Merida, Isla de Ometepe, Nicaragua: Made it out of El Salvador on Monday morning. But no before heading to El Tunco, a beach town in El Salvador. Two other friends I was traveling with had been there before, and let's just say, made good friends with some of the locals, so they knew most of the crowd. The town itself was fun, beaches are always fun. There are pictures on facebook. Its tough to transition from doing something purposeful everyday, to just laying on the beach. I felt kind of lazy, but I enjoyed my time there.
On Sunday night we went back to San Salvador, to catch the bus to Managua, Nicaragua the next morning. It was also the last night that I would travel with Clarrissa and Cindy, together. I'm supposed to meet up with Cindy somewhere, eventually. But it is nice to travel on your own. Its a different kind of experience. Although it never lasts long, its the time when you get to discover the most about yourself. And you get to think about things, and ponder, and just learn. Though being alone does not last long, you always find some people to travel with.
Monday morning I left El Salvador, and headed to Managua. The bus left at 5am, or was scheduled to leave at 5am, we didn't hit the road til about 20 past. The bus ride was 12 hours long, and I slept most of the way. I sat towards the front and by myself, which allowed me to lay down and sleep. The border crossings were fun. Show your passport, pay a fee, sometimes, get out to get inspected for H1N1. This mostly consists of a visual inspection.
Once I got to Managua I was dropped off at the Tica Bus station. Let's just say it wasn't the nicest part of town. Because my initial plans were to head to Honduras, I had no idea what I was going to do once I arrived in Managua. I also forgot to look at my travel guide for hostels during the 12 hour bus ride.
I arrived with no idea of where to go or sleep, or anything. As soon as you get off the bus, you're bombarded by taxi drivers asking where you're going. I don't know! I really didn't. So I walk out and a kid asks me where i'm from. El Salvador? no. Nicaragua? no! Honduras? no!!! I never told him where I was from, but I did let him show me a place to stay near the bus station.
I paid ten bucks for a basic room. Very basic. I need to remember to take pictures of these places. I'm sure 90% of you would never stay in such a place. It was quite a dump, but i'm getting used to staying in rooms like it.
I put my bags down, and headed to the mall, called inter-plaza. Read later that the route I took was very dangerous, and I should avoid it. Besides some mean stares from some guys, and dogs barking at me, I had no problems. The mall was ok, I walked it in half an hour. I then walked over to the Crowne Plaza hotel, just to check the rates for kicks. 50 bucks a night! Forget it! So I walked the streets a bit more, before it got dark and decided to head back. Even without reading anything about the neighborhood, it was obvious it was not a place to be after dark.
The next day I decided I would head to the tourist information office, and find out a little about the place. I woke up at 5am, to do some more walking, and avoid any rift raft ( I assumed no one would be up at that time). I was right, except dogs never sleep, so they kept barking at me. Dogs are mean in Managua, at least in the neighborhood I was staying in. Never quite made it to the tourist info office, but a taxi guy offered to drive me around town, and show me the highlights of the city. That took all of ten minutes. The truth is, Managua is not that nice. Its a place to land and move on. I think most travelers would agree with that statement.
I then was dropped off at the bus station, where I caught the next bus to Grenada. Grenada was a 45 minute bus ride from Managua, for 2 bucks. Grenada is a lot like Antigua in Guatemala. A colonial town with lots of old buildings and churches. It was ok, but not that exciting. I'll upload pictures soon. I stayed at the Bearded Monkey, a backpackers hostel, but didn't meet anyone I cared to travel with.
I guess I like to be alone at times. Or i'm kind of picky with who I travel with. Had some people ask me to join them, but wasn't feeling it, so I declined. I stayed in Grenada and toured the city alone Tuesday and Wednesday. Visited museums, a convent, and a cultural center, as well as the pier and some restaurants.
Wednesday I headed for the islands. Asked a local how to catch a bus there, and I was on my way. It was a nice walk to the bus station. The coolest part of the trip is walking through dangerous neighborhoods, but there will never be pictures of these scenes, because I dare not take my camera out when i'm walking through.
The bus ride to the island was lots fun. Nothing but locals, except for three gringos. Which is a change from nothing but gringos, except for three locals, like in towns like Grenada. The bus to Rivas took about an hour, then a connecting bus to San Jorge took an additional 20 minutes. I met a girl from London named Rachel, and we made the trip together. From San Jorge, we took a ferry to the island. The ferry drops you off at the main port, named Moyogalpo, and from there you can choose to go to any small town on the islands. For a price, of course. The taxis were very expensive on the islands, but we were able to get to Santa Domingo for 15 bucks, between 4 people. The taxi dropped us off at Buena Vista Hotel, and that was our place for the night. Nothing eventful the first night, but the next day, which would be today, was fun!
Woke up and headed to a place called Ojo de Agua. It was a cool watering hole about 2 miles from our hotel. Most of the terrain is dirt, check out pictures on facebook (I will try to upload soon). The place was cool, but even cooler was meeting two girls from LA. One was from Lennox! Small world, after all. I would not have thought in a million years I would find someone out here from Lennox! The other girl was from Long Beach. They both were really cool, and we hung out the rest of the afternoon. We went swimming in the lake while waiting for our food, since it takes an hour to prepare your food here. No joke, one hour!
After lunch, Rachel and I caught a bus to Merida. To be honest, I wanted to stay in Santa Domingo, but I had told Rachel I would go with her. Rachel is from London and is traveling alone.
So here I am. There are plenty of people here. I jumped online as soon as I got here, so haven't had the chance to meet anyone yet. I'll do that soon.
The islands is amazing. I'm sure it'll be lots of fun here in Merida. I'll take lots of pics, and upload the ones currently on my camera.
Someone asked me the other day if I prefer to see nature or history of countries. I told her that I think I like a balance. I think I was wrong. I definitely prefer the nature and and natural scenery of Latin America. Some places out here are absolutely beautiful. This island is one of those places!
ps, Clarrissa, if you're reading this, thanks for the scent balls, or whatever they're called. My bag smells great!
I love you all,
Michael
pss, internet is unlimited here, so I should blog more often for the next few days.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
San Salvador, El Salvador: Still in El Salvador, waiting on Zelaya to make his move. If you've followed at all what has been going on in Honduras, you know that he is attempting to return to Honduras after being taken from his Presidential Palace at gun point. He's re-entering via Nicaragua, so border crossing until he makes his final move, is ill-advised.
His return could spark violence. There is a curfew in Honduras, and getting to Nicaragua from El Salvador requires going through Honduras. I'm sitting tight for now, but will make my decision by Sunday, if Zelaya keeps messing around. I think he's making a mockery of himself by pretending to return, then retreating. No one is taking him seriously. And it doesn't help that he aligns himself with Hugo Chavez of Venezuela.
But mockery or not, his presence could incite a mini civil war and I don't want to be around when that happens, or if it happens.
My final thoughts on El Salvador, since i'm still here: I loved it!
Truth is I saw about 1% of the country, well maybe 5%, it is a small country. But everything I saw and experienced was amazing. I've already written about La Casa, (see last blog), but the rest of the country was also a treat! The people of El Salvador are terrific.
I spent most of my time in San Salvador, the capital, and you would think you're in a big U.S. city by driving around. KFC, Burger King, McDonalds. And huge entertainment centers with world class shopping and theatres, bars, restaurants.
But of course, there are the rural and urban areas where poverty is prevalent. With a new President things are bound to change. Hopefully for the better. Speaking to one local, the problem is the government is broke. There is no money for improvements. Sound familiar? Today California finally signed a budget, and it appears that everyone is going to take a cut. We're broke as well.
One of the things that is often spoken about when discussing El Salvador are the Maras, or gaings. Specifically MS13. While they do exist, they are not visible in the capital. I saw them once, but we were on a field visit in a rural area. They are not as abundant as the media would make it seem. The city is safe. I took a taxi at one in the morning and never felt in danger.
Spanish here is different than Mexico. Everyone uses "voz", and I never really picked up how to use it. So I didn't. I learned a few new phrases. But they may be exclusive to La Casa. They had their own vocabulary there, it was funny.
All in all, a great experience here. Definitely too short. I'm positive i'll be back, and I think sooner rather than later.
Hope everything is well at home. Miss my family and friends, but truly having the time of my life out here.
Right now i'm at Kurt's house, he and his family have been wonderful hosts for a week! Their moving today, so I should help. Gotta go.
Love you all,
Michael
His return could spark violence. There is a curfew in Honduras, and getting to Nicaragua from El Salvador requires going through Honduras. I'm sitting tight for now, but will make my decision by Sunday, if Zelaya keeps messing around. I think he's making a mockery of himself by pretending to return, then retreating. No one is taking him seriously. And it doesn't help that he aligns himself with Hugo Chavez of Venezuela.
But mockery or not, his presence could incite a mini civil war and I don't want to be around when that happens, or if it happens.
My final thoughts on El Salvador, since i'm still here: I loved it!
Truth is I saw about 1% of the country, well maybe 5%, it is a small country. But everything I saw and experienced was amazing. I've already written about La Casa, (see last blog), but the rest of the country was also a treat! The people of El Salvador are terrific.
I spent most of my time in San Salvador, the capital, and you would think you're in a big U.S. city by driving around. KFC, Burger King, McDonalds. And huge entertainment centers with world class shopping and theatres, bars, restaurants.
But of course, there are the rural and urban areas where poverty is prevalent. With a new President things are bound to change. Hopefully for the better. Speaking to one local, the problem is the government is broke. There is no money for improvements. Sound familiar? Today California finally signed a budget, and it appears that everyone is going to take a cut. We're broke as well.
One of the things that is often spoken about when discussing El Salvador are the Maras, or gaings. Specifically MS13. While they do exist, they are not visible in the capital. I saw them once, but we were on a field visit in a rural area. They are not as abundant as the media would make it seem. The city is safe. I took a taxi at one in the morning and never felt in danger.
Spanish here is different than Mexico. Everyone uses "voz", and I never really picked up how to use it. So I didn't. I learned a few new phrases. But they may be exclusive to La Casa. They had their own vocabulary there, it was funny.
All in all, a great experience here. Definitely too short. I'm positive i'll be back, and I think sooner rather than later.
Hope everything is well at home. Miss my family and friends, but truly having the time of my life out here.
Right now i'm at Kurt's house, he and his family have been wonderful hosts for a week! Their moving today, so I should help. Gotta go.
Love you all,
Michael
Thursday, July 23, 2009
So you also, when you have done everything you were told to do, should say, "We are unworthy or unprofitable servants, we have only done our duty." Luke 17:10
Today is my last day at La Casa, and as promised I have lots more to write about. Everyone warned me that this trip would change my life, but you never really know in what way, or when exactly it will dawn on you that you're changed, or in what ways it really matters in your everyday life.
My time here, albeit short, has truly been life changing. But not in the ways that are so obvious by just looking at me. I look exactly the same, except maybe ten pounds lighter. But I have really learned valuable lessons, taught without any words by the staff here at La Casa. I'm writing it down in hopes that I never forget.
Duty. What i'm supposed to do. To fulfill my duty is to have done all the hard work to get there, but no profit, or no credit. Just fulfilling my obligations.
But to live beyond duty, beyond what is expected of me, is to live the way I was intended to live. I begin to live the way I was intended to live, the abundant life, at the exact moment when I pass from the duty stage to the freer atmosphere of voluntary investment, going the extra mile. And that's precisely how everyone here at La Casa lives their lives.
I'll give you just one example. Yesterday I was invited to go on a field visit with Katherine, one of the staff members here at La Casa. A field visit to a school, to check up on the siblings of one of the girls at La Casa. Of course, she didn't have to go, but she was not only interested in the well being of the girl under her care, she wanted to make sure her brothers and sisters were also going to school.
Off we went in search of the school. We found it, went in and spoke to the principal/director. It turned out the kids were not in school and two of them rarely attended. One, the sister, was pretty good about showing up, but hadn't on this particular day. How nice, I thought, of Katherine to care enough to pay a visit to their school, though really she was under no obligation to do so. Oh well, they're not here, let's go, I thought. But no.
End of mile one.
She decided we still had a few minutes, we were going to go look for them. What? There was no way we were going to find them in a large coffee finca. Picture a huge mountainous jungle, with spiders and all, over a few miles long. These kids could have been anywhere. There was no way we were going to find them. Oh, and not to mention the entrance was a street fillled with the infamous MS13 gang members. The writing was on the wall, as they say. But off we went.
Headed to the finca and found a little boy who was willing to tell us where the kids may be. It turned out there was no road where we could find them, it would be long walk down hill through a maze of plants and trees, and shrubs, spiders, the works.
End of mile two.
Off we go. Through the finca until we spot the boys. She yells at them to come over. I'm thinking, there is no way these kids are going to listen to you. Their going to take off running, let's just go. But no, she called, and waited. Eventually one came. Good I thought, better than nothing. Then she asks, where's your brother and sister. Go get them. Aw man, I thought now were really going to lose him, but no, he returned with his sister. Returned for a speech that he knew was coming. And she let him have it about not attending school, and getting into other troubles. But, he sat there and listened.
Alright, I thought, our job is done. But no. Where's your mom, she asked. I want to speak to her. Great, now we have to find her mom in this huge jungle.
End of mile three.
Off again we went to find her mom, so she could make clear the deal she had cut with the kids. If they went to school, there would be a cool prize for them. Incentive to attend school. They didn't even have to maintain any particular gpa, just go! We found the mom, went over the deal, she encouraged them to go to school, and praised the sister for attending, and let them know above everything else that she loved them. End of mile four, five, six...
And that was just one example. Everyday I encountered Patty, Kurt, Katherine, Gary, Raquel, Alexia, Gerardo, and the rest of the staff go the extra mile, beyond their duty.
The organization goes beyond their duty in every respect. Beginning with their model, which strives to go beyond what they call custodial care, meaning just feeding and clothing the kids, but to reach to provide therapuetic care, where they meet the kids needs with respect to psychological and spiritual needs. These are kids that come from very tough backgrounds. I had only a glimpse and realized, this stuff is deep.
Beyond that, they strive to reach the families of the kids. Many of the kids were taken away from their homes from reasons ranging from extreme poverty, to neglect, to abuse. The staff at La Casa attempts to reach back and improve the situation of the kids families in an attempt to reconcile the families, a very lofty goal, but they do not hesitate to go the extra mile.
They go even further and attempt to improve the community where the kid comes from, because of the strong possibility that the child will someday return to his original home when he is grown.
Truly every project or task undertaken here goes beyond the call of duty. They truly live the abundant life! Not driven into it by duty, but lured into it by love. That's where I want to be. Going the extra mile at every opportunity. In giving, in kidness, in work, in everything.
Go the extra mile.
My time at La Casa and El Salvador is something I will never forget. El Salvador is a beautiful country, but it's the people that really make this place unforgettable. And the lessons I learned I hope I never forget. My friends here are incredible!
Next stop is Nicaragua. I'm skipping Honduras because of the situation there. Although news today reports that Zelaya, the ousted President of Honduras, is attempting to reenter the counrty via the Nicaragua border. This may delay my trip to Nicaragua as well. We'll see how that goes, stay tuned.
If you want to learn more about La Casa, check out their website. http://www.mfh-elsalvador.org/
Today is my last day at La Casa, and as promised I have lots more to write about. Everyone warned me that this trip would change my life, but you never really know in what way, or when exactly it will dawn on you that you're changed, or in what ways it really matters in your everyday life.
My time here, albeit short, has truly been life changing. But not in the ways that are so obvious by just looking at me. I look exactly the same, except maybe ten pounds lighter. But I have really learned valuable lessons, taught without any words by the staff here at La Casa. I'm writing it down in hopes that I never forget.
Duty. What i'm supposed to do. To fulfill my duty is to have done all the hard work to get there, but no profit, or no credit. Just fulfilling my obligations.
But to live beyond duty, beyond what is expected of me, is to live the way I was intended to live. I begin to live the way I was intended to live, the abundant life, at the exact moment when I pass from the duty stage to the freer atmosphere of voluntary investment, going the extra mile. And that's precisely how everyone here at La Casa lives their lives.
I'll give you just one example. Yesterday I was invited to go on a field visit with Katherine, one of the staff members here at La Casa. A field visit to a school, to check up on the siblings of one of the girls at La Casa. Of course, she didn't have to go, but she was not only interested in the well being of the girl under her care, she wanted to make sure her brothers and sisters were also going to school.
Off we went in search of the school. We found it, went in and spoke to the principal/director. It turned out the kids were not in school and two of them rarely attended. One, the sister, was pretty good about showing up, but hadn't on this particular day. How nice, I thought, of Katherine to care enough to pay a visit to their school, though really she was under no obligation to do so. Oh well, they're not here, let's go, I thought. But no.
End of mile one.
She decided we still had a few minutes, we were going to go look for them. What? There was no way we were going to find them in a large coffee finca. Picture a huge mountainous jungle, with spiders and all, over a few miles long. These kids could have been anywhere. There was no way we were going to find them. Oh, and not to mention the entrance was a street fillled with the infamous MS13 gang members. The writing was on the wall, as they say. But off we went.
Headed to the finca and found a little boy who was willing to tell us where the kids may be. It turned out there was no road where we could find them, it would be long walk down hill through a maze of plants and trees, and shrubs, spiders, the works.
End of mile two.
Off we go. Through the finca until we spot the boys. She yells at them to come over. I'm thinking, there is no way these kids are going to listen to you. Their going to take off running, let's just go. But no, she called, and waited. Eventually one came. Good I thought, better than nothing. Then she asks, where's your brother and sister. Go get them. Aw man, I thought now were really going to lose him, but no, he returned with his sister. Returned for a speech that he knew was coming. And she let him have it about not attending school, and getting into other troubles. But, he sat there and listened.
Alright, I thought, our job is done. But no. Where's your mom, she asked. I want to speak to her. Great, now we have to find her mom in this huge jungle.
End of mile three.
Off again we went to find her mom, so she could make clear the deal she had cut with the kids. If they went to school, there would be a cool prize for them. Incentive to attend school. They didn't even have to maintain any particular gpa, just go! We found the mom, went over the deal, she encouraged them to go to school, and praised the sister for attending, and let them know above everything else that she loved them. End of mile four, five, six...
And that was just one example. Everyday I encountered Patty, Kurt, Katherine, Gary, Raquel, Alexia, Gerardo, and the rest of the staff go the extra mile, beyond their duty.
The organization goes beyond their duty in every respect. Beginning with their model, which strives to go beyond what they call custodial care, meaning just feeding and clothing the kids, but to reach to provide therapuetic care, where they meet the kids needs with respect to psychological and spiritual needs. These are kids that come from very tough backgrounds. I had only a glimpse and realized, this stuff is deep.
Beyond that, they strive to reach the families of the kids. Many of the kids were taken away from their homes from reasons ranging from extreme poverty, to neglect, to abuse. The staff at La Casa attempts to reach back and improve the situation of the kids families in an attempt to reconcile the families, a very lofty goal, but they do not hesitate to go the extra mile.
They go even further and attempt to improve the community where the kid comes from, because of the strong possibility that the child will someday return to his original home when he is grown.
Truly every project or task undertaken here goes beyond the call of duty. They truly live the abundant life! Not driven into it by duty, but lured into it by love. That's where I want to be. Going the extra mile at every opportunity. In giving, in kidness, in work, in everything.
Go the extra mile.
My time at La Casa and El Salvador is something I will never forget. El Salvador is a beautiful country, but it's the people that really make this place unforgettable. And the lessons I learned I hope I never forget. My friends here are incredible!
Next stop is Nicaragua. I'm skipping Honduras because of the situation there. Although news today reports that Zelaya, the ousted President of Honduras, is attempting to reenter the counrty via the Nicaragua border. This may delay my trip to Nicaragua as well. We'll see how that goes, stay tuned.
If you want to learn more about La Casa, check out their website. http://www.mfh-elsalvador.org/
Check out photos on Facebook.
I love you all,
Michael
Sunday, July 19, 2009
San Salvador, El Salvador: Favorite city, so far! I love San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador. Where do I start? Where did I end? Let's see. Arrived here on Thursday, the 9th, in the afternoon. It was pouring rain, and I had forgotten to write down my hotels address. What a dope! So I go to the bus station and ask to use the internet. No luck. No one would let me use their computer. Finally got a cab, and asked if they knew where the Hotel San Mateo was located, and of course they said yes. What I would learn later is that a taxi guy will never tell you he is not familiar with the location you're trying to get to. They will always assure you that they know exactly how to get there.
Half hour later we arrived at my hotel that was ten minutes away from the bus station. But apparently they were overbooked, so they sent me to another hotel. I spent my first week in San Salvador at Villa Serena Hotel, my first proper hotel during the trip. I asked for a single room, but was given a double, with two beds, its own bathroom (which is a luxury when "backpacking"), and a tv, and a fully functioning air conditioner!
The second bed came in handy when a few friends crashed one night. Actually they crashed twice. But it was nice to see them. The hotel offered breakfast for free, and was extremely secure, but otherwise, it was just ok.
It served its purpose, a place to sleep, and close proximity to La Casa de mi Padre, where I am volunteering for the length of my time here in San Salvador.
Friday, the 10th, was the first day at the La Casa. It was a great first day! I arrived at 2pm, and was a given a quick tour of the home, and then had an hour introduction to what the children's home is all about. More on that later.
The director, Gary Powell, (more on him later, as well), then took me and a group from Georgia, on a tour of new land that was purchased to build a permanent center for the kids. The land is just jungle for now, with a prayer chapel at the entrance. Soon it will house close to 90 kids, and maintain a school, and housing for staff and volunteers.
Currently, La Casa is located in a house that is home to 37 kids. I will write much more on the program later, but now i'll just update on what i've been doing.
Saturday and Sunday was spent at a beach house, that was offered by a really nice guy. The kids loved it. There are pictures on facebook.
Monday was the first day at La Casa. I spent the first part of the day with the youth group from Georgia, fixing, or trying to fix the water drains, that were plugged. The second part of the day was spent with the kids, helping them with their homework, and playing.
Monday night I got back to the hotel, and did nothing!
Tuesday I helped the group pour concrete at La Casa. The afternoon was spent with the kids. Wednesday was the same schedule.
Wednesday night, Raquel took me to eat Pupusas, the traditional food in El Salvador. It was delicious. We also had other typical food. It was all really good!
Wait, i'm getting my days mixed up. I think it was Tuesday that I went to eat typical El Salvadorean food, and Wednesday, Cindy and Clarrissa came to visit me. They're going to kill me for telling this story, but it's hilarious. At least it was to me.
We went out, at night, in El Salvador, and it was very safe. We went to a place called Multi-Plaza, that has a few places to go out. The girls were told it was lady's night, and a place called Stanza was a cool place to go dancing. So they get dressed up, and drag me out. I wasn't in the mood to go out, but I went. The place was like any other club in L.A. Door man with a suit, who decides who gets in and who doesn't. Of course these girls from the States think they'll waltz right in to a club in El Salvador! So we walk up, and I let them know that they should do the talking, since it was "Lady's Night", and they were ladies. We walk up to one of the promoters, and ask what the story was for that night. He let them know that it was member's only! Member's only? What? I convinced them that it wasn't worth it, so we went to a spot with a live band, playing great covers. An hour later, the band stop playing, and they decided to give the club another shot.
We walk up, but first ask a local what members only meant? He let us know that anyone could get in, it was just a matter of paying a 10 dollar cover. So they get in line again, and get to the front, where the door man let's them know that it's members only, and they weren't getting in. I was cracking up! And of course by then they knew that it wasn't members only, it was just that they did want their kind in their club.
It was funny to me because i'm sure these girls were never rejected from a club in the U.S. And under normal circumstances they would not have been rejected from this club. But they are backpackers, meaning they didn't exactly bring clothes for going out. And on this particular night, they kind of stretched the whole "casual" look. I don't know why, but seeing them (and I should say us, because I was there as well), rejected, was hilarious to me.
Thursday I went with the group from Georgia, and Kurt, a missionary here in El Salvador, to ancient ruins. After seeing Palenque and Tikal, these were just ok. We also went to a small colonial town, and visited a family that La Casa built a house for a few months ago.
Friday we were back at La Casa with the kids
Saturday was visiting day at La Casa, and today, Sunday I went to church.
I'll have a lot more to say about La Casa in the next blog, but my internet time is almost up.
No time to edit, so please excuse errors in writing.
Love you all,
Michael
Half hour later we arrived at my hotel that was ten minutes away from the bus station. But apparently they were overbooked, so they sent me to another hotel. I spent my first week in San Salvador at Villa Serena Hotel, my first proper hotel during the trip. I asked for a single room, but was given a double, with two beds, its own bathroom (which is a luxury when "backpacking"), and a tv, and a fully functioning air conditioner!
The second bed came in handy when a few friends crashed one night. Actually they crashed twice. But it was nice to see them. The hotel offered breakfast for free, and was extremely secure, but otherwise, it was just ok.
It served its purpose, a place to sleep, and close proximity to La Casa de mi Padre, where I am volunteering for the length of my time here in San Salvador.
Friday, the 10th, was the first day at the La Casa. It was a great first day! I arrived at 2pm, and was a given a quick tour of the home, and then had an hour introduction to what the children's home is all about. More on that later.
The director, Gary Powell, (more on him later, as well), then took me and a group from Georgia, on a tour of new land that was purchased to build a permanent center for the kids. The land is just jungle for now, with a prayer chapel at the entrance. Soon it will house close to 90 kids, and maintain a school, and housing for staff and volunteers.
Currently, La Casa is located in a house that is home to 37 kids. I will write much more on the program later, but now i'll just update on what i've been doing.
Saturday and Sunday was spent at a beach house, that was offered by a really nice guy. The kids loved it. There are pictures on facebook.
Monday was the first day at La Casa. I spent the first part of the day with the youth group from Georgia, fixing, or trying to fix the water drains, that were plugged. The second part of the day was spent with the kids, helping them with their homework, and playing.
Monday night I got back to the hotel, and did nothing!
Tuesday I helped the group pour concrete at La Casa. The afternoon was spent with the kids. Wednesday was the same schedule.
Wednesday night, Raquel took me to eat Pupusas, the traditional food in El Salvador. It was delicious. We also had other typical food. It was all really good!
Wait, i'm getting my days mixed up. I think it was Tuesday that I went to eat typical El Salvadorean food, and Wednesday, Cindy and Clarrissa came to visit me. They're going to kill me for telling this story, but it's hilarious. At least it was to me.
We went out, at night, in El Salvador, and it was very safe. We went to a place called Multi-Plaza, that has a few places to go out. The girls were told it was lady's night, and a place called Stanza was a cool place to go dancing. So they get dressed up, and drag me out. I wasn't in the mood to go out, but I went. The place was like any other club in L.A. Door man with a suit, who decides who gets in and who doesn't. Of course these girls from the States think they'll waltz right in to a club in El Salvador! So we walk up, and I let them know that they should do the talking, since it was "Lady's Night", and they were ladies. We walk up to one of the promoters, and ask what the story was for that night. He let them know that it was member's only! Member's only? What? I convinced them that it wasn't worth it, so we went to a spot with a live band, playing great covers. An hour later, the band stop playing, and they decided to give the club another shot.
We walk up, but first ask a local what members only meant? He let us know that anyone could get in, it was just a matter of paying a 10 dollar cover. So they get in line again, and get to the front, where the door man let's them know that it's members only, and they weren't getting in. I was cracking up! And of course by then they knew that it wasn't members only, it was just that they did want their kind in their club.
It was funny to me because i'm sure these girls were never rejected from a club in the U.S. And under normal circumstances they would not have been rejected from this club. But they are backpackers, meaning they didn't exactly bring clothes for going out. And on this particular night, they kind of stretched the whole "casual" look. I don't know why, but seeing them (and I should say us, because I was there as well), rejected, was hilarious to me.
Thursday I went with the group from Georgia, and Kurt, a missionary here in El Salvador, to ancient ruins. After seeing Palenque and Tikal, these were just ok. We also went to a small colonial town, and visited a family that La Casa built a house for a few months ago.
Friday we were back at La Casa with the kids
Saturday was visiting day at La Casa, and today, Sunday I went to church.
I'll have a lot more to say about La Casa in the next blog, but my internet time is almost up.
No time to edit, so please excuse errors in writing.
Love you all,
Michael
Friday, July 10, 2009
San Salvador, El Salvador: I`m in San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, and allegedly, a VERY dangerous city. But of course, it`s dangerous, but not any more dangerous than some neighborhoods in L.A. In fact I used the ATM machine last night at 10pm, and went for a bite to eat a half hour later. It`s like any big city, it has its nice spots, and ugly parts.
I arrived yesterday, from Guatemala City, which does appear to be very dangerous. I was only there for 3 hours, but you can just feel the tension. I was mostly at the bus station, but gained the courage to walk four blocks on either side of the station. Didn`t get mugged, but felt uneasy enough to not take another step further from the bus depot.
But, Guatemala, generally, was an amazing country. I arrived in Guatemala, via Palenque, about three weeks ago. The border crossing was fascinating, a van, a boat, and another small shuttle. I headed to Flores, Guatemala, a small island town, where I spent the night, only to be close to Tikal (ancient Mayan ruins). I contracted a virus (on my camera`s memory chip) along the way, so couldn`t take any pictures. But luckily, my friend did, and i`ve tagged myself on some of her photos on Facebook. Check them out.
From Tikal, I headed to the orphanage, in Rio Dulce, for two weeks. Then to Antigua. The next stop was supposed to be a lake town, called Panajachel. But after consulting with other travelers, I changed the destination to San Pedro. It was a good move.
San Pedro is a hippie town. The two girls I was traveling with, loved it. Since they`re a bit hippiesh (is that a word?) themselves. Or at least they love the whole hippy culture. If you know me, you know that I am quite the opposite. Very straight laced, conservative, etc, etc. So the trip to San Pedro was a growing experience for me. I was trying to become more "open minded". I guess it worked, i`m not sure. There are a few things I can learn from such a laid back attitude. One is to relax. The folks there were in no hurry, for anything. And they seem to get by just fine. Two,... I can`t think of two things I learned from them. But one is better than nothing!
San Pedro is also a nice place to visit for the scenary. Set among a lush green forest, overlooking Lake Atitlan, San Pedro could be atop anyone`s vacation destination list. We kayaked for four hours, and had lunch on a private beach one day. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! It was delicious. We went with a couple of Israeli soldiers, who had some pretty interesting stories to tell. I`ve heard lots about Israeli travellers, but these guys were cool. Of course, there are two sides to every story, but hearing their side was interesting. They say they love the Palestinian people, and most of them have no problem with Israeli`s, but it`s the leadership of Hamas that hinders peace. I`ve thought that all along, but i`ve never had the opportunity to speak to a member of Hamas, so I only know one side of the story. Who knows? I just hope they figure something out over there. A lot of history in that region.
Last Wednesday we were supposed to leave San Pedro, but there was only one shuttle bus leaving town, and it was full. So we took a 15 minute boat ride to another lake town, Panajachel, and hired a shuttle from there. A three hour bus ride turned into 5! We were waiting on the side of the road for a connecting shuttle for what seemed like forever. But eventually we got back to Antigua, so I could be closer to Guatemala City.
From Anitgua, caught a bus to Guatemala City, then to El Salvador, where I am today. Sad story about a traveler on the bus. Apparently immigration in Guatemala stamped his passport incorrectly, so they wouldn`t let him into El Salvador. He had to get off the bus, and fix his situation. The bus (we) left him. I felt horrible for the guy. He would probably have to spend the night on the border. The most dangerous part of any country. I hope he`s ok.
I`m staying at the Villa Serena Hotel; quite expensive, but safe. 26 bucks a night, with breakfast. Way out of my budget, but it was the place closest to the orphanage, and safest.
The accomodations are nice. I even have a TV in my room. I haven`t watched TV in weeks! Probably a good thing.
I`m off to the orphanage...
Everything is going great, hope all is well at home.
I love you all,
Michael
I arrived yesterday, from Guatemala City, which does appear to be very dangerous. I was only there for 3 hours, but you can just feel the tension. I was mostly at the bus station, but gained the courage to walk four blocks on either side of the station. Didn`t get mugged, but felt uneasy enough to not take another step further from the bus depot.
But, Guatemala, generally, was an amazing country. I arrived in Guatemala, via Palenque, about three weeks ago. The border crossing was fascinating, a van, a boat, and another small shuttle. I headed to Flores, Guatemala, a small island town, where I spent the night, only to be close to Tikal (ancient Mayan ruins). I contracted a virus (on my camera`s memory chip) along the way, so couldn`t take any pictures. But luckily, my friend did, and i`ve tagged myself on some of her photos on Facebook. Check them out.
From Tikal, I headed to the orphanage, in Rio Dulce, for two weeks. Then to Antigua. The next stop was supposed to be a lake town, called Panajachel. But after consulting with other travelers, I changed the destination to San Pedro. It was a good move.
San Pedro is a hippie town. The two girls I was traveling with, loved it. Since they`re a bit hippiesh (is that a word?) themselves. Or at least they love the whole hippy culture. If you know me, you know that I am quite the opposite. Very straight laced, conservative, etc, etc. So the trip to San Pedro was a growing experience for me. I was trying to become more "open minded". I guess it worked, i`m not sure. There are a few things I can learn from such a laid back attitude. One is to relax. The folks there were in no hurry, for anything. And they seem to get by just fine. Two,... I can`t think of two things I learned from them. But one is better than nothing!
San Pedro is also a nice place to visit for the scenary. Set among a lush green forest, overlooking Lake Atitlan, San Pedro could be atop anyone`s vacation destination list. We kayaked for four hours, and had lunch on a private beach one day. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches! It was delicious. We went with a couple of Israeli soldiers, who had some pretty interesting stories to tell. I`ve heard lots about Israeli travellers, but these guys were cool. Of course, there are two sides to every story, but hearing their side was interesting. They say they love the Palestinian people, and most of them have no problem with Israeli`s, but it`s the leadership of Hamas that hinders peace. I`ve thought that all along, but i`ve never had the opportunity to speak to a member of Hamas, so I only know one side of the story. Who knows? I just hope they figure something out over there. A lot of history in that region.
Last Wednesday we were supposed to leave San Pedro, but there was only one shuttle bus leaving town, and it was full. So we took a 15 minute boat ride to another lake town, Panajachel, and hired a shuttle from there. A three hour bus ride turned into 5! We were waiting on the side of the road for a connecting shuttle for what seemed like forever. But eventually we got back to Antigua, so I could be closer to Guatemala City.
From Anitgua, caught a bus to Guatemala City, then to El Salvador, where I am today. Sad story about a traveler on the bus. Apparently immigration in Guatemala stamped his passport incorrectly, so they wouldn`t let him into El Salvador. He had to get off the bus, and fix his situation. The bus (we) left him. I felt horrible for the guy. He would probably have to spend the night on the border. The most dangerous part of any country. I hope he`s ok.
I`m staying at the Villa Serena Hotel; quite expensive, but safe. 26 bucks a night, with breakfast. Way out of my budget, but it was the place closest to the orphanage, and safest.
The accomodations are nice. I even have a TV in my room. I haven`t watched TV in weeks! Probably a good thing.
I`m off to the orphanage...
Everything is going great, hope all is well at home.
I love you all,
Michael
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
San Pedro, Guatemala: Still in Guatemala. A very beautiful country. No one really has it on the top of their lists of places to visit, but really an amazing place to visit.
I need to do a bit of catching up, i´ve been slacking off on the blog. Let´s see. I left the orphanage last week, and can truly say I miss it. The way I planned my year long trip was six months of scheduled travel, and six months to re-visit favorite places. As of right now, it would be the orphanage.
From the orphanage went to Antigua, a very touristy town. But lots of history. I took salsa lessons while I was there, but I don´t know if I improved. But it was fun. Also took a walking tour with two other friends, with me as the guide. I made up most of the historical information, but about 30% was factual. They didn´t really care. Because the town is so touristy, I really didn´t speak spanish while I was there. In fact, I don´t think i´ve spoken spanish all week. I need to leave the tourist zones!
From Antigua, headed to San Pedro, where I am now. Very beautiful. Check out the pics on Facebook, if you don´t have one, sign up, it´s free. If you´re opposed to Facebook, thenlog on to your friends facebook and check them out. http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1366841075&ref=profile&__a=1
Traveling is great. There is no doubt that this trip was definitely worth it, and i´m just getting started. You learn a lot about yourself, and mostly from people your traveling with. They have some of the same complaints about me that people back home have. Hey, i´m working on it. But things are going generally well.
Of course, the news of Michael Jackson passing away made its way over here. Like everyone else, I was shocked. Besides his poor choices toward the end of his life, he was a man who for a day stopped LA traffic, and really the world. What an impact! They say the number of people you have at your funeral depends on the weather. I don´t think a blizzard would have stopped people from visiting Staple Center yesterday.
Next up for me is Antigua. Back to Antigua, then to Guatemala City, where i´ll catch a bus to El Salvador. I´m there for two weeks at La Casa de mi Padre children´s home. A much smaller operation than Casa Guatemala, but very much looking forward to it.
Hope all is well back home.
Love you all,
Michael
I need to do a bit of catching up, i´ve been slacking off on the blog. Let´s see. I left the orphanage last week, and can truly say I miss it. The way I planned my year long trip was six months of scheduled travel, and six months to re-visit favorite places. As of right now, it would be the orphanage.
From the orphanage went to Antigua, a very touristy town. But lots of history. I took salsa lessons while I was there, but I don´t know if I improved. But it was fun. Also took a walking tour with two other friends, with me as the guide. I made up most of the historical information, but about 30% was factual. They didn´t really care. Because the town is so touristy, I really didn´t speak spanish while I was there. In fact, I don´t think i´ve spoken spanish all week. I need to leave the tourist zones!
From Antigua, headed to San Pedro, where I am now. Very beautiful. Check out the pics on Facebook, if you don´t have one, sign up, it´s free. If you´re opposed to Facebook, thenlog on to your friends facebook and check them out. http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1366841075&ref=profile&__a=1
Traveling is great. There is no doubt that this trip was definitely worth it, and i´m just getting started. You learn a lot about yourself, and mostly from people your traveling with. They have some of the same complaints about me that people back home have. Hey, i´m working on it. But things are going generally well.
Of course, the news of Michael Jackson passing away made its way over here. Like everyone else, I was shocked. Besides his poor choices toward the end of his life, he was a man who for a day stopped LA traffic, and really the world. What an impact! They say the number of people you have at your funeral depends on the weather. I don´t think a blizzard would have stopped people from visiting Staple Center yesterday.
Next up for me is Antigua. Back to Antigua, then to Guatemala City, where i´ll catch a bus to El Salvador. I´m there for two weeks at La Casa de mi Padre children´s home. A much smaller operation than Casa Guatemala, but very much looking forward to it.
Hope all is well back home.
Love you all,
Michael
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