Américas recently made an extensive journey through Guatemala and discovered a country of endless surprises, a land where the spirit of the Maya is still very present, not only in the great ruins of yesteryear, but also in the living presence of today’s indigenous peoples. We visited the Mayan cities of Quiriguá and Tikal, as well as the Baroque and ladina Antigua, all declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites. We were delighted by the multi-colored scenery and enchanted by the forest home of the resplendent quetzal in Alta and Baja Verapaz. It wasn’t long before we realized that this would certainly not be our last piece on Guatemala.
This issue also took us to South America where we had the privilege of getting an up-close view of rural life in Chile and a taste of old Europe in “the Switzerland of Brazil.” We were able to appreciate how the vital historic roots of the Chilean farmer have evolved, turning Chile into one of the most competitive countries worldwide in agricultural products and high-quality wine. The Switzerland in question is Campos do Jordão, a paradise where Portuguese explorers arrived three centuries ago in search of gold. They settled in this ideal place of green hills and cool weather, dotted today with Swiss chalets and old world culture.
In the midst of this historical, agricultural, and cultural wealth, we were also able to see the dramatic reality of malnutrition reported on by international organization in the hemisphere. Here, Américas emphasizes some of the programs and strategic alliances between public and private sectors that have helped improve nutrition levels, especially among children.
Our issue also includes some of our readers’ favorite cultural topics from the continent’s diverse offerings of art, gastronomy, music, literature, and theater. One example is Rubén Torres Llorca, a Cuban artist residing currently in Miami, who creates three-dimensional pieces around the experience of others and that of his own “cinematographic” life. We also explore the delicious mystery of Angostura bitters—one of the best kept secrets of Trinidad and Tobago’s treasure chest—and the magic of the traditional rhythms of Panamanian drums. On the literature front, we meet Ecuador’s octogenarian writer Alicia Yánez Cossío and her female characters who help give life to times in history that were anything but easy for women.
When we return to Washington, we head to the theater—GALA Hispanic Theatre, of course—which has come of age and become what critics say is the premier Spanish-language theater in the United States.
Américas is keeping its positive focus and staying on the lookout for stories and experiences that help us to understand the greatness and complexity of our American continent.
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