Today our group splits into two because regulations require groups to be no larger than 16. The bigger group goes to Seymour and the smaller to Plaza. Both groups do some snorkeling where they see all manner of fish, a shark or two, sting rays etc. The water close to the shores is warm enough to have an enjoyable time. Waters deeper out require wetsuits for those diving as it is apparently quite cold we are told.
Those visiting Seymour see blue foots boobies mating and bearing young, Pilate birds mating, Iguanas and many other creatures and birds. Those visiting plaza Island see colonies of sea lions, land and sea iguanas ( apparently this is the only island where they cross breed ) and some birds as well. Both groups are back at the hotel about 4:30 and have a final few hours of free time before dinner at 7.
After dinner the group takes a walk to the pier where the lights in the water attract some schools of fish resulting in small Galapagos sharks coming to have an evening snack . We watch this for a while and then the group gathers and begins to reflect on some of what has changed in them since coming. This reflection time begins tonight but will continue on in Quito and more integration time will be needed as they return home. An email from me to we to help facilitate this has been sent to each student as well.
We now begin our journey home over the next 3 days so this is our last blog. Quito today, then leaving the hotel at 3 am Wednesday morning to Miami. A 4.5 hour stopover there then on to Toronto arriving at 7:30, clearing customs and on to the hotel for a rest . Leaving again for the airport at 6 am to catch the 9 am flight with a stopover in Edmonton arriving in Victoria around noon. The students that you pick up will be quite different from the students who began this trip. The experience has changed each of us in ways that we have begun to know and still are discovering, ways that will become clearer as the days and weeks progress.
Thank you for sharing your teens with us. It has been an amazing and delightful group.
Tuesday 9 July 2013
Monday 8 July 2013
Isabela island
Up with the sun this morning, we have a light breakfast as we have a long boat ride to Isabela Island, the largest in the Galapagos. We head down to the pier where our backpacks are inspected and tag for entry into the island. Then we catch a water taxi our to our boat. It's a simple boat with plastic seats in rows, a cover over top- kind of like a school bus on the water. Maximum capacity 24. Our group is 24. Off we go, full speed ahead into open water for the next 2.5 hours till we reach the bay of Isabela island where we repeat the procedure to disembark ; water taxi, bag inspection, we then pile into a converted grain truck with bench seats and we are off to explore the island .
Our first stop is a lookout hill where we climb 50 steps to the top where we can see out to the ocean where we've just come from, identify some major land marks and get oriented to the island. Next stop is a mangrove tree area that marks the presence of fresh water, a commodity in high demand. This fresh water source merges with the salt water as the tide ebbs and flows.
From here we visit a lava tunnel formation, sea iguana breaking grounds, a flamingo feeding pond. next is lunch at a restaraunt ( fish in a coconut sauce or beef ) and passion fruit juice .
After lunch we head to the beach to play in the water and sand. After water play, the girls lie on the beach and the boys build a sandcastle. The water is green and warmer than ours, the sun is shinning and for many in the group this is an activity they have been hoping for. After about an hour, it's time to pack up and head back to Santa Cruz Island. Many sleep on the return boat ride home.
Back at the new hotel for the next 2 nights, folks change, get cleaned up and wander the streets till supper time, then a community meeting and debrief and we are done for the night. Tomorrow - more creature sighting and snorkeling on yet another island.
Our first stop is a lookout hill where we climb 50 steps to the top where we can see out to the ocean where we've just come from, identify some major land marks and get oriented to the island. Next stop is a mangrove tree area that marks the presence of fresh water, a commodity in high demand. This fresh water source merges with the salt water as the tide ebbs and flows.
From here we visit a lava tunnel formation, sea iguana breaking grounds, a flamingo feeding pond. next is lunch at a restaraunt ( fish in a coconut sauce or beef ) and passion fruit juice .
After lunch we head to the beach to play in the water and sand. After water play, the girls lie on the beach and the boys build a sandcastle. The water is green and warmer than ours, the sun is shinning and for many in the group this is an activity they have been hoping for. After about an hour, it's time to pack up and head back to Santa Cruz Island. Many sleep on the return boat ride home.
Back at the new hotel for the next 2 nights, folks change, get cleaned up and wander the streets till supper time, then a community meeting and debrief and we are done for the night. Tomorrow - more creature sighting and snorkeling on yet another island.
Sunday 7 July 2013
To Quito and onto Galapagos
Up early Friday morning to the sound of light rain but it clears by the time we have breakfast at 6:30 and we are on the river boat by 7:15 having said our goodbyes to the staff at Minga lodge that have been so wonderful to us over the past week. We board the bus and begin our 8 hour journey through winding gravel roads and uphill highways. We stop again at the pizza place in the middle of nowhere and the food is as good as before except this time we get to eat in the restaurant. It's good to have a stretch and get out of the bus. We hit the outskirts of Quito at 4:30 during rush hour so it took us 90 to get to the core where we were staying .
We head to the crafters market for a quick trip thru the many stalls and merchants. It's almost overwhelming with all the options and many buy sweaters,jackets and other souvenirs in a very rushed but fun 45 mins. We head over to the hotel, drop off luggage and head to supper at a restaurant by the main square . This evening is our final time with Hillary and Lilly. Words of appreciation are exchanged, plans made for more Me to We support events upon our return and a video montage is shared that Hillary and Lilly have made of our time. Again lots of tears are shed and folks head to bed as we must be up at 5 to catch our flight to Galapagos .
We arrive to a moderate day just before noon and our met by our new guides for this leg of our adventure . - Isabella and Farydde. We get settled into our new hotel, have lunch and then head to the Darwin interpretive centre where we see the work being done try and reestablish the tortoise population that was once at 250 000 n these islands and has dropped to less than 16000. One species had only 14 left when they began the hatchery. Since that time they have raised the population to almost 60 000. 4 species are now extinct . We see lizards, iguanas and birds. We end our day with a bit of shopping in this quaint little town, enjoy a lovely dinner and head back to the hotel for an early nights as our day again starts early with a 2 hour boat ride at 7 am tomorrow morning.
We head to the crafters market for a quick trip thru the many stalls and merchants. It's almost overwhelming with all the options and many buy sweaters,jackets and other souvenirs in a very rushed but fun 45 mins. We head over to the hotel, drop off luggage and head to supper at a restaurant by the main square . This evening is our final time with Hillary and Lilly. Words of appreciation are exchanged, plans made for more Me to We support events upon our return and a video montage is shared that Hillary and Lilly have made of our time. Again lots of tears are shed and folks head to bed as we must be up at 5 to catch our flight to Galapagos .
We arrive to a moderate day just before noon and our met by our new guides for this leg of our adventure . - Isabella and Farydde. We get settled into our new hotel, have lunch and then head to the Darwin interpretive centre where we see the work being done try and reestablish the tortoise population that was once at 250 000 n these islands and has dropped to less than 16000. One species had only 14 left when they began the hatchery. Since that time they have raised the population to almost 60 000. 4 species are now extinct . We see lizards, iguanas and birds. We end our day with a bit of shopping in this quaint little town, enjoy a lovely dinner and head back to the hotel for an early nights as our day again starts early with a 2 hour boat ride at 7 am tomorrow morning.
Friday 5 July 2013
Bella vista. Final day
It's hard for any of us to believe that our time here in the amazon has come to an end. It's also impossible for everyone to put into words what this community and it's people, especially the children, have come to mean to this group.
We begin with a small detour for our group in stopping at the local market. Every Thursday this community market is open and folks from all around come to stock up on their needed goods as there is no grocery store anywhere near here. Each group of 4 was given 2 dollars with which to buy the needs for their family of four for a meal. They had to negotiate with sellers and plan out what they would do, make a purchase and bring back the food to the boat. You can ask them when they return how well they might have eaten that night if it had been up to them.
We continue up the river to Bella vista where with the community we get the rebar construction finished, the cement foundations finished, wood hauled, and gravel/ sand piles moved. It is a full morning that ends with the community small children sharing a dance with us. A soccer game is played together and a huge number of photos are taken with members of our group and members of the community. These significant relationships that have been built means that the photos now taken are between friends. It is now time to say our goodbyes and this becomes a very difficult time for our group. Tears flow freely as the group tries to bid farewell to this amazing experience and these incredible people. The boat ride back is rather quite as the group tries to pull together emotionally and integrate within all that has happened in this leg of the trip. Thankfully the weather holds today.
After lunch we head to the nearby village of Mondana. We see the school, the medical clinic, the village itself and then make our way to the women's cooperative where we are given a demonstration of the techniques and materials used in making their crafts. The group has an opportunity to buy and many lovely things are bough today. Returning to the lodge we begin the process of packing for our early leave tomorrow.
Supper turns out to be a very special affair and we are served by the staff a candle light dinner. Some youth from Mondana come in traditional garb and they share some traditional stories of their culture that they are trying to recapture in their own community. Our group shares their line dance and teaches their group as well. From there the evening becomes a time of singing, card playing and visiting till light eventually go out and folks head to bed.
We begin with a small detour for our group in stopping at the local market. Every Thursday this community market is open and folks from all around come to stock up on their needed goods as there is no grocery store anywhere near here. Each group of 4 was given 2 dollars with which to buy the needs for their family of four for a meal. They had to negotiate with sellers and plan out what they would do, make a purchase and bring back the food to the boat. You can ask them when they return how well they might have eaten that night if it had been up to them.
We continue up the river to Bella vista where with the community we get the rebar construction finished, the cement foundations finished, wood hauled, and gravel/ sand piles moved. It is a full morning that ends with the community small children sharing a dance with us. A soccer game is played together and a huge number of photos are taken with members of our group and members of the community. These significant relationships that have been built means that the photos now taken are between friends. It is now time to say our goodbyes and this becomes a very difficult time for our group. Tears flow freely as the group tries to bid farewell to this amazing experience and these incredible people. The boat ride back is rather quite as the group tries to pull together emotionally and integrate within all that has happened in this leg of the trip. Thankfully the weather holds today.
After lunch we head to the nearby village of Mondana. We see the school, the medical clinic, the village itself and then make our way to the women's cooperative where we are given a demonstration of the techniques and materials used in making their crafts. The group has an opportunity to buy and many lovely things are bough today. Returning to the lodge we begin the process of packing for our early leave tomorrow.
Supper turns out to be a very special affair and we are served by the staff a candle light dinner. Some youth from Mondana come in traditional garb and they share some traditional stories of their culture that they are trying to recapture in their own community. Our group shares their line dance and teaches their group as well. From there the evening becomes a time of singing, card playing and visiting till light eventually go out and folks head to bed.
Thursday 4 July 2013
Bella Vista - day 4
This morning we know that we are in the middle of a tropical rainforest in the midst of rainy season without a doubt! It has rained on and off all night and as we eat breakfast it starts to rain heavily and gets progressively worse as we make our way to the river to board our very wet boat, the mood among the group is still pretty positive . The water whipped up as we travel on the river makes us wet and we can see the sky light up with lightning in the distance and hear the thunder rumble......yet in the wet boat the group is still singing.
We arrive at our work site and the water is pouring down and we slosh our way to the our building area and move indoors to the shelter to assess what work needs to be done and can be done given the weather. We set up stations within the hut to build the rebar constructs that will be used to strengthen the cement pillars. One group does attempt to move rock and sand in preparation for cement mixing but it is too wet a day to mix cement as it won't cure in this weather. As the morning moves along, we again have help from some of the local children and toward the end of the morning, 2/3's of the group goes out into the rain and muck and mud and plays soccer with some of the children. They end up slipping and sliding in the mud and are covered from head to toe but laughing and smiling from a good time. We head back to Minga lodge and hose down those that are dirty and get ready for lunch.
After lunch we have about an hour of free time. Some use it to sing and play guitar, others join in a cut throat card game of Egyptian rattlesnakes. The rain clears and the sunshines brightly again as well. At 3 pm we head to the cocoa farm to learn about this important industry for Ecuador. We see the plantation, the six different types of cocoa pods grown, how grafting works, how the market treats the farmer, how the middlemen reap most of the profit and what the most prized cocoa pod is for Ecuador. We get to taste the cocoa beans right out of the pods when they are still slimy and covered in a sweet jelly like substance. We learn about the fermenting process. Upon our return to Minga lodge we take part in a hands on demonstration where we learn how to roast the beans, shell the beans, grind the beans and then mix the cocoa with sugar to eat with some bananas. A fun and interesting time.
Then it's time for dinner and following a gathering of the group to look at ways to continue supporting the work of Me to We upon our return to Victoria. Small groups work on both enhancing current projects and dreaming ups some new ones. A final check in about our day and what we have appreciated about each others leadership and folks head to their rooms just as the power for the night ends at 10. Tomorrow is our last day to work at the village so we hope the weather will cooperate so we can finish what we can to keep the project on task.
We arrive at our work site and the water is pouring down and we slosh our way to the our building area and move indoors to the shelter to assess what work needs to be done and can be done given the weather. We set up stations within the hut to build the rebar constructs that will be used to strengthen the cement pillars. One group does attempt to move rock and sand in preparation for cement mixing but it is too wet a day to mix cement as it won't cure in this weather. As the morning moves along, we again have help from some of the local children and toward the end of the morning, 2/3's of the group goes out into the rain and muck and mud and plays soccer with some of the children. They end up slipping and sliding in the mud and are covered from head to toe but laughing and smiling from a good time. We head back to Minga lodge and hose down those that are dirty and get ready for lunch.
After lunch we have about an hour of free time. Some use it to sing and play guitar, others join in a cut throat card game of Egyptian rattlesnakes. The rain clears and the sunshines brightly again as well. At 3 pm we head to the cocoa farm to learn about this important industry for Ecuador. We see the plantation, the six different types of cocoa pods grown, how grafting works, how the market treats the farmer, how the middlemen reap most of the profit and what the most prized cocoa pod is for Ecuador. We get to taste the cocoa beans right out of the pods when they are still slimy and covered in a sweet jelly like substance. We learn about the fermenting process. Upon our return to Minga lodge we take part in a hands on demonstration where we learn how to roast the beans, shell the beans, grind the beans and then mix the cocoa with sugar to eat with some bananas. A fun and interesting time.
Then it's time for dinner and following a gathering of the group to look at ways to continue supporting the work of Me to We upon our return to Victoria. Small groups work on both enhancing current projects and dreaming ups some new ones. A final check in about our day and what we have appreciated about each others leadership and folks head to their rooms just as the power for the night ends at 10. Tomorrow is our last day to work at the village so we hope the weather will cooperate so we can finish what we can to keep the project on task.
Wednesday 3 July 2013
Bella Vista. day 3
In the morning the clouds hang low on the river but they are beginning to lift and we find ourselves heading out hopeful of some sun this morning as we head again to Bella Vista to continue our construction. Children are waiting on the shore for our arrival and we make really good progress. The sun comes out and at times it is very hot to be mixing cement and bending rebar. More relationships are developing and it's wonderful to see smiles and hear conversations as the day unfolds. One of the parents arrive mid morning with a wheel barrow full of oranges he had collected from the trees around the site to share with everyone working. We work an extra 1/2 hour today in order to finish some of cement work. Progress is going very well.
The same routine as the day before occurs as we return to the minga lodge: children swimming, boat singing and a refreshing breeze to cool us down before arriving for lunch. Lunch is a special treat today served on a leaf instead of a plate. Platters of palm heart and thistle salad, yucca root fries, and banana leaf steamed tilapia fish. Even the skeptics tasted and enjoyed !
After lunch we head back down the river a ways to visit a local shaman. We are invited to take part on groups of 5 in a cleansing ritual that involves having tobacco smoke blown over us and then having the spirits and energy cleansed by being "swept" with a wand of yukka leaves. Afterwards we get a chance to blow darts with a dart gun (a traditional hunting method) at a papaya that has been slice open and place on a stick as a moving target. 4 of our group are successful. Following a group picture with the shaman and his family, a spear throwing demonstration and an opportunity to buy some handmade crafts by the family, we head back to Minga lodge for supper .
We are invited before supper to a special cooking demonstration of an amazon delicacy and treat. A wrapped banana leaf package is unwrapped to reveal the biggest weevil larvae I've ever seen ! They are wiggling like crazy . An invitation is given to anyone who would like to try them raw first. One must bite down on their head and pinchers first so they don't bite the inside of your mouth. Two of the group give it a try ! Then the rest the group must squish their heads and threat them onto a stick where they are roasted and then tasted. A " special" treat and appetizer before dinner.
At suppertime we begin to have a conversation about how we might share our new insights and make connections back home with both the issues we are encountering and the ongoing work of Me to We.
Then, it's back into the jungle for a short walk at night to see some of the creatures whose sounds we hear at night. We see several different species of frogs, various bugs and moths, bats, tarantulas and the head of a tiny water snake. It's been another full day and many are feeling weary . A final check in in the circle and it's off to our respective cabins at 9:30.
The same routine as the day before occurs as we return to the minga lodge: children swimming, boat singing and a refreshing breeze to cool us down before arriving for lunch. Lunch is a special treat today served on a leaf instead of a plate. Platters of palm heart and thistle salad, yucca root fries, and banana leaf steamed tilapia fish. Even the skeptics tasted and enjoyed !
After lunch we head back down the river a ways to visit a local shaman. We are invited to take part on groups of 5 in a cleansing ritual that involves having tobacco smoke blown over us and then having the spirits and energy cleansed by being "swept" with a wand of yukka leaves. Afterwards we get a chance to blow darts with a dart gun (a traditional hunting method) at a papaya that has been slice open and place on a stick as a moving target. 4 of our group are successful. Following a group picture with the shaman and his family, a spear throwing demonstration and an opportunity to buy some handmade crafts by the family, we head back to Minga lodge for supper .
We are invited before supper to a special cooking demonstration of an amazon delicacy and treat. A wrapped banana leaf package is unwrapped to reveal the biggest weevil larvae I've ever seen ! They are wiggling like crazy . An invitation is given to anyone who would like to try them raw first. One must bite down on their head and pinchers first so they don't bite the inside of your mouth. Two of the group give it a try ! Then the rest the group must squish their heads and threat them onto a stick where they are roasted and then tasted. A " special" treat and appetizer before dinner.
At suppertime we begin to have a conversation about how we might share our new insights and make connections back home with both the issues we are encountering and the ongoing work of Me to We.
Then, it's back into the jungle for a short walk at night to see some of the creatures whose sounds we hear at night. We see several different species of frogs, various bugs and moths, bats, tarantulas and the head of a tiny water snake. It's been another full day and many are feeling weary . A final check in in the circle and it's off to our respective cabins at 9:30.
Bella Vista -day 2
Our day begins with a 7 am wake up call and we make our way to the dining "hall" for breakfast. We eat, get into our gear ( steel toe rubber boots, hard hats, safety glasses and gloves), don sunscreen and pack water as the sun is shining and its gonna be a hot day. We carry on working at the 4 different stations, digging, building cement forms, cutting and bending rebar. Some children are around but most have left the school grounds for the day as they were there at 7 to write exams and are done for the day. Some of the younger kids are very curious about what we are doing, and over the course of the morning, they begin to join in and help in a number of ways. Conversations ensue and the group as a whole is making amazing progress with their Spanish. During break time the children and the group enjoy some volleyball together and at one point our group shares a line dance demonstration which everyone enjoys.
At noon we pack up, go to the boat and head back to minga lodge for lunch . Around where the boat docks, children are jumping from trees and rocks into the river to cool off. Luckily for us, the breeze as the boat speeds up the river serves to cool us as well. It has become a tradition that as soon as we get on the boat, singing ensues for the 30 min trip home.
After lunch we head out on our jungle hike led by Roberto, a local resident and guide with the lodge. We begin by hiking uphill for 240 steps and as we reach the top we find another incredible view. The air is dense, humid and hot though the trees provide respite from the hot sun. Roberto talks to us of the different kinds of plants, the destruction of amazon rainforest, cultural uses for the various different plants and the way traditional hunting and harvesting happens in this area. He also demonstrates for us the way palms are used for shelter, basket making etc. We hike for about 2 1/2 hours and eventually we have to descend down some very muddy and slippery paths resulting in several spills and muddy individuals by the end.
Time for a quick shower and then it's dinner time. Just as we begin, a major storm of wind and rain rolls in and blows throughout our dinner time. It's amazing how quickly the weather changes here. Following supper we move the the classroom, we're we participate in a leadership activity of a simulation game where we are given roles of families coming to a Minga gathering to try and make a community decision about where to put community resources and energy - building a water system, a school, a church or a women's cooperative, At the end of 2 hours the group has made excellent arguments and debate and learned lots about about the process of a minga. It's now 9:30 and we only have power for 30 more mins so everyone heads back to their rooms to get ready for bed. An impromptu singing of o Canada breaks out to celebrate Canada day . Another storm whips up and it pours and blows most of the night.
At noon we pack up, go to the boat and head back to minga lodge for lunch . Around where the boat docks, children are jumping from trees and rocks into the river to cool off. Luckily for us, the breeze as the boat speeds up the river serves to cool us as well. It has become a tradition that as soon as we get on the boat, singing ensues for the 30 min trip home.
After lunch we head out on our jungle hike led by Roberto, a local resident and guide with the lodge. We begin by hiking uphill for 240 steps and as we reach the top we find another incredible view. The air is dense, humid and hot though the trees provide respite from the hot sun. Roberto talks to us of the different kinds of plants, the destruction of amazon rainforest, cultural uses for the various different plants and the way traditional hunting and harvesting happens in this area. He also demonstrates for us the way palms are used for shelter, basket making etc. We hike for about 2 1/2 hours and eventually we have to descend down some very muddy and slippery paths resulting in several spills and muddy individuals by the end.
Time for a quick shower and then it's dinner time. Just as we begin, a major storm of wind and rain rolls in and blows throughout our dinner time. It's amazing how quickly the weather changes here. Following supper we move the the classroom, we're we participate in a leadership activity of a simulation game where we are given roles of families coming to a Minga gathering to try and make a community decision about where to put community resources and energy - building a water system, a school, a church or a women's cooperative, At the end of 2 hours the group has made excellent arguments and debate and learned lots about about the process of a minga. It's now 9:30 and we only have power for 30 more mins so everyone heads back to their rooms to get ready for bed. An impromptu singing of o Canada breaks out to celebrate Canada day . Another storm whips up and it pours and blows most of the night.
Monday 1 July 2013
It takes a whole village
Up early this morning to ready ourselves for our initiation to the project we will be working on and the philosophy behind Free the Children and the Me to We projects. The community we will be visiting is Bella Vista, a small community along the amazon river ( of which there is a multitude) . This community is one which other communities children come to for school. About 82 children study at this school. However, a number of the class rooms have started to disintegrate due to the climate and we are going to be working with the community members to build three new class rooms.
The partnership philosophy that Free the Children has is that the community as a whole must be empowered in the process and they are expected to contribute 10% of the cost of the project and a minga ( community work party) must also participate and work side by side with us. Our project with Bella Vista is the first one for this community and their first experience with Me to We. We are given extra preparation about what our presence will mean and possible interpretations and expectations of us. We don our steel toed rubber boots, hard hats, work gloves and goggles, rain gear, water jugs and head up river for 35 mins to the community.
We arrive amidst a soccer tournament and villagers are all around. We exchange greetings as we head to the work site. We begin to receive an orientation to the site just as the rain starts to fall ( we re in the midst of rainy season). We move undercover for the rest of the instructions as the wind howls, thunder crashes and a torrential rainstorm begins. Within the hour it dies down enough for us to head outside and begin work digging 1 meter sq. holes for pilings, creating cement forms for these pilings, cutting and bending rebar to go into these foundational pilings. By lunchtime we are all soaked and we head back to our camp for lunch and to dry off.
Two hours later we head back to work again at the same tasks for the afternoon. It isn't raining now and in fact the sun comes out for a little while. Community children gather round, some passing us nails, other watching curiously. The local men work with the architect to make sure they understand the design and next steps and they guide our work as well. By 5 pm we have accomplished a solid piece of work as we clean and pack up the site.
The boat ride back up the river is filled with songs and laughter. We arrive at Minga lodge at 6 and have an hour to shower etc till dinner at 7 followed by Spanish classes. Our day ends at 9:15 and folks head back to their rooms to chill out for a bit. Power ends at 10 and we tuck ourselves into our beds with our bug nets as sounds of critters, bugs and falling rain send us to sleep.
No photos with today's blog as Me to We policy is for no work camp photos to be taken untill the relationships in the community are built and it feels natural and permission is granted by those we are working side by side with.
The partnership philosophy that Free the Children has is that the community as a whole must be empowered in the process and they are expected to contribute 10% of the cost of the project and a minga ( community work party) must also participate and work side by side with us. Our project with Bella Vista is the first one for this community and their first experience with Me to We. We are given extra preparation about what our presence will mean and possible interpretations and expectations of us. We don our steel toed rubber boots, hard hats, work gloves and goggles, rain gear, water jugs and head up river for 35 mins to the community.
We arrive amidst a soccer tournament and villagers are all around. We exchange greetings as we head to the work site. We begin to receive an orientation to the site just as the rain starts to fall ( we re in the midst of rainy season). We move undercover for the rest of the instructions as the wind howls, thunder crashes and a torrential rainstorm begins. Within the hour it dies down enough for us to head outside and begin work digging 1 meter sq. holes for pilings, creating cement forms for these pilings, cutting and bending rebar to go into these foundational pilings. By lunchtime we are all soaked and we head back to our camp for lunch and to dry off.
Two hours later we head back to work again at the same tasks for the afternoon. It isn't raining now and in fact the sun comes out for a little while. Community children gather round, some passing us nails, other watching curiously. The local men work with the architect to make sure they understand the design and next steps and they guide our work as well. By 5 pm we have accomplished a solid piece of work as we clean and pack up the site.
The boat ride back up the river is filled with songs and laughter. We arrive at Minga lodge at 6 and have an hour to shower etc till dinner at 7 followed by Spanish classes. Our day ends at 9:15 and folks head back to their rooms to chill out for a bit. Power ends at 10 and we tuck ourselves into our beds with our bug nets as sounds of critters, bugs and falling rain send us to sleep.
No photos with today's blog as Me to We policy is for no work camp photos to be taken untill the relationships in the community are built and it feels natural and permission is granted by those we are working side by side with.
It takes a whole village
Up early this morning to ready ourselves for our initiation to the project we will be working on and the philosophy behind Free the Children and the Me to We projects. The community we will be visiting is Bella Vista, a small community along the amazon river ( of which there is a multitude) . This community is one which other communities children come to for school. About 82 children study at this school. However, a number of the class rooms have started to disintegrate due to the climate and we are going to be working with the community members to build three new class rooms.
The partnership philosophy that Free the Children has is that the community as a whole must be empowered in the process and they are expected to contribute 10% of the cost of the project and a minga ( community work party) must also participate and work side by side with us. Our project with Bella Vista is the first one for this community and their first experience with Me to We. We are given extra preparation about what our presence will mean and possible interpretations and expectations of us. We don our steel toed rubber boots, hard hats, work gloves and goggles, rain gear, water jugs and head up river for 35 mins to the community.
We arrive amidst a soccer tournament and villagers are all around. We exchange greetings as we head to the work site. We begin to receive an orientation to the site just as the rain starts to fall ( we re in the midst of rainy season). We move undercover for the rest of the instructions as the wind howls, thunder crashes and a torrential rainstorm begins. Within the hour it dies down enough for us to head outside and begin work digging 1 meter sq. holes for pilings, creating cement forms for these pilings, cutting and bending rebar to go into these foundational pilings. By lunchtime we are all soaked and we head back to our camp for lunch and to dry off.
Two hours later we head back to work again at the same tasks for the afternoon. It isn't raining now and in fact the sun comes out for a little while. Community children gather round, some passing us nails, other watching curiously. The local men work with the architect to make sure they understand the design and next steps and they guide our work as well. By 5 pm we have accomplished a solid piece of work as we clean and pack up the site.
The boat ride back up the river is filled with songs and laughter. We arrive at Minga lodge at 6 and have an hour to shower etc till dinner at 7 followed by Spanish classes. Our day ends at 9:15 and folks head back to their rooms to chill out for a bit. Power ends at 10 and we tuck ourselves into our beds with our bug nets as sounds of critters, bugs and falling rain send us to sleep.
No photos with today's blog as Me to We policy is for no work camp photos to be taken untill the relationships in the community are built and it feels natural and permission is granted by those we are working side by side with.
The partnership philosophy that Free the Children has is that the community as a whole must be empowered in the process and they are expected to contribute 10% of the cost of the project and a minga ( community work party) must also participate and work side by side with us. Our project with Bella Vista is the first one for this community and their first experience with Me to We. We are given extra preparation about what our presence will mean and possible interpretations and expectations of us. We don our steel toed rubber boots, hard hats, work gloves and goggles, rain gear, water jugs and head up river for 35 mins to the community.
We arrive amidst a soccer tournament and villagers are all around. We exchange greetings as we head to the work site. We begin to receive an orientation to the site just as the rain starts to fall ( we re in the midst of rainy season). We move undercover for the rest of the instructions as the wind howls, thunder crashes and a torrential rainstorm begins. Within the hour it dies down enough for us to head outside and begin work digging 1 meter sq. holes for pilings, creating cement forms for these pilings, cutting and bending rebar to go into these foundational pilings. By lunchtime we are all soaked and we head back to our camp for lunch and to dry off.
Two hours later we head back to work again at the same tasks for the afternoon. It isn't raining now and in fact the sun comes out for a little while. Community children gather round, some passing us nails, other watching curiously. The local men work with the architect to make sure they understand the design and next steps and they guide our work as well. By 5 pm we have accomplished a solid piece of work as we clean and pack up the site.
The boat ride back up the river is filled with songs and laughter. We arrive at Minga lodge at 6 and have an hour to shower etc till dinner at 7 followed by Spanish classes. Our day ends at 9:15 and folks head back to their rooms to chill out for a bit. Power ends at 10 and we tuck ourselves into our beds with our bug nets as sounds of critters, bugs and falling rain send us to sleep.
No photos with today's blog as Me to We policy is for no work camp photos to be taken untill the relationships in the community are built and it feels natural and permission is granted by those we are working side by side with.
Sunday 30 June 2013
To the Amazon
It was a long and windy road but the views were surreal. The vegetation seemed to rise up and engulf us, waterfall fell from incredible heights into majestic rivers that flowed down the canyon. At times the road was paved, at times not . At times it seemed like a road and at times there was barely room for one vehicle never mind oncoming traffic. Throughout it all the group was in a grand mood, singing, telling stories and getting to know one another better.
In the middle of no where we stop and pick up the most incredible pizza to go and eat it on the bus on the way in. We arrive at the edge of the Napo river and are met by a boat. We load our gear into the boat and are off on a 20 min ride up the river to the Mingo lodge which will serve as our base for the next week. It is an incredible place nestled in the rainforest that you can see only a tiny bit of the dining room from the water as you approach. Individual cabins await us and we are divided into small groups for sleeping companions. Bedding with linen, bathrooms in each room and electricity from 6-10pm each day. It far exceeds the expectations of anyone in the group and we are feeling quite humbled by the graciousness of our host and the program.
We meet various people who live and work for Free the Children and for the lodge and they orient us to where we are and what the plan is for the next few days. We even meet Yolanda, a parrot the has taken residence at the lodge as well. A fine dinner is prepared for us, and we all enjoy the feast and the company.
Following dinner we learn more about Free the Children organization and it's connection to the Me to We project that we are involved in. We check in with one another, share our hopes for the next day and our highlights from today and then head back to our rooms, flashlights in hand to see what creatures might meet us along the way and even perhaps in our rooms.
The air is loud and alive with the sounds of crickets, cicada, and other yet to be identified sounds. It's louder than any city. In the distance, the neighbouring community is having a celebration and we can hear their music and sounds as well. The generator goes off, we are plunged into darkness and settle in for the night .
In the middle of no where we stop and pick up the most incredible pizza to go and eat it on the bus on the way in. We arrive at the edge of the Napo river and are met by a boat. We load our gear into the boat and are off on a 20 min ride up the river to the Mingo lodge which will serve as our base for the next week. It is an incredible place nestled in the rainforest that you can see only a tiny bit of the dining room from the water as you approach. Individual cabins await us and we are divided into small groups for sleeping companions. Bedding with linen, bathrooms in each room and electricity from 6-10pm each day. It far exceeds the expectations of anyone in the group and we are feeling quite humbled by the graciousness of our host and the program.
We meet various people who live and work for Free the Children and for the lodge and they orient us to where we are and what the plan is for the next few days. We even meet Yolanda, a parrot the has taken residence at the lodge as well. A fine dinner is prepared for us, and we all enjoy the feast and the company.
Following dinner we learn more about Free the Children organization and it's connection to the Me to We project that we are involved in. We check in with one another, share our hopes for the next day and our highlights from today and then head back to our rooms, flashlights in hand to see what creatures might meet us along the way and even perhaps in our rooms.
The air is loud and alive with the sounds of crickets, cicada, and other yet to be identified sounds. It's louder than any city. In the distance, the neighbouring community is having a celebration and we can hear their music and sounds as well. The generator goes off, we are plunged into darkness and settle in for the night .
Saturday 29 June 2013
Standing on the middle
Our day begins with a simple breakfast at the hotel and then a gathering with the Me to We staff for an orientation to the organization, our time together, rules, safety and expectations. Then we don sunscreen and hats and head out for our morning in old Quito . The streets are quaint, and are filled old and new architecture, a variety of smells and sounds to awaken us to this city. We are being toured by Jesusa, an indigenous woman who is a traditional healer and one who wants to share the beauty and wisdom of the traditional ways . A translator is provided as she speaks only Spanish. Her passion is contagious and she draws us in instantly seeing the world around us through her eyes. Along the ways we sample a traditional healing tea and sweets .
From there we are escorted by Jesusa through the Casa del Alabado museum which has a very fine collection of indigenous artifacts that tell the story of their cultural belief systems and spirituality. From there we move to the main market square where we are invited to join in a tradition dance ceremony before we bid her goodbye.
The next part of our walk takes us uphill to a basilica where pictures are taken and we meet our bus that takes us to the hilltop that overlooks the city. There we have a picnic lunch and a bit of free time to take pictures and take in the view of the enormous expanse of the city.
Back on the bus we go and head to the equator, about an hours bus ride away. This spot had to be moved about 20 meters to its present location after the Invention of GPS . The Mitad del Mundo center is there and we are escorted on a tour which again shares some of the indigenous history of the area and then we are shown a variety of cool science "tricks". These included watching water drain in opposite directions on either side of the equator, shadow casting and exacting time dials, balancing an egg and walking along the line to sense the pull to either side.
We make the hour long trek through rush hour traffic, narrow and steep streets to our hotel and then head out for supper at a Ecuadorian restaurant. Lots of people, sellers etc are everywhere. At the restaurant there is some great entertainment featuring a man, his guitar and a pan flute. Several buy his CD and even a pan flute is purchased ! We return to the hotel for some group building and more orientation to what comes next in the amazon. Our bus ride there tomorrow starts very early as it is 8 hours of driving and then a short boat ride to the lodge we are staying at. We want to be there before dark.
A full first day. But a great one. The adventure has just begun.
From there we are escorted by Jesusa through the Casa del Alabado museum which has a very fine collection of indigenous artifacts that tell the story of their cultural belief systems and spirituality. From there we move to the main market square where we are invited to join in a tradition dance ceremony before we bid her goodbye.
The next part of our walk takes us uphill to a basilica where pictures are taken and we meet our bus that takes us to the hilltop that overlooks the city. There we have a picnic lunch and a bit of free time to take pictures and take in the view of the enormous expanse of the city.
Back on the bus we go and head to the equator, about an hours bus ride away. This spot had to be moved about 20 meters to its present location after the Invention of GPS . The Mitad del Mundo center is there and we are escorted on a tour which again shares some of the indigenous history of the area and then we are shown a variety of cool science "tricks". These included watching water drain in opposite directions on either side of the equator, shadow casting and exacting time dials, balancing an egg and walking along the line to sense the pull to either side.
We make the hour long trek through rush hour traffic, narrow and steep streets to our hotel and then head out for supper at a Ecuadorian restaurant. Lots of people, sellers etc are everywhere. At the restaurant there is some great entertainment featuring a man, his guitar and a pan flute. Several buy his CD and even a pan flute is purchased ! We return to the hotel for some group building and more orientation to what comes next in the amazon. Our bus ride there tomorrow starts very early as it is 8 hours of driving and then a short boat ride to the lodge we are staying at. We want to be there before dark.
A full first day. But a great one. The adventure has just begun.
Friday 28 June 2013
In Quito at last.
Our day starts with a leisurely breakfast at the hotel. A bus ride and long check in finds us inside security with 3 hours to wait for our flight. Food is consumed, card games played, group bonding and laughter then on to the plane to Miami . The flight is about 3 hours long and once in Miami we move quickly to our connecting flight and off to Quito we go for another 4 hours. By the time we arrive people are tired and ready to end a long day of travel. We are delayed getting to our bus because of one luggage issue but eventually we get on the bus and start the journey to our hotel for the night.
We meet our two me to we hosts: Lilly and Hillary. They are bubbly and helpful and have pizza waiting for us on the bus. They make some quick comments about the day tomorrow as we make the hour long journey to the city. We arrive at 12:30 to a very quaint hotel and quietly find our rooms which are all different. A few are starting to notice the altitude difference when they climb the stairs to their room. A few are feeling a bit dizzy. But on the most part we are excited to be here and ready for the adventure to begin.
Our morning brings a new sign of altitude adjustment : change in appetite. We are encouraged to eat even if we aren't hungry. A quick meeting this morning and we are off.
Sunscreen, water, hats and we are ready for the day.
We meet our two me to we hosts: Lilly and Hillary. They are bubbly and helpful and have pizza waiting for us on the bus. They make some quick comments about the day tomorrow as we make the hour long journey to the city. We arrive at 12:30 to a very quaint hotel and quietly find our rooms which are all different. A few are starting to notice the altitude difference when they climb the stairs to their room. A few are feeling a bit dizzy. But on the most part we are excited to be here and ready for the adventure to begin.
Our morning brings a new sign of altitude adjustment : change in appetite. We are encouraged to eat even if we aren't hungry. A quick meeting this morning and we are off.
Sunscreen, water, hats and we are ready for the day.
Wednesday 26 June 2013
Hanging out in Toronto
An early departure from families at the airport this morning has meant that the plane ride was rather quiet and uneventful. Most slept for a bit, watched inflight tv and read. Going over Thunder Bay we hit significant pockets of turbulence and on and off throughout the rest of the flight we encountered such including a bit of a rough landing. All fared well though and after collecting our luggage made our way to the shuttle bus and headed to the nearby hotel.
Half the group opted to stay at the hotel to swim, rest and chill. The other half headed onto the public transit system (TTC) at the beginning of rush hour and headed to Kensington market. A bus ride followed by a subway ride found us downtown at queens park and city hall. Street cars were slow in coming so we ended up walking the rest of the way to the market. The group had a good time wandering the streets, sampling food, buying stylish sunglasses and looking at street art. Our return trip was faster as it was 7 by the time we left the market and rush hour was waning. We hopped on a streetcar and headed back up to the subway only to have to be evacuated in the subway approach tunnel due to a medical crisis in the car ahead. Up on the subway platform our connections to subway and then bus back were good and we were back in time for supper at the hotel. After supper , most of the group had another swim and then headed to bed to catch up on sleep before the two flights enroute to Quito in the morning.
Tomorrow, Ecuador !! Everyone seems excited to be on our way.
Half the group opted to stay at the hotel to swim, rest and chill. The other half headed onto the public transit system (TTC) at the beginning of rush hour and headed to Kensington market. A bus ride followed by a subway ride found us downtown at queens park and city hall. Street cars were slow in coming so we ended up walking the rest of the way to the market. The group had a good time wandering the streets, sampling food, buying stylish sunglasses and looking at street art. Our return trip was faster as it was 7 by the time we left the market and rush hour was waning. We hopped on a streetcar and headed back up to the subway only to have to be evacuated in the subway approach tunnel due to a medical crisis in the car ahead. Up on the subway platform our connections to subway and then bus back were good and we were back in time for supper at the hotel. After supper , most of the group had another swim and then headed to bed to catch up on sleep before the two flights enroute to Quito in the morning.
Tomorrow, Ecuador !! Everyone seems excited to be on our way.
Tuesday 25 June 2013
An introduction
This is a blog site for parents and friends of those traveling to Ecuador with Reynolds High School Leadership classes with the Craig Kielburger organization ME to WE
We will have limited access to internet throughout the 2 week period but I will attempt to create a blog post each day with a summary of some of what we have done and seen with the odd picture attached. These may get posted in batches as internet becomes available.
Hopefully this will give you some flavour of what is happening to this fine group of students as we travel through the amazon, interact with the locals, engage in volunteer projects, meet fascinating people and see amazing natural habitats.
We look forward to sharing our journey with you .
We will have limited access to internet throughout the 2 week period but I will attempt to create a blog post each day with a summary of some of what we have done and seen with the odd picture attached. These may get posted in batches as internet becomes available.
Hopefully this will give you some flavour of what is happening to this fine group of students as we travel through the amazon, interact with the locals, engage in volunteer projects, meet fascinating people and see amazing natural habitats.
We look forward to sharing our journey with you .
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