The 3rd Americas Social Forum will take place in Guatemala City at the Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala, from October 7th to 12th 2008. The date is symbolic to social struggles in the region and in particular to indigenous peoples. October 12th symbolizes the resistance of indigenous peoples as it marks the beginning of the Spanish conquest.
The six main themes seek to reflect the specific nature of the hemispheric agenda:
1. Scope and Challenges of the Changes in the Hemisphere: Post-Neoliberalism, Socialism(s), Civilizational Changes
2. Peoples in Resistance to Neoliberalism and Imperial Domination
3. Defending quality of life in the face of predatory capitalism
4. Diversities and Equality: challenges for achieving them
5. La disputa ideológica: comunicación, culturas, conocimientos, educación
6. Pueblos y nacionalidades indígenas originarios y afrodescendientes: el ‘buen vivir’ y sus claves para el futuro
If you would like more information and to register in the forum please visit the official website
Getting around Guatemala City
Guatemala City is the biggest capital of Central America, with almost 3 million people living there. That might make it a bit scary for a lot of people considering it is the most dangerous place in the whole country.
For people visiting the Americas Social Forum and especially if it is your first time in Guatemala City, I would advice them to take taxis to get to the San Carlos University and back to your hotels or hostel. And if you are planning to move around the city during your time here it is also the safest option and will make things less complicated. I would even encourage people to get in contact trough this blog for example because in case you are staying in the same area you can even share the cost of the cab or go in groups if you decide to take public transportation.
My recommendation if you decide to use cabs because they are safe and reliables is to call Taxis Amarillos to the following number 2470-1515. You can buy a cheap mobile phone in Guatemala for around $20 and they include outgoing local minutes (all incoming calls are free), so if you can afford one don’t think twice and get yourself one.
There is many public buses going to the University, and most of them go trough the main avenues and streets of the city. Look for the buses with signs USAC or Avenida Petapa.
Accomodation in Guatemala City
There is plenty of options for accomodation in Guatemala City from Budget Hostels to 5 Star Hotels.
If you are looking for the midrange hostels, there is many options around Areopuerto Internacional la Aurora between $12 to $17 per person. If you don’t mind to spend a bit more and would like a hotel, there is a few options around Zona Viva for $35.
If you are looking for budget accommodation, then look around Zone 1. You can find places to stay here starting at $4. But if you ask me, the only place I would recommended you to stay for those prices tough is Pension Meza, I found the other ones too sketchy for my taste.
There is one more option, and if you heard before about the hospitality exchange organizations before this is probably a great time to start using them. There is a couple of this organizations in Guatemala, but the most popular right now is The Couchsurfing Project.
If you have doubts or questions about the Americas Social Forum or Guatemala City post a comment below with it and I will answer you ASAP. And I welcome other users or people going to the America Social Forum to reply as well.
Comment by Carlisle at Sep 9th, 2008 9:09 pm ↑
This frivolous event does not belong on what looks otherwise to be a serious web site.
Comment by Sally Meisenhelder at Sep 20th, 2008 3:42 pm ↑
Thanks for your info in Thorntree. Right now we are having difficutly finding a place to stay. There are 3 of us and the several hotels recommended by the orgznizers are full. Will start to make some calls tomorrow. I’ve been looking in Zona 1 so appreciate the tip on aeropuerto area. Feel free to share my email with any others. We are from New Mexico and will be there primarily for the femicide mesa/panel but also immigration stuff.
Comment by Pampa at Sep 22nd, 2008 11:09 am ↑
I will put here some links from Hostels in the airport area:
www.hostallosvolcanes.com
www.loslagoshostal.com
You can as well check Xamanek Hostel in Zone 10:
www.mayaworld.net
Comment by Nikki Johnson at Oct 4th, 2008 1:56 pm ↑
We are desperately looking for accommodation that is , safe and inexpensive and clos to the USCG- the university where the Forum will be held.
There are very few maps of the city that give a complete view. So, is zone 12 between 11 and 13? And if we got a place on either of those zones, or even Zone 10, will we be able to get transportation easily to the Forum?
Thank you, thank you for your assistance.
Regards,
~Nikki V. Johnson
PEACE
Comment by Pampa at Oct 6th, 2008 4:19 pm ↑
how much can you spend per night?? The hostels near the airport are a good option for you so hopefully you will still find a place to stay there. They are cheap and you only have to take two buses to the University.
In Zone 10 the cheapest place to stay is Xamanek Hostel, so if they are full I doubt you will find anything cheap around here.
And well… Im not sure until what time you need to be in the Forum, but there is buses going from the Unversity to Antigua Guatemala, and even it will be an hour ride you can get nice and safe places to stay around here for US$6.
Comment by SandraMiller at Oct 14th, 2008 12:24 pm ↑
Hello ,
I recently found a new jobs site called HealthCareCrossing. What is interesting is that HealthCareCrossing consolidates all of the health care jobs from other job boards and employer websites (i.e., magazines, newspapers, hospitals, clinics and general posting sites) and puts them all on its site .
I have found some listings to be out of date but still think the site is ok . I hope these guys make it because it is a good resource for the customer service-related community in my opinion since the site is dedicate exclusively to us.
Comment by nowstonge at Oct 29th, 2008 7:54 pm ↑
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Institute of Technology in New York
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