 in <b>/home/rcsior/public_html/new/wp-content/themes/productum/functions/admin-functions.php</b> on line <b>306</b><br />
styles/fresh_blue/logo.png){kind=logo}
(16 Nov) Meeting at the Consulate and Cultural Center of Guatemala in Sofia. (+GAL)
On November 16, 2022, our club convened at the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Guatemala in Bulgaria, located within the Cultural Center of Guatemala in Sofia, sharing the same premises. Upon our arrival at the center, we received a warm welcome from the Honorary Consul of Guatemala in Sofia, Mr. Veselin Simov, and the Director of the Cultural Center, Mrs. Silvia Veselinova. Mrs. Silvia Veselinova notably wore a huipil, a traditional garment worn by indigenous women from Guatemala.
The ambiance of the center was tastefully adorned, featuring a photo exhibition, books, and displays of Guatemalan national costumes. The room provided ample space for our 14 RCSI members and guests to feel comfortable, immersing themselves in the captivating Latin American atmosphere.
Our President, Mr. Rumen Rusinov, initiated the meeting with welcoming words and expressed gratitude to our hosts for their warm hospitality. Following introductory remarks, he ceded the floor to the Honorary Consul and the Director of the Center, who delivered a comprehensive presentation on the Republic of Guatemala. This presentation covered various aspects, including the country’s history, culture, politics, and economy. Notably, Guatemala ranks fifth globally in papaya and watermelon exports, eighth in coffee exports, and is the world’s largest exporter of cardamom. Agriculture thrives in Guatemala due to its diverse climatic zones, with the textile and food industries, among others, being well-represented.
The Cultural Center also actively supports business opportunities and facilitates meetings with Guatemalan enterprises, including visits to significant Guatemalan businesses such as coffee, cocoa, rum, sugar cane, textiles, and more. Additionally, it promotes the tourism industry, inviting cultural experiences in various parts of Guatemala, including visits to Mayan sites like Tikal, Antigua, and Atitlan. The presentation was truly remarkable and included short videos about Guatemala.
During the meeting, we had the pleasure of sampling some of Guatemala’s culinary delights. Silvia introduced us to Guatemalan coffee and rum, including “Between Volcanoes” coffee from San Miguel and “GUA MONO” gourmet coffee prepared using the “Chemex” method. We also savored Guatemalan rums, Zacapa and Botran, along with semi-hard cheese – queso Manchego and ham serrano.
As an international club, this meeting provided us with another opportunity to broaden our international connections and learn about foreign cultures. It was a genuine pleasure to immerse ourselves in the culture of this exotic country. The meeting concluded with a group photo of all participants and an invitation extended to the Honorary Consul and the Director of the Cultural Center to visit our meetings.
