YUMMM!

The following information was taken from http://www.foodbycountry.com/Germany-to-Japan/Guatemala.html

Guatemala does not have a national dish, but there are many foods that have become a part of the everyday diet. Just as during the time of the Mayans, corn continues to be a staple food. It is most often eaten in the form of a tortilla (a thin corn pancake). These are usually served warm and wrapped in cloth. Black beans ( frijoles) , another Mayan staple, are eaten at almost every meal. They are usually refried ( volteados ), mashed, or simply eaten whole ( parados ). Rice, eggs, and cheese are also widely consumed.

Chicken, turkey, and beef (roasted, grilled, or fried) are the country's most popular meats and are normally accompanied by beans and rice ( frijoles con arroz ). Meats are often served in stews ( caldos ) or cooked in a spicy chili sauce, though whole chickens may occasionally be served with the feet still attached. Pepián , a thick meat and vegetable stew, is a common dish in the area of Antigua (a town just outside of Guatemala City, the country's capital). Seafood is most common along the coasts, and is usually prepared with various spices.

Other popular dishes are bistec (grilled or fried beef), guacamole (mashed avocado with onions and spices), mosh (porridge), churrasco (charcoal-grilled steak), and chiles rellenos (chiles stuffed with meat and vegetables). Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as yucca, carrots, plantains, celery, cucumbers, and radishes, help to keep the Guatemalan diet healthy. However, snacks, such as doughnuts ( donas ), are also widely popular.

Guatemalan coffee, which is most often exported, is considered some of the best in the world. Most Guatemalans, however, tend to drink weak coffee loaded with plenty of sugar. Rich, savory coffee is more commonly found in tourist areas. Aguas , soft drinks, are also abundant. Sweetened fruit juice mixed with either water or milk, called licuado , is a refreshing alternative.

Beautiful Guatemala

The following information was taken from http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2045.htm


While some think of paradise as palm trees and sandy beaches in Hawaii, I think of Guatemala.  This is a country in Central America which is bounded by Mexico, Honduras, Belize and El Salvador.  I was born and raised in New Jersey but go back to visit my family and friends atleast twice a year.  There is so much to do and many things to see in Guatemala that most people look over rather than explore for themselves.

GEOGRAPHY

Area: 108,890 sq. km. (42,042 sq. mi.); about the size of Tennessee.
Cities: Capital--Guatemala City (metro area pop. 2.5 million). Other major cities--Quetzaltenango, Escuintla.
Terrain: Mountainous, with fertile coastal plain.
Climate: Temperate in highlands; tropical on coasts.

PEOPLE

Nationality: Noun and adjective--Guatemalan(s).
Population (2009 est.): 14.36 million.
Annual population growth rate (2009 est.): 2.4%.
Ethnic groups: Mestizo (mixed Spanish-Indian), indigenous.
Religions: Roman Catholic, Protestant, traditional Mayan.
Languages: Spanish, 24 indigenous languages (principally Kiche, Kaqchikel, Q'eqchi, and Mam).

HISTORY
The Mayan civilization flourished throughout much of Guatemala and the surrounding region long before the Spanish arrived, but it was already in decline when the Mayans were defeated by Pedro de Alvarado in 1523-24. The first colonial capital, Ciudad Vieja, was ruined by floods and an earthquake in 1542. Survivors founded Antigua, the second capital, in 1543. Antigua was destroyed by two earthquakes in 1773. The remnants of its Spanish colonial architecture have been preserved as a national monument. The third capital, Guatemala City, was founded in 1776.


Guatemala gained independence from Spain on September 15, 1821; it briefly became part of the Mexican Empire, and then for a period belonged to a federation called the United Provinces of Central America.

In Guatemala you can climb the Mayan temples in Tikal, eat the best seafood in Livingston, enjoy the fine nightlife in Antigua, see some of the most beautiful rivers in Zacapa and enjoy culture in Panajachel.  The people are beautiful, the country has much to offer, and I strongly suggest a vacation to beautiful Guatemala.

THE QUESTION IS...

The following definition came from http://www.blogger.com/tour_start.g


A blog is a personal diary. A daily pulpit. A collaborative space. A political soapbox. A breaking-news outlet. A collection of links. Your own private thoughts. Memos to the world.  Your blog is whatever you want it to be. There are millions of them, in all shapes and sizes, and there are no real rules.  In simple terms, a blog is a web site, where you write stuff on an ongoing basis. New stuff shows up at the top, so your visitors can read what's new. 


Blogs have changed the way information is passed.  It has impacted society on so many levels and has allowed people from all over the world to connect with others.  Thanks to blogs, people can share personal stories, post information about on-going events, and voice opinions.  The beauty in blogging is that it can be about whatever the writer wants it to contain.  It can be anything from political topics, to celebrity gossip, informational readings, or just fun stuff including pictures and videos.  It is a great way for people to express themselves and a way to also network.  Bloggers can even promote events, businesses, or themselves.



Perez Hilton is a celebrity gossip blogger who has created a name for himelf.  He posts about the most talked about, sometimes controversial topics, and his readers can always be sure to get the latest information about the hottest stars.  Perez Hilton is one of the many bloggers that are known today and has done a great job in promoting himself through what he talks about, how he feels, and getting information out there about tv stars, singers, actors, and even the President. 


Blogs can be positive or negative and can relay an assortment of opinions or perspectives.  Overall, blogs have increased creativity and have introduced the Internet to a whole new dimension of journalism which has increased over time and will continue to grow as the Internet evolves.