Greg and I hooked up with a ONG (NGO) called Bolivia Sostenible to volunteer for a week in Cochambamba, hometown of Evo Morales.
We were both placed at an organization called CAICC, that serves children and adolescents who are abandoned because their parents are either incarcerated or have migrated to other countries to search for economic opportunities. CAICC currently aids 171 children and adolescents ranging from one to eighteen years old. 70% of these are children of incarcerated or ex-incarcerated individuals, while the other 30% come from low income families where volatile situations prevail.
http://www.caiccbolivia.com/
We spent the first week getting to know the organization, it´s children and staff. Greg works in the big house with the administration and older kids while I work in the little house with the small ones, age 2 to 6. Greg is the superstar with his computer skills.....and I am getting peed on, literally. =)
Because of low funding (the government only gives food) the school lacks resources. The yard of the little house is depressing and dangerous. Beside the pile of rocks in the corner there is little else for the children to play with. Greg and I wanted to donate in a way that was lasting and we decided to make-over the playground in the little house. It was so important not only for the children but for the teachers to have a safe place for them to play.
Yesterday, along with one other volunteer and 3 staff members we tore apart the yard, clearing the rocks, piles of dirt and trash with picks and shovels. We painted the rocks to add color, turned a cement block into a stage, added a cover for shade and buried 5 tires halfway in the ground for jumping and climbing. The best part is that on Monday a brand new swing set, complete with a slide and see-saw, will arrive! It was a hard days work and we felt quite satisfied at the end. I promise to post some pics later, to show the before and after. Right now we are excited to see the kids reaction tomorrow morning!
Greg and I spend the days doing our proper jobs and then head off to explore the city before walking back to our host family´s home for dinner. Our host family has a comfortable home and we love the family. Tonight there is a party for the son whose birthday is the same day as mine!
We have a great set-up here and are going to stay a week longer. There is still so much work to be done at the centers and we are enjoying the people and the work. Next week we will visit the prisons where the kids live.
If anyone is interested in hearing more about CAICC or would like to donate money, let me know.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Camino del Inca, Bolivia
After 4 days in La Paz, we headed out for the mountains to d a 3 day trek......a well known trail that follows an ancient Incan road called El Choro (because it follows the Choro river).
The trek starts at 4,900 meters (in snow) and ends 3 days later at 1,300 meters (in the jungle). We had a guide and a cook (and the cooks´ boyfriend) along with us to help with the gear and food. Because of the slippery stone roads (imagine Indian Jones) we were thankful for the help.
The scenery was breathtaking! The air was fresh and the 6-7 hour a day walks were relaxing but sometimes strenous. It was interesting to see how people live in the mountain ranges, in very remote villages and homes made of adobe or rock. We camped on the second night outside of a family home, where 2 very curious girls lived with their mother and grandfather. They had just arrived with their mother to help the grandfather with the Easter pilgrimages that all Bolivians make during Semana Santa (Holy Week). They were quite the country girls and at one moment Greg pointed next to me laughing as the little one pulled her pants down to have a quick pee arms length from me. Considering their toilet was a hole on the side of the mountain, I could understand there was not much difference.
Bolivia has scenery unlike anywhere else. The people truly live off the land here, many using methods of farming used by the Inca. Bolivians are shy but helpful and always have a question for you about where you come from. Even with the patches of rain and fog the trek was glorious and memorable.
The trek starts at 4,900 meters (in snow) and ends 3 days later at 1,300 meters (in the jungle). We had a guide and a cook (and the cooks´ boyfriend) along with us to help with the gear and food. Because of the slippery stone roads (imagine Indian Jones) we were thankful for the help.
The scenery was breathtaking! The air was fresh and the 6-7 hour a day walks were relaxing but sometimes strenous. It was interesting to see how people live in the mountain ranges, in very remote villages and homes made of adobe or rock. We camped on the second night outside of a family home, where 2 very curious girls lived with their mother and grandfather. They had just arrived with their mother to help the grandfather with the Easter pilgrimages that all Bolivians make during Semana Santa (Holy Week). They were quite the country girls and at one moment Greg pointed next to me laughing as the little one pulled her pants down to have a quick pee arms length from me. Considering their toilet was a hole on the side of the mountain, I could understand there was not much difference.
Bolivia has scenery unlike anywhere else. The people truly live off the land here, many using methods of farming used by the Inca. Bolivians are shy but helpful and always have a question for you about where you come from. Even with the patches of rain and fog the trek was glorious and memorable.
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Cuidad de La Paz, Bolivia
March 14, 2009
Located at an altitude of 3,660 metres (12,008 ft), it is the world's highest capital city.
Also known as Chuquiago Marka or Chuqiyapu from Aymara: "chuqi" = gold, "yapu" = farm. La Paz was founded by the spanish colonialists in 1548 and originally named Nuestra Señora de La Paz (meaning Our Lady of Peace).
We arrived to our hostal in the early afternoon and after climbing 3 flights of stairs to our room I was left gasping for air. We had just come from ground zero and had spent the past month and a half lying around on the beach!
By the second day of taking it easy we were adjusted to the altitude and walking up and down the steep streets of La Paz exploring. The first day we just wandered, checking out the witches market and the famous Murillo plaza (where the government palacios are).
The second day we went to the large church, Iglesia de San Francisco, and discovered a museum next to the main door. The museum was a cultural and historical experience as it lead us through the oldest jesuit church in La Paz built by the indegenous polulation. The church had a huge collection of anonomous paintings by indians whom illustrated various biblical stories as they understood them (many of the paintings were not a true reflection on the bible). The church was also built in a style called- baroque indigena, a style completely invented by the indegenous population. Instead of long, triangular style roof, it was curved and circular and there were large windows throughout. The church was built by the Aymara peoples, whom were colonized around the mid 1500's. An mark was left on each stone comprising the church by the workers, as if to say 'that was me! I built this'. The marks are still visible on the stones all around the church and monastary. The tour ended with a surprise- on the roof, in the bell tower, with an amazing view of the downtown area and the surrounding mountains.
La Paz opened up to us within a few days, it takes some exploring to really experience the city. There was too much to do and see, we are planning on coming back after exploring the southern part of Bolivia. Oh, and Greg wants to eat at the fabulous french restauraunt we already visited (it was that good, and cheap!).
Located at an altitude of 3,660 metres (12,008 ft), it is the world's highest capital city.
Also known as Chuquiago Marka or Chuqiyapu from Aymara: "chuqi" = gold, "yapu" = farm. La Paz was founded by the spanish colonialists in 1548 and originally named Nuestra Señora de La Paz (meaning Our Lady of Peace).
We arrived to our hostal in the early afternoon and after climbing 3 flights of stairs to our room I was left gasping for air. We had just come from ground zero and had spent the past month and a half lying around on the beach!
By the second day of taking it easy we were adjusted to the altitude and walking up and down the steep streets of La Paz exploring. The first day we just wandered, checking out the witches market and the famous Murillo plaza (where the government palacios are).
The second day we went to the large church, Iglesia de San Francisco, and discovered a museum next to the main door. The museum was a cultural and historical experience as it lead us through the oldest jesuit church in La Paz built by the indegenous polulation. The church had a huge collection of anonomous paintings by indians whom illustrated various biblical stories as they understood them (many of the paintings were not a true reflection on the bible). The church was also built in a style called- baroque indigena, a style completely invented by the indegenous population. Instead of long, triangular style roof, it was curved and circular and there were large windows throughout. The church was built by the Aymara peoples, whom were colonized around the mid 1500's. An mark was left on each stone comprising the church by the workers, as if to say 'that was me! I built this'. The marks are still visible on the stones all around the church and monastary. The tour ended with a surprise- on the roof, in the bell tower, with an amazing view of the downtown area and the surrounding mountains.
La Paz opened up to us within a few days, it takes some exploring to really experience the city. There was too much to do and see, we are planning on coming back after exploring the southern part of Bolivia. Oh, and Greg wants to eat at the fabulous french restauraunt we already visited (it was that good, and cheap!).
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Cidade Maravilhosa
From the top of Pão de Açúcar, I fell in love with Rio de Janiero.
We arrived from an 18 hour bus ride in the late afternoon. After dumping our bags off in our 9 person hostel room (picture bunk beds on crack- 3 beds loaded ontop of each other instead of 2), we left to wander.
Our first tourist stop was the famous teleférico, Pao de Acucar. It is an interesting aerial tramway that takes you to a high point with stunning views of Rio. Being tourists in the city famous for muggings, we thought it best to leave our camera at the hostel. Not the smartest move...but lucky fo us we met a couple of french people who happily snapped some pictures of us and promised to send them. We also made plans to meet up later for drinks in Lapa (known for it's night life).
We had a good time that night, sharing some stories over drinks and getting to know our new friends (Asmaa et Souhail). We ended at a samba club until late (as we missed the last metro) and left at closing.
Day 2 was a rough start due to the festivities of the night before and we spent the morning fighting the Finnish for breakfats (long story, best to be told later). We hopped on a tour bus in the afternoon and were shuttled around town in a most embarrasing way to all the hot tourist spots. Lesson learned, skip the city tour. Later that night we treated ourselves to the most amazing churrascaria- Picao! It was all you can eat (as most are) but the 'extras' spread was incredible. There was even sushi! We shared 2 delicous bottles of wine (one Chilean and one Argentine) and ate meat until we nearly passed out. The favorite was picahna, a meat we learned of in the north that was the most tender meat served in Brazil. Greg and I had such a good time, we were the last of 2 tables left in the massive restauraunt.
Day 3 was full of big plans, the beach. We spent the morning at Copacabana beach laughing at all the ridicoulos wrinkled old people and red faced tourists...tried to have a swim but the waves crash down so close to the shore it made for an exciting challenge in keeping your bathing suit on. We spent the late afternoon in Santa Teresa, Rio's bohemian scene, and ate at Espirito Santa which provided a green terrace to eat and enjoy the view.
Day 4, our last full day and honestly one of the best days of the trip. I don't think I can explain exactly why, so I guess it will just have to be recorded as such. We did, however, have to fight the damn Fins for breakfast once again (argh). We spent the morning downtown, trying to change the last of our random money so we could scrape by withour getting to a ATM. Mission accomplished, we wanted to check out a famous cafeteria for lunch. Greg and I had a long lunch (and dessert), enjoying our conversation and the atmosphere of the old style cafeteria (see pictures). We eventually made our way to Ipanema beach and loved every minute of the remainder of the day spent there. There was sun bathing, people watching and swimming involved. After our last ocean swim was commemerated and the sun god had gone off to bed, we ran back to our hostel in a torrential rain, wading through shin deep waters. The day ended with dinner and early turn in, as we had to get a 3am taxi to the airport.
It was time to say goodbye to the beach and hello to the mountains of Bolivia.
I loved the hot humid weather of Brazil, the sand in my toes and salt in my hair. I cried just a little when I said goodbye to my flipflops and bathing suit as I pulled my boots out from the bottom of my pack. Goodbye tan, see you in Columbia!
Rio de Janiero is a wonderful and enchanting city! We can't wait to find another excuse to go back (there is still so much to see in all of Brazil). Did I mention how wonderful Brazilenos are? We met some amzing characters and felt very welcomed everywhere we traveled.
We arrived from an 18 hour bus ride in the late afternoon. After dumping our bags off in our 9 person hostel room (picture bunk beds on crack- 3 beds loaded ontop of each other instead of 2), we left to wander.
Our first tourist stop was the famous teleférico, Pao de Acucar. It is an interesting aerial tramway that takes you to a high point with stunning views of Rio. Being tourists in the city famous for muggings, we thought it best to leave our camera at the hostel. Not the smartest move...but lucky fo us we met a couple of french people who happily snapped some pictures of us and promised to send them. We also made plans to meet up later for drinks in Lapa (known for it's night life).
We had a good time that night, sharing some stories over drinks and getting to know our new friends (Asmaa et Souhail). We ended at a samba club until late (as we missed the last metro) and left at closing.
Day 2 was a rough start due to the festivities of the night before and we spent the morning fighting the Finnish for breakfats (long story, best to be told later). We hopped on a tour bus in the afternoon and were shuttled around town in a most embarrasing way to all the hot tourist spots. Lesson learned, skip the city tour. Later that night we treated ourselves to the most amazing churrascaria- Picao! It was all you can eat (as most are) but the 'extras' spread was incredible. There was even sushi! We shared 2 delicous bottles of wine (one Chilean and one Argentine) and ate meat until we nearly passed out. The favorite was picahna, a meat we learned of in the north that was the most tender meat served in Brazil. Greg and I had such a good time, we were the last of 2 tables left in the massive restauraunt.
Day 3 was full of big plans, the beach. We spent the morning at Copacabana beach laughing at all the ridicoulos wrinkled old people and red faced tourists...tried to have a swim but the waves crash down so close to the shore it made for an exciting challenge in keeping your bathing suit on. We spent the late afternoon in Santa Teresa, Rio's bohemian scene, and ate at Espirito Santa which provided a green terrace to eat and enjoy the view.
Day 4, our last full day and honestly one of the best days of the trip. I don't think I can explain exactly why, so I guess it will just have to be recorded as such. We did, however, have to fight the damn Fins for breakfast once again (argh). We spent the morning downtown, trying to change the last of our random money so we could scrape by withour getting to a ATM. Mission accomplished, we wanted to check out a famous cafeteria for lunch. Greg and I had a long lunch (and dessert), enjoying our conversation and the atmosphere of the old style cafeteria (see pictures). We eventually made our way to Ipanema beach and loved every minute of the remainder of the day spent there. There was sun bathing, people watching and swimming involved. After our last ocean swim was commemerated and the sun god had gone off to bed, we ran back to our hostel in a torrential rain, wading through shin deep waters. The day ended with dinner and early turn in, as we had to get a 3am taxi to the airport.
It was time to say goodbye to the beach and hello to the mountains of Bolivia.
I loved the hot humid weather of Brazil, the sand in my toes and salt in my hair. I cried just a little when I said goodbye to my flipflops and bathing suit as I pulled my boots out from the bottom of my pack. Goodbye tan, see you in Columbia!
Rio de Janiero is a wonderful and enchanting city! We can't wait to find another excuse to go back (there is still so much to see in all of Brazil). Did I mention how wonderful Brazilenos are? We met some amzing characters and felt very welcomed everywhere we traveled.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Fernando de Norohna
February 24, 2009
After 7 days inthe middle of the 2nd largest street Carnival in Brazil (Olinda!), Greg and I escaped to one of the most beautiful places in Brazil, and quite possibly the world.
We were lucky to spend 9 days on one of the most spectacular islands in Brazil, Fernando de Norohna.
The island is located 500 kilometers off the coast of Recife in northern Brazil. It has 3 of the best beaches in Brazil (there are 5 total). The island is know for it's world class diving and hosts surf competitions that bring surfers from around the globe.
We spent the first few days snorkeling with sea turtles, swiming in a naturaul coral pool with sharks and tropical fish and indulging at an all you can eat sushi restauraunt.
Life was pretty good on the island. You can walk everywhere, the beaches are breathtaking and the water is cool, fresh and electric blue. I was pretty sure I was notever going to leave.
We had staumbled upon a great pousada called Leao Marihno (in case any of you are considering booking your flight soon) that served us breakfast filled withe fresh fruits, homemade breads and delicious coffee all while housing us in a serene room with a hammock out front.
We fell into a serene routine that left us sleepy eyed by 10pm everynight. The quiet streets saved us from the crazy 6 days we had expereince in carnival and we werethankful for the slow pace and relaxed atmosphere of the island. Even the rain was beautiful and swimming with Greg in the ocean during the rain was memorable .
Greg and I took surfing lessons from a local guy, Yappa. Greg took his first lesson during one of my naps and our second lesson was together. It felt epic to be surfing in a place that any surfer would drool over. The second time we went out we rented the board and played in the water as the sun set. The third time I went out solo with Yappa and caught tons of waves but the fun came to an abrupt hault when the board smacked me in the head. In the end, we are addicted and can't wait to surf again in Peru.
Fernando de Norohna is heaven.
After 7 days inthe middle of the 2nd largest street Carnival in Brazil (Olinda!), Greg and I escaped to one of the most beautiful places in Brazil, and quite possibly the world.
We were lucky to spend 9 days on one of the most spectacular islands in Brazil, Fernando de Norohna.
The island is located 500 kilometers off the coast of Recife in northern Brazil. It has 3 of the best beaches in Brazil (there are 5 total). The island is know for it's world class diving and hosts surf competitions that bring surfers from around the globe.
We spent the first few days snorkeling with sea turtles, swiming in a naturaul coral pool with sharks and tropical fish and indulging at an all you can eat sushi restauraunt.
Life was pretty good on the island. You can walk everywhere, the beaches are breathtaking and the water is cool, fresh and electric blue. I was pretty sure I was notever going to leave.
We had staumbled upon a great pousada called Leao Marihno (in case any of you are considering booking your flight soon) that served us breakfast filled withe fresh fruits, homemade breads and delicious coffee all while housing us in a serene room with a hammock out front.
We fell into a serene routine that left us sleepy eyed by 10pm everynight. The quiet streets saved us from the crazy 6 days we had expereince in carnival and we werethankful for the slow pace and relaxed atmosphere of the island. Even the rain was beautiful and swimming with Greg in the ocean during the rain was memorable .
Greg and I took surfing lessons from a local guy, Yappa. Greg took his first lesson during one of my naps and our second lesson was together. It felt epic to be surfing in a place that any surfer would drool over. The second time we went out we rented the board and played in the water as the sun set. The third time I went out solo with Yappa and caught tons of waves but the fun came to an abrupt hault when the board smacked me in the head. In the end, we are addicted and can't wait to surf again in Peru.
Fernando de Norohna is heaven.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Comment le Bresil a organisé mon anniversaire?
En quittant le Chili, je pensais qu'on allait se détendre au Bresil, je ne me doutais pas que les brésiliens nous attendaient pour féter mon anniversaire.
A Salavador, des fetes s'organisaient partout, c'est la que j'ai commence a boire des Capirinias et des Skol (bieres).
En arrivant a l'aéroport de Recife, il y avait déjà un petit groupe qui nous jouait de la Samba. Olinda, une petite ville sympa a cote de Recife, nous a accueillit pour le jour de mon anniversaire. On s'est retrouve a faire la fete pendant 6 jours. Il y avait des orchestres et des danses dans la rue toute la journee, des boissons a gogo.
Y a eu des moments ou je me suis dit que trop de gens venaient a mon anniversaire, mais bon, il me servaient une skol et c'etait reparti.
Le 23 fevrier, je me suis reveille "pas dans mon assiette". Je diagnostique rapidement que je me suis fracturé le foie, haïe! Je ne pourrais plus boire une goutte d'alcool de ma vie... a moins que mon foie se regenere tel la queue du lezard.
A Salavador, des fetes s'organisaient partout, c'est la que j'ai commence a boire des Capirinias et des Skol (bieres).
En arrivant a l'aéroport de Recife, il y avait déjà un petit groupe qui nous jouait de la Samba. Olinda, une petite ville sympa a cote de Recife, nous a accueillit pour le jour de mon anniversaire. On s'est retrouve a faire la fete pendant 6 jours. Il y avait des orchestres et des danses dans la rue toute la journee, des boissons a gogo.
Y a eu des moments ou je me suis dit que trop de gens venaient a mon anniversaire, mais bon, il me servaient une skol et c'etait reparti.
Le 23 fevrier, je me suis reveille "pas dans mon assiette". Je diagnostique rapidement que je me suis fracturé le foie, haïe! Je ne pourrais plus boire une goutte d'alcool de ma vie... a moins que mon foie se regenere tel la queue du lezard.
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