Traveling Guatemala Tikal & Hot Spring Waterfalls OVERLAND TRAVEL SAGA Ep. 42

[@bondedteam626]

Im guatemalan, and little gringo kids ask me for money too here in the States. Sometimes i give them other times I dont. Big gringos ask me for money all the time, most of the time I dont give them, and yall know why. I only give them when I see the necesity. It is not only a guatemalan thing only its a United States thing also. Yall know what im talking about.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

We do hear you and I agree. There are people in need or want for more than they have and the means by which they seek it is to beg all over the world and yes in the United States. We experienced the most obvious poor to rich in Guatemala, of our entire trip. I know it exists in all parts of the world, but in the following days and the experiences that we had at that waterfall kept us thinking about this day and these children. The question that we asked could be applied to a similar situation here in the states and because of that we chose to take our previous stance on charity with us on this trip but questioned whether it was still "right". I don't think Guatemala has the same level of welfare and help for the poor provided by the government/taxpayers as I know is in place for us in the united states. So I questioned taking an "across the board" stance on giving money to beggars. I think that it is a very complex issue and I am genuinely interested in different points of view.

[@elgrandisimojoe]

@@TheTravelingTogetherJournal Have you seen Slumlord Millionaire? Its the same thing begging is a business and the kids are victim/laborers. I blame first off, the USA, yep gringos.. Guatemala a country in a tropical region where you can trow seed to the ground and have abundant food in a few months... is also the country in all LatAm where you find the signs off stunted growth, look at the same indigenous people in neighboring countries and you'll see s not genetics but nutrition. So going back to your "social questions": As long as "liberal" gringos look the other way to the policies of their government vis-a-vis American corporate ownership of the land in Northern Triangle countries... you will have EXPLOITED children. As long as Chiquita Banana and others own so much land under contract especially VACANT land and the US government keeps being complicit or participant on the killing of activist advocating for land reform... vacationing gringos will continue to be made uncomfortable at the result of the policies of their nation. "Comprende?"

[@edwardrosado9974]

Absolutely

[@roamingrodgers]

Always back up to the cloud when you can. Great video

[@JOSEESTRADA-ez4mi]

THEY ARE.....💖🌺🌺KIDS.... Give and Shall Receive.

[@dougmc666]

The water taxi/campsite/town was a great combination! Children live off the generosity of others all the time, a good family doesn't just give them money to get rid of them, children have other needs.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Isla Flores (the water taxi town) was pretty cool and they could through one heck of a party. That's a solid point on the family dynamics

[@justincoleman2740]

I was there in 1990 and it was the same. A difficult question but I agree with the idea of food gifts when possible.Clearly you need to think of your budget and the costs of your future.P.s Can't believe how much has changed. No shopping malls in 1990 but the beautiful smiles are just the same! Great job on your vids guys.Love the Jagger content. Poor old fella/

[@71tatonka]

What do you guys do with Jager while you are doing things like go to the mall? I have never found a great solution for this on my travels.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

I have written a script for the video I will make on this, just need time to film it.

[@wtfc2321]

Perhaps having a bunch of used books for children ( just to say something) may be helpful. this way, you won’t feel like you didn’t do anything to help and they may be happy because they did got something even if it wasn’t what they wanted. I’m sure they may not even speak Spanish in this case, but that may start curiosity about learning

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

I'm seeing 2 things in people's responses that we all seem to feel a desire to help with in this situation. We want them to be fed and educated.

[@mrsmahern]

Wow, Matt’s spanish pronunciation is crazy good! Amie, your cooking looks yum. Glad you gave charity. When i was a kid (had lots of opportunity) I never begged. Didn’t have to. People do what they have to.

[@ObamaoZedong]

Do you remember where the hot waterfall was?

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Its on the north side of the highway, RN-7E about half way along the north coast of lake Izabal in southeast Guatemala.

[@delvaacoustic1985]

I have T-mobile I was just in Guatemala for two weeks had service everywhere my signal changed from tigo to Movistar to claro work everywhere

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Good info.

[@travisoates6645]

Hey guys I was watching an episode where you got woken up in the middle of the night on the beach and stayed with a local. Ya said you were gonna make an KZbin live and I wanted to see what happened but couldn't locate it. Could you help me find it? Thanks again 🤙

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Here you go Travis: kzbin.info/www/bejne/p6qknJ16o92lepI Thanks for watching

[@belizeguy]

I live here in Mexico, and children almost never beg. Adults , yes , but not kids . You did fine . Plastics are sold to recyclers . I would not give money . Childrens books would be great .

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Thanks. We generally don't give to beggars of any age and are used to the experience, but this town was so bad it inspired several conversations about it between Amie and I and encouraged us to move along faster than we otherwise would have. Which is unfortunate for the town since the legit business owners missed out on some potential income from us.

[@Ama28]

good thing your dog didnt bark when you got to the entrance. Thank you for sharing this video.

[@phlfly10]

Hi guy enjoying to watch your series as I want to do same with my family. My question on mark 14:59 your tire has some wire around it, what is it ?

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

It's just a cable we use to lock our camp kitchen to the truck. It's not much, but it provides a small level of security

[@phlfly10]

@@TheTravelingTogetherJournal I see nice idea.

[@northern1937]

That's a tough one. Never had to go think of that before.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

That's good. It's not a fun experience. I've seen it everywhere I've traveled to varying degrees and have thought about it quite a bit, but I have never come up with anything that felt like I would be helping without encouraging a culture of beggars that see travelers as people who are SUPPOSED to give them free stuff.

[@ADONAIsays-so]

How cool!

[@zahrastone402]

Hey :) lovely video, your trip looks so fun! Where was the hot waterfalls?? I tried looking for it on maps, but looks like it is near Guatemala City - is that right? lots of love x thanks!

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Thanks. It's pretty far from the city. It is outside of La Ensenada, near Lago de Izebal.

[@cajunkeels]

I had a similar experience with child beggers in a small town in Greece called Nafplio. They only asked for money, not food. We found out that most of these kids were used by their parents to get money to feed their own addictions like drugs and/or alcohol. Of course being generous to those who really need food and drink is great, however there are a lot of them that will try to deceive. Just be careful and vigilant.

[@robertsmith9786]

Yep it is a business. I saw old people on the streets of Antigua waiving white surrender flags asking for money. But considering the pandemic and no tourists around it is a hardship for some.

[@roamingrodgers]

No beggars in Nafplio now, its a lovely place and a nice tourist spot, sadly the prices there keep going up.

[@xaviergomez4574]

Where is that hot spring waterfall and what’s call please. Thanks

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

I don't recall the name but it is on the north coast of Lago izabal

[@skryptent]

How far away from Tikal was that hot waterfall?

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

About 5 hours by car

[@robertsmith9786]

I just stumbled on your channel! Great stuff. I am American and my wife is from Antigua Guatemala. We just returned after 11 days in Guatemala over Christmas 2020. We traveled with her family (13 people) from Antigua to Tikal in 2 vehicles. We drove to lake Peten Itza and stayed at an upscale hotel called Gringo Perdido (Lost Gringo). This place was a paradise but restaurant service was so so. 2 nights there and then of to Rio Dulce. 3rd night at Hiacienda Tijax which was an "experience"! It is little raised cabins in the jungle which are on the Rio Dulce river. DO NOT STAY here unless you have low expectations. Poor service but the pool and dock area with boats was beautiful. Guatemala is a 3rd world country so you have to expect the vast majority of people to have their hand out asking for money. The corruption in Gov't is unsurpassed and you have 2 classes, rich and poor. Very few people have extra money unless they are drug dealers or very successful business people who may have achieved success by unethical and dishonest means. That said the people are very warm and friendly. My weakness is speaking Spanish so I am always submersed and am the only non-Spanish speaker at the table and I get ignored. Yep totally my fault for not learning Spanish after 15 years of marriage and many trips to Guatemala. Its a lively and warm culture and many of my family came to my wedding in Antigua. They all commented how the poor people were so happy even they they did not have "a pot to piss in". It is a stark contrast to Americans whining about slow internet or not being able to get the latest Netflix movie they want to see. Enjoy all that Guatemala has to offer! Be careful with the water and street food as you can get ill.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Sounds like a great trip Robert. We also enjoyed Guatemala very much. I'm sure you get to have a very unique and rich experience traveling with your extended family.

[@kevinbiggs63]

Hi I would like to know where waterfall there so my girlfriend and I will go there next year Feb Thank you

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

It's on Highway 7E, along the north coast of Lago de Izabal,

[@sicchuckie]

Each situation is different; it’s not like they are going to just go get drunk, I guess

[@checkeredflagfilms]

Do they allow you to fly a drone in Tikal? And/or some of the other locations you've visited?

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

no, not in Tikal. some of the less popular sites would likely be fine with it.

[@litodevilangel00]

Are you guys fluent in Spanish? Do you think not being fluent (just knowing a few phrases here and there) would make it really difficult to travel around the area?

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

We are not fluent. We practiced while traveling and got better, but were still intermediate Spanish speakers at best. obviously the better you can communicate the more opportunities you will have to engage with the locals and will definitely have a better trip for it.

[@evopwrmods]

No mention of Jaeger doing better ? He seemed to be doing ok in the video. I bet he would like those hot springs if he could get into them. Live in the moment.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

He wasn't really doing better or worse compared to the update in Las Flores. Just kinda stable.

[@deepintosports]

I think the we have people that has everything and some that only have lots of needs for different reasons, but that its an old story in the whole world and most of the people understands that.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

That's true. Definitely not a new problem.

[@thmj77]

I can understand the soft heart for the little kids the natural thing to do would be to give. And I bet if there were some way that you can change all their lives for the better you would. You asked yourself (or Us) all the right questions and you thoroughly rationalized the pros and cons. Sometimes when it’s a very tough decision to make and the consequences are dire or reasoning lacks suffice not evidence or facts then I error on the side of caution or in this case I would give the children all that I can and at the same time would begin to pay attention to signals or until I find out the parents put them up to it or the children steal. Many times Parente use the kids as they naturally are more sympathetic. Why I took the time out to respond to your social question was that I saw almost verbatim myself how you felt, thought and approached the situation which was deja vu.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Thanks for the thoughtful response. I was stuck in a very short-term mind set. I was thinking of situations when you are only interacting with people for a day, or maybe only a couple minutes, but you bring up a good point. If you stay somewhere for a longer period of time you can learn more about the situation and adjust your response accordingly. I generally don't give stuff to people while we are traveling, but when I was doing work-trade and stationary for longer periods of time I was happy to donate my time and tools to help the community rebuild washed out roads or drive kids to school when the bus broke down. It's nice that we continue to get responses on this video. It keeps me thinkings about it. Thanks again

[@JennyBrett]

That's pretty much what I do when I'm sick..mope around and feel sorry for myself. Lol

[@OnTheBusPodcast]

Thats a gooooood sneaky boi

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Hehehe So sneaky. This might be the first time his sneakiness helped us out :)

[@kethertomalkuthorchard1663]

Oh wow Guatemala! We have friends who have built a post genocide life with a good chance for a bright future in Chajul. I made a close friend who has worked his way to college despite the odds and dreams of graphic design and web services as a business he might create for himself and community to run and raise the economy of his neighborhood with one dream. How did you feel in Guatemala and would you ever want to head back?

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

It's really complicated. Overall I think we had the most "unsafe" experiences in Guatemala and when we talked to other overlanders that traveled through when we did they reported the same thing. Its interesting because of all the other Central American countries it does not have the bad rap that Honduras and El Salvador and now Nicaragua have. Antigua was one of my favorite cites of the trip. It's so beautiful and very different. I'm not a big city person, but I'd want to return there, and we did on our way back home.

[@hugoberlusconi]

Guatemala is so beautiful, rich and unique. I have travel to Guatemala several times and I felt very safe; any place in the world can be unsafe if you don't know your surroundings even in Europe. I love those Mayan piramides, lake Atitlan and Antigua. There is a reason why millions of tourists travel to Guatemala every year specially from Europe and North America.

[@israelrodas6232]

Great video as always 👍🇬🇹 you guys are great 😀 I am wondering how much time did you spend in Guatemala ?? How many days or month did it take to be in a lot of places in Guatemala !! Greetings from xela , I live in xela did you guys were in my city xela ?

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

We spent about 2 months in Guatemala. I don't think we ever drove through Xela.

[@Memphistiger02]

That is the same girl that was in the Project Atticus video I think.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Well now I gotta go find out what Project Atticus is...

[@Memphistiger02]

@@TheTravelingTogetherJournal They are a sailing cruising channel

[@mrbenz2392]

You were very rude by saying that the kids were trying to sell you their CRAP!! And these children are poor, you could have asked them to help you clean something or some kind of chore ,to earn a little money. Here in the states people are always asking for money. Even the teenagers. Have some compassion!!! You make it sound like you come from a perfect world and nobody asks for money where you come from!!!! These kids will work for a living, unlike the lazy american kids that grow up and depend on welfare and the government to take care of them !!!!!!!

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Hi Eddie. Sorry it took me so long to address your comments. I've been out to sea. I clearly said some things that you took offense to. sorry for that. I'm not trying to insult anyone. I just wanted to Start a conversation with other travelers who may have experienced similar situations to what we experienced in this town. We didn't mean to imply that only Guatemala has this issue. Unfortunately, it can be found all over the world. I (matt) tend not to be very compassionate with beggars or people aggressively trying to sale me things I don't want. Amie leans more to wanting to help everyone. That's how the conversation got started and eventually we decided to use this platform to get other people's opinions on the matter. As far as people begging in the USA, I never give them anything. I don't like begging and giving to them encourages the behavior. We have welfare and other government programs that (if used as intended) give them the opportunity to get employed and take care of themselves, so I don't feel like giving them my money solves any problems. We were both feeling some compassion for the children in this Guatemalan town however, because we assumed that they probably don't have access to many of the advantages (good education, government assistance programs, exposure to different employment opportunities) that we are accustomed to in the USA. I see that you think the right thing to do would have been to offer them some kind of small employment. A couple of other people mentioned that as an option as well. I see how it is a good middle ground of giving them something while trying to encourage them to work for it as apposed to just asking for a handout.

[@KimberlyErinD]

Oh my gosh, I wish I knew there was a hot water river near Tikal!

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

It's not that close. I try to give reference by using the maps in the episodes. We actually end up south west of Belize by the time the episode is over.

[@dennisfish8404]

I had to think on your question. I think the gift of food is the best gift.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

I had a friend that would buy lots of cheap local fruit because that's what he ate and it was cheaper in bulk, but also because it was a cheap healthy snack he could offer kids or adults that wanted to come hang around his camp. It seemed like a decent idea to me.

[@anelalopez8836]

im from guatemala and Before give your opinion serch and look how many kids struggle to survive in guatemala some kids have the opurtunity to go to school and other wish to go to shcool but cant. Put yourself in there position if you didint have food you would of also asked for the same thing ... Please if you don't know how the kids live dont say anything.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

I think they were good kids. Nothing against them as people. I'm just curious how other travelers feel in that situation. Do you feel that giving them the money they asked for would help them better their lives or would it create an unhealthy relationship between them and the people visiting their town? I'm no expert.

[@PaoloSantangelo]

Here is a list of products we use and love. Each Amazon link is an affiliate link.

[@jacbox3889]

Where are you guys? You haven't uploaded lately.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Hi Jac. We are in California, USA working like crazy during the busy season to save up for our next adventure. My employment will end this month and I will be back to video editing with a vengeance. Sorry for the wait but don't worry there is much more to come :)

[@jacbox3889]

Patently waiting :)

[@la_veroynomas]

There are pros and cons. Some places kids try wash my windows. Which is every time I park my car or at a stop. I learn to say no and also give my recyclable. They don't do it to locals but will in tourist places or simply because you look forgien. So, no its ok to say no.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Yeah, we generally say no and did here too except for our recyclables. It was so bad here that it inspired several conversations between Amie and I. In the end we didn't come up with any great solution, so we figured we'de ask you guys.

[@OrionMcKay1]

How about giving people stuff like a traveling together journal sticker . Tell them it is very valuable and going up in value so put it somewhere safe or they can sell it to the next gringo and it's a win win.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

That's a good one. hehe I can just picture our stickers being traded amongst the youth of some village

[@JoseGonzalez-ib1yi]

😱👏👏👏👏👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@solamano7239]

Begging children I think are taught by their parents or older siblings. I have been to jungle villages in Africa where the children were chubby and happy and they followed me around out of sheer curiosity and were all smiles when I left. I've been to other places in the world where children were really shrill and almost overwhelmingly persistent. Someone told me once to bring pencils and small notebooks as presents, these they can use in school. Another friend buys a bag of oranges and hands them out. Personally, the only people I ever help out are the elderly, especially those who have an infirmity. Begging is soul-destroying for both parties and I don't think that it should be encouraged in children at all.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Thanks for the reply Sola. Your the first person I've had suggest giving to the elderly and no one else. I see your point there. I (matt) lean to not giving anyone anything for begging because it obviously encourages the behavior and I hate the experience of having people beg, but we feel some guilt in not helping someone who says they are in need. I had a friend that would share fruit with people too. So far, I think this is my favorite "gift" to give someone who says they are hungry and in need.

[@solamano7239]

I've lived in foreign countries my entire life and I guess this has shaped my perspective on what is a very sensitive issue. I refuse to play the game of "oh, you're foreign, therefore you're rich and should give us stuff". Why should people expect handouts from foreigners? The more foreigners give in, the worse the problem gets. At the end of the day, these societies have to self-regulate and they do even if it is not evident to us.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

I (matt) agree 100%. Ive been fortunate enough to spend time in some "remote" parts of the world where they hadn't seen much tourism and I've seen how tourist with good intensions can effect the mind set of the locals and create a local culture that sees foreigners as wealthy people that are supposed to give them things and I believe that this often turns into a mind set where stealing from foreigners is OK and it all has a negative effect on anyone trying to operate a legit local business. That being said, I am guilty of offering a snack or drink to the occasional local that seems genuinely friendly and happy or interested to meet us and patient with our poor Spanish. So maybe I'm a hypocrite, but I guess I see giving into beggars as perpetuating the idea that we, the foreign travelers are separate from the locals and they need our help verses seeing the locals as equals, some of which we find friendly and enjoyable so we invite them to spend time with us and (as we would with other travelers) offer food or drink. I can only wonder how the locals really see it in each area.

[@solamano7239]

I think that it's totally natural if you befriend a local to share with them whatever you're having. It goes two ways! There's no begging involved and it's just a case of sharing or alleviating the moment. I've had drivers buy me chai or a cold coke in the desert and I've shared my smokes with them. I guess fellowship is what I'd call it and that is one of the nicest parts of otherwise grueling travel.

[@coryyoung8289]

we give them books on personal development around money, mindset, happiness and health, information that can change there life if they choose to apply it

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Interesting. I haven't heard that one before. It does seem one of the most appropriate gifts for anyone who can read and understand the concepts, but is still in a poor situation. After all, We want for them to improve their quality of life in a sustainable way and hopefully in a way that benefits the community.

[@SimonElenor]

Agreed! If you give them food it's fine but nothing else. I have been travelling since I was 6. You will find if you give them gifts or money then they will just want more and hound you more. It's the hardest thing in the world not to give a cute kid something. But you will only teach them begging is fine if you give them money or gifts. Keep up the good work.

[@stevecole2616]

When in another country you always give as much as you can. Besides getting your car broken into..

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Do you have a different outlook on the matter in you home country?

[@stevecole2616]

Generosity helps prevent theft.

[@stevecole2616]

@@TheTravelingTogetherJournal Every situation is a learning and teaching opportunity. Only when I can afford it, is an excuse. We are given everything. Why not share it..

[@stevecole2616]

First you have to understand you are not the host!! Respect the host first. If your too cheap to afford candy for the kids and cigarettes for the adults then don't go the to exploit their lands and waves!!

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

@@stevecole2616 "Every situation is a learning and teaching opportunity." Agreed. "Respect the host first" Agreed. I'm just not sure charity=respect "If your too cheap to afford candy for the kids and cigarettes for the adults then don't go the to exploit their lands and waves!!" Thats where I feel a bit

[@EcoMouseChannel]

When I've traveled south in the past, I've brought a giant bag of suckers to pass out. Give to guards, border crossings, police and even begging children. Everyone seems to love candy down there, it's not harming anyone and it goes a long way to establishing good will, or at the very least that you are friendly. However, passing out candy in the States at any other time other than Halloween is not the best look. You are assumed to be something you aren't. We've been culturally conditioned to think that way. In other countries, it's a nice thing to do.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Thanks for the reply Eco Mouse. Ive heard of the "big bag of candy" technique too. It's a pretty popular one and definitely better than just giving money in my opinion. But I still worry that it encourages the culture of begging and an unhealthy relationship between the locals and tourist. I don't want to create an expectation in the locals where they feel entitled to receiving gifts from tourist. I guess the key would be to give the suckers to kids that you see doing something that you consider good behavior, like putting their trash in the bin or going to school.

[@EcoMouseChannel]

It's not our "job" to school these children and encourage anything other than our safe passage through their towns and villages. An angry mob of kids can slash your tires or worse. At the end of the day, it's all about personal safety. Even if you are a missionary on a trip of good-will. Their reality IS of one of "Rich Foreigners" passing through their towns. Envy comes in all shapes and sizes. The feeling of haves and have nots IS part of socialist countries cultures. We can't change that. Perception is everything.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

certainly not our job to do anything. We quit our jobs to go traveling ;) I (matt) have always been fine with not giving anything to anyone who is not offering me a desired good or service. That's generally my policy. I have spent time in enough places off the tourist track to see the culture and expectations of the inhabitants change as they have more and more interaction with tourist as the tourist track expands. I am of the opinion that giving to beggars (or extortionist) encourages the behavior and establishes a mind set in the locals that tourist have an excess and that they are supposed to give you things. In my theory this leads to an increased likely hood of theft against tourist. That's my take on it, but this experience had Amie and I discussing the pros and cons of giving to beggars or buying things you don't really want because you feel like your helping. She is definitely more compassionate than I am. Of course safety is priority number 1 and you do what you gotta to stay safe wherever you are.

[@stevegordon9997]

If you film them they want a tip . I usually give them fruit or candy but money not so much unless they work for it.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

This didn't have anything to do with us filming them. They would come ask for stuff even if we didn't have a camera rolling. I think it was clear that they must have had other tourist come to the town for the waterfall and that they have been given stuff in the past and therefore expect to be given things again.

[@alroyce3801]

A good question! The first question that have for them is where are you parents? In Mexico most kids never ask for money. They would sell you stuff, which could be a little annoying. I guess it is different in Guatemala. In Mexico, I have witnessed sometimes random people buying kids food, when that happens the kids are very grateful then they leave happy. I guess you have to do whatever you feel like doing without regrets! As for the economical situation in centro America and South American, I think these governments should be more responsible for their citizens. It seems that their only agenda is to send their citizens to Mexico and the us.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

I guess knowing that the children are unlikely to receive a good education or many opportunities growing up in some of these small towns is what makes some travelers want to give, but it's hard to know if we're helping or if we are just creating an unhealthy relationship between the locals and tourist.

[@RumrunnerAdventures]

Losing footage sucks! We lost all kinds of what would have been amazing drone footage from our trip. Frustrating!!!

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Super frustrating. If you remember back to our white water rafting adventure in Mexico and our Belize snorkeling trip that was the two major losses along with the snorkeling and dash cam footage in southern Mexico. But that is behind us now so hopefully mat doesn't have to do any more "acting"

[@RumrunnerAdventures]

The Traveling Together Journal yes but we still got that epic Photoshop footage of Matt snorkeling lol

[@andyacosta1985]

Some countries are very poor they cant even go to school but instead of giving them money you could of maybe give them a piece of peanut butter and jeally at least you know they werent going to be hungry when i see someone who need something that is homeless i ask them if they are hungry if they are i try to buy dollar menu so i can buy what ever i can with whatever money i have and if a homeless person ask me for money instead of food i tell them noooo ill buy u food or you dont get anything tjey probably want to buy alcohol or drugs so if you do give thwm money ur feeding their addiction

[@silamoon8856]

check white privilege before entering the cultures and lands of impoverished countries that are not one's own, make an offering to show grace, humbleness, and gratitude, question why i am so offended by seeing poverty around me, question why i am 'blaming the children' when I am the one 'invading' their home-lands, read many more books on white-settler-colonialst-supremacy to educate oneself about how to journey into other's land with respect, offer repentance to the spirits of the land for my ills..just to start.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

I think that understanding the history of an area is always a good piece of advice and one that I could admittedly work on, but I'm a little confused about the rest of your statements. Do you consider all travelers and tourist to be "invaders" if they are visiting a foreign country? And to be clear, I am not offended by the presence of the children, nor do I blame them for their financial situation. I see the begging as an unhealthy relationship in witch the children are attempting to incite pity from the tourist instead of creating a relationship where the tourist and local are equals with a mutual interest in cultural or financial exchange.

[@sherlynflores1302]

why would you say that “these little kids are trying to sell me crap “ first of all it’s not crap they sell that stuff to get money to be able to eat

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

fare enough. If you want the product that they are selling, then it is not crap. It is a valuable commodity that you are happy to pay for. In this case they were trying to sell us things that we had no need or want for. That is fine, but when we said "no" that we did not want the items, they tried to play the sympathy card and ask for money anyway. That is what makes it feel like they are selling crap that they know isn't desirable.

[@mrbenz2392]

"For your information" Schools are not free in Guatemala. A lot of parents cannot afford to send their kids to school. So don't assume the children aren't going to school, because they don't want to. INFORM YOURSELF BEFORE VISITING OTHER COUNTRIES!! And I know first hand, these children want to learn. But because of poverty, they do what they have to do to help their families.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

I know I'm not the most well informed traveler, but I do try to have some basic knowledge of a country before visiting it. I'll be honest with you Eddie, I've never researched the cost of primary school education in any of the countries I've visited. That is an interesting thing for you to inform yourself about before traveling somewhere and I'm curious to hear why you do. As far as whether or not the children want to go to school, I figure people are people everywhere. There are probably some children that would be exemplary students and others that would try to avoid their studies just like kids in the USA and the children I've seen in other counties when I spent enough time to get to know them a little. To be honest I was just happy to hear that there was a school. I know not every town has one and transportation can be difficult or costly. When I was living in Nicaragua we got the bus to start coming to the beach town I was living at to take the kids the 4 miles in to the town with a school. A few times during rainy season the river would flood too high for the bus to make it and the kids that liked school would come find me to take them in the 4x4 and we would pick up other kids along the way that wanted a ride. Meanwhile we would pass kids that were off playing and happy they didn't have to go because the bus didn't show.

[@carolinacontreras585]

I'm Guatemalan and public schools are free. In my opinion the problem is that there aren’t many schools in your area, or if they are too far away from many kids and the government doesn't offer school buses.

[@billoldfield2843]

i like to give the kids in mexico candy not money

[@johanaperez4076]

Make them do little jobs so they can earn the quetzal . teach them that working it’s one of the ways u can make money

[@cruiz4242]

I highly recommend you do some research on the political histories of the countries you visit. If you had cared to do so, you would learn that many remote Mayan communities still have limited access to schools. For generations kids worked alongside parents from a young age. So asking why they aren’t in school instead of seeking support from more resource rich people is pretty dumb.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

So what do you think we should have done in that situation?

[@dennis1345]

Under that reasoning I wouldn't give you guys anything cuz you're not doing anything except for leaching off the people on KZbin Happy Days

[@noemiza5881]

I am from Guatemala, somebody before You guys gave these kids money, so they expect to receive from anybody visiting, they just do it for the fun of getting easy money, good you did not do it.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Thanks Noe. Great to hear a Guatemalan's point of view!

[@dilerlemoli6992]

​@@TheTravelingTogetherJournal e ido a ese lugar, y siempre piden dinero, no hay que darles!! Estan mal acostumbrados

[@robertsarabia1851]

Forget about that "charity" crap. Next they'll be carrying around a bag of trash and saying they just picked it up and saying you should give them 5 bucks for it. What a racket! I wouldn't give them a morsel .

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

are you making a jab at our trash pick-ups for patreons? We feel that people are donating to the creation of this content and since each video takes at least 30 hours or more of work not including the filming we don't see it as charity but contributing to a product that they consume and want to help make sure that we continue to work to produce. The trash pick-up was just a way to acknowledge their contribution and say thank you in a more meaningful way than a t-shirt that we can't honestly produce at this time anyway.

[@stevegriffith6478]

We needs to quit giving foreign aid to these countries. It’s obvious it does not reach those in need. The political side of me says it’s their problem. Realist and compassionate side of me says if we are going help than we only do so by sending volunteers down as well as some authoritarian to help get the country on its feet and stop the heavy corruption. We can use the millions that we have sent down there over the years and be much more effective. I have traveled down in South America a few times and it sucks seeing the conditions some of these towns are in. Then I think also we have places like that here in the states as well that we have turned a blind eye to. Long answer short don’t feed the birds. It’s a temporary crutch and serves no long term fix. It’s like war don’t go in it unless you are going to win. I’m sure I’ll get hate but it’s reality. I travel all over the us and travel abroad. Love your guys videos keep up the good work. My wife and I are almost done with our rig and we will be traveling the back roads of the US Canada and Alaska. Granted not all in one shot but a month at a time as I have a business I have to run. We only fly into Mexico at this time as I had a bad experience last time I drove. Be safe.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

Thoughtful answer Steve. Good parallel drawn. The traveler who gives "gifts" and moves on is just throwing money at a situation that need a lot more than just money.

[@sairacastillo1977]

I found Alice Ford’s KZbin channel more warming. She is more pleasant, sweet and kind. And did not seem to look down at people that are in their own country. Last week i had a white woman ask me for $5 in the USA. All her teeth were missing, but I gave it to her because I didn’t have any change and I was scared for my life at a red stop sign in my car, while she was hanging on my car door. She looked like she needed another hit bad......so sad to see that in the USA, the land of opportunities.

[@TheTravelingTogetherJournal]

It's sad to see it anywhere, and yet it seems to be in every country around the world (or at least the few that I've been to)