Things you should know about Guatemala. I think you should.

I decided to write this post before I say “Good Night” to the world after a long day, because hey, why not?! Writing can be relaxing (except the eyes. It’s destroying the eyes).

As you already know CyclingForRekko aims in supporting charity organization REKKO in Guatemala. But what exactly we all know about Guatemala? Frankly speaking several months ago I probably had some vague idea of a poor country in South America. Is it because we tend to acknowledge only the tragedy of the countries describe by media in a hysterical and over-emotional way? What about the quite every-day sort of tragedy that no one mentions because it’s not “attractive” enough? Apart from helping REKKO financially, CyclingForRekko would like to edcuate us a bit about Guatemala so we become more aware what’s happening on the other side of the Globe and most important why it’s happening and how we can help.

Guatemala is a country rich in culture and history, but because it’s only me who’s writing this post I am going to educate you about it differently, with another list of random but interesting facts!

1. The name Guatemala means land of the trees in the Maya-Toltec language. It still has the largest protected tree reserves in all of Central America.

2. A scene from the original Star Wars movie “A New Hope” was shot in The Tikal National Park, which a part was also declared as UNESO World Heritage. True Story.

3. In Guatemala hot choclote was known back in IVth century! The Maya civilization grew cacao trees in their backyards, and used the cacao seeds it produced to make a frothy, bitter drink. Documents in Maya hieroglyphs stated chocolate was used for ceremonial purposes, in addition to everyday life. The chocolate residue found in an early ancient Maya pot in Río Azul, Guatemala, suggests the Maya were drinking chocolate around 400 AD. They knew what’s good!

4. Guatemala also had an Oscar nomination for the best foreign film in 1994. It was for El Silencio de Neto (The Silence of Neto) directed by Louis Arguenta. Respect for that.

5. Guatemala is the biggest producer of Cardamom, which is a green gold of the country. If you have no idea how you can use cardamom in the kitchen, this link is going to help you: http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/cardamom

6. Guatemalan coffee is believed to be the crown jewel of Central America coffees.

Right. It’s not much guys, but I will keep you posted if I find something exciting! For now – Good Night to all of you!