February 2012
12 posts
Fourth Payment Received!
One of my main projects while being here in Estero has been overseeing the women’s group. For a quick overview, two years ago, several women here had the dream of starting their own comedor restaurant. They got their group together and were ready to go. Last year’s Minerva Fellow Allie, arrived in Estero as the women’s group was forming. She decided to help them get off their feet. She...
Trans vestism/genderism/sexualism
In previous blogs I have mentioned the interesting contrast in the roles of men and women. But I have not addressed the opinions and perspectives surrounding sexuality and sexual orientation. In Estero, expression of sexuality is not taboo. The clothing styles, the dances, the telenovelas in some ways scream, “come and get me!” Women daily wear tight belly shirts with spandex pants and or...
Change is a good thing...or is it?
I recently had dinner with a tourist couple who are staying in Estero for 2 weeks. They found me in the village one day and as they really wanted the authentic experience, I put them with a family. They had only been here for two days, but they had already noticed some very important things. They both were very concerned about the future of Estero as development grows and tourism...
H2O
Water System Update:
The water system, established last April (10 months ago) by last years fellows and Estero Community members as been one of our primary projects, concerns, headaches, since being here. I will give you a timeline so you understand our history with the water project and where we are at today.
Late July: Alex and Shelby arrive to Estero.
August: We work in the system everyday...
¡Feliz Carnaval!
For the next four days in Estero we will be celebrating Carnaval. Hair dying and braiding, sporatic water fights, lots of tourists and all night dances are not uncommon! Tonight, we have another election/presentation of the candidates to choose queen of carnaval which I have been helping out with a lot recently. Hope it goes well!
That's Amore! *click me* →
This Valentine’s day:
1. Don’t stress about the gift
2. Buy him/her something unique
3. GIVE BACK!
Done, Done and Done! (check out the necklace made in Ecuador!)
Hangin' with Pigs and Chiggers
I came back to Quito for a one day break to let my mosquito bites dry up, breathe some crist sierra air and get my holiday packages that have been sitting in Yanapuma since December. Living in Estero makes it difficult to be in the know all the time. I am out of touch with things that used to be day-to-a knowledges. Today I got my updates on those things from my girlfriends and my family;...
“refuse to settle for anything less than butterflies”
– 821
Read and help out with The Engeye Water Project in... →
brendankinnane:
In Ddegeya Village and all of rural Uganda, there is no such thing as running water. People fetch water at local boreholes and lug jerry cans of water to their homes throughout the day in order to cook, clean, bathe, and survive. Luckily, Engeye Health Clinic (EHC) enjoys the luxury of a…
!Paseos Paseos!
Because it is winter vacation, we decided that because there is so much time we could do some really fun “paseos” or trips with the kids. Actually originally we decided that the trips would be a really good incentive for the kids to participate and show up at our summer programs. For instance, for the high school students we pitched it at the beginning of the vacation that “unless you...
