ktmrider
Well-known
It looks like I will be spending the month of March in Xela, Guatemala, studying Spanish. I will be there four weeks in school and then a week messing around in Guatemala so looking for info.
I have been to Tikal (from Belize) and will have weekend to explore the volcanoes. And I know about Antigua. I figure either my X100 or M9 with 35/90.
Any info would be appreciated.
I have been to Tikal (from Belize) and will have weekend to explore the volcanoes. And I know about Antigua. I figure either my X100 or M9 with 35/90.
Any info would be appreciated.
SolaresLarrave
My M5s need red dots!
Xela will always be a bit cooler than the rest of the country. Also, you'll be near an area of historical interest (the first church built by the Spanish conquistadors is nearby). My last visit to Xela was a while ago, but I know it's become a kind of Bohemian place, like an alternate cultural town, so there will be several places to visit and things to do. Downtown has always been picturesque.
Now, I'm sure you know about this, but still I will tell you: theft is rampant. Never assume that anything will be safe. If it's not bolted to the ground, it can be stolen. Chances are the city is very safe, but then, never carry your camera just hanging from the neck but with the strap across the chest. And important documents should be left at home (except for a photocopy of your passport, which you need to carry with at all times). But being an experienced traveler you must know all of this already. Take care and enjoy your stay in my country!
Now, I'm sure you know about this, but still I will tell you: theft is rampant. Never assume that anything will be safe. If it's not bolted to the ground, it can be stolen. Chances are the city is very safe, but then, never carry your camera just hanging from the neck but with the strap across the chest. And important documents should be left at home (except for a photocopy of your passport, which you need to carry with at all times). But being an experienced traveler you must know all of this already. Take care and enjoy your stay in my country!
ktmrider
Well-known
Theft
Theft
I spent 90 days in Europe getting home in November. It was the first trip with the M9 and I was PARANOID about losing it. I may use my X100 or an old M2 as I do not want to take a chance about loosing such an expensive camera.
Then again, I bought it for travel. I want to go as light as possible which suggests the X100. Would I miss the 90? That is the question. And in many ways I still like film so M2 with 35/90 vice M9. We will see.
Theft
I spent 90 days in Europe getting home in November. It was the first trip with the M9 and I was PARANOID about losing it. I may use my X100 or an old M2 as I do not want to take a chance about loosing such an expensive camera.
Then again, I bought it for travel. I want to go as light as possible which suggests the X100. Would I miss the 90? That is the question. And in many ways I still like film so M2 with 35/90 vice M9. We will see.
jarski
Veteran
agreed about caution.
Guatemala is beautiful country, my favorite of central american countries. but looks like you already know all the places could recommend
Guatemala is beautiful country, my favorite of central american countries. but looks like you already know all the places could recommend
paulfish4570
Veteran
go with the x100.
the warning about theft is an absolute. and be very, very aware of riding buses in the hinterlands.
i've only spent a week there (based in antigua; brother-in-law lived there five years) but, oh, i will not forget it.
and the coffee. the coffee. when you go to antigua, drink some antigua azotea. enjoy ...
the warning about theft is an absolute. and be very, very aware of riding buses in the hinterlands.
i've only spent a week there (based in antigua; brother-in-law lived there five years) but, oh, i will not forget it.
and the coffee. the coffee. when you go to antigua, drink some antigua azotea. enjoy ...
uhoh7
Veteran
Lago Atitlan
My favorite country, North or South America, incredible small villages.
My times there were in 80s 90s.
I did not fear, but I did not know. I guess it's more violent today. Very sad.
My favorite country, North or South America, incredible small villages.
My times there were in 80s 90s.
I did not fear, but I did not know. I guess it's more violent today. Very sad.
bigeye
Well-known
roasting some gesha now...
SolaresLarrave
My M5s need red dots!
I intend to return to Guatemala probably in 2016 (I'm booked this year), and when I do it, it's my intention to take a 50mm and a 90mm with any of my meterless Leicas. The last time I was there was in 2010, and I had a huge Nikon D700 with me. I didn't stand out that much in Antigua (everybody carries cameras there, it's the tourist ID), but elsewhere... In any event, in Xela, a small, unobtrusive camera should do the trick.
Now, since you have traveled all over the place (if memory doesn't fail me, you went to Perú recently, and then you had been to Ireland and other places in Southeast Asia), you'll understand my logic here... To me, Europe is a wide-angle place: narrow streets, atmosphere all over you, and then a 28mm or a 35mm lens are perfect. Spanish America is for narrower views, which means the use of 50s and 70s and even longer lenses needed to shoot portraits or isolate details in houses, streets and markets. With my digital Nikon I had an AF-S 24-120mm zoom. I recall using the longer-ish end of the zoom a lot more than the short one... but then, that may be just my style. Every time I've been to Europe I found that my needs are met by my short lenses, and even though I've traveled with my Summicron 90mm, I only have pulled it out of the bag for... what? Maybe a dozen shots...
If wondering around with the M9 makes you paranoid, leave it behind. I think I'd take it, simply because it'd be an excellent travel camera. Now, if you also have the X100, bag it as an alternate body.
Café Antigua is now a coffee type, and it's fairly available in Guatemala. If you're adventurous when it comes to eating, try tamales and chuchitos; they're both variations of corn dumplings (the former is large, the latter small) with meat of some type (often pork) and a sauce. The best beer is called "Gallo" (literally "rooster"), and, in Antigua, an excellent restaurant is "La posada de don Rodrigo" (it's been in business since the early 80s); just beware in this place: they don't take credit cards. Otherwise, they're widely accepted, although I would never use them for anything below the equivalent of $30.00 (there are currency conversion hidden charges for every transaction). Oh, and you can bargain in markets, when it comes to purchasing handcrafts. The best strategy is to offer half of what the seller asks, and then continue until you make it to an agreement. If you simply don't want to buy anything, ignore the offers you hear (they can be quite persistent).
Take care and enjoy! You'll be there in March, which can be very warm if you stay in the capital city, but fairly pleasant in Xela. BTW, how are you going to make it there from the airport?
Now, since you have traveled all over the place (if memory doesn't fail me, you went to Perú recently, and then you had been to Ireland and other places in Southeast Asia), you'll understand my logic here... To me, Europe is a wide-angle place: narrow streets, atmosphere all over you, and then a 28mm or a 35mm lens are perfect. Spanish America is for narrower views, which means the use of 50s and 70s and even longer lenses needed to shoot portraits or isolate details in houses, streets and markets. With my digital Nikon I had an AF-S 24-120mm zoom. I recall using the longer-ish end of the zoom a lot more than the short one... but then, that may be just my style. Every time I've been to Europe I found that my needs are met by my short lenses, and even though I've traveled with my Summicron 90mm, I only have pulled it out of the bag for... what? Maybe a dozen shots...
If wondering around with the M9 makes you paranoid, leave it behind. I think I'd take it, simply because it'd be an excellent travel camera. Now, if you also have the X100, bag it as an alternate body.
Café Antigua is now a coffee type, and it's fairly available in Guatemala. If you're adventurous when it comes to eating, try tamales and chuchitos; they're both variations of corn dumplings (the former is large, the latter small) with meat of some type (often pork) and a sauce. The best beer is called "Gallo" (literally "rooster"), and, in Antigua, an excellent restaurant is "La posada de don Rodrigo" (it's been in business since the early 80s); just beware in this place: they don't take credit cards. Otherwise, they're widely accepted, although I would never use them for anything below the equivalent of $30.00 (there are currency conversion hidden charges for every transaction). Oh, and you can bargain in markets, when it comes to purchasing handcrafts. The best strategy is to offer half of what the seller asks, and then continue until you make it to an agreement. If you simply don't want to buy anything, ignore the offers you hear (they can be quite persistent).
Take care and enjoy! You'll be there in March, which can be very warm if you stay in the capital city, but fairly pleasant in Xela. BTW, how are you going to make it there from the airport?
oltimer
Well-known
I would not take any of my Leica gear there. Look at picking up a cheap Olympus RF, and shot film. Flashing gold/money/expensive cameras around down there is telling them here I am. They will get it; as it is quick cash for them. It has happened to my friends before, and the back country bus was problems too them to. Be very careful traveling there.
skopar steve
Well-known
Beautiful country. I spent most of my time in the Atitlan region. Agonized over bringing my Contax RTSII with 28mm, 50mm, 90mm lenses, or my Nilon D300 and 18mm-70.. zoom. Opted for the digital and was glad I did. Being able to change film speeds without changig film was a big help.
I traveled there alone, walked or took local transportation (chicken buses) never felt unsafe. Well, the mechanical integrity of some of the chicken buses was suspect, but that just added to the adventure.
Go and have a great time. Photo ops are everywhere, people are friendly and helpful. Be sure to go to Chichicastananga on market days.
I traveled there alone, walked or took local transportation (chicken buses) never felt unsafe. Well, the mechanical integrity of some of the chicken buses was suspect, but that just added to the adventure.
Go and have a great time. Photo ops are everywhere, people are friendly and helpful. Be sure to go to Chichicastananga on market days.
paulfish4570
Veteran
markets are fantastic.
micromontenegro
Well-known
Rum is also extraordinary. As is the murder rate, sadly.
ktmrider
Well-known
The Spanish school in Xela can arrange a shuttle from the airport. I want to master a bit of Spanish (only lived in Puerto Rico and El Paso for the last 21 years but I have been lazy) as I am thinking motorcycle trip to TDF.
Taking an M2 with a couple lenses is tempting. I still have doubts about this new fangled medium called "digital". Have plenty of time to decide but weekends are free at the school. During the week, I am looking at 5 hours of instruction per day.
On the last trip to Europe, the 35 C Biogon lived on my M9 for perhaps 90 percent of the photos, thus I would not feel too badly just taking the X100 (still think it is a hell of a travel camera).
I have been doing my own processing of black and white this past year but I feel the tropics cry out for color. M2 35/90, Ektar 100 and a few rolls of TriX and/or X100.
Taking an M2 with a couple lenses is tempting. I still have doubts about this new fangled medium called "digital". Have plenty of time to decide but weekends are free at the school. During the week, I am looking at 5 hours of instruction per day.
On the last trip to Europe, the 35 C Biogon lived on my M9 for perhaps 90 percent of the photos, thus I would not feel too badly just taking the X100 (still think it is a hell of a travel camera).
I have been doing my own processing of black and white this past year but I feel the tropics cry out for color. M2 35/90, Ektar 100 and a few rolls of TriX and/or X100.
ktmrider
Well-known
Well, the M9 came back unexpectedly from Leica, NJ. I talked to them on Tuesday and they did not know when it would be completed (awaiting sensors) and then it was shipped two days later.
With all the reports of theft, I am tempted to leave it in the US and either take the M2 with 35/90 or perhaps just the X100. The purpose of the trip is to learn Spanish so my time during the week will be full. However, the weekends look good for exploring. My guess is Guatemala, being a tropical country, calls for color so Ektar 100? Would my Hasselblad 500CM be out of place?
Suggestions?
With all the reports of theft, I am tempted to leave it in the US and either take the M2 with 35/90 or perhaps just the X100. The purpose of the trip is to learn Spanish so my time during the week will be full. However, the weekends look good for exploring. My guess is Guatemala, being a tropical country, calls for color so Ektar 100? Would my Hasselblad 500CM be out of place?
Suggestions?
TheFlyingCamera
Well-known
I'd suspect your Hassy would stand out like a sore thumb. If you're concerned about safety, I'd stick with the X100 that you can put in a pocket and hide quickly and easily.
For film choice, Ektar 100 would be an excellent option, but Portra 160 might even be better, as Portra isn't quite as contrasty, and the sun in the tropics can be very harsh.
For film choice, Ektar 100 would be an excellent option, but Portra 160 might even be better, as Portra isn't quite as contrasty, and the sun in the tropics can be very harsh.
ktmrider
Well-known
Gear Packed and Ready to Go
Gear Packed and Ready to Go
Leaving tomorrow for five weeks in Guatemala studying Spanish at Xela. It was hard leaving the M9 behind as I bought it primarily for travel. But all the cautions on this thread about theft in Guatemala convinced me.
I am taking the X100 for digital and the 35mm FOV. And I have packed my M2 with 15/50/90. I don't use the 15mm much so I thought it might spark some creative juices. Also, TriX and Ektar 100 as the tropics usually call for color.
Am working hard on Spanish during the week but have the weekends off. Will post some when I get back.
Thanks for all the advice on the thread. Rich
Gear Packed and Ready to Go
Leaving tomorrow for five weeks in Guatemala studying Spanish at Xela. It was hard leaving the M9 behind as I bought it primarily for travel. But all the cautions on this thread about theft in Guatemala convinced me.
I am taking the X100 for digital and the 35mm FOV. And I have packed my M2 with 15/50/90. I don't use the 15mm much so I thought it might spark some creative juices. Also, TriX and Ektar 100 as the tropics usually call for color.
Am working hard on Spanish during the week but have the weekends off. Will post some when I get back.
Thanks for all the advice on the thread. Rich
paulfish4570
Veteran
have a hoot, rich ...
ktmrider
Well-known
Fun So Far
Fun So Far
Have been in Guatemala and the city of Xela for four days and it has been fun so far. Have not felt threatened or unsafe. Some of the high school Spanish is returning. And the beer (Gallo) is excellent.
Ended up with the X100 and M2/50mm. Xela certainly is not the most picturesque place but hiking the volcano tomorrow.
Anyway, it has me thinking about a motorcycle trip to Tierra del Fuego about mid September or early October. I would be riding a small (250cc) bike so packing light (i.e. X100).
Fun So Far
Have been in Guatemala and the city of Xela for four days and it has been fun so far. Have not felt threatened or unsafe. Some of the high school Spanish is returning. And the beer (Gallo) is excellent.
Ended up with the X100 and M2/50mm. Xela certainly is not the most picturesque place but hiking the volcano tomorrow.
Anyway, it has me thinking about a motorcycle trip to Tierra del Fuego about mid September or early October. I would be riding a small (250cc) bike so packing light (i.e. X100).
SolaresLarrave
My M5s need red dots!
I'm glad you're enjoying your stay there! Keep working on your Spanish and go to a market if you can!
Now... since you're in the Occidente region, try not to photograph children. Otherwise, ask politely first if you want to photograph people. Best of luck!
Keep working on your Spanish and go to a market if you can! Now... since you're in the Occidente region, try not to photograph children. Otherwise, ask politely first if you want to photograph people. Best of luck!
ktmrider
Well-known
Guys, I have been here almost two weeks. All the advice I got on this forum about theft and leaving the Leica at home seems to me to be wrong. Now, I am not saying that there is not theft here, but I have felt nothing like the threat I was warned about. Honestly, I wish now that I had brought the M9.
Funny, but I was at the women's weaving cooperative on a tour with the school last Monday when one of the other students pulled a 500C/M from her shoulder bag. Then I pulled out the M2. It was love at first sight for each of us and I wanted to ask her to marry me. Realizing that bigamy is illegal, I asked her if I could adopt her instead.
Well, it turns out her parents are still around as is her husband. She is an attorney from NY, a graduate of Yale Law, and apparently lives in the same building as David Alan Harvey. I let her borrow the M2 for an afternoon and I am pretty sure there is one in her future after all her raves about the camera the next day. We spent several hours discussing Leica minutia and photography in general. And I now think she is a regular reader of this forum.
Funny, but I was at the women's weaving cooperative on a tour with the school last Monday when one of the other students pulled a 500C/M from her shoulder bag. Then I pulled out the M2. It was love at first sight for each of us and I wanted to ask her to marry me. Realizing that bigamy is illegal, I asked her if I could adopt her instead.
Well, it turns out her parents are still around as is her husband. She is an attorney from NY, a graduate of Yale Law, and apparently lives in the same building as David Alan Harvey. I let her borrow the M2 for an afternoon and I am pretty sure there is one in her future after all her raves about the camera the next day. We spent several hours discussing Leica minutia and photography in general. And I now think she is a regular reader of this forum.