Living In Central America

Revue Magazine - Guatemala

• Ganadores del concurso fotográfico junio 2012 de REVUE

  Ganadores por decisión de los jueces del equipo editorial / Winners by editorial decision Ganadores por voto popular en Facebook / Winners by popular votes in Face Todas las fotografías participantes / All the photos participating Agradecemos a todos lo que participaron con una fotografía en nuestro concurso fotográfico. We thank all the people participating [...]Ganadores por decisión de los jueces del equipo editorial / Winners by editorial decision Posición/Position: 1er lugar / 1st place Premio: Cena para dos en el restaurante La Peña de Sol Latino / Dinner for two at La Peña de Sol Tema/theme: Padre / Father Título/title: Piggy Back Lugar/place: Finca Eureka Autor/author: José Chavarria Web: www.jchphotography.net Posición/Position: 2do lugar / 2nd place Premio: Q300 Tema/theme: Padre / Father Título/title: Mi querido viejo / My dear old man Lugar/place: Ciudad de Guatemala Autor/author: Telma Cruz Posición/Position: Mención honorífica / Honorable mention Tema/theme: Padre / Father Título/title: Sebastian Lugar/place: Ciudad de Guatemala Autor/author: Tono Valdés Web: www.tonovaldes.com Ganadores por voto popular en Facebook / Winners by popular votes in Face Posición/Position: 1er lugar / 1st place Premio: 6 botellas de vino La Chamiza / 6 bottles of wine La Chamiza Tema/theme: Padre / Father Título/title: Mirada y pensamientos / Look and thoughts Lugar/place: Ciudad de Guatemala Autor/author: Marco Ortiz Web: www.estudioideart.com Posición/Position: 2do lugar / 2nd place Premio: Q300 Tema/theme: Padre / Father Título/title: Primogénito / First-born Lugar/place: Retalhuleu Autor/author: Alberto Bolaños Web: http://alberto-fotografiaguatemala.blogspot.com/ Posición/Position: Mención honorífica / Honorable mention Tema/theme: Padre / Father Título/title: Un legado de fe / A legacy of faith Lugar/place: Aldea San Cristóbal el Bajo, Sacatepéquez Autor/author: Gary Velásquez Palacios Todas las fotografías participantes / All the photos participating Agradecemos a todos lo que participaron con una fotografía en nuestro concurso fotográfico. We thank all the people participating in our photo contest.

• Sunsetting in Petén, Guatemala

  To see other photos of Alberto Bolaños, visit the Revue website in a regular basis or go to Alberto’s other sites: Flickr and Blogspot.Atardecer petenéro by Alberto Bolaños To see other photos of Alberto Bolaños, visit the Revue website in a regular basis or go to Alberto’s other sites: Flickr and Blogspot.

• Museo Popol Vuh

  May is the “Month of the Museums” and a great time to visit Guatemala’s historical treasures. May is the “Month of the Museums” and a great time to visit Guatemala’s historical treasures. Named after the sacred Mayan text that weaves together myths and historical narratives, el Museo Popol Vuh offers a unique insight into the world of the ancient Maya through an exhibition of ancient artifacts from each of Guatemala’s major periods of pre-colonial development. Situated within the grounds of Francisco Marroquín University in Guatemala City, el Museo Popol Vuh is one of Guatemala’s most modern-looking museums and boasts one of the country’s most impressive collections. It all began in 1977 when Jorge and Ella Castillo donated the legacy of their collections to the sons and daughters of Guatemala. From domestic tools to funerary urns and jewelery to religious sculptures, these relics can be used to piece together the lifestyles of Maya men and women: the clothing they wore, the activities they enjoyed and the trade routes they took. Many of the items are in surprisingly good condition, having been discovered in archaeological deposits below the surface of Lake Atitlán and Lake Amatitlán. It is thought that many of the objects were deposited in the lakes during religious rituals and were subsequently preserved in the water for thousands of years. Popol Vuh’s pre-Columbian and colonial art is exhibited in chronological order behind glass cabinets and takes you on a journey from Mesoamerican hunting tools to post-colonial Catholic statues. Some of the most impressive objects include a reproduction of the ancient Mayan text, the Dresden Code, and a giant cracked altar with a detailed narrative of King Aj Wosal Chan K’ihnich, who ruled the city of Naranjo from 546AD-615. Perfect for anyone with a thirst for all things Mayan, the museum is located within walking distance of Museo Ixchel—allowing you to visit both in an afternoon. But while the pieces are indeed impressive, the museum is unlikely to sustain the interests of small children. Admission is Q35, with an additional charge for flash photography. The museum is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. photos by Johannes Blijdenstein

• How can I tell if my dog food concentrate is of good quality? The labels are confusing.

  High-quality dry foods should have a whole-meat source as one of the first two ingredients (for example, chicken or chicken meal). If a list of ingredients begins with whole chicken, followed by three or more grains and no other meat proteins, it’s likely that the food contains way more grain than meat. There is no [...]High-quality dry foods should have a whole-meat source as one of the first two ingredients (for example, chicken or chicken meal). If a list of ingredients begins with whole chicken, followed by three or more grains and no other meat proteins, it’s likely that the food contains way more grain than meat. There is no way to know for sure, however, since the makers are not required to specify the amounts or percentages of each ingredient. Ideally, whole, unprocessed grains and vegetables will be used since their nutrients have a better chance of surviving the food-making process. High-quality food should have the minimum of food fragments. Fragments are lower-cost byproducts of another food manufacturing process, such as Brewer’s rice, which is a waste product of the alcohol industry. If the list of ingredients begins with lamb, rice flour, rice bran, Brewer’s rice, the product is mostly rice even though lamb heads the list (whole meat has water weight and the ingredients must by law be listed by weight). High-quality foods should not contain generic fats or proteins. “Animal fat,” for example, can be just about anything, including recycled grease from restaurants. It would be preferable to see “beef fat” or “chicken fat.” The food should not contain artificial preservatives, such as BHA, BHT or Ethoxyquin, nor artificial colors. Your pet really doesn’t care what color his food is, and a lifetime of exposure to chemical dyes is not necessary. Sweeteners are not necessary (but dogs do like them). They are usually used to enhance the taste of low-quality food.

• Alternative Energy: the New Normal

  written by Sri Ram Kaa & Kira Raa Industrialized countries enjoy a wide variety of technology and conveniences. From washing machines to microwaves, we have grown dependent upon our appliances. We depend upon petroleum-based transportation and consume tons of plastics each year. Entire infrastructures, especially food production and delivery industries, are based upon petroleum products. [...]Alternative energy such as solar panels and windmills are no longer cutting edge. written by Sri Ram Kaa & Kira Raa Industrialized countries enjoy a wide variety of technology and conveniences. From washing machines to microwaves, we have grown dependent upon our appliances. We depend upon petroleum-based transportation and consume tons of plastics each year. Entire infrastructures, especially food production and delivery industries, are based upon petroleum products. A large portion of household electricity depends upon petroleum. Rising prices for food and transportation are a sign of the challenge that await developed societies as we deplete global fuel reserves. Like it or not, the future is demanding that we use alternative energy. Guatemala offers its residents many hidden benefits. The climate offers the gift of releasing the need for heat or air conditioning, and the weather supports vibrant agriculture. Guatemala offers a natural congeniality; it is easier to connect with nature here as the windows are always open! It is the ideal environment to live buoyantly without dependence upon out-paced infrastructures. When we moved here we knew it was time to take the plunge and live off grid. We found a true jewel in a tranquil area of Lake Atitlán and developed it with the goal of disturbing nothing. The property is remote and was without any ties to the grid; we had to go off grid completely. It was an easy decision. We were starting fresh and evaluated our choices from both a spiritual lifestyle and a business perspective. Once a solar system is installed, a lifestyle choice has been made. Your investment means that you are free from monthly charges, power spikes and unexpected power outages. Living off grid has other amazing advantages including tranquility, independence and a greater sense of security. There are many subtle benefits from this decision. Sustainability demands self-responsibility. By un-plugging from unconscious electrical use, one gains a respect from the electrical consumption required to sustain our modern life. For example, building a solar system requires that one make a list of every electrical device you use in your home. From light bulbs to hair dryers, refrigerator to computers, you must identify the amount of power required for every electrical device you use. This use analysis helps you decide how many solar panels are needed. By taking inventory of your power consumption, you stand face to face with the cost of your life and the values and choices that are significant to you. It demands that you become responsible for every purchase you make. With a review of the electrical devices you use and an estimate of how many hours per week you use them, your needs are determined. From this review one can decide the number of solar panels, batteries and other devices needed to power your life. We found that the review helped us identify unneeded appliances. We no longer own a microwave or a TV. The internet provides enough information and distraction for anyone. Living with the power of the sun we gave up nothing. We have all the technologies we enjoy, ample lighting, kitchen appliances, an elegant full-service spa and even a Jacuzzi! Alternative energy such as solar panels and windmills are no longer cutting edge. The true cutting edge includes perpetual motion and zero-point energy devices, which will appear on the scene as society changes. We look forward to integrating them here in Guatemala. Solar power depends upon sunlight, and Guatemala has plenty of sunny days. Even in the rainy season, it is seldom cloudy more than half a day. Prices for panels have been dropping every year, and the system we created in 2009 can be re-created today for around a third less…and we are powering five casitas, a community center and a spa! Your one-time investment prepays for many years of electrical use and eliminates all uncertainty for your future. The impact of decades-long production and consumption can be seen throughout modern societies. The clock is ticking and it is time for a new normal. Are you ready to unplug from unconscious consumption? Perhaps it is time to get acquainted with alternative energy and while you are here in Guatemala drop by Lake Atitlán and say hello, we’d love to show you how comfortable off-grid living and vacationing can be. Authors contact: www.LakeAtitlanSpa.com ~ email: office@tosaspa.com