I have met so many people (not in Guatemala), and the first question I got was: “Isn’t it dangerous?” Let me answer this for you very briefly. Guatemala – like probably every other country on this planet – has its flaws and dangerous places. You wouldn’t walk through the Bronx in New York City with expensive gear, a golden watch and your wallet peaking out your back pocket – alone and in the middle of the night. You wouldn’t do that in Berlin and you would most definitely not do it in London. Yes – you could maybe do it in Seoul…but you know what I mean. The key word is COMMON SENSE! Adapt to the circumstances. Take only what you need. Try to blend in. Wear something inconspicuous. Keep your valuables hidden if you bring them. Don’t use a big-ass camera bag that says “Nikon” or “Canon” – put it in a shoulder-bag instead and take it out only when you intend to shoot pictures. I’ve seen many tourists walk around the city with their camera dangling from their neck…how stupid is that?? That’s like an invitation that says “Pleeeeeasseeeee – take my damn camera!”

I travel alone. I bring expensive gear because I want to take professional pictures. I try to appear as normal as I can as a Gringo and not draw any attention to what I wear or what I carry. I have literally NEVER had any issues with safety – and I walk around town at night. Be careful, be aware of your surroundings but don’t have the paranoia that behind every corner a mugger awaits. Be open and friendly and listen to your gut – it will tell you if something’s wrong. Nevertheless – things CAN happen. If they do – don’t freak out. Let them take whatever they want. It’s only money. Or a camera. Or jewelry. Fuck it – your life is more important!

I’m not done with Guatemala – not nearly. I fell in love with this country, I went back to see if that feeling prevails…and it did. Now I have to come up with a plan. A plan that let’s me spend more time in Guatemala. I have some ideas and I need to talk to some people. I want to learn Spanish and become fluent. And I want to see if there’s any opportunities to find projects there.

If you have ideas, know people or know a way to help – feel free to contact me immediately! My e-mail address is mail@umbertofederico.de.

To conclude this article, I want to say one last thing: I hope my stories and articles about this lovely little country in Central America inspired you. Go and visit Guatemala. Make your own experiences. Get real and get close with nature, culture and Guatemalans. You won’t regret it – if you stay open and humble for what Guatemala has to offer!