand your point though.