In February of 2011, my family and I took a cruise (Norwegian Sun) to Guatemala. Before we left to go on the Norwegian Sun we had gotten a local orthodontist to donate toothbrushes and toothpaste and my soccer coaches to donate unused soccer balls. When we got to Florida, we stopped at a store to pick up school supplies, hair ties, hair brushes, ect. When we arrived in Guatemala, we met up with Gus, our tour guide. He then took us in a boat and we traveled to the town of Livingston. We first went to his hotel, Posada El Delfin. There we got to try tropical fruit. After that we got on the boat again and went to a local school. There we got to donate all of the supplies that my family and other families brought. When we were handing out the supplies, such as pens pencils, notebooks, erasers, the childrens faces lit up. This made me realize how lucky my cousins, my sister, and I are to be able to have these little things that we take advantage of everyday. Then we handed out some of the soccer balls. To see the smiles on the boys face made my day for sure. They all got so excited and couldn’t wait to be able to play soccer. The kids ranged from 5 to about 14 and there school day last from 7-12. There were only three small class rooms. Gus had told us that because there is little education, many of the people don’t have well paying jobs. He had said that one person makes about $273 dollars a year.
Watch the Livingston Tour presentation video:
After we visited the school, we got back on the boat and headed down the Rio Dulce. This is surrounded by tall walls of green vegetation. The river and ocean provide a great amount of food to the locals. We then arrive at a local family’s house. We learned that everyone in the community get together to help build these houses. They are made of wood. On the inside the family covers the walls with pages of newspaper and magazines to protect the walls and help cool the house. The roofs are made out of palm leaves. This cools the houses about ten degrees and has to be replace every eight years or so. This made me realize that we have privileges such as air condition that these families don’t have and that we should be grateful for them. The family opened up coconuts and allowed us to try coconut water. The mom of the family also demonstrated how they make tortillas from scratch. The tortillas were very good with salsa. Before we left we gave the children of the house school supplies and a soccer ball. Once again this made me realize that how the little things, such as school supplies or a soccer ball can bring such joy to someone and that we should be grateful for the things that we have.
After this we went to a hot water spring and a local restaurant. When we were done eating we headed back and walked through town and saw buildings, a park, and where the locals do laundry. Then we went back to the ship. This trip is one that I will never forget. I learned that we have privileges such as toothpaste, toothbrushes, hair brushes, hair ties and school supplies that we might take advantage of. We should be grateful for what we have because there are people out there that don’t have what many of might have.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “My Humanitarian Tour in Livingston, Guatemala”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
I like the helpful info you provide in your articles.
I will bookmark your weblog aand check again here frequently.
I’m quite certain I’ll learn plenty of new stuff right here!
Good luck for the next!
Hi there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my facebook group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Many thanks
We absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be just what I’m looking for.
Do you offer guest writers to write content
for yourself? I wouldn’t mind writing a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write concerning
here. Again, awesome site!
Essential bags: Remember to bring commonly used medicines, prescription medicines, motion sickness medicine, cold medicine, wound closures, etc.
Thanks for sharing
Very nice article. I certainly love this site.
Contine the good work!
Wow, Fran Falkin’s pet travel tips are a lifesaver! ? Planning our pet-friendly vacation has been a breeze thanks to these insightful tips. We followed tip #2, and now our fur baby practically loves their carrier, making our journey stress-free. Plus, we found a cozy hotel that welcomes our pet, so they’re enjoying the adventure just as much as we are. Thanks, Fran, for turning our pet travel worries into tail-wagging excitement!
Hey There. I found your weblog using msn. That
is a really smartly written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and return to learn more of
your useful info. Thank you for the post. I will certainly
comeback.
i wish i was chinese
I am genuinely pleased to read this weblog posts which includes plenty
of helpful information, thanks for providing
these kinds of statistics.
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular
article! It’s the little changes that will make the biggest changes.
Thanks for sharing!
Explore the beauty of Sri Lanka with our family tours. Discover unforgettable experiences for all with Family Tours Sri Lanka. Book your adventure today with Sri Lanka Family Tours.
Great post.
Yes, recent trends suggest that Americans are regaining confidence in vacations and travel. As travel restrictions ease and vaccination rates increase, many Americans are showing a greater willingness to travel and explore destinations again. However, it’s important to stay updated on travel advisories and safety measures to ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Reading Fran Falkin’s insights took me back to my first trip with Whiskers, my feline companion. The chaos of ensuring he was comfortable amidst the hustle of the airport was a lesson in patience. Had I come across these invaluable tips earlier, our journey would’ve been as smooth as a calm sea.
Thank you! I value it!
Great information. Cheers.
Very good write-up. I certainly appreciate this website.
Continue the good work!
I read your article on the Sheep of Sun Valley and I found it very fascinating and enjoyable. You have given a detailed and colorful account of your experience at the Trailing of the Sheep Festival, which celebrates the history and culture of sheepherding in Idaho. I think your article is a great way to introduce this unique and fun event to other travelers and families who are looking for a different and memorable adventure.
This is something new I saw on the internet today I want to thank you for writing such a great and helpful blog. I really appreciate your efforts.