Chris Guillebeau is the mastermind behind “The Art of Non-Conformity,” an online blog that touches on unconventional strategies for life, work, and travel. He is also a friend of this traveling gringo. Chris is an amazing character who has spent time the last ten years self-employed, four of them in West Africa as a volunteer aid worker.

Chris’ most recent project is a series of Unconventional Guides and other informational products. These will be available for purchase and expound upon the topics he regularly tackles on his blog: Life, Work and Travel.

The Unconventional Guide to Working for Yourself is an authoritative look at being self-employed. It explains how you can make money and spend Read more

Although Guatemalan cuisine is quite varied, introducing elements from many neighboring countries, a traditional Guatemalan dish, considered by some to be the unofficial national dish of Guatemala is Kak’ik, a spicy turkey stew. (The word “ik” means hot of spicy in Maya, which leads me to believe Kak means turkey…) The dish comes from Pre-Hispanic times and contains much significance for the Mayans.

Kak’ik combines a variety of spices, the most prominent being achiote, coriander and a variety of chilies, the dried Cobanero chile being the main ingredient. Secret ingredients often include several heads of garlic with their dried tails, and Samat, and herb from Alta Verapaz. (Cilantro can be used in a pinch.)

Here is one Read more