Author: Tor R.
Location: Summer's Beach, Tortola
We greeted the Questers, who were joining us for the day after a quick breakfast, so we could fit as much turtle tagging into our day as possible. We motor, me being a little shaky at the wheel at first, and arrived at our destination safely. We split into 4 boats and began the fun! We caught one turtle before lunch due to two boats combining their skill to corner it, which was an excellent display of teamwork. We continued after lunch of PBandJ and some questionable Mac 'n' Cheese, successfully catching five turtles in total, two of them due to Victoria's talent at capturing them! We have been notified that with these turtles we have actually broken the Lifeworks turtle tagging record! We ended the day with a relaxing BBQ on the beach with the rest of ActionQuest.
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Monday, August 10, 2009
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Play Day!!
Author: Ginevera C.
Location: Muskmelon Bay, Guana Island
Today was an excellent day. We woke up to a beautiful sunny day and got straight to work. After some delicious pancakes we got underway towards Muskmelon Bay. The sail was nice, despite the water being a little choppy, but we arrived in the bay excited to start our fun day. Some of our activities for the day included snorkeling amongst clouds of harmless jellyfish, water skiing behind the whaler Argo, and learning to sail the Picos, the mini sail boats. While some of us were learning to drive dinghies, Hannah was teaching others how to do back flips off the boat. Overall the day was a success. The group work well together and we were much more efficient than the past few days. One of the most fun parts of the day was seeing an octopus in the water. We ended the night with a bowl of chili, a sunset and a movie on the trampoline.
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Location: Muskmelon Bay, Guana Island
Today was an excellent day. We woke up to a beautiful sunny day and got straight to work. After some delicious pancakes we got underway towards Muskmelon Bay. The sail was nice, despite the water being a little choppy, but we arrived in the bay excited to start our fun day. Some of our activities for the day included snorkeling amongst clouds of harmless jellyfish, water skiing behind the whaler Argo, and learning to sail the Picos, the mini sail boats. While some of us were learning to drive dinghies, Hannah was teaching others how to do back flips off the boat. Overall the day was a success. The group work well together and we were much more efficient than the past few days. One of the most fun parts of the day was seeing an octopus in the water. We ended the night with a bowl of chili, a sunset and a movie on the trampoline.
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Saturday, August 8, 2009
Iguana Clean up
Author: Alex G.
Location: Marina Cay
After an early wake up, the group headed to the Anegada Rock Iguana Rehabilitation Center. We fed the iguanas, cleaned up the shrubs around the cages and had a question/answer session with Rondal and Mikey, who run the rehabilitation center. The group then had some shore time before setting sail for Marina Cay. The trip was about 3 hours and we had beautiful weather. The day culminated with an inspirational audio tape that we listened to with ActionQuest; a speech that encouraged us to make the most out of every day. The group then came back to the boat rather exhausted and ready to rest up for tomorrow.
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Location: Marina Cay
After an early wake up, the group headed to the Anegada Rock Iguana Rehabilitation Center. We fed the iguanas, cleaned up the shrubs around the cages and had a question/answer session with Rondal and Mikey, who run the rehabilitation center. The group then had some shore time before setting sail for Marina Cay. The trip was about 3 hours and we had beautiful weather. The day culminated with an inspirational audio tape that we listened to with ActionQuest; a speech that encouraged us to make the most out of every day. The group then came back to the boat rather exhausted and ready to rest up for tomorrow.
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Friday, August 7, 2009
Extreme Turtling
Author: Sam U.
Location: Anegada
Today we went to Anegada for some turtle tagging. After a 15 minute taxi ride, we split up into three groups to catch and tag turtles. We ended up catching 19 turtles, which is a new daily record. We also caught some of the biggest turtles thus far. We would follow them in a shallow bottom motor boat, eventually tiring them out. We would then jump on them and take them back to the boat which would then take us back to the fisherman's wharf where we would measure them and tag them.
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Location: Anegada
Today we went to Anegada for some turtle tagging. After a 15 minute taxi ride, we split up into three groups to catch and tag turtles. We ended up catching 19 turtles, which is a new daily record. We also caught some of the biggest turtles thus far. We would follow them in a shallow bottom motor boat, eventually tiring them out. We would then jump on them and take them back to the boat which would then take us back to the fisherman's wharf where we would measure them and tag them.
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Thursday, August 6, 2009
Beach Scavenger Hunt
Author: Holly W.
Location: Anegada
Today was a beautiful, sunny day. Although we were still exhausted from our last night of dancing, we started our day at 7:15, working together to prepare for sailing. We stopped quickly at a dock to fill up our water tanks and empty the garbage, and then sailed 14 miles to the flat, gorgeous island of Anegada. At the edge of the continental shelf, Anegada is not only fairly secluded but also, because of currents, a massive gathering of trash from around the world wash up on the windward beaches. To help keep the island beautiful, we had a beach clean up in the form of a scavenger hunt. We split into groups and scoured the beach for household appliances, children's toys, tooth brushes and other items that had washed up on land. The most important item on our list was to find something unique to the beach. Not only did we find a hard hat, a computer monitor, shampoo from France, Italy, and China, and a fifteen foot fender, but we saw three turtle nests! After filling our garbage bags, taking a break to enjoy the beach, and debating over which team won, we headed back to the boat to shower (in the sea) and eat the Mexican Dinner our chefs prepared for us. We have yet to determine who won the scavenger hunt. It is a gorgeous night, with a full moon and no sign of rain (yet). We saw a turtle near the bow of our boat today. Hopefully we will be able to catch lots of them tomorrow.
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Location: Anegada
Today was a beautiful, sunny day. Although we were still exhausted from our last night of dancing, we started our day at 7:15, working together to prepare for sailing. We stopped quickly at a dock to fill up our water tanks and empty the garbage, and then sailed 14 miles to the flat, gorgeous island of Anegada. At the edge of the continental shelf, Anegada is not only fairly secluded but also, because of currents, a massive gathering of trash from around the world wash up on the windward beaches. To help keep the island beautiful, we had a beach clean up in the form of a scavenger hunt. We split into groups and scoured the beach for household appliances, children's toys, tooth brushes and other items that had washed up on land. The most important item on our list was to find something unique to the beach. Not only did we find a hard hat, a computer monitor, shampoo from France, Italy, and China, and a fifteen foot fender, but we saw three turtle nests! After filling our garbage bags, taking a break to enjoy the beach, and debating over which team won, we headed back to the boat to shower (in the sea) and eat the Mexican Dinner our chefs prepared for us. We have yet to determine who won the scavenger hunt. It is a gorgeous night, with a full moon and no sign of rain (yet). We saw a turtle near the bow of our boat today. Hopefully we will be able to catch lots of them tomorrow.
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Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Last Day In La Carpio
Author: Everyone
Location: La Carpio
Today we headed to La Carpio for the last time. We played with kids, painted a mural, moved a wall, and listened to some of the locals tell us about their lives and what they do. We met an artist who was shot when he was 8 and has been paralized ever since. We all liked his art and many of us bought some. We also listened to the stories of two women who are part of a cooperative that make bags. After La Carpio our leaders bought us one last round of Trits! No one can believe that we are leaving tomorrow! Tonight we are having a party with all of our familes.
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Location: La Carpio
Today we headed to La Carpio for the last time. We played with kids, painted a mural, moved a wall, and listened to some of the locals tell us about their lives and what they do. We met an artist who was shot when he was 8 and has been paralized ever since. We all liked his art and many of us bought some. We also listened to the stories of two women who are part of a cooperative that make bags. After La Carpio our leaders bought us one last round of Trits! No one can believe that we are leaving tomorrow! Tonight we are having a party with all of our familes.
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Turtle Tagging 101
Author: Iiana M.
Location: Vixen Point, Virgin Gorda
Today we mostly traveled, I think for 4 hours. Once we finally got to Vixen Point we started to tag turtles. Although we saw 4, we caught none. In order to see the turtles, 3 people who are snorkeling, are pulled behind the boat by a line looking on the sea floor. At night, we had a dance party with ActionQuest. It was really fun and exciting.
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Location: Vixen Point, Virgin Gorda
Today we mostly traveled, I think for 4 hours. Once we finally got to Vixen Point we started to tag turtles. Although we saw 4, we caught none. In order to see the turtles, 3 people who are snorkeling, are pulled behind the boat by a line looking on the sea floor. At night, we had a dance party with ActionQuest. It was really fun and exciting.
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Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Muddy Horses
Author: Everyone
Location: Termales Del Bosque
Today we woke up to the sound of rain pounding against the roof. We didn't want to get up, but we knew the breafast would be good. It was. After breakfast we split into two groups for horseback riding. Some people had much funner horses than others, but we all had a chance to go fast. The horses did a good job of walking through the muddy trails. We then had another long bus ride back to Santa Ana and our families!
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Location: Termales Del Bosque
Today we woke up to the sound of rain pounding against the roof. We didn't want to get up, but we knew the breafast would be good. It was. After breakfast we split into two groups for horseback riding. Some people had much funner horses than others, but we all had a chance to go fast. The horses did a good job of walking through the muddy trails. We then had another long bus ride back to Santa Ana and our families!
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Parade Day!
Author: Patsy R.
Location: Road Town, Tortola
After a late start this morning due to the French Toast, we monitored some newly planted mangroves. For the rest of the day we experienced the BVI culture while we rode on the VISAR boat in the annual festival. Everyone loved passing out candy to all the kids and listening to the crazy loud music. Back at the boat, Torin and the staff talked to us about making the most of our experience here and some of the problems with our team. I think it really made us think about what an amazing opportunity we have before us.
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Location: Road Town, Tortola
After a late start this morning due to the French Toast, we monitored some newly planted mangroves. For the rest of the day we experienced the BVI culture while we rode on the VISAR boat in the annual festival. Everyone loved passing out candy to all the kids and listening to the crazy loud music. Back at the boat, Torin and the staff talked to us about making the most of our experience here and some of the problems with our team. I think it really made us think about what an amazing opportunity we have before us.
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Back to Normal
Author: Cat C.
Location: Beijing
It's the second to last day! Today was the happy, normal day before the sadness of leaving hits us on the last day. Today we all slept in late, all exhausted from our previous day of traveling and from getting back to the apartment late. The normal rotation started up again. I was in the baby home group and was so excited to hear Fuquan's laugh, Ran Ran's weezing breathing, Peach Fuzz's grouchy face and all of the babies again. Everyone was glad to be back on schedule and to be playing with the babies and children that they had been with for so long and created special bonds with throughout the trip. For our afternoon activity we had our last shopping spree at the Pearl Market. Everyone splurged and bought last souvenirs and gifts for people. For dinner we had Mongolian Hot Pot which were tiny cooking pots of broth that over the course of the meal were filled with a mixture of ingredients. I think it was one of my favorite meals. Tonight was our final forum, a very meaningful and deep, as well as funny conversation. We discussed what we had learned from the trip, what we would miss, what in our lives would change after such a enormous experience, and where we saw ourselves in the future.
Location: Beijing
It's the second to last day! Today was the happy, normal day before the sadness of leaving hits us on the last day. Today we all slept in late, all exhausted from our previous day of traveling and from getting back to the apartment late. The normal rotation started up again. I was in the baby home group and was so excited to hear Fuquan's laugh, Ran Ran's weezing breathing, Peach Fuzz's grouchy face and all of the babies again. Everyone was glad to be back on schedule and to be playing with the babies and children that they had been with for so long and created special bonds with throughout the trip. For our afternoon activity we had our last shopping spree at the Pearl Market. Everyone splurged and bought last souvenirs and gifts for people. For dinner we had Mongolian Hot Pot which were tiny cooking pots of broth that over the course of the meal were filled with a mixture of ingredients. I think it was one of my favorite meals. Tonight was our final forum, a very meaningful and deep, as well as funny conversation. We discussed what we had learned from the trip, what we would miss, what in our lives would change after such a enormous experience, and where we saw ourselves in the future.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Market visit
Author: Molly
Location:
Today we woke up and went to school where we learned how to cook traditional thai meals. We also learned how to make a dessert with flowers. After we finished working with them, we went to the Weekend Market which was HUGE. We shopped for the rest of the day, then headed back to the hotel and relaxed before dinner.
"The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it." - John Ruskin
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Location:
Today we woke up and went to school where we learned how to cook traditional thai meals. We also learned how to make a dessert with flowers. After we finished working with them, we went to the Weekend Market which was HUGE. We shopped for the rest of the day, then headed back to the hotel and relaxed before dinner.
"The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it." - John Ruskin
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VISAR Day
Author: Anso G.
Location: Road Town, Tortola
Today was our VISAR project, and that was really fun. It only rained 2 times. There was very minimal wind when we woke up and at the VISAR project. We had a really funny moment during our squeeze question when Sam brought up the orange polo and jean shorts this kid was wearing and that he walked with a "swagger". We helped out VISAR (Virgin Island Search and Rescue) dredge out the channel with buckets so that the rescue boat could get out faster during calls.
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Location: Road Town, Tortola
Today was our VISAR project, and that was really fun. It only rained 2 times. There was very minimal wind when we woke up and at the VISAR project. We had a really funny moment during our squeeze question when Sam brought up the orange polo and jean shorts this kid was wearing and that he walked with a "swagger". We helped out VISAR (Virgin Island Search and Rescue) dredge out the channel with buckets so that the rescue boat could get out faster during calls.
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Hospital and Hot Springs
Author: Everyone
Location: Santa Ana and Termales de Bosque
Our original departure time of 9:15 was pushed back to 1:30 due to a crazy visit to the hospital. This was not Maria's first time in the hospital, but it was the most adventurous. Devin courageously went with her, wearing his trusty blue mask to protect himself from the Swine Flu. The trip made Maria feel a lot better and she was able to come with us. Yay! We finally arrived at the hot springs that evening. After a delicious dinner, we all soaked our weary bones in the hot lava water. Some of us even braved the 48 degree tub...celcius that is. We all slept very well that night.
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Location: Santa Ana and Termales de Bosque
Our original departure time of 9:15 was pushed back to 1:30 due to a crazy visit to the hospital. This was not Maria's first time in the hospital, but it was the most adventurous. Devin courageously went with her, wearing his trusty blue mask to protect himself from the Swine Flu. The trip made Maria feel a lot better and she was able to come with us. Yay! We finally arrived at the hot springs that evening. After a delicious dinner, we all soaked our weary bones in the hot lava water. Some of us even braved the 48 degree tub...celcius that is. We all slept very well that night.
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Weekend Excursion
Author: Aidan M.
Location: Taiyaun
Hello y'all. This blog will be covering our past two days in Taiyuan. Yesterday was a odd day for us life-workers. We took a break from our usual schedule of working at the orphanage, and we spent our day touring around Dat Ong. We woke up at 5:30 in the morning to start our four hour journey to the incredible Buddhist caves. My roommate, Andy, and I mistakenly stayed up watching the movie 'The Masque of Red Death', which was the only English speaking program we could find. I wish that I could say the trip to the caves went by quickly, but I cannot. However, the ride was worth it. The caves were awe inspiring. Stone Buddhas were carved into a mountain, some of which were over 18.5 meters in height. We toured around the caves for about two hours. We then headed back to the bus for a trip to the Hanging Monastery. This was a Buddhist monastery which was built into the side of a cliff and was supported by wooden beams. It is remarkable how such a seemingly unstable monastery withstood the test of time, and the statues, murals, and architectural design all portrayed the history and culture of China beautifully. We stopped for lunch at a local restaurant. Near the end of the meal, we sang Father Irek 'Happy Birthday' in all the languages we could (5 total!). Once we finished there, we headed back on yet another four hour bus ride, which felt no shorter than the first. We got back to the hotel all tired and aching, and the first thing we did was...go to McDonalds for Irek's glorious birthday dinner. Finally, we all went to our rooms, and had a long awaited nights sleep.
Today, we slept until 8am! We headed downstairs and got breakfast. There was an auction during breakfast for Chinese scroll paintings. I bought one for my mother. Then we left to go to a Catholic church, which was erected due to the sighting of Mother Mary on top of the hill. We all climbed to the top and walked around the ground. We went inside the church and collected some holy water, so we could bless the orphanage where we work. We headed down the mountain and walked back to the bus. We then headed to lunch at a very nice restaurant, where a wedding was taking place. We ordered and took in the beautiful atmosphere of a running stream through the area and fireworks going off. When we finished, we went to the orphanage and played with the kids. While we played we painted a mural of Donald Duck, Minnie and Mickey Mouse, and Pluto on the wall (thanks to the beautiful sketching of fellow Lifeworkers, Zoe and Cat). We left at 4:30 for the train station. We are now on the hi-speed train back to Beijing.
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Location: Taiyaun
Hello y'all. This blog will be covering our past two days in Taiyuan. Yesterday was a odd day for us life-workers. We took a break from our usual schedule of working at the orphanage, and we spent our day touring around Dat Ong. We woke up at 5:30 in the morning to start our four hour journey to the incredible Buddhist caves. My roommate, Andy, and I mistakenly stayed up watching the movie 'The Masque of Red Death', which was the only English speaking program we could find. I wish that I could say the trip to the caves went by quickly, but I cannot. However, the ride was worth it. The caves were awe inspiring. Stone Buddhas were carved into a mountain, some of which were over 18.5 meters in height. We toured around the caves for about two hours. We then headed back to the bus for a trip to the Hanging Monastery. This was a Buddhist monastery which was built into the side of a cliff and was supported by wooden beams. It is remarkable how such a seemingly unstable monastery withstood the test of time, and the statues, murals, and architectural design all portrayed the history and culture of China beautifully. We stopped for lunch at a local restaurant. Near the end of the meal, we sang Father Irek 'Happy Birthday' in all the languages we could (5 total!). Once we finished there, we headed back on yet another four hour bus ride, which felt no shorter than the first. We got back to the hotel all tired and aching, and the first thing we did was...go to McDonalds for Irek's glorious birthday dinner. Finally, we all went to our rooms, and had a long awaited nights sleep.
Today, we slept until 8am! We headed downstairs and got breakfast. There was an auction during breakfast for Chinese scroll paintings. I bought one for my mother. Then we left to go to a Catholic church, which was erected due to the sighting of Mother Mary on top of the hill. We all climbed to the top and walked around the ground. We went inside the church and collected some holy water, so we could bless the orphanage where we work. We headed down the mountain and walked back to the bus. We then headed to lunch at a very nice restaurant, where a wedding was taking place. We ordered and took in the beautiful atmosphere of a running stream through the area and fireworks going off. When we finished, we went to the orphanage and played with the kids. While we played we painted a mural of Donald Duck, Minnie and Mickey Mouse, and Pluto on the wall (thanks to the beautiful sketching of fellow Lifeworkers, Zoe and Cat). We left at 4:30 for the train station. We are now on the hi-speed train back to Beijing.
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Sunday, August 2, 2009
(to be continued:)
Author: Luke
Location: In route
Today is my seventeenth birthday - my gift? a ten hour train ride watching the pouring rain and incredibly boring rice fields. The rain just stopped; things just got exciting... (to be continued).
"You were never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it, however." - Richard Bach
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Location: In route
Today is my seventeenth birthday - my gift? a ten hour train ride watching the pouring rain and incredibly boring rice fields. The rain just stopped; things just got exciting... (to be continued).
"You were never given a wish without also being given the power to make it true. You may have to work for it, however." - Richard Bach
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Cleaning the Copper Mines and Exploring The Baths
Author: Andrew G.
Location: Cooper Island
Weather was good, no rain, heavy winds but not bad. I feel the funniest part of the day was the stories that Hannah told us. The best thing that happened today was the arrival of Dayton our final shipmate. I feel another person in our group will help a lot. The best thing that happened to me was learning how to drive the boat. We went to the Copper Mines and helped pick up trash off of the near by beach. After lunch, we motored to The Baths and at Devil's Bay. At night, we talked about a girl and a beach full of starfish.
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Location: Cooper Island
Weather was good, no rain, heavy winds but not bad. I feel the funniest part of the day was the stories that Hannah told us. The best thing that happened today was the arrival of Dayton our final shipmate. I feel another person in our group will help a lot. The best thing that happened to me was learning how to drive the boat. We went to the Copper Mines and helped pick up trash off of the near by beach. After lunch, we motored to The Baths and at Devil's Bay. At night, we talked about a girl and a beach full of starfish.
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Fiesta Time
Author: Everyone
Location: Picagres
Today was our last day at Picagres. We worked very hard to finish the mural and the other projects. Some of us were allowed to cool ourselves in the river before lunch, which was very delicious, especially tres leches queque. After lunch, we headed to a local fiesta, which consisted of a rodeo, games, ice cream, rides, futbol, and horses. Charlie and Jon Jon especially liked one game. Soon the whole group was watching. After sampling the local culture, we hopped back on the bus with Sir Jorge.
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Location: Picagres
Today was our last day at Picagres. We worked very hard to finish the mural and the other projects. Some of us were allowed to cool ourselves in the river before lunch, which was very delicious, especially tres leches queque. After lunch, we headed to a local fiesta, which consisted of a rodeo, games, ice cream, rides, futbol, and horses. Charlie and Jon Jon especially liked one game. Soon the whole group was watching. After sampling the local culture, we hopped back on the bus with Sir Jorge.
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Saturday, August 1, 2009
Awesome perfomance...
Author: Cynthia
Location: New Life Center
We began the day after eating breakfast with picking palm seeds. Many of us had difficulties, since the tool used to cut the seeds down weighed as much as a small child. We butchered many of the seeds with this tool in the process. Afterwards, we planted Longhan trees, followed by lunch. Then we painted small glasses and bottles with designs like dancing fruit. At the end of the day, we watched the New Life boys perform a closing ceremony. They first performed Thai martial arts which was very intense and well performed. Finally, they had a fire performance. First, threee guys jumped through a hoop of fire. And then, four guys did fire breathing. It was a very enchanting night. Exhausted, we went to bed preparing for our ten hour train ride the next day.
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Ghandi
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Location: New Life Center
We began the day after eating breakfast with picking palm seeds. Many of us had difficulties, since the tool used to cut the seeds down weighed as much as a small child. We butchered many of the seeds with this tool in the process. Afterwards, we planted Longhan trees, followed by lunch. Then we painted small glasses and bottles with designs like dancing fruit. At the end of the day, we watched the New Life boys perform a closing ceremony. They first performed Thai martial arts which was very intense and well performed. Finally, they had a fire performance. First, threee guys jumped through a hoop of fire. And then, four guys did fire breathing. It was a very enchanting night. Exhausted, we went to bed preparing for our ten hour train ride the next day.
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." - Mahatma Ghandi
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Sailing Day
Author: Victoria M.
Location: Savannah Bay, Virgin Gorda
In the morning meeting with Jim we talked about the agreements we made for the program and learned more about the boat. After welcoming our two last shipmates, we headed to Virgin Gorda a long long ways away. We learned how to sail and succeeded at it so everybody was very excited. The 4 rules of the boat: 1st we are the best; 2nd nobody goes over board; 3rd only spoons in the jelly; and 4th not to forget the other rules! We arrived in Virgin Gorda and finally got to swim in the beautiful sea, then dinner. Good first day all together! And at night we had another meeting with Jim and some shipmates from ActionQuest that are going to do some community service with us.
Location: Savannah Bay, Virgin Gorda
In the morning meeting with Jim we talked about the agreements we made for the program and learned more about the boat. After welcoming our two last shipmates, we headed to Virgin Gorda a long long ways away. We learned how to sail and succeeded at it so everybody was very excited. The 4 rules of the boat: 1st we are the best; 2nd nobody goes over board; 3rd only spoons in the jelly; and 4th not to forget the other rules! We arrived in Virgin Gorda and finally got to swim in the beautiful sea, then dinner. Good first day all together! And at night we had another meeting with Jim and some shipmates from ActionQuest that are going to do some community service with us.
Back to Picagres
Author: Everyone
Location: Picagres
Today, we went back to Picagres to finish our project. We finally had a chance to see the students. We divided our team into three different groups. The first group continued to paint the mural. The second one white washed. The third group shoveled dirt into a hole that held the drainage system. Despite our separate groups, we all traded in for others. If one was tired, another would replace him in order to give that person time to drink water or relax. We worked for five hours, even in the rain! Later on at night, we watched a movie named, Los Voces Innocentes, which recounted the story of a young nino and other boys. They were forced to go to war at such a young age and as a result lost their innocence. It was a sad and depressing movie, which brought some of us to tears.
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Location: Picagres
Today, we went back to Picagres to finish our project. We finally had a chance to see the students. We divided our team into three different groups. The first group continued to paint the mural. The second one white washed. The third group shoveled dirt into a hole that held the drainage system. Despite our separate groups, we all traded in for others. If one was tired, another would replace him in order to give that person time to drink water or relax. We worked for five hours, even in the rain! Later on at night, we watched a movie named, Los Voces Innocentes, which recounted the story of a young nino and other boys. They were forced to go to war at such a young age and as a result lost their innocence. It was a sad and depressing movie, which brought some of us to tears.
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Jordan's Blog
Author: Jordan L.
Location: Taiyaun
Today we woke up early in the morning to take the bullet train toTaiyuan. After four hours of speeding across eastern china we arrived. After a quick lunch we departed to go to a new orphanage for kids between the ages of 1 to 28 years old. We decorated the windows with stickers and played with some of the kids who were in care of the orphanage.
After a tiring day we went to Brent's favorite restaurant where we ate tasty new foods. To our surprise it was dinner and a show. As we ate we saw how noodles were made and turned into stringy desserts. We are all looking forward to tomorrow's activity.
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Location: Taiyaun
Today we woke up early in the morning to take the bullet train toTaiyuan. After four hours of speeding across eastern china we arrived. After a quick lunch we departed to go to a new orphanage for kids between the ages of 1 to 28 years old. We decorated the windows with stickers and played with some of the kids who were in care of the orphanage.
After a tiring day we went to Brent's favorite restaurant where we ate tasty new foods. To our surprise it was dinner and a show. As we ate we saw how noodles were made and turned into stringy desserts. We are all looking forward to tomorrow's activity.
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Friday, July 31, 2009
Rubber Tree Plantation...
Author: Tatiana
Location:
Today we woke up at 6:30AM and went to the rubber tree plantation. We got to see how they gathered the sap and we got to do it as well. After breakfast, we learned the art of silk screening and got to make our own t-shirts. After a great rice and fried chicken lunch, we learned about the Songran celebration. In Thailand, they celebrate the new year in April. Since it was the hottest time of the year then, the festival always ends in a water fight. So even though it was July, we participated in our own water fight with the boys in the rehab center.
Later in the evening, we enjoyed performances from the boys and in return, we danced the Macarena and Jorge sang opera in Italian. Like always, everyone was amazed at how beautiful it was. After the performances, we all had a dance party to celebrate the good times we had together.
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location:
Today we woke up at 6:30AM and went to the rubber tree plantation. We got to see how they gathered the sap and we got to do it as well. After breakfast, we learned the art of silk screening and got to make our own t-shirts. After a great rice and fried chicken lunch, we learned about the Songran celebration. In Thailand, they celebrate the new year in April. Since it was the hottest time of the year then, the festival always ends in a water fight. So even though it was July, we participated in our own water fight with the boys in the rehab center.
Later in the evening, we enjoyed performances from the boys and in return, we danced the Macarena and Jorge sang opera in Italian. Like always, everyone was amazed at how beautiful it was. After the performances, we all had a dance party to celebrate the good times we had together.
"What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us." - Ralph Waldo Emerson
Flickr Photos from Today
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First Day
Author: Sam U.
Location: West End, Tortola
We didn't do any sailing, but we arrived and got all moved on board. We cooked our first meal, chose rooms, and figured our where and how to sleep. There was some heavy rain.
Location: West End, Tortola
We didn't do any sailing, but we arrived and got all moved on board. We cooked our first meal, chose rooms, and figured our where and how to sleep. There was some heavy rain.
Whos Plays Futbol on Bunk Beds?
Author: Everyone
Location: Li Carpio and Santa Ana
First, we built bunk beds and played with the children. Then we organized books and the women of Li Carpio came. They taught us how their lives changed since the Humanitarian Foundation came to help. Then we saw/bought their handbags and jewelry. Later, to finish our day we played a game of soccer, boys and moms vs. girls.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location: Li Carpio and Santa Ana
First, we built bunk beds and played with the children. Then we organized books and the women of Li Carpio came. They taught us how their lives changed since the Humanitarian Foundation came to help. Then we saw/bought their handbags and jewelry. Later, to finish our day we played a game of soccer, boys and moms vs. girls.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Our goodbye...
Author: Dan, Roberto, Kelly, and Sam
Location: Quito to Miami
To all Lifeworks 2009 Ecuador/Galapagos participants...
You will be missed...
By your friends and guides...
Dan, Roberto, Kelly, and Sam
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Location: Quito to Miami
To all Lifeworks 2009 Ecuador/Galapagos participants...
You will be missed...
By your friends and guides...
Dan, Roberto, Kelly, and Sam
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Toboggan
Author: Zoe B.
Location: Beijing
Today we went through our typical morning routine, one of the last times for the rest of the trip. It's hard to think that now we only have two more days with the kids. It's going to be so sad leaving and not knowing what will happen to the kids. With nothing planned for this afternoon, it was decided to go to The Great Wall once again, but to a different section. The wall wasn't as steep as before, but the hike up to it was pretty hard. Everyone was sweating but the view was so amazing.
When we got to the end of the path, there was a Toboggan trip down. Unfortunately it was raining a bit, so they wouldn't let us go down for a while. All of us were upset, but when the rain cleared up and they dried up the path, we were so excited to go down. We all loaded up on the sleds and raced down the metal slide. It was a short ride, but it made the hike a lot better. After we did some shopping and bought 8 panda hats, we loaded back onto the bus and headed to what we dub Little America.
Most of us went to Jenny Lou's and stacked up on snacks for tomorrow's trip. A few went to Starbucks and then we all went to the pet store and played with the Corgi puppies. Once again we got on the bus and then dinner before we returned to the apartment and had a quick run down on what Taiyuan was going to be like. Tomorrow we wake up at 6 before departing on the bullet train to Taiyuan.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location: Beijing
Today we went through our typical morning routine, one of the last times for the rest of the trip. It's hard to think that now we only have two more days with the kids. It's going to be so sad leaving and not knowing what will happen to the kids. With nothing planned for this afternoon, it was decided to go to The Great Wall once again, but to a different section. The wall wasn't as steep as before, but the hike up to it was pretty hard. Everyone was sweating but the view was so amazing.
When we got to the end of the path, there was a Toboggan trip down. Unfortunately it was raining a bit, so they wouldn't let us go down for a while. All of us were upset, but when the rain cleared up and they dried up the path, we were so excited to go down. We all loaded up on the sleds and raced down the metal slide. It was a short ride, but it made the hike a lot better. After we did some shopping and bought 8 panda hats, we loaded back onto the bus and headed to what we dub Little America.
Most of us went to Jenny Lou's and stacked up on snacks for tomorrow's trip. A few went to Starbucks and then we all went to the pet store and played with the Corgi puppies. Once again we got on the bus and then dinner before we returned to the apartment and had a quick run down on what Taiyuan was going to be like. Tomorrow we wake up at 6 before departing on the bullet train to Taiyuan.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Thursday, July 30, 2009
Beach time...
Author: Maria
Location: Chumphon
We were all exhausted from the day before and yet excited for our first day at Chumphon. We got to know everyone by doing a rally which was really fun, interesting and brought us all together. We were told if it didn't rain we were going to the beach. To tell you the truth, when it comes to the weather, in Thailand you never know. Luckily it didn't rain and we got to go to the beach.
When we got there, we didn't know what to do so we all stared at each other then ran to the water. The temperature of the water was delicious. The only problem for most of the girls of course, was that the ocean was full of seaweed and the boys couldn't let that chance go out of their hands. They started a seaweed fight and after the seaweed was gone, we all wanted to continue "fighting" so we continued with mud. It was really fun.
After, we had a forum together. The guys were having a bit of a problem opening up with us about their pasts, but we encouraged them. Instead of us giving them advice, they actually ended up helping us more. I was really happy and thankful for that.
Lastly, I want to say that overall it has been really fun and it is definitely one of the best trips of my life. I would definitely do it again without changing a single thing.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Chumphon
We were all exhausted from the day before and yet excited for our first day at Chumphon. We got to know everyone by doing a rally which was really fun, interesting and brought us all together. We were told if it didn't rain we were going to the beach. To tell you the truth, when it comes to the weather, in Thailand you never know. Luckily it didn't rain and we got to go to the beach.
When we got there, we didn't know what to do so we all stared at each other then ran to the water. The temperature of the water was delicious. The only problem for most of the girls of course, was that the ocean was full of seaweed and the boys couldn't let that chance go out of their hands. They started a seaweed fight and after the seaweed was gone, we all wanted to continue "fighting" so we continued with mud. It was really fun.
After, we had a forum together. The guys were having a bit of a problem opening up with us about their pasts, but we encouraged them. Instead of us giving them advice, they actually ended up helping us more. I was really happy and thankful for that.
Lastly, I want to say that overall it has been really fun and it is definitely one of the best trips of my life. I would definitely do it again without changing a single thing.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt
Flickr Photos from Today
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Delivering Bunk Beds
Author: Everyone
Location: Le Carpio and Santa Ana
After our first nights with our homestay families, we all reconvened at Ana's house in the morning before heading to Le Carpio. Everyone seemed very happy with their families and it was definitely nice to stay in a home after weeks in hotels. Once we got to Le Carpio, we walked around with Gail to get a better feel for the area. The amount of poverty was shocking to all of us. However, the locals were all surprisingly friendly. We split into teams, half of us delivering bunk beds and half of us playing with children at the day care center, all of whom had tons of energy. We all felt very appreciated for the work we did there. After returning to Santa Ana and having dinner with our homestays, we all went to Ana's house for some Salsa lessons and to celebrate Charlie's 18th birthday. We all had fun learning how to dance and we ended the night with some delicious birthday cake.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Le Carpio and Santa Ana
After our first nights with our homestay families, we all reconvened at Ana's house in the morning before heading to Le Carpio. Everyone seemed very happy with their families and it was definitely nice to stay in a home after weeks in hotels. Once we got to Le Carpio, we walked around with Gail to get a better feel for the area. The amount of poverty was shocking to all of us. However, the locals were all surprisingly friendly. We split into teams, half of us delivering bunk beds and half of us playing with children at the day care center, all of whom had tons of energy. We all felt very appreciated for the work we did there. After returning to Santa Ana and having dinner with our homestays, we all went to Ana's house for some Salsa lessons and to celebrate Charlie's 18th birthday. We all had fun learning how to dance and we ended the night with some delicious birthday cake.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
I will never forget...
Author: Ryan and Polly
Location: Rio Napo, Amazon
Today we began a day that has yet to end. I sit here writing the blog surrounded by friends that I've made over the past three weeks, that I will never forget. I built relationships between people that I believe have heavily impacted my life. We've grown together as a group and have accomplished many challenges set by our leaders as well as the environment. At the beginning of this trip it seemed impossible to imagine three weeks flying by as quickly as they have, but leaving the Amazon on our last day before traveling back home, we concluded our trip heading from the Amazon back to Quito.
Departing from the Amazon, we packed our bags full of our dirty clothes and boarded a dugout canoe that would take us from Hector's Island to Coca. Slowly traveling upstream was the first foreshadow of the approaching misfortune; the second was the complete and utter failure of the motor. With no motor pushing the boat against the current, we floated in the opposite direction of our destination. Polly eyed branches near the shore and grabbed onto one. That little branch held a boat of 27 people (including the drivers) in the same position for half an hour. Another boat finally rescued us and brought us to Coca, where we finished our tourist shopping and flew back to Quito.
After arriving at the Quito hostel, we prepared for our last group dinner. We all put on our best and cleanest clothes in celebration of our last night together and ate the best dinner we would have throughout the whole trip. Sam even told the live band it was Maddie's birthday so they then began a medley of birthday songs in her honor even though her birthday is in December. Finishing our dinners we took taxis back to the hostel for the closing ceremonies.
In our last meeting we did some extremely fun and meaningful activities. The ceremony highlights were the acapella-ish concert and Kelly's slideshow of pictures from the trip. Waiting for the meeting to begin, we all sat cramped in a little room in the hostel belting songs from the likes of the Jackson 5 and ABBA. That was a lot of fun. The slide show was also great as we got to laugh and remember everything we had experienced. We all laughed and remembered all of the great times we had together. The closing ceremony finally ended in tears as the reality of everyone's departure began to sink in. Leaving tomorrow will certainly be difficult for everyone but I know we will all stay in contact.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Rio Napo, Amazon
Today we began a day that has yet to end. I sit here writing the blog surrounded by friends that I've made over the past three weeks, that I will never forget. I built relationships between people that I believe have heavily impacted my life. We've grown together as a group and have accomplished many challenges set by our leaders as well as the environment. At the beginning of this trip it seemed impossible to imagine three weeks flying by as quickly as they have, but leaving the Amazon on our last day before traveling back home, we concluded our trip heading from the Amazon back to Quito.
Departing from the Amazon, we packed our bags full of our dirty clothes and boarded a dugout canoe that would take us from Hector's Island to Coca. Slowly traveling upstream was the first foreshadow of the approaching misfortune; the second was the complete and utter failure of the motor. With no motor pushing the boat against the current, we floated in the opposite direction of our destination. Polly eyed branches near the shore and grabbed onto one. That little branch held a boat of 27 people (including the drivers) in the same position for half an hour. Another boat finally rescued us and brought us to Coca, where we finished our tourist shopping and flew back to Quito.
After arriving at the Quito hostel, we prepared for our last group dinner. We all put on our best and cleanest clothes in celebration of our last night together and ate the best dinner we would have throughout the whole trip. Sam even told the live band it was Maddie's birthday so they then began a medley of birthday songs in her honor even though her birthday is in December. Finishing our dinners we took taxis back to the hostel for the closing ceremonies.
In our last meeting we did some extremely fun and meaningful activities. The ceremony highlights were the acapella-ish concert and Kelly's slideshow of pictures from the trip. Waiting for the meeting to begin, we all sat cramped in a little room in the hostel belting songs from the likes of the Jackson 5 and ABBA. That was a lot of fun. The slide show was also great as we got to laugh and remember everything we had experienced. We all laughed and remembered all of the great times we had together. The closing ceremony finally ended in tears as the reality of everyone's departure began to sink in. Leaving tomorrow will certainly be difficult for everyone but I know we will all stay in contact.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Fundazzle
Author: Hannah H.
Location: Beijing
This morning, we woke up to the speakers blasting Old Crow Medicine Show's "Wagon Wheel" which made me smile. After preparing for the day, Aidan, Steph and I headed over to the see the younger Group Home kids! With our coloring books and huge bag of beads, we were ready for a long day of playtime. Right when we arrived, one young boy that remembered me from last time grabbed my hand right away and from that moment, I knew it was going to be a great day. We colored for hours, and when I say color, I mean that they point to the part they want to color next and it's my job to pick out the correct crayon. After coloring in numerous pictures, it was time for jewelry. We took our our enormous bag and then the kids started to put them all together. Most of the kids had about 4 bracelets, 4 ankle bracelets, and 5 necklaces. No big deal. After that, Aidan and I laughed harder than we ever had due to the horse-play that took place with all the boys. The younger boys ganged up on Aidan and threw toys at him, which was followed by tickling and wrestling. It was quite funny, due to the face that Aidan lost. Then, I surprised the kids with friendship bracelets that were made by the Tully After School Program kids. I was so happy to hand them out because the kids back home worked so hard! After a long day of play, it was time for even more. After lunch, we headed to the bus and met up with the older Group Home kids. Fundazzle... Prepare yourself. The kids were extremely excited for what was to come (as were we), and when we arrived, we knew it was going to be glorious. Nobody knew what to expect, but when we walked into the play area, we saw a huge ball pit and the kids slid down the slide with huge smiles on their faces. We all felt like we were young kids again. Once I convinced Mary to go down the slide, she never left. After about five minutes, the battle began. Balls were flying in every direction at crazy speeds. The kids all attacked Aidan instantly. Within the first few minutes, we knew he was going to sleep well tonight. But Aidan wasn't the only target, Sophie was right up there, too. The boys would attack her from all angles, and just when she thought she was safe, there they were again. I walked Tom down into the ball pit as well. He would lay down in the pit and we would bury him in all of the balls. His laugh is the best laugh I have ever heard in my life. I wish I could record it to play whenever I'm having a bad day. After playing around for hours, it was sadly time to go home. On the bus ride home, I handed out even more friendship bracelets and they absolutely loved them. After we said goodbye, us Lifeworkers headed out to dinner at our usual spot with Fei Fei. We had another amazing meal and ever had a deep conversation about the reasons we were here and what our futures have in store. When we arrived back home, we had a forum about living in the now and then watched some more of "Freedom Writers". It's crazy to think that we only have 6 days left here in China. Only one more day until Taiyuan!
Ps: Sorry I haven't called in a while mom and dad, your phone will be ringing sometime tomorrow. Don't worry. Love and miss you ! Oh, and Andy says "what's crackin'?"
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Beijing
This morning, we woke up to the speakers blasting Old Crow Medicine Show's "Wagon Wheel" which made me smile. After preparing for the day, Aidan, Steph and I headed over to the see the younger Group Home kids! With our coloring books and huge bag of beads, we were ready for a long day of playtime. Right when we arrived, one young boy that remembered me from last time grabbed my hand right away and from that moment, I knew it was going to be a great day. We colored for hours, and when I say color, I mean that they point to the part they want to color next and it's my job to pick out the correct crayon. After coloring in numerous pictures, it was time for jewelry. We took our our enormous bag and then the kids started to put them all together. Most of the kids had about 4 bracelets, 4 ankle bracelets, and 5 necklaces. No big deal. After that, Aidan and I laughed harder than we ever had due to the horse-play that took place with all the boys. The younger boys ganged up on Aidan and threw toys at him, which was followed by tickling and wrestling. It was quite funny, due to the face that Aidan lost. Then, I surprised the kids with friendship bracelets that were made by the Tully After School Program kids. I was so happy to hand them out because the kids back home worked so hard! After a long day of play, it was time for even more. After lunch, we headed to the bus and met up with the older Group Home kids. Fundazzle... Prepare yourself. The kids were extremely excited for what was to come (as were we), and when we arrived, we knew it was going to be glorious. Nobody knew what to expect, but when we walked into the play area, we saw a huge ball pit and the kids slid down the slide with huge smiles on their faces. We all felt like we were young kids again. Once I convinced Mary to go down the slide, she never left. After about five minutes, the battle began. Balls were flying in every direction at crazy speeds. The kids all attacked Aidan instantly. Within the first few minutes, we knew he was going to sleep well tonight. But Aidan wasn't the only target, Sophie was right up there, too. The boys would attack her from all angles, and just when she thought she was safe, there they were again. I walked Tom down into the ball pit as well. He would lay down in the pit and we would bury him in all of the balls. His laugh is the best laugh I have ever heard in my life. I wish I could record it to play whenever I'm having a bad day. After playing around for hours, it was sadly time to go home. On the bus ride home, I handed out even more friendship bracelets and they absolutely loved them. After we said goodbye, us Lifeworkers headed out to dinner at our usual spot with Fei Fei. We had another amazing meal and ever had a deep conversation about the reasons we were here and what our futures have in store. When we arrived back home, we had a forum about living in the now and then watched some more of "Freedom Writers". It's crazy to think that we only have 6 days left here in China. Only one more day until Taiyuan!
Ps: Sorry I haven't called in a while mom and dad, your phone will be ringing sometime tomorrow. Don't worry. Love and miss you ! Oh, and Andy says "what's crackin'?"
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Off to Chumphon...
Author: Joyce
Location: New Life Center
Everyone woke up at a shocking time of 5:30AM to catch our train. Soon after, we had our last breakfast at the New Life Center. After eating, we said goodbye to our buddies and they said their emotional farewells. Next was our six hour train ride to Chumphon. On the train, most people tried to catch some "Z's" while others, like Jorge and I, decided to fill our time making bracelets.
"The men who try to do something and fail are infinitely better than those who try nothing and succeed." - Lloyd Jones
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: New Life Center
Everyone woke up at a shocking time of 5:30AM to catch our train. Soon after, we had our last breakfast at the New Life Center. After eating, we said goodbye to our buddies and they said their emotional farewells. Next was our six hour train ride to Chumphon. On the train, most people tried to catch some "Z's" while others, like Jorge and I, decided to fill our time making bracelets.
"The men who try to do something and fail are infinitely better than those who try nothing and succeed." - Lloyd Jones
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
White Water Rafting and Meeting Host Families
Author: Everyone
Location: Chirripo River and Santa Ana
This morning we got up and ate breakfast. After taking one more look at the Boa, which nested beside our dorms, we left for some white water rafting. A few of us only had flip flops so we had to use duct tape to secure them to our feet. Thanks to Trina's superb pre-wrap job...it wasn't all that painful. We glided down the river with ease and a few splash fights. Our guides let us swim during some parts and even let us jump off a rock into the rapids. We enjoyed lunch at a delicious soda on the side of the road. Upon our return to Santa Ana, we all met our host families and anxiously went our separate ways.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Chirripo River and Santa Ana
This morning we got up and ate breakfast. After taking one more look at the Boa, which nested beside our dorms, we left for some white water rafting. A few of us only had flip flops so we had to use duct tape to secure them to our feet. Thanks to Trina's superb pre-wrap job...it wasn't all that painful. We glided down the river with ease and a few splash fights. Our guides let us swim during some parts and even let us jump off a rock into the rapids. We enjoyed lunch at a delicious soda on the side of the road. Upon our return to Santa Ana, we all met our host families and anxiously went our separate ways.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Why do they call it the rainforest?
Author: Anonymous
Location: Rio Napo, Amazon
Today we got to sleep in. We didn't have to be at breakfast until 7 am! When we woke up it was raining so we put on our "jungle gear" and headed out to breakfast. We ate the delicious breakfast that we have every morning here. Everything is fresh and it's different every morning and great! When we were done with breakfast Hector came up to us and told us that because it was raining we couldn't go out yet and that it would be another hour. We were splitting up into 2 groups - one was going piranha fishing and the other was going up to the canopy to the see the rain forest from up above. We all waited around and did our cards about other people and caught up with our journals. When we finally got moving the 2 groups split up. I went up to the canopy first. The hike was really great. There was plenty of mud and our boots definitely showed it. Once we got the canopy Victoria and I looked up at the height of it and had a small being nervous moment. When we started to climb it we got even more scared. This was because the stairs were separate with whole in between and that made us both nervous. We got to the top and it was totally worth it!! You could see the tops of all the trees and the clouds were so clear and I don't think I have seen a more beautiful site. We of course took tons of pictures and saw many different types of birds and a few monkeys. It is hard to explain because you could just see everything. We made the hike back down. Victoria and I were still nervous on the way down but we made it down safely with no accidents. It was quite an experience. Then Anabel started to make a basket out of leaves and Hector helped her. It turned out really well and it was totally home made.
We came back and had some lunch. There was rice and other great food. Today was the day that we tried grubs. I thought it was repulsive but some people tried it. Hector showed us how to kill them and how to eat them. Alli, Allison, Roberto, Sky and Jack tried them. I couldn't watch because it grossed me out too much but they were really brave to do it. Then we sat down and Hector tried to get us to eat them cooked and most of us refused again. It was just the thought that I think got to most of us. The we had about 2 hours and we wrote cards and journals. Then the groups switched and I went piranha fishing. We took canoes and went to a small park. We walked around and saw the bird that is the closest living animal to the dinosaur. Then we saw the largest rodent in the world. It was really interesting to see both of them. Then we walked back to the canoes and went out to go fishing. I will say that we had no success and that the only thing we caught were small puffer fish. The first group had all the luck! About half way through we gave up on the piranha idea because we were having no luck and moved on to trying to catch the fish. It was great to see everyone try.
When a few of us headed back to the lodge Rafi decided that she would be in charge of steering the boat. We got in with a little tipping but nothing too drastic. When Rafi started to steer, we headed more towards land than water, but she was doing a pretty good job considering it was her first time. Eventually, she seemed to get tired and Kelly took over with the paddling and we got to the lodge in one piece safely, singing a few tunes along the way. Because we had gotten wet during the day, we showered, changed, and came back for dinner. This time, there were no animals that people weren't excited to eat. We had a short meeting about our community service hours and a few more sheets we had to fill out before we have to go home, and then time to write our cards and in our journals. Overall, it was a very eventful, fun, and unforgettable day.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Rio Napo, Amazon
Today we got to sleep in. We didn't have to be at breakfast until 7 am! When we woke up it was raining so we put on our "jungle gear" and headed out to breakfast. We ate the delicious breakfast that we have every morning here. Everything is fresh and it's different every morning and great! When we were done with breakfast Hector came up to us and told us that because it was raining we couldn't go out yet and that it would be another hour. We were splitting up into 2 groups - one was going piranha fishing and the other was going up to the canopy to the see the rain forest from up above. We all waited around and did our cards about other people and caught up with our journals. When we finally got moving the 2 groups split up. I went up to the canopy first. The hike was really great. There was plenty of mud and our boots definitely showed it. Once we got the canopy Victoria and I looked up at the height of it and had a small being nervous moment. When we started to climb it we got even more scared. This was because the stairs were separate with whole in between and that made us both nervous. We got to the top and it was totally worth it!! You could see the tops of all the trees and the clouds were so clear and I don't think I have seen a more beautiful site. We of course took tons of pictures and saw many different types of birds and a few monkeys. It is hard to explain because you could just see everything. We made the hike back down. Victoria and I were still nervous on the way down but we made it down safely with no accidents. It was quite an experience. Then Anabel started to make a basket out of leaves and Hector helped her. It turned out really well and it was totally home made.
We came back and had some lunch. There was rice and other great food. Today was the day that we tried grubs. I thought it was repulsive but some people tried it. Hector showed us how to kill them and how to eat them. Alli, Allison, Roberto, Sky and Jack tried them. I couldn't watch because it grossed me out too much but they were really brave to do it. Then we sat down and Hector tried to get us to eat them cooked and most of us refused again. It was just the thought that I think got to most of us. The we had about 2 hours and we wrote cards and journals. Then the groups switched and I went piranha fishing. We took canoes and went to a small park. We walked around and saw the bird that is the closest living animal to the dinosaur. Then we saw the largest rodent in the world. It was really interesting to see both of them. Then we walked back to the canoes and went out to go fishing. I will say that we had no success and that the only thing we caught were small puffer fish. The first group had all the luck! About half way through we gave up on the piranha idea because we were having no luck and moved on to trying to catch the fish. It was great to see everyone try.
When a few of us headed back to the lodge Rafi decided that she would be in charge of steering the boat. We got in with a little tipping but nothing too drastic. When Rafi started to steer, we headed more towards land than water, but she was doing a pretty good job considering it was her first time. Eventually, she seemed to get tired and Kelly took over with the paddling and we got to the lodge in one piece safely, singing a few tunes along the way. Because we had gotten wet during the day, we showered, changed, and came back for dinner. This time, there were no animals that people weren't excited to eat. We had a short meeting about our community service hours and a few more sheets we had to fill out before we have to go home, and then time to write our cards and in our journals. Overall, it was a very eventful, fun, and unforgettable day.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
We're Back!
Author: Sophie E
Location: Bejing
We arrived in Beijing at 7a.m this morning at the train station--exhausted. We had a lot of fun in Xi'an, but we're happy to be back. Those of us who went to the baby home this morning learned that there are new preemie babies coming to the orphanage. We can't wait to see them, we've heard that they are adorable but we are pretty sure that they are much more than that. We met back up with everyone at the apartment for lunch and then went to Wu Shu (better known as Kung Fu). We were taught by students who are in training. They were amazing-- the ages ranged from about nine to seventeen. The nine year old kids hardly came up to our chests, but they showed us, within the first demonstration, that size doesn't matter. The older students were so fluid in their motion-we wished we could be that smooth!We've come to the conclusion that we'd rather not meet them in a dark alley way. We had a great time watching and attempting moves that were far beyond our skill level. All things good and bad must come to an end (two hours flew by fast) so we said goodbye and walked back to the apartment once again.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location: Bejing
We arrived in Beijing at 7a.m this morning at the train station--exhausted. We had a lot of fun in Xi'an, but we're happy to be back. Those of us who went to the baby home this morning learned that there are new preemie babies coming to the orphanage. We can't wait to see them, we've heard that they are adorable but we are pretty sure that they are much more than that. We met back up with everyone at the apartment for lunch and then went to Wu Shu (better known as Kung Fu). We were taught by students who are in training. They were amazing-- the ages ranged from about nine to seventeen. The nine year old kids hardly came up to our chests, but they showed us, within the first demonstration, that size doesn't matter. The older students were so fluid in their motion-we wished we could be that smooth!We've come to the conclusion that we'd rather not meet them in a dark alley way. We had a great time watching and attempting moves that were far beyond our skill level. All things good and bad must come to an end (two hours flew by fast) so we said goodbye and walked back to the apartment once again.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Great talks with the New Life kids...
Author: Jorge
Location:
After breakfast, the team had some time to play with the kids. The teams was divided into three groups along with their buddies. We did activities such as painting keychains from palm seeds to weaving, and separating rice. We then separated into small forums where we and the New Life kids could ask each other questions. Everybody was surprised at how open they all were and how they all dreamt of love and stability rather than money.
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Location:
After breakfast, the team had some time to play with the kids. The teams was divided into three groups along with their buddies. We did activities such as painting keychains from palm seeds to weaving, and separating rice. We then separated into small forums where we and the New Life kids could ask each other questions. Everybody was surprised at how open they all were and how they all dreamt of love and stability rather than money.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Our second full day in the Amazon could not have been more amazing...
Author: Nora
Location: Rio Napo, Amazon
Our second full day in the Amazon could not have been more amazing. After another three course breakfast, we were off to Hector's Island to complete the projects we had started the day before. We were greeted at the island by the school children, and proceeded to distribute the gifts we had brought from home. Our hearts were warmed as we watched the young children blow whistles, twist balloon animals, and parade around in brightly colored sunglasses. Playtime had barely started before it was time to put on our gloves and get to work. For those of us who had hauled wood the day before, it was satisfying to see the wood strung together to create a wall for the school's dining room. The path builders' goals were similarly fullfilled as they filled in the path with sand brought from across the Rio Napo.
Meanwhile, we were all contemplating how best to slip silly quotes into our normal conversation - part of a game that had begun in the morning. We took a break for lunch, then headed back to Hector's Island for a less work intensive - but equally fun - afternoon. Though most of us failed miserably at blowing darts and throwing spears on our first tries, we improved with time, and Anabel and Andrew won praise when they speared an orange with a blow dart. The rain that persisted through the afternoon did not dampen our spirits (though our clothes were pretty wet), and we were quick to agree to a game of soccer on the beach. While our small arsenal of talented soccer players ran back and forth, defending and scoring and such, most of us simply did our best to touch the ball. Our day ended with dinner and card writing, as we struggled to put into words all we have come to appreciate about the young men and women who have become our brothers and sisters over the past three weeks.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location: Rio Napo, Amazon
Our second full day in the Amazon could not have been more amazing. After another three course breakfast, we were off to Hector's Island to complete the projects we had started the day before. We were greeted at the island by the school children, and proceeded to distribute the gifts we had brought from home. Our hearts were warmed as we watched the young children blow whistles, twist balloon animals, and parade around in brightly colored sunglasses. Playtime had barely started before it was time to put on our gloves and get to work. For those of us who had hauled wood the day before, it was satisfying to see the wood strung together to create a wall for the school's dining room. The path builders' goals were similarly fullfilled as they filled in the path with sand brought from across the Rio Napo.
Meanwhile, we were all contemplating how best to slip silly quotes into our normal conversation - part of a game that had begun in the morning. We took a break for lunch, then headed back to Hector's Island for a less work intensive - but equally fun - afternoon. Though most of us failed miserably at blowing darts and throwing spears on our first tries, we improved with time, and Anabel and Andrew won praise when they speared an orange with a blow dart. The rain that persisted through the afternoon did not dampen our spirits (though our clothes were pretty wet), and we were quick to agree to a game of soccer on the beach. While our small arsenal of talented soccer players ran back and forth, defending and scoring and such, most of us simply did our best to touch the ball. Our day ended with dinner and card writing, as we struggled to put into words all we have come to appreciate about the young men and women who have become our brothers and sisters over the past three weeks.
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Last Day…
Author: Carlos A.
Location: West End, Tortola
Today we hiked up a mountain that used to be used by the pirate Blackbeard. The hike was short but difficult. We were told to pick two pebbles, we had to chose one rock to keep and one to leave here in the BVI's. The one we had to keep represented what we wanted to keep from this trip. The one we left represented what we wanted to leave behind. Everyone left behind fears and other things like that. After the nice hike and chat on the top of the peak, we had to immediately start to clean the boat. It was hard and it took a long time, but after we had the opportunity to buy things on shore.
Location: West End, Tortola
Today we hiked up a mountain that used to be used by the pirate Blackbeard. The hike was short but difficult. We were told to pick two pebbles, we had to chose one rock to keep and one to leave here in the BVI's. The one we had to keep represented what we wanted to keep from this trip. The one we left represented what we wanted to leave behind. Everyone left behind fears and other things like that. After the nice hike and chat on the top of the peak, we had to immediately start to clean the boat. It was hard and it took a long time, but after we had the opportunity to buy things on shore.
Danger in the Jungle
Author: Everyone
Location: La Selva
We started off the morning relaxing in hammocks and then we took a boat ride. We turned the boat into a salon where people got their hair braided and shaved. We had a ten minute bought drinks and had to pay to use the bathroom. Once on land again we had a FABULOUS lunch with phenominally seasoned chicken and unique, but exquisite rice and beans. To top it off...fried plantains. Then we got on the bus for a few hours. We then entered the jungle preserve. We had to sign a waiver about snake bites! After dinner, we split into two groups and went on a jungle night walk. Some had more fear than others. John screamed, Vince winced, and Dede laughed. We saw crazy snakes, frogs, birds, ants, insects, spiders, crocodiles, and a praying mantis. We even encountered the most deadly snake in Costa Rica, the Fer de Lance. Luckily, nobody got bit.
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Location: La Selva
We started off the morning relaxing in hammocks and then we took a boat ride. We turned the boat into a salon where people got their hair braided and shaved. We had a ten minute bought drinks and had to pay to use the bathroom. Once on land again we had a FABULOUS lunch with phenominally seasoned chicken and unique, but exquisite rice and beans. To top it off...fried plantains. Then we got on the bus for a few hours. We then entered the jungle preserve. We had to sign a waiver about snake bites! After dinner, we split into two groups and went on a jungle night walk. Some had more fear than others. John screamed, Vince winced, and Dede laughed. We saw crazy snakes, frogs, birds, ants, insects, spiders, crocodiles, and a praying mantis. We even encountered the most deadly snake in Costa Rica, the Fer de Lance. Luckily, nobody got bit.
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"Good old Xi'an"
Author: Andy P
Location: Xi'an
This blog covers July 25th to July 27th.I started the first day with Hannah and Sophie by going to visit the babies. It was really nice. The best part of the visit was when we put a red hat on every baby that was awake (a red hat makes everything better ). I had a really good day personally- I put 3 babies to sleep. After that we made our way to the train station to take the train to Xi'an for 14 hours. When we arrived we went to see the terracotta warriors. After seeing the Terracotta Warriors we bargained again on Muslim street. Day two started by going biking on the Xi'an city wall. It was a 9 mile trip around the wall. After lunch we went to a silk factory (where I bought this gangsta suit ) and after the silk factory we went to the wild goose Pagoda which was cool but tiring ( I got some Baskin Robins ice cream 25 quai- what a rip off ). we ended the day by taking the 12 hour train back to Beijing. And now I'm writing this blog so yeah the end.
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Location: Xi'an
This blog covers July 25th to July 27th.I started the first day with Hannah and Sophie by going to visit the babies. It was really nice. The best part of the visit was when we put a red hat on every baby that was awake (a red hat makes everything better ). I had a really good day personally- I put 3 babies to sleep. After that we made our way to the train station to take the train to Xi'an for 14 hours. When we arrived we went to see the terracotta warriors. After seeing the Terracotta Warriors we bargained again on Muslim street. Day two started by going biking on the Xi'an city wall. It was a 9 mile trip around the wall. After lunch we went to a silk factory (where I bought this gangsta suit ) and after the silk factory we went to the wild goose Pagoda which was cool but tiring ( I got some Baskin Robins ice cream 25 quai- what a rip off ). we ended the day by taking the 12 hour train back to Beijing. And now I'm writing this blog so yeah the end.
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Monday, July 27, 2009
Mud fight!
Author: Katie
Location:
Today we woke up and ate breakfast with our group at the New Life Project compound. Then we headed out to the fields to plant rice. First, the mud felt gross but before long we started a mud fight and brought down Brinya! We had so much fun. Later, we worked with the kids to build boats for the ceremony. All the girls and guys dressed up at night to celebrate the Thai ceremony and danced with our buddies for the rest of the night.
"Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and be that perfectly." - Sir Francis de Sales
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Location:
Today we woke up and ate breakfast with our group at the New Life Project compound. Then we headed out to the fields to plant rice. First, the mud felt gross but before long we started a mud fight and brought down Brinya! We had so much fun. Later, we worked with the kids to build boats for the ceremony. All the girls and guys dressed up at night to celebrate the Thai ceremony and danced with our buddies for the rest of the night.
"Do not wish to be anything but what you are, and be that perfectly." - Sir Francis de Sales
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Hard work and high spirits...
Author: Anonymous
Location: Rio Napo, Amazon
Today was an amazing day! Hector "Our Protector" introduced us to his island and projects. We learned that many of the children in his community were not getting an education before he started his school. Travel is by dugout canoe in the Amazon, which can be very dangerous for small children. We also learned about his conservation projects. He rescues endangered monkeys from the black market, etc., introduces them on the island, and has a breeding project. Eventually he'll begin reintroducing his monkeys on the mainland where they can repopulate.
We also got to meet 3 old Lifeworks students from two summers ago. They are in college now and decided to come back on their own to help Hector again. Pretty cool to meet Lifeworks alumni.
After the introduction to the island, we began work on the day's project. We built the wall around the school's kitchen, which was damaged by a recent wind storm. We also built paths around the school grounds so the children won't have to walk around in the mud as much. All in all it was an amazing and very rewarding day!
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location: Rio Napo, Amazon
Today was an amazing day! Hector "Our Protector" introduced us to his island and projects. We learned that many of the children in his community were not getting an education before he started his school. Travel is by dugout canoe in the Amazon, which can be very dangerous for small children. We also learned about his conservation projects. He rescues endangered monkeys from the black market, etc., introduces them on the island, and has a breeding project. Eventually he'll begin reintroducing his monkeys on the mainland where they can repopulate.
We also got to meet 3 old Lifeworks students from two summers ago. They are in college now and decided to come back on their own to help Hector again. Pretty cool to meet Lifeworks alumni.
After the introduction to the island, we began work on the day's project. We built the wall around the school's kitchen, which was damaged by a recent wind storm. We also built paths around the school grounds so the children won't have to walk around in the mud as much. All in all it was an amazing and very rewarding day!
Flickr Photos from Today
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Visit with Conrad
Author: Hannah B.
Location: The Bite, Peter Island
We met with two men today that seemed to be on another level. The first was a man who has lived in the BVI islands since the 1930's . His personality was contagious; just being around him made you smile and want to laugh and giggle with him. Conrad is so content and happy with the life he lives. He is just always so happy and doesn't let the slightest thing phase him. At dinner, the founder of Lifeworks, Jim, ate with us and we did a card activity that showed a little bit of our personalities we didn't know before. Both Conrad and Jim seemed to just get/understand different values in their lives and in life in general. Everyone seemed to have a great day.
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Location: The Bite, Peter Island
We met with two men today that seemed to be on another level. The first was a man who has lived in the BVI islands since the 1930's . His personality was contagious; just being around him made you smile and want to laugh and giggle with him. Conrad is so content and happy with the life he lives. He is just always so happy and doesn't let the slightest thing phase him. At dinner, the founder of Lifeworks, Jim, ate with us and we did a card activity that showed a little bit of our personalities we didn't know before. Both Conrad and Jim seemed to just get/understand different values in their lives and in life in general. Everyone seemed to have a great day.
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Rasta Vibrations
Author: Everyone
Location: Tortugero
We took a 3 hour boat trip to Tortugero. On the way there, we saw animals including a three toed sloth, mini-crocodiles, howler monkeys, and cormorants. We stopped for lunch and then reached Tortugero. We then went into town where we watched a documentary on saving sea turtles. After, we went shopping and came back to the hotel for dinner. In the evening, we split into two groups and witnessed large green sea turtles laying their eggs.
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Location: Tortugero
We took a 3 hour boat trip to Tortugero. On the way there, we saw animals including a three toed sloth, mini-crocodiles, howler monkeys, and cormorants. We stopped for lunch and then reached Tortugero. We then went into town where we watched a documentary on saving sea turtles. After, we went shopping and came back to the hotel for dinner. In the evening, we split into two groups and witnessed large green sea turtles laying their eggs.
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Sunday, July 26, 2009
Fun with kids!
Author: Anne
Location: Kanchanaburi
We woke up at 7AM, ate breakfast and then went back to the school we were at yesterday. We played games with the kids again and it was nice because they recognized us from the day before. Anissa and I spent time on the newly tiled floors. After that, we left the school and headed straight to Kanchanaburi.
When we arrived at Kanchanaburi, we immediately had an opening ceremony and meet our "buddies." We played games and then went to our house. Eleven girls in one room!
"There's no thrill in easy sailing when the skies are clear and blue,
there's no joy in merely doing things which anyone can do.
But there is some satisfaction that is mighty to take,
when you reach a destination that you'd thought you'd never make." - Spirella
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Location: Kanchanaburi
We woke up at 7AM, ate breakfast and then went back to the school we were at yesterday. We played games with the kids again and it was nice because they recognized us from the day before. Anissa and I spent time on the newly tiled floors. After that, we left the school and headed straight to Kanchanaburi.
When we arrived at Kanchanaburi, we immediately had an opening ceremony and meet our "buddies." We played games and then went to our house. Eleven girls in one room!
"There's no thrill in easy sailing when the skies are clear and blue,
there's no joy in merely doing things which anyone can do.
But there is some satisfaction that is mighty to take,
when you reach a destination that you'd thought you'd never make." - Spirella
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Hola Amazon!
Author: Elana
Location: Quito to Amazon
The leaders are always nervous that we are going to be late for our flight, so in order to prevent that from happening, we left our hotel at around 9:00 a.m. For a flight at 12:00 p.m., we got to the airport at 9:30 a.m. In order to keep ourselves entertained for those couple hours we played multiple card games that seemed to never end. The amazing plane ride was only half an hour long which was really nice...until we found out that we landed in an airport 2 hours from Coca, the town we were supposed to have landed in! Coca airport was closed for maintenance. We took a 2 hour bus ride to the dock we had to go to in order to get to our next lodge. I loved the bus ride because I got to see how people in the Amazon lived which I thought was pretty interesting. I was also happy on the bus ride because I was listening to "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas, which has turned into our group's "song" (even though Roberto doesn't sing the right lyrics) and it got me into a really good mood especially since we were entering the Amazon which a lot of people in our group have been freaking out about. It was really funny when half way through the bus ride, several girls and I realized that we REALLY had to pee, but we still had 45 minutes left on the bus, and trust me, going over so many speed bumps and seeing a lot of creeks and rivers did not help us at all. A lot of people were laughing at us when we sprinted off the bus in desperate search of a bathroom when we finally reached the dock.
Before going on the boat tried on rubber work boots that we have to wear during community service work and when walking through the jungle because there is so much mud. After 45 minutes of boating through the Rio Napo, we arrived at the lodge. Although I expected the scenery to look beautiful and tropical, I did not realize how well this lodge would fit in with its surroundings. As we exited the boat, I could not believe my eyes, we had entered a tropical getaway island. Down by the water there is a dock and a muddy futbol/volleyball field, and as you go up the stairs there is a large dining hall and a lot of cabanas surrounded by the jungle. Many people are afraid of the tarantulas and other big bugs here, but somehow I have managed to overlook those factors because I am so astonished by how peaceful and unrealistic this place truly is.
We had heard many great things about Hector (the man we are working with) and how amazing the Amazon was, but I didn't understand that fully until I met Hector and saw the landscape of the Amazon and all of the animals that inhabit it. On first impression, I knew Hector would work us hard but would still be kind to us. I am really excited to learn more about his life, the Amazon, and all of the animals here.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location: Quito to Amazon
The leaders are always nervous that we are going to be late for our flight, so in order to prevent that from happening, we left our hotel at around 9:00 a.m. For a flight at 12:00 p.m., we got to the airport at 9:30 a.m. In order to keep ourselves entertained for those couple hours we played multiple card games that seemed to never end. The amazing plane ride was only half an hour long which was really nice...until we found out that we landed in an airport 2 hours from Coca, the town we were supposed to have landed in! Coca airport was closed for maintenance. We took a 2 hour bus ride to the dock we had to go to in order to get to our next lodge. I loved the bus ride because I got to see how people in the Amazon lived which I thought was pretty interesting. I was also happy on the bus ride because I was listening to "I Gotta Feeling" by the Black Eyed Peas, which has turned into our group's "song" (even though Roberto doesn't sing the right lyrics) and it got me into a really good mood especially since we were entering the Amazon which a lot of people in our group have been freaking out about. It was really funny when half way through the bus ride, several girls and I realized that we REALLY had to pee, but we still had 45 minutes left on the bus, and trust me, going over so many speed bumps and seeing a lot of creeks and rivers did not help us at all. A lot of people were laughing at us when we sprinted off the bus in desperate search of a bathroom when we finally reached the dock.
Before going on the boat tried on rubber work boots that we have to wear during community service work and when walking through the jungle because there is so much mud. After 45 minutes of boating through the Rio Napo, we arrived at the lodge. Although I expected the scenery to look beautiful and tropical, I did not realize how well this lodge would fit in with its surroundings. As we exited the boat, I could not believe my eyes, we had entered a tropical getaway island. Down by the water there is a dock and a muddy futbol/volleyball field, and as you go up the stairs there is a large dining hall and a lot of cabanas surrounded by the jungle. Many people are afraid of the tarantulas and other big bugs here, but somehow I have managed to overlook those factors because I am so astonished by how peaceful and unrealistic this place truly is.
We had heard many great things about Hector (the man we are working with) and how amazing the Amazon was, but I didn't understand that fully until I met Hector and saw the landscape of the Amazon and all of the animals that inhabit it. On first impression, I knew Hector would work us hard but would still be kind to us. I am really excited to learn more about his life, the Amazon, and all of the animals here.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Exploring Salt Island
Author: Sam T.
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
Today's wake-up song basically set the ton for the rest of the day: "Here Comes The Sun" by the Beatles. After cereal for breakfast, and a garbage run, we set sail for Salt Island. Once there, we went on a snorkel adventure over a ship wreak from the 1800's, the R.M.S. Rhone. Although only half of the wreak was at an accessible depth, it was fabulous. We saw so much, from propellers to giant lobster, parrot fish, and everything in between. Lunch consisted of chicken salad sandwiches, and the typical PB and J. We finished and got in the dinghies to go over to Salt Island, where we got to see a typical salt pond. This is also the pond from which they take 5 pounds of salt to pay the Queen's tax every year for the locals being allowed to keep the island to themselves (long story involving the history of the wreak) When we got back on the boat we just chilled: reading, showering, playing cards. Oh and snacking- some girls had been stuffing their faces with Oreos in their cabin! They got caught (we don't want cockroaches) so Hannah, Jack , and Aaron went on a rampage, inspecting the cabins for "illegal" substance. They found loads of food and a collection of clothes pins - totally legitimate, there are never enough! They needed to be hoarded! The day ended with a sail to Great Harbor on Peter Island, dinner and a movie.
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
Today's wake-up song basically set the ton for the rest of the day: "Here Comes The Sun" by the Beatles. After cereal for breakfast, and a garbage run, we set sail for Salt Island. Once there, we went on a snorkel adventure over a ship wreak from the 1800's, the R.M.S. Rhone. Although only half of the wreak was at an accessible depth, it was fabulous. We saw so much, from propellers to giant lobster, parrot fish, and everything in between. Lunch consisted of chicken salad sandwiches, and the typical PB and J. We finished and got in the dinghies to go over to Salt Island, where we got to see a typical salt pond. This is also the pond from which they take 5 pounds of salt to pay the Queen's tax every year for the locals being allowed to keep the island to themselves (long story involving the history of the wreak) When we got back on the boat we just chilled: reading, showering, playing cards. Oh and snacking- some girls had been stuffing their faces with Oreos in their cabin! They got caught (we don't want cockroaches) so Hannah, Jack , and Aaron went on a rampage, inspecting the cabins for "illegal" substance. They found loads of food and a collection of clothes pins - totally legitimate, there are never enough! They needed to be hoarded! The day ended with a sail to Great Harbor on Peter Island, dinner and a movie.
Cabecar Indigenous Reserve
Author: Everyone
Location:
We woke up early to head to the indigenous reserve. We met the Cabecar group, which is one of the only indigenous tribes to still speak their native language. While we were there, we learned to make string and bowls from leaves. We bought some of their homemade crafts, which helped them buy food. After lunch, we went to a hotel on the Caribbean sea where we swam and talked for the rest of the day.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location:
We woke up early to head to the indigenous reserve. We met the Cabecar group, which is one of the only indigenous tribes to still speak their native language. While we were there, we learned to make string and bowls from leaves. We bought some of their homemade crafts, which helped them buy food. After lunch, we went to a hotel on the Caribbean sea where we swam and talked for the rest of the day.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Saturday, July 25, 2009
New Life Project
Author: Anika
Location:
We started the day with a jog. Anne fell flat on her face. We had breakfast, then headed to the school. We were all having fun and spent most of the day there helping kids and working. We went back to the house and had a great dinner, then watched a great performance by "Michael Jackson" and his "chimp".
"Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance toward the distant summit keeps the goal in mind but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point. Climb slowly, steadily, enjoying each passing moment; and then the view from the summit will serve as a fitting climax for the journey." - Harold Melchert - Mount Sage
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location:
We started the day with a jog. Anne fell flat on her face. We had breakfast, then headed to the school. We were all having fun and spent most of the day there helping kids and working. We went back to the house and had a great dinner, then watched a great performance by "Michael Jackson" and his "chimp".
"Live your life each day as you would climb a mountain. An occasional glance toward the distant summit keeps the goal in mind but many beautiful scenes are to be observed from each new vantage point. Climb slowly, steadily, enjoying each passing moment; and then the view from the summit will serve as a fitting climax for the journey." - Harold Melchert - Mount Sage
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Travel day
Author: Unknown
Location: San Cristobal to Quito
Though today was solely a travel day, it was quite eventful. We started off the morning with the normal breakfast call, "hola, buenos dias, good morning, breakfast is ready." and proceeded to walk sleepily to the kitchen and have a fabulous meal of fresh fruit and fresh scrambled eggs. Unlike every other day breakfast was followed by a bus ride to the airport as opposed to a service site. After some last minute souvenirs and many card games it was time to leave the beautiful Galapagos. Our departure was bittersweet: we were leaving our home of the past two weeks but were about to begin our adventure in the Amazon. After our arrival in Quito, the focus was food. SO both the ending of the Galapagos and the beginning of the Amazon were marked by a long awaited dinner of fajitas and a quiet night.
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Location: San Cristobal to Quito
Though today was solely a travel day, it was quite eventful. We started off the morning with the normal breakfast call, "hola, buenos dias, good morning, breakfast is ready." and proceeded to walk sleepily to the kitchen and have a fabulous meal of fresh fruit and fresh scrambled eggs. Unlike every other day breakfast was followed by a bus ride to the airport as opposed to a service site. After some last minute souvenirs and many card games it was time to leave the beautiful Galapagos. Our departure was bittersweet: we were leaving our home of the past two weeks but were about to begin our adventure in the Amazon. After our arrival in Quito, the focus was food. SO both the ending of the Galapagos and the beginning of the Amazon were marked by a long awaited dinner of fajitas and a quiet night.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Working for VISAR
Author: Amelia L.
Location: Road Town, Tortola
We woke up at 8, it was very nice to sleep in. Then we went to VISAR and cleaned it up. We trimmed plants and cleaned up the brush. After about 2 hours, we went inside and watched a video about VISAR and where they gave us doughnuts. We asked many questions about shifts and how VISAR was organized. For lunch, we had pizza and couldn't finish all 7 boxes so we gave the rest to the police station, next door. After that we went back to the boat and showered before we had free time in Road town. At 5:30, we all went to the Roti Palace for dinner and amazing roti. Then we went back to the boat and docked it so we could get water and have fresh water showers. Today was probably one of the best days of the trip. It was really nice that after we did community service we could relax for the rest of the day.
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Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Road Town, Tortola
We woke up at 8, it was very nice to sleep in. Then we went to VISAR and cleaned it up. We trimmed plants and cleaned up the brush. After about 2 hours, we went inside and watched a video about VISAR and where they gave us doughnuts. We asked many questions about shifts and how VISAR was organized. For lunch, we had pizza and couldn't finish all 7 boxes so we gave the rest to the police station, next door. After that we went back to the boat and showered before we had free time in Road town. At 5:30, we all went to the Roti Palace for dinner and amazing roti. Then we went back to the boat and docked it so we could get water and have fresh water showers. Today was probably one of the best days of the trip. It was really nice that after we did community service we could relax for the rest of the day.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Turu Ba Ri - ZIP LINE
Author: Lindsey and Annie
Location: Valley...Middle of Jungle
Today was a fun day zip-lining through the canopies of the rainforest of Costa Rica. Unfortunately, two members of the group could not participate due to minor injuries, but they had a nice lunch and an exciting bus adventure. Us zip-liners experienced a thrill while racing side by side on a 700 meter zip-line. Next we tested our courage by going head first...superman style. We finished off the day with a nice dinner with Gail...and Kayla. We're all sad that this was the last night at the lovely Hotel Maranon.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Valley...Middle of Jungle
Today was a fun day zip-lining through the canopies of the rainforest of Costa Rica. Unfortunately, two members of the group could not participate due to minor injuries, but they had a nice lunch and an exciting bus adventure. Us zip-liners experienced a thrill while racing side by side on a 700 meter zip-line. Next we tested our courage by going head first...superman style. We finished off the day with a nice dinner with Gail...and Kayla. We're all sad that this was the last night at the lovely Hotel Maranon.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
"Hey, pretty lady, do you want a sweater?"
Author: Zoe B.
Location: Beijing
It was a typical Chinese morning, what ever that's supposed to mean. After breakfast, everyone went off on their daily rotations, although with a few people sick, some had to switch from the less active babies to the more energetic group home kids.
Everyone was looking forward to a fun afternoon. We loaded on the bus to head towards the Silk Market to try our skills at bartering. It was 6 floors of jammed pack madness. There were floors packed clothes, shoes, electronics, souvenirs, and hand bags. To be more efficient we split into smaller groups and went off for two hours. Some of us were better at bartering than others, but everyone walked away happy with their finds.
Instead of eating at the normal Chinese restaurant, we went to a Peking Duck dinner that was really delicious. Everyone tried a little of everything and we ate ourselves full. We had duck, duck skin, Chinese salad, egg and leak dumplings, lamb, and some sort of hot pocket type things. Once we had cleared our plates and were satisfied, we loaded back on the bus while a few people made a pit stop at McDonalds to get some desert, before we made our way back home to rest up for tomorrow and our trip to Xian.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Beijing
It was a typical Chinese morning, what ever that's supposed to mean. After breakfast, everyone went off on their daily rotations, although with a few people sick, some had to switch from the less active babies to the more energetic group home kids.
Everyone was looking forward to a fun afternoon. We loaded on the bus to head towards the Silk Market to try our skills at bartering. It was 6 floors of jammed pack madness. There were floors packed clothes, shoes, electronics, souvenirs, and hand bags. To be more efficient we split into smaller groups and went off for two hours. Some of us were better at bartering than others, but everyone walked away happy with their finds.
Instead of eating at the normal Chinese restaurant, we went to a Peking Duck dinner that was really delicious. Everyone tried a little of everything and we ate ourselves full. We had duck, duck skin, Chinese salad, egg and leak dumplings, lamb, and some sort of hot pocket type things. Once we had cleared our plates and were satisfied, we loaded back on the bus while a few people made a pit stop at McDonalds to get some desert, before we made our way back home to rest up for tomorrow and our trip to Xian.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
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