10 Questions From A Guatemalan Barber

With my mane needing a trim, I went to an unassuming 3-chair barber shop in Guatemala. While cutting my hair, the barber had a lot of questions for me. I recite his questions here not to show his lack of knowledge, but to show a typical Guatemalan's perceptions of the United States.

1. Where is Wall Street?
2. What is a 7-11? (It was mentioned in a popular song in Guatemala.)
3. Why are Americans called "Yanquis"?
4. If Northerners are called Yankees, what are Southerners called?
5. Were North Carolina and South Carolina divided because of the Civil War?
6. How many people live in the U.S.?
7. Which Chinatown is always shown in the movies?
8. Are the barbers in the U.S. all Latinos?
9. Did you vote for John McCain?
10. Where is Spain in relation to the U.S. geographically?

CKY

Mexico - Guatemala Bus Trip Summary

TAPO bus station, Mexico City

• Sketchiest moment: Crossing the Mexican-Guatemalan border by foot
• Number of overturned vehicles witnessed: 2 (one overturned 18 wheeler in Mexico and one overturned chicken bus in Guatemala)
• Modes of transport from San Diego to Guatemala City: bus (5x), taxi (2x), trolley (1x), foot (1x)
• Total "fees" paid to law enforcement: 200 pesos in Mexico
• Number of Evangelicals who tried to convert me: 2
• Worst deal: $85 boat ride on Lake Atitlan (and the guy didn't have change for a $100 bill)
• Best deal: Haircut for $1.50
• Number of shotgun wielding security guards seen: At least 30, including one guarding a beer truck
  
• Number of times I dove to the ground for cover because of gunfire: Once (it was kids playing with firecrackers)
• Best meal: Pepian with tortillas

CKY

Greetings From Guatemala

My journey down to Guatemala is nearly over. The only price I have had to pay, aside from a sore back side, is missing tonight´s U.S. premier of Quantum of Solace.

Once I return home, relax, and sort through my notes, I will have a lot of things to share, including:

• the best place to sit on a long distance bus;
• ten great cars available in Mexico that we cannot buy in America;
• the markets of Kashgar versus Chichicastenango;
• Chinese food in the Yukon and Chiapas;
• Guatemalan political party symbols;
• the ins and outs of bus travel in Mexico and Guatemala.

Stay tuned.

CKY

Next Stop, Guatemala

Dear Readers,

Last night, I was fortunate enough to witness a great moment in American history. When I woke up this morning, we still faced the same problems and challenges: ignorance, poverty, pollution, crime, war, hate. But today, I am more optimistic and hopeful. Together, we can overcome anything.

I will leave soon for another butt-breaking semi-epic bus journey/marathon. I will return sometime in mid-November. Thanks for your patience and feel free to browse through past blog posts. I am confident that you will find at least one mildly amusing item.

CKY

Don't Forget to Vote

I am off to Nevada again to volunteer. I will return on Wedneday, hopefully to a better world.

CKY

Sarkozy Palin Prank Call

Sounds like she's ready to talk to foreign leaders on Day One.

CKY

Volvo Owners / Obama Supporters

I think it's safe to say that most Volvo owners are Obama supporters.

General Colin Powell and his 122S

240 wagon

Volvo dealership President's Day sale ad

CKY

American Presidential Limousines Retrospective

In anticipation of the Tuesday presidential election, the New York Times compiled a neat set of photographs of past American presidential limousines.

To view a complete list of rides of heads of state from around the world (196 nations), click here.

CKY

VW Beetle In Antarctica

In 1962-63, two distinct groups of people had their interests intersect. The Australian Antarctic station in Mawson needed an inexpensive and durable vehicle to transport things and people around the base. At the same time, Volkswagen wanted to promote its Beetle to Arctic markets. So VW Australia donated a red Beetle to the station. The 1962.5 Beetle was red in order to make it really stick out in the snow. Find out more about this experiment here.

CKY

Rahm Emanuel Rumored to Be Obama's Chief of Staff

The rumor today is that Rahm Emanuel may be Obama's White House Chief of Staff. Emanuel is a great organizer and was instrumental in helping the Dems win Congress back in 2006. It's early yet, but I predict that Obama will ask Republican Chuck Hagel to be Secretary of Defense and he will appoint Hillary Clinton to the Supreme Court. I think there will be a place for Mike Huckabee as well. I am no Nostradamus, as I also predicted that Honda would win the F1 Constructor's title.

CKY