San Jose, Uruguay

San Jose de Mayo is between Montevideo, Uruguay, and Colonia, an old Portuguese town that is a favorite day trip destination for Buenos Aires residents. The town of 36,000 is a regional and commercial center, and is a microcosm of Uruguay: industry such as chemicals and paper are represented, as are dairy, packing houses, and cattle ranching.

The surrounding area is gorgeous for its peacefulness and simplicity. The romanticism of the gaucho may be long gone, but residents of the San Jose de Mayo are still very close to the earth. We happened to traipse through along Uruguay’s Route 1, and enjoyed the farms, ranches, and forests.

Zhuhai, China: the Other Shenzhen

Think of China, the world’s workshop, and chances are you are reminded of Shenzhen, the miracle city across the border from Hong Kong.

But there is another city that has is crucial to the world’s supply chain.

Zhuhai is a pleasant city of 1.5 million people that is across the border from Macau.  Like Shenzhen, it is a special economic zone that the Chinese government established in the 1980s.

Several large multinationals, including ExxonMobil, BP, Seimens, and Carrefour have a presence in Zhuhai.  Despite its massive economic and population growth, Zhuhai is a pleasant city to spend a few hours to take a break from casino-mad Macau; life as an expat here would be a fine option, too.

Much of China’s food and agricultural exports run through Zhuhai, as these photos suggest.  

Flores, Guatemala

For 36 years Guatemala suffered through a civil war that tore apart families and forced many to flee their country.  The small nation bordering Mexico has been war-free the past several years, but is still recovering: it is one of the 10 poorest nations in Latin America.

But there is hope.  The country has boosted agriculture exports: walk into a Trader Joe’s and those snap peas were probably grown in Guatemala.  Textiles are also manufactured in Guatemala, and some light industry and assembly exist.

Nevertheless, many Guatemalans still suffer from extreme poverty, especially its indigenous people, who make a visit to Guatemala rich from its cultural heritage.

One danger the nation faces is deforestation.  The government’s Cuatro Balam Plan hopes to increase tourism and sustainable agriculture in Petén, the northernmost departamento (department, or county) in Guatemala.  Eco-tourism is on the rise, and visitors flock to ancient Mayan sites like Tikal.

The capital of Petén is Flores, a charming town on Lake Petén Itza.  It sits on what was once an island, but now a bridge connects this colorful and charming town to nearby Santa Elana, where an open market drives local commerce.

Several years ago we spent Christmas in Guatemala, and spent a night in Flores.  Walking around the streets was a simple pleasure, so here are a few photos.