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
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Friday, July 31, 2009
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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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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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
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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.
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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.
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"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
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Friday, July 24, 2009
"Duck, Duck, Goose"
Author: Natalie
Location: Petchaburi
Today was the second day of visiting schools in Petchaburi. We did pretty much the same things but it wasn't boring because we got to meet new kids and play different games. I was playing, "Duck, Duck, Goose" with Molly, Jorge and the fifth graders. There was this one kid who kept getting picked on and he really didn't even know how to play. One time he ran around the circle multiple times before he sat down which was hilarious.
"When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, until it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer - never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn." - Jack London
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location: Petchaburi
Today was the second day of visiting schools in Petchaburi. We did pretty much the same things but it wasn't boring because we got to meet new kids and play different games. I was playing, "Duck, Duck, Goose" with Molly, Jorge and the fifth graders. There was this one kid who kept getting picked on and he really didn't even know how to play. One time he ran around the circle multiple times before he sat down which was hilarious.
"When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, until it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer - never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn." - Jack London
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Mmmmm....
Author: Anabel
Location: San Cristobal
Woke up and headed over to a tortoise reserve center, Galapaguiera. We worked with machetes to kill and cut down evil little invasive flowers, mint-looking leaves, and other evil thorny things. Cool work, but there's a catch: tons of poisonous trees that bleed acid milk when you hit them. But thankfully no more moras. So the work was hard but helpful. We freed space so the tortoises could lay their eggs. When we had worked for a while we moved on to the exciting part: catching and weighing tortoises. We got the biggest one upside-down, roped it, and hoisted it with a huge iron pole connected to a weird scale thing, and six of us lifted the 90-kilo monster. Moving on, we got to see the turtle babies, and we actually got to hold them! It's not something that tourists are usually allowed to do.
I got to be friends with Jeremy, a 7-year-old who kept hanging out with us. We went to a gorgeous beach with waves and sea lions and turtles and hermit crabs.
The night was amazing. It was Mathis' birthday and we were all tired with restaurants so we made our own dinner at the hotel. Amazing pasta and grilled veggies prepared by Sky, Nora, Hannah, Katie, and Dan. We all pitched in and helped. Me, Elana, and Nic worked with Roberto on the brownies/cake and the french (Mathis and Victoria) made perfect French crepes. Mathis, Victoria, Nic, and I then chatted and played cards till the early hours of the morning. I think that I love it here. That was, sadly, our last night in the Galapagos, and I can honestly say I can't imagine ever being ready to leave these islands, the most gorgeous, exhausting, magical place in the world.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location: San Cristobal
Woke up and headed over to a tortoise reserve center, Galapaguiera. We worked with machetes to kill and cut down evil little invasive flowers, mint-looking leaves, and other evil thorny things. Cool work, but there's a catch: tons of poisonous trees that bleed acid milk when you hit them. But thankfully no more moras. So the work was hard but helpful. We freed space so the tortoises could lay their eggs. When we had worked for a while we moved on to the exciting part: catching and weighing tortoises. We got the biggest one upside-down, roped it, and hoisted it with a huge iron pole connected to a weird scale thing, and six of us lifted the 90-kilo monster. Moving on, we got to see the turtle babies, and we actually got to hold them! It's not something that tourists are usually allowed to do.
I got to be friends with Jeremy, a 7-year-old who kept hanging out with us. We went to a gorgeous beach with waves and sea lions and turtles and hermit crabs.
The night was amazing. It was Mathis' birthday and we were all tired with restaurants so we made our own dinner at the hotel. Amazing pasta and grilled veggies prepared by Sky, Nora, Hannah, Katie, and Dan. We all pitched in and helped. Me, Elana, and Nic worked with Roberto on the brownies/cake and the french (Mathis and Victoria) made perfect French crepes. Mathis, Victoria, Nic, and I then chatted and played cards till the early hours of the morning. I think that I love it here. That was, sadly, our last night in the Galapagos, and I can honestly say I can't imagine ever being ready to leave these islands, the most gorgeous, exhausting, magical place in the world.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Castles with Jost van Dyke kids and training with VISAR
Author: Fanny W.
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
It was a pretty harsh awaking at 6:45 am for all the shipmates with the late night before. We all sluggishly moved around the boat doing the daily morning chores and somehow arrived at Jost van Dyke fifteen minutes early. It was cool seeing some familiar faces on shore, but more exciting to get to know all the new ones. After four or five hours of sailing, building sand castles, swimming and chicken fighting, everyone was pretty exhausted. It was kind of funny to se everyone pass out during the two hour motor to Great Harbor. Soon after arriving, we had to prepare for our training visit from the VISAR (Virgin Island Search and Rescue) rescue team. This include Kelsey "falling" and "breaking her arm" in the laz, Carlos having his carrot finger chopped off and having ketchup blood splattered everywhere.it was kinda hilarious, but VISAR was professional and took it very seriously. Not only did we get this exciting experience, we got cookies, a few got rides on the super-fast rescue boat (55 mph), and we got news of a 8:30 am sleep-in. Can you say perfect? Later we talked about today's activities and plans for tomorrow (pizza and roti!) yeah, we're kind of obsessed with food. It's weird to think we only have a few days left. This life has become too real, reality has almost completely faded. We're in this beautiful world for only a little longer, I'll be damned if we waste it.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Great Harbor, Peter Island
It was a pretty harsh awaking at 6:45 am for all the shipmates with the late night before. We all sluggishly moved around the boat doing the daily morning chores and somehow arrived at Jost van Dyke fifteen minutes early. It was cool seeing some familiar faces on shore, but more exciting to get to know all the new ones. After four or five hours of sailing, building sand castles, swimming and chicken fighting, everyone was pretty exhausted. It was kind of funny to se everyone pass out during the two hour motor to Great Harbor. Soon after arriving, we had to prepare for our training visit from the VISAR (Virgin Island Search and Rescue) rescue team. This include Kelsey "falling" and "breaking her arm" in the laz, Carlos having his carrot finger chopped off and having ketchup blood splattered everywhere.it was kinda hilarious, but VISAR was professional and took it very seriously. Not only did we get this exciting experience, we got cookies, a few got rides on the super-fast rescue boat (55 mph), and we got news of a 8:30 am sleep-in. Can you say perfect? Later we talked about today's activities and plans for tomorrow (pizza and roti!) yeah, we're kind of obsessed with food. It's weird to think we only have a few days left. This life has become too real, reality has almost completely faded. We're in this beautiful world for only a little longer, I'll be damned if we waste it.
Flickr Photos from Today
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"Just Another Walk in the Park"
Author: Jeremy L.
Location: Beijing
"Trust me, once you're done with this entire mess, you'll look back and laugh at the fact you were ever afraid of it, assuming you haven't done too much already"
-Marino Di Franco, When you're the laughingstock of your life
Usually the person in charge of the blogs is assigned to Baby Homes for that day, but today I was relocated to his position in the Group Homes instead. Prepared to meet a group of children that I had never met in my life, I packed an old school notebook and WaMu drawing book and set out with Zoe, Hannah, and Julia (who I just realized hasn't ever apologized for the rabbit incident). Upon reaching the house, we took upon the usual drill of watching the flow of things and then catching along to it accordingly, Zoe and Hannah with the drawing books and me...actually, I took longer than I liked to read the flow and even when I got it, I couldn't catch up. Eventually, everything worked out alright when I tore out several sheets of my notebook and began folding up paper claws, which ended with almost every kid screaming at me to make them paper claws and everyone else laughing at me for tiring to death. Final score: 27 large paper claws and 10 small ones before I plopped to the floor exhausted. We returned to the commons and had chicken-vegetable broth, one with ginger and the other with tomato. Honestly, that is probably the first American thing I've eaten here. After that, we set off for a park/pond/museum/amusement whatchamacallit with the kids from the other Group Home. In my opinion, having kids with us for a field trip is more trouble than I like, but that's just me since everyone else enjoys it. A good 20 pictures and 47 steps later, I found myself with our group in front of a Museum labeled "Sony ExploraScience," which is the idea that most adults I know use to entertain little kids as well as teach them something (everything there I learned in high school and have still yet to let it sink in properly so I have no idea how well it works with them). Before we were able to leave, the sky suddenly darkened and it rained quite heavily. I happened to be the only one who brought any level of rain-protective gear (an umbrella, which jammed and broke down right when I wanted to use it and took an hour to fix) so we sat inside the museum for a decent amount of time (in which the museum camera mysteriously malfunctioned due to physical sabotage and the echo chamber stopped functioning because of technical errors *cough* mysteriously...) before running out in the rain and storming the bus a mile away (Andy did a spin-trip-buttplant somewhere along the way and half of us missed it). After that, nothing that special happened until dinnertime, where I discovered our usual restaurant was unavailable to us and we were going to a noodle shop that was somewhat closer. Our translator came along with us and left after ordering, which became a huge problem because the host came over and started asking us for a favor, which I understood what he wanted me to do but found that I could neither do it nor tell him I couldn't do it. On a sidenote, the noodles brought back a sensation of home but somehow halted it halfway since it felt agonizingly incomplete. Either way, we returned to the apartment, discussed our plans for the future, starting pumping our mouths with whipped cream and popcorn, and even as I write away at the computer, I wonder if I ever dreamed or imagined that I would be spending part of my summer chatting happily with people I had only met a week ago, which brings back the fact I had a Deja-Vu moment during the calligraphy and disregarded it in the past since I had no idea who anyone was at that moment four years ago.
It feels almost nostalgic, walking through a forest of my past, a reality that I missed just by a mere decision made by my ancestors. Had the slightest change been made in the life of my parents, I would never have been placed into the society I had grown up in, never experienced the immensity of living in such a fortunate country, and most of all, never have had a chance to have an experience like the one I currently face with my own two eyes, an experience many others will never have. Occasionally, I look at a person that I've met and think to myself that I could very well be in that spot, having the same emotions and experiences that this person also has. Life is too inconsistent, too diverse and far too easy to change that I feel both blessed and disgusted that I have a life that many others would envy. As we prepare for the future in this project, and even when all of us in this group part ways and continue with our own lives, I know that with what we have seen here, we will continue with our lives with new mindsets and ideas for the world we live in.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Beijing
"Trust me, once you're done with this entire mess, you'll look back and laugh at the fact you were ever afraid of it, assuming you haven't done too much already"
-Marino Di Franco, When you're the laughingstock of your life
Usually the person in charge of the blogs is assigned to Baby Homes for that day, but today I was relocated to his position in the Group Homes instead. Prepared to meet a group of children that I had never met in my life, I packed an old school notebook and WaMu drawing book and set out with Zoe, Hannah, and Julia (who I just realized hasn't ever apologized for the rabbit incident). Upon reaching the house, we took upon the usual drill of watching the flow of things and then catching along to it accordingly, Zoe and Hannah with the drawing books and me...actually, I took longer than I liked to read the flow and even when I got it, I couldn't catch up. Eventually, everything worked out alright when I tore out several sheets of my notebook and began folding up paper claws, which ended with almost every kid screaming at me to make them paper claws and everyone else laughing at me for tiring to death. Final score: 27 large paper claws and 10 small ones before I plopped to the floor exhausted. We returned to the commons and had chicken-vegetable broth, one with ginger and the other with tomato. Honestly, that is probably the first American thing I've eaten here. After that, we set off for a park/pond/museum/amusement whatchamacallit with the kids from the other Group Home. In my opinion, having kids with us for a field trip is more trouble than I like, but that's just me since everyone else enjoys it. A good 20 pictures and 47 steps later, I found myself with our group in front of a Museum labeled "Sony ExploraScience," which is the idea that most adults I know use to entertain little kids as well as teach them something (everything there I learned in high school and have still yet to let it sink in properly so I have no idea how well it works with them). Before we were able to leave, the sky suddenly darkened and it rained quite heavily. I happened to be the only one who brought any level of rain-protective gear (an umbrella, which jammed and broke down right when I wanted to use it and took an hour to fix) so we sat inside the museum for a decent amount of time (in which the museum camera mysteriously malfunctioned due to physical sabotage and the echo chamber stopped functioning because of technical errors *cough* mysteriously...) before running out in the rain and storming the bus a mile away (Andy did a spin-trip-buttplant somewhere along the way and half of us missed it). After that, nothing that special happened until dinnertime, where I discovered our usual restaurant was unavailable to us and we were going to a noodle shop that was somewhat closer. Our translator came along with us and left after ordering, which became a huge problem because the host came over and started asking us for a favor, which I understood what he wanted me to do but found that I could neither do it nor tell him I couldn't do it. On a sidenote, the noodles brought back a sensation of home but somehow halted it halfway since it felt agonizingly incomplete. Either way, we returned to the apartment, discussed our plans for the future, starting pumping our mouths with whipped cream and popcorn, and even as I write away at the computer, I wonder if I ever dreamed or imagined that I would be spending part of my summer chatting happily with people I had only met a week ago, which brings back the fact I had a Deja-Vu moment during the calligraphy and disregarded it in the past since I had no idea who anyone was at that moment four years ago.
It feels almost nostalgic, walking through a forest of my past, a reality that I missed just by a mere decision made by my ancestors. Had the slightest change been made in the life of my parents, I would never have been placed into the society I had grown up in, never experienced the immensity of living in such a fortunate country, and most of all, never have had a chance to have an experience like the one I currently face with my own two eyes, an experience many others will never have. Occasionally, I look at a person that I've met and think to myself that I could very well be in that spot, having the same emotions and experiences that this person also has. Life is too inconsistent, too diverse and far too easy to change that I feel both blessed and disgusted that I have a life that many others would envy. As we prepare for the future in this project, and even when all of us in this group part ways and continue with our own lives, I know that with what we have seen here, we will continue with our lives with new mindsets and ideas for the world we live in.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Puppet Shows!
Author: Emily
Location:
We woke up in the headmaster's guest houses at a somewhat reasonable time. We ate breakfast and then headed to the first school. We played with the children, sang songs, danced and put on a puppet show. Since it was our first school, it was definitely a learning experience. At the next school we went to, we had a better grasp of what worked and what didn't. Overall, the day was really enjoyable.
"This is the story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everbody was sure that Somebody would do it. Somebody got angry about it because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done." - Eleventh Air Force reunion Letter
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location:
We woke up in the headmaster's guest houses at a somewhat reasonable time. We ate breakfast and then headed to the first school. We played with the children, sang songs, danced and put on a puppet show. Since it was our first school, it was definitely a learning experience. At the next school we went to, we had a better grasp of what worked and what didn't. Overall, the day was really enjoyable.
"This is the story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. There was an important job to be done and Everbody was sure that Somebody would do it. Somebody got angry about it because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done." - Eleventh Air Force reunion Letter
Flickr Photos from Today
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Murals, Futbol, and Movies
Author: Andrew
Location: San Cristobal
Today we woke up to the usual hospitality exhibited by our hosts in San Cristobal- "CAFE!? TE!? CHOCOLATE CALIENTE?!" As we made our way into the dining room, it was apparent a few of us were too sick to partake in the community service program planned for today. Unfortunately for them, it turned out to be one of the best projects we've done thus far.
We trekked to a local high school several blocks from the hotel around 8:00. The campus was pretty decent; dozens of buildings sprawled on several acres gated in by a few faded murals. Needless to say, this local high school in San Cristobal has better looking facilities than my high school on Long Island.
However, our task was apparent. Restore the existing murals and create a Lifeworks inspired fresco style painting that embodied the flora and fauna of the Galapagos. First we set off into groups of 2-4 to paint over the old pictures. Rebecca, Elana, Allison, and I started on a painting of a blue footed booby and a dolphin overlooking a sunset. After playfully arguing with Rebecca over the shade of orange for the sunset, we finally set to work. Four hours later, we finished what looked like a more vibrant version of the formal murals. A few of the others worked on the original painting. It featured a hammerhead, coral, a sea turtle, crabs, and a sting-ray. We headed off to a local restaurant for lunch.
We packed all 24 of us into a small cafe and ate traditional empanadas. After lunch we came back to the hotel for an afternoon swim. Audaciously enough, we then decided to challenge some locals to a rousing game of "futbol." Fortunately for the athletically challenged Lifeworks folk, the soccer game was at the school we worked at earlier, so we were able to touch up the murals while the others demonstrated how bad Americans REALLY are at soccer.
After the second session at the school we headed off to "Interpretation Center" for a matinee showing of Roberto's home videos. He's actually a great cinematographer, and his movie was awesome. They featured a lot of native wildlife and some really cool bike tricks...
We headed off to dinner for some Gringo-style pizza. We met up with Dr. Dustin, the American intern at the local hospital that helped the majority of us in the past couple of days. After chowing down 12 pies collectively, we headed up the hill to the hotel...Well that's all folks.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: San Cristobal
Today we woke up to the usual hospitality exhibited by our hosts in San Cristobal- "CAFE!? TE!? CHOCOLATE CALIENTE?!" As we made our way into the dining room, it was apparent a few of us were too sick to partake in the community service program planned for today. Unfortunately for them, it turned out to be one of the best projects we've done thus far.
We trekked to a local high school several blocks from the hotel around 8:00. The campus was pretty decent; dozens of buildings sprawled on several acres gated in by a few faded murals. Needless to say, this local high school in San Cristobal has better looking facilities than my high school on Long Island.
However, our task was apparent. Restore the existing murals and create a Lifeworks inspired fresco style painting that embodied the flora and fauna of the Galapagos. First we set off into groups of 2-4 to paint over the old pictures. Rebecca, Elana, Allison, and I started on a painting of a blue footed booby and a dolphin overlooking a sunset. After playfully arguing with Rebecca over the shade of orange for the sunset, we finally set to work. Four hours later, we finished what looked like a more vibrant version of the formal murals. A few of the others worked on the original painting. It featured a hammerhead, coral, a sea turtle, crabs, and a sting-ray. We headed off to a local restaurant for lunch.
We packed all 24 of us into a small cafe and ate traditional empanadas. After lunch we came back to the hotel for an afternoon swim. Audaciously enough, we then decided to challenge some locals to a rousing game of "futbol." Fortunately for the athletically challenged Lifeworks folk, the soccer game was at the school we worked at earlier, so we were able to touch up the murals while the others demonstrated how bad Americans REALLY are at soccer.
After the second session at the school we headed off to "Interpretation Center" for a matinee showing of Roberto's home videos. He's actually a great cinematographer, and his movie was awesome. They featured a lot of native wildlife and some really cool bike tricks...
We headed off to dinner for some Gringo-style pizza. We met up with Dr. Dustin, the American intern at the local hospital that helped the majority of us in the past couple of days. After chowing down 12 pies collectively, we headed up the hill to the hotel...Well that's all folks.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Hike Day and more!
Author: Jeni S.
Location: Little Harbor, Jost van Dyke
Today was hike day. Most everyone (with few exceptions for injury, illness, and lazyness) climbed Mt. Sage on Tortola. The 3.5 mile road that leads to the trail is a STEEP climb and those who made it walked back tired and exhausted. The town, however, was an extremely pleasant place to be, a nice breeze, good food and most importantly a grocery store for all of us to fill up on snacks. After the long needed phone and town time, we shipped out to Sandy Cay for a sand castle building contest. A contest in which after arriving fashionably late, we had only seven minutes to construct an awesome turtle with "turtle" in Chinese on its shell. While other teams had hours to create the pyramids of Giza and the sphinx, we laughed at our turtle and jumped in the water. Our prize for being such good sports was a refreshing and well needed hibiclense shower! Dinner was at Jost van Dyke, a live reggae band played as the entire fleet began napping on the plastic tables. Waking up at 5:45, staying up until 11, hiking (or not) up the tallest peak in the BVI, was well worth the exhaustion because after our hard work our funny little international turtle WON the contest!!
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Little Harbor, Jost van Dyke
Today was hike day. Most everyone (with few exceptions for injury, illness, and lazyness) climbed Mt. Sage on Tortola. The 3.5 mile road that leads to the trail is a STEEP climb and those who made it walked back tired and exhausted. The town, however, was an extremely pleasant place to be, a nice breeze, good food and most importantly a grocery store for all of us to fill up on snacks. After the long needed phone and town time, we shipped out to Sandy Cay for a sand castle building contest. A contest in which after arriving fashionably late, we had only seven minutes to construct an awesome turtle with "turtle" in Chinese on its shell. While other teams had hours to create the pyramids of Giza and the sphinx, we laughed at our turtle and jumped in the water. Our prize for being such good sports was a refreshing and well needed hibiclense shower! Dinner was at Jost van Dyke, a live reggae band played as the entire fleet began napping on the plastic tables. Waking up at 5:45, staying up until 11, hiking (or not) up the tallest peak in the BVI, was well worth the exhaustion because after our hard work our funny little international turtle WON the contest!!
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Work, work, work
Author: Maria and Daquana
Location: Picagres High School and Alajuela
We went to Picagres High School to continue our school lunch room. Here, we took a lot of goofy pictures! After a long day of work we rode on the bus until we arrived at a shopping market. Everyone was excited to buy gifts for their friends. We also got to play with kittens and little chickens. After that we came back to the hotel where we relaxed and bonded over good food and conversation. What a great day!
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Picagres High School and Alajuela
We went to Picagres High School to continue our school lunch room. Here, we took a lot of goofy pictures! After a long day of work we rode on the bus until we arrived at a shopping market. Everyone was excited to buy gifts for their friends. We also got to play with kittens and little chickens. After that we came back to the hotel where we relaxed and bonded over good food and conversation. What a great day!
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
An Eventful Day
Author: Aidan M.
Location: Beijing
I woke up this morning to the voices of my group mates talking in the common room. I got up quickly. We were all excited for the day ahead of us. Once we finished our breakfast of toast, cereal, and noodles, we all left to our days work. Sophie, Jeremy, and I boarded the bus to the baby orphanage, while Andy, Hannah, and Jordan walked to the group home's location within the compound. When we arrived at the orphanage we were greeted with smiles from the workers. We all did our share of taking care of the babies. I first played with the two out-and-about toddlers, Jojo and Fuquan, that always make our days there much more enjoyable. I pushed them both back and forth in strollers, with one in each hand. Their giggling faces made us all more willing to make the day the most it could be. Later that day, the two toddlers surprisingly went to take a nap, but unfortunately we couldn't join. Then I met a delightful new baby named Chubs. I held, played, and sang music to him for a while. After a few hours we departed from the orphanage and returned home and was awaited by a plate of sloppy joes and some noodles from our chefs of the day, Catherine and Zoe. After the meal we sat around and talked about the day. In the group home, one the the children, Max, jumped rope one-hundred-fifty-three times. Those stories are always nice to hear. We got ready to go on our daily excursion. Today's trip was a walk through The Forbidden City and Tian An Men Square. We took a bus to the entrance to the Forbidden City. As we walked through the city, Megan, a staff member, gave us a tour. Once we exited the city we walked to Tian An Men Square. The first thing I did was play frisbee in the middle of the square with Andy, Sophie, and Thomas. After a while we then went to take some pictures and walk around to see the sites of the square. We went to stop for a bathroom break...in KFC. We mistakenly ordered a bucket of chicken, and Zoe put the chicken she ate back into the bucket, on the bus ride back. We went back and ate a great dinner at our usual Chinese restaurant, and ordered garlic shimp and lemon chicken. It was a great day.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Beijing
I woke up this morning to the voices of my group mates talking in the common room. I got up quickly. We were all excited for the day ahead of us. Once we finished our breakfast of toast, cereal, and noodles, we all left to our days work. Sophie, Jeremy, and I boarded the bus to the baby orphanage, while Andy, Hannah, and Jordan walked to the group home's location within the compound. When we arrived at the orphanage we were greeted with smiles from the workers. We all did our share of taking care of the babies. I first played with the two out-and-about toddlers, Jojo and Fuquan, that always make our days there much more enjoyable. I pushed them both back and forth in strollers, with one in each hand. Their giggling faces made us all more willing to make the day the most it could be. Later that day, the two toddlers surprisingly went to take a nap, but unfortunately we couldn't join. Then I met a delightful new baby named Chubs. I held, played, and sang music to him for a while. After a few hours we departed from the orphanage and returned home and was awaited by a plate of sloppy joes and some noodles from our chefs of the day, Catherine and Zoe. After the meal we sat around and talked about the day. In the group home, one the the children, Max, jumped rope one-hundred-fifty-three times. Those stories are always nice to hear. We got ready to go on our daily excursion. Today's trip was a walk through The Forbidden City and Tian An Men Square. We took a bus to the entrance to the Forbidden City. As we walked through the city, Megan, a staff member, gave us a tour. Once we exited the city we walked to Tian An Men Square. The first thing I did was play frisbee in the middle of the square with Andy, Sophie, and Thomas. After a while we then went to take some pictures and walk around to see the sites of the square. We went to stop for a bathroom break...in KFC. We mistakenly ordered a bucket of chicken, and Zoe put the chicken she ate back into the bucket, on the bus ride back. We went back and ate a great dinner at our usual Chinese restaurant, and ordered garlic shimp and lemon chicken. It was a great day.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
A Day Of Tricks and Karma
Author: Jordan
Location: Beijing
While everyone was at their morning service rotation, Andy and Aidan- the chefs of the day, schemed up lunch for us. After spending an hour cooking a "beef" and noodle dish, lunch was ready. We all gathered around the table helping ourselves to the food. After devouring our lunch, the chefs told us the truth about the food. The meat that they claimed was beef was actually rabbit. Not only that, but to my horror the noodles were cooked in broth cooked from rabbit bones. Afterward, we went to try our hand at Caligraphy. We all attempted to make Chinese characters, which is a lot more difficult than it sounds. When we finished this, we went to a supermarket full of imported American food. In the car ride home Aidan got sick in the van- serves him right for lying about our lunch (I think). After dinner watched Mulan and ate American junk food. Another fabulous day in China.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Beijing
While everyone was at their morning service rotation, Andy and Aidan- the chefs of the day, schemed up lunch for us. After spending an hour cooking a "beef" and noodle dish, lunch was ready. We all gathered around the table helping ourselves to the food. After devouring our lunch, the chefs told us the truth about the food. The meat that they claimed was beef was actually rabbit. Not only that, but to my horror the noodles were cooked in broth cooked from rabbit bones. Afterward, we went to try our hand at Caligraphy. We all attempted to make Chinese characters, which is a lot more difficult than it sounds. When we finished this, we went to a supermarket full of imported American food. In the car ride home Aidan got sick in the van- serves him right for lying about our lunch (I think). After dinner watched Mulan and ate American junk food. Another fabulous day in China.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Letter from Brinya...
Author: Brinya
Location: Kanachanaburi
Wake up at 5:30 for morning exercise and chores with the children at the New Life Project in Kanachanaburi!! Well, that was the intial plan, but getting everyone up was a struggle. That said, Cynthia, Emily, Tatiana, Pin and myself managed to muster up the strength to get a VERY early start on the day.
After breakfast, it was play time with our buddies. Our kids did an amazing job keeping them entertained for over an hour as the foundation prepared a powerpoint presentation about the New Life Project. The session was informative but what really stood out were the stories of how many of the children ended up at the New Life Center. Some of the kids were abused and one girl had actually been *living* in the back of a pickup truck.
Rice planting: You wouldn't think so, but this was definitely the highlight of the day. Well, perhaps not the rice planting part, but certainly the all out mudfight and subsequent pond swin were a big hit...although I am not sure who started it ;)
The rest of the day was just a blur of actvities: from games, to food, to dressing up in traditional Thai costumes. The finale was a candlelit procession to the river where we released our kratongs (individually handmade thai small floating votives of banana leaves and trunk) which we made earlier that afternoon.
It's been a long day, but I think that everyone would agree that it has once again been very fulfilling. I'd let you know but everyone is in bed and I will be joining them soon. Goodnight!!
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Kanachanaburi
Wake up at 5:30 for morning exercise and chores with the children at the New Life Project in Kanachanaburi!! Well, that was the intial plan, but getting everyone up was a struggle. That said, Cynthia, Emily, Tatiana, Pin and myself managed to muster up the strength to get a VERY early start on the day.
After breakfast, it was play time with our buddies. Our kids did an amazing job keeping them entertained for over an hour as the foundation prepared a powerpoint presentation about the New Life Project. The session was informative but what really stood out were the stories of how many of the children ended up at the New Life Center. Some of the kids were abused and one girl had actually been *living* in the back of a pickup truck.
Rice planting: You wouldn't think so, but this was definitely the highlight of the day. Well, perhaps not the rice planting part, but certainly the all out mudfight and subsequent pond swin were a big hit...although I am not sure who started it ;)
The rest of the day was just a blur of actvities: from games, to food, to dressing up in traditional Thai costumes. The finale was a candlelit procession to the river where we released our kratongs (individually handmade thai small floating votives of banana leaves and trunk) which we made earlier that afternoon.
It's been a long day, but I think that everyone would agree that it has once again been very fulfilling. I'd let you know but everyone is in bed and I will be joining them soon. Goodnight!!
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Muraling, Snorkeling, and Spiritual Moments
Author: Sophia
Location: San Cristobal
Today we took a windy bus ride up to the highlands and arrived at another school. In the yard, through the fog, we saw a bunch of young men. We were informed that they were from the military academy. We were concerned because the last time we had worked at fixing up a school it had been discouraging. Yet we started working.
Our projects included weeding the playground, painting the bleachers, painting the classrooms, and designing a mural for the very young kids' classroom. After working hard all morning we left the school with a beautiful playground clear of greenery, freshly painted bleachers and classrooms, and a simple yet completed mural for the kids. Every wall was a different theme; there was sky, sea, land, and space. We were really excited and inspired because we had finished a project. It was such a nice feeling!
We were then set free on the gorgeous island of San Cristobal to find our own lunch and everyone really got to know the town.
After lunch a group set out for the beach to snorkel. Some people sat on the sand with sea lions whilst others swam with them. On our way back we walked into the most beautiful sunset.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: San Cristobal
Today we took a windy bus ride up to the highlands and arrived at another school. In the yard, through the fog, we saw a bunch of young men. We were informed that they were from the military academy. We were concerned because the last time we had worked at fixing up a school it had been discouraging. Yet we started working.
Our projects included weeding the playground, painting the bleachers, painting the classrooms, and designing a mural for the very young kids' classroom. After working hard all morning we left the school with a beautiful playground clear of greenery, freshly painted bleachers and classrooms, and a simple yet completed mural for the kids. Every wall was a different theme; there was sky, sea, land, and space. We were really excited and inspired because we had finished a project. It was such a nice feeling!
We were then set free on the gorgeous island of San Cristobal to find our own lunch and everyone really got to know the town.
After lunch a group set out for the beach to snorkel. Some people sat on the sand with sea lions whilst others swam with them. On our way back we walked into the most beautiful sunset.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Turtle tagging again!
Author: Jonathan C.
Location: Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
I thought we were going to do something different today, but unfortunately we were turtle tagging again! At least the place where we did it was incredibly beautiful so everyone enjoyed themselves. Our team found a huge turtle, but the water was too deep so Jack got it for us. In the afternoon, shipmates from ActionQuest came to join us. Although we had more people, we got nothing. We kept losing turtles. Then we drove to Cane Garden Bay and had delicious rice there. This is the only page I can write in for this trip. It is a bit sad as it is getting to the end of the trip. One page is far too little to record all the joys of the trip and sorry for my poor English, I drew a lot to make up for it. (Drawings of cake being made, turtles being caught, and visiting the Bat cave on Guana Island)
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Cane Garden Bay, Tortola
I thought we were going to do something different today, but unfortunately we were turtle tagging again! At least the place where we did it was incredibly beautiful so everyone enjoyed themselves. Our team found a huge turtle, but the water was too deep so Jack got it for us. In the afternoon, shipmates from ActionQuest came to join us. Although we had more people, we got nothing. We kept losing turtles. Then we drove to Cane Garden Bay and had delicious rice there. This is the only page I can write in for this trip. It is a bit sad as it is getting to the end of the trip. One page is far too little to record all the joys of the trip and sorry for my poor English, I drew a lot to make up for it. (Drawings of cake being made, turtles being caught, and visiting the Bat cave on Guana Island)
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Another day of work with a long coffee break
Author: Emily and Charlie
Location: Picagres High School, Cafe Doka Plantation
Our day started with getting up to eat breakfast, and working at the job site in Picagres. We dug the trench deeper and filled it with rocks. We also got the last rocks from the river and continued the white paste on the walls. We ate lunch at the church again and played in the rain. After, a while we went on a two hour bus ride to the Doka Coffee Plantation. Being hyper from the coffee we had a great tour and then an awesome bus ride home. The night was filled with an intense game of indoor soccer and some fun games.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Picagres High School, Cafe Doka Plantation
Our day started with getting up to eat breakfast, and working at the job site in Picagres. We dug the trench deeper and filled it with rocks. We also got the last rocks from the river and continued the white paste on the walls. We ate lunch at the church again and played in the rain. After, a while we went on a two hour bus ride to the Doka Coffee Plantation. Being hyper from the coffee we had a great tour and then an awesome bus ride home. The night was filled with an intense game of indoor soccer and some fun games.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
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