“I got two sticks and they make fire, gonna rubb em’ together and make some change……” Khalil’s words and song emanate from the lips, hearts and minds of us all and resonate in the hallways of MONCAR, the women’s owned and operated collectiva in Monte Carmelo where we stayed for 4 nights. From this one spot, where women have organized themselves to make canned goods and pasta sauce that has in turned allowed them to support the opening of a school above their collectiva, we are able to walk up the street to visit with a Cuban doctor who provides free dental and health care to campesinos through Mision Barrio Adentro, or to take a winding ride in the back of a truck through dusty roads winding through coffee farms with views of the surrounding hills to visit Alianza, a worker owned organic farm to meditatively pick weeds from cilantro. A true sense of community, examples of empowerment and change and a connection to meaning all live here, so much to learn from this small farming community in the Venezuelan hills. Inspiration is here, models for change are here, but the work needs to be done at home and there is much to be done. Reflecting on the trip what do I bring back, how do I use what I have learned to begin, to continue the same acts of empowerment designed around our community’s needs? I find myself looking around and picking up sticks…..
- Bremner
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
Some Photos
Here are a few photos from the trip. Coming soon to our website: baygi.org - an entire array of photos spanning the entire 12 days of BAYGI's Venezuela 2008 expedition. From top to bottom: group photo in front of a waterfall at the Yacambu National Park; meeting with students at Mission Ribas, adult education and literacy program; Kaylon, Bremner and Navida filling bags to prepare for planting mango trees; BAYGI students leading a community builder with students from the Bolivarian High School of Sanare.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Kick Ass Trip
March 29, 2008
I never really cared about seeing other parts of the world..pRobabLy because I never knew what a great experience it would be..as soon as I got off the plain I was really undecided about being in another country and I didn’t really think that seeing another country would be an important factor or a part of my growth..Being here in the past 13 days has really changed my views and opinions on life..I guess as a child you don’t really understand that different parts of the world are actually different..sure..we are all people with the same organs body, parts, emotions, ideas, capabilities...but culture, government and who runs it can have a GREAT effect on the environment of the countries..this has been a really nice experience for me to be in venezuela...Something inside of me is telling me to run away from the staff before they try to take me back to that hell hole!..(a joke)..but anyway I really fell in love with being here and it has inspired me to go other places to see what else it out there..
- Jeanina
I never really cared about seeing other parts of the world..pRobabLy because I never knew what a great experience it would be..as soon as I got off the plain I was really undecided about being in another country and I didn’t really think that seeing another country would be an important factor or a part of my growth..Being here in the past 13 days has really changed my views and opinions on life..I guess as a child you don’t really understand that different parts of the world are actually different..sure..we are all people with the same organs body, parts, emotions, ideas, capabilities...but culture, government and who runs it can have a GREAT effect on the environment of the countries..this has been a really nice experience for me to be in venezuela...Something inside of me is telling me to run away from the staff before they try to take me back to that hell hole!..(a joke)..but anyway I really fell in love with being here and it has inspired me to go other places to see what else it out there..
- Jeanina
Bien!
March 27, 2008
Well so far this trip has had a lot of ups and downs. Overall its been a good trip. We have visited a few schools, from elementary to a place called Mission Ribas which is a school for people who didn't get a chance to go to school or that had to end school early. The people were welcoming us with open arms wiling to answer any questions we had honestly and coming from there heart. Everyone was excited to see us and have a chance to talk to us. All the people here are very welcoming and happy to see people from America. We have been hanging out with the people in the neighborhoods that we have staying at and they are extremely fun to hang out it and we have learned a lot from them and they have also learned a lot from us.It was really hard for everyone to adjust to the living style here and it took a long time. Once people started to get comfortable we began to have more fun. This trip has been a really interesting experience and i am happy that i came here.
- Reem
Well so far this trip has had a lot of ups and downs. Overall its been a good trip. We have visited a few schools, from elementary to a place called Mission Ribas which is a school for people who didn't get a chance to go to school or that had to end school early. The people were welcoming us with open arms wiling to answer any questions we had honestly and coming from there heart. Everyone was excited to see us and have a chance to talk to us. All the people here are very welcoming and happy to see people from America. We have been hanging out with the people in the neighborhoods that we have staying at and they are extremely fun to hang out it and we have learned a lot from them and they have also learned a lot from us.It was really hard for everyone to adjust to the living style here and it took a long time. Once people started to get comfortable we began to have more fun. This trip has been a really interesting experience and i am happy that i came here.
- Reem
Mi dia en la escuela
March 26, 2008
Yesterday was one of the funnest days I ever had in my life. The experience I had with the elementary students from Volcancito Elementary really opened my eyes to see how much our home is such a dream for them. From the moment we walked into the school all eyes were on us with the most innocent and curious eyes. At first I don’t think any of us had any idea of how eye opening this experience would be. The students in Venezuela are so welcoming to all and accepting. I was afraid to not know how to say things or how to speak to the kids because they were all young but
in fact I had nothing to worry about. They immediately walked up to all of us and just wanted to be around us and just try to take in any of the facts that we could give them from the united states. They really believe in a lot of the things that they see on television. When the fact that I’m mexican came up they immediately wanted to know how was it like there and many other things. In the time of their recess all the little kids came up to us asking us for our autographs and our phone numbers like if we were movie stars. At that moment i felt overwhelmed by all the kids around me but also i realized that we are more to them than just some white tourists but we were their link to the united states. At such a young age, from first grade to sixth, they were all trying to know what we thought of their president and what was it like to live in all those kind of places. i never in my life had ever been amazed by such a young group of people who know so much. Also my most favorite anecdote was when we were about to leave this one little girl whose class i got to be in, just walked up to me and gave me one of her color pencils that was super big. When she gave it to me she told me to remember venezuela. This memory will stay with me forever and I’m hoping that the rest of the trip will be as great as it has been so far.
- Lupe
Yesterday was one of the funnest days I ever had in my life. The experience I had with the elementary students from Volcancito Elementary really opened my eyes to see how much our home is such a dream for them. From the moment we walked into the school all eyes were on us with the most innocent and curious eyes. At first I don’t think any of us had any idea of how eye opening this experience would be. The students in Venezuela are so welcoming to all and accepting. I was afraid to not know how to say things or how to speak to the kids because they were all young but
in fact I had nothing to worry about. They immediately walked up to all of us and just wanted to be around us and just try to take in any of the facts that we could give them from the united states. They really believe in a lot of the things that they see on television. When the fact that I’m mexican came up they immediately wanted to know how was it like there and many other things. In the time of their recess all the little kids came up to us asking us for our autographs and our phone numbers like if we were movie stars. At that moment i felt overwhelmed by all the kids around me but also i realized that we are more to them than just some white tourists but we were their link to the united states. At such a young age, from first grade to sixth, they were all trying to know what we thought of their president and what was it like to live in all those kind of places. i never in my life had ever been amazed by such a young group of people who know so much. Also my most favorite anecdote was when we were about to leave this one little girl whose class i got to be in, just walked up to me and gave me one of her color pencils that was super big. When she gave it to me she told me to remember venezuela. This memory will stay with me forever and I’m hoping that the rest of the trip will be as great as it has been so far.
- Lupe
Different Is Not Always Worse
March 26, 2008
For our time here in Monte Carmelo we are staying in a women’s cooperative called MONCAR, today was the first time that we were told how this co-op came about and what part it plays in this community. Its signifacince in the community of Monte Carmelo surprised me. It surprised me that what started out as a few women producing pasta sauces from there homes could grow into one of the most influential parts of this community. MONCAR’ s pasta sauces are only a fraction of the things that this co-op represents to it’s community. Fro an example, MONCAR is striving to create equality between men and women in the town they have done this by showing the community that not only has a group of all women created a co-op but the co-op they have created is a very successful one. MONCAR is also housing the high school for Monte Carmelo in the second floor of their building. After hearing the things that MONCAR represents to the people in Monte Carmelo I realized that this co-op is a very good example of empowerment. Just as Winta felt empowered by seeing the thriving business that the women at Ocho de Marzo have created, women are empowered by the feeling of equality they get from the power MONCAR has, children are empowered by the things that they learn in the space MONCAR has provided and I felt empowered by hearing about a group of women who built a successful, thriving and powerful business from the ground up.
MONCAR’ s story reminded me that we as people from a very different place we have many things to learn from Venezuela. It is essential as a traveler to remind your self that difference is not always worse and that in every new place there is a lesson to grow from. For an example, a place my not have luxuries such as running water but that doesn’t mean that the place can’t teach you something of great importance.
- Natalie
For our time here in Monte Carmelo we are staying in a women’s cooperative called MONCAR, today was the first time that we were told how this co-op came about and what part it plays in this community. Its signifacince in the community of Monte Carmelo surprised me. It surprised me that what started out as a few women producing pasta sauces from there homes could grow into one of the most influential parts of this community. MONCAR’ s pasta sauces are only a fraction of the things that this co-op represents to it’s community. Fro an example, MONCAR is striving to create equality between men and women in the town they have done this by showing the community that not only has a group of all women created a co-op but the co-op they have created is a very successful one. MONCAR is also housing the high school for Monte Carmelo in the second floor of their building. After hearing the things that MONCAR represents to the people in Monte Carmelo I realized that this co-op is a very good example of empowerment. Just as Winta felt empowered by seeing the thriving business that the women at Ocho de Marzo have created, women are empowered by the feeling of equality they get from the power MONCAR has, children are empowered by the things that they learn in the space MONCAR has provided and I felt empowered by hearing about a group of women who built a successful, thriving and powerful business from the ground up.
MONCAR’ s story reminded me that we as people from a very different place we have many things to learn from Venezuela. It is essential as a traveler to remind your self that difference is not always worse and that in every new place there is a lesson to grow from. For an example, a place my not have luxuries such as running water but that doesn’t mean that the place can’t teach you something of great importance.
- Natalie
8 de Marzo
March 25, 2008
Yesterday was the first day of actually doing some real hands on work. I got to volunteer at the pasta factory that is ran by all women. I got to talk to the ladies that worked at the factory and they showed me what the factory looked like when they first started out which was 25 years ago. The name of the factory is “8 de Marzo” which is also international women’s day. What started out 25 years ago as a made by hand business has grown into a thriving local business. I thought it was amazing how far these women have gotten considering that this was all done in a developing country.
They showed us around the factory and showed us how and what all the machines where used for. Most of the work such as packaging and sorting out the pasta was all done by hand. As far has making the the pasta, which is made by using machines, most of the work is still done by hand.
I got a chance to speak with Santiaga and Gabriela who are sisters. I was shocked to learn that they had 16 brothers and sisters and they each had a big family of their own. This experience was powerful for me as a woman and i feel that both men and woman should have the opportunity to feel such empowerment.
- Winta
Yesterday was the first day of actually doing some real hands on work. I got to volunteer at the pasta factory that is ran by all women. I got to talk to the ladies that worked at the factory and they showed me what the factory looked like when they first started out which was 25 years ago. The name of the factory is “8 de Marzo” which is also international women’s day. What started out 25 years ago as a made by hand business has grown into a thriving local business. I thought it was amazing how far these women have gotten considering that this was all done in a developing country.
They showed us around the factory and showed us how and what all the machines where used for. Most of the work such as packaging and sorting out the pasta was all done by hand. As far has making the the pasta, which is made by using machines, most of the work is still done by hand.
I got a chance to speak with Santiaga and Gabriela who are sisters. I was shocked to learn that they had 16 brothers and sisters and they each had a big family of their own. This experience was powerful for me as a woman and i feel that both men and woman should have the opportunity to feel such empowerment.
- Winta
Adelante!
March 24, 2008
It is day 5 of our journey and I feel like we are finally finding our legs and immersing ourselves in the movement that persists everywhere here in Venezuela; the young people on the trip starting to get a sense of why they are here - why here in Venezuela. We arrived during Semana Santa or Holy Week, during which practically all of Venezuela closes down to celebrate the holiday. Caracas was a ghost town and Barquisimeto even more so. On Sunday, we hiked through the Yacambu National Park and found our way to a small waterfall. Several of us plunged into the frigid water and swam beneath the waterfall. We returned refreshed to the posada MONCAR, which doubles as a women’s collective that produces pasta sauce, jellies and candied fruits. The women of the collective have been preparing three hearty meals every day for us - keeping us energized for the full days.
The community of MONCAR is tiny but certainly not sleepy. Movement here is abound - political, social and cultural. As Gaudi, founder and matriarch of MONCAR asserted, the cooperative is about more than just making pasta sauces and marmalades. Since their inception 16 years ago they have worked for gender equality in their community, raised money to build community projects, planted thousands of trees, and pushed forward the process of revolutionary change on the local level. Communities in the US have much to learn from places such as Monte Carmelo.
- Trevor
It is day 5 of our journey and I feel like we are finally finding our legs and immersing ourselves in the movement that persists everywhere here in Venezuela; the young people on the trip starting to get a sense of why they are here - why here in Venezuela. We arrived during Semana Santa or Holy Week, during which practically all of Venezuela closes down to celebrate the holiday. Caracas was a ghost town and Barquisimeto even more so. On Sunday, we hiked through the Yacambu National Park and found our way to a small waterfall. Several of us plunged into the frigid water and swam beneath the waterfall. We returned refreshed to the posada MONCAR, which doubles as a women’s collective that produces pasta sauce, jellies and candied fruits. The women of the collective have been preparing three hearty meals every day for us - keeping us energized for the full days.
The community of MONCAR is tiny but certainly not sleepy. Movement here is abound - political, social and cultural. As Gaudi, founder and matriarch of MONCAR asserted, the cooperative is about more than just making pasta sauces and marmalades. Since their inception 16 years ago they have worked for gender equality in their community, raised money to build community projects, planted thousands of trees, and pushed forward the process of revolutionary change on the local level. Communities in the US have much to learn from places such as Monte Carmelo.
- Trevor
Friday, March 28, 2008
Day 9 in Venezuela
Hey everybody!! We´ve just finish spending about 5 days in a place called Monte Carmelo, which is not too far from Sanare. Monte Carmelo is located up in the mountains in the country side of Venezuela in the state of Lara. Our days have been so jam packed with activites and with our itinerary constantly changing due to lack of communication. The entire time spent in Monte Carmelo was definately time spent well. We didn´t do much the first day or so, but as things got rolling, we went to this small waterfall in a national park called Yacambu. It was rough the first full week we have been here because it was holy week which meant that just about everything was closed. Anyway, the rest of our time spent in Monte Carmelo was deicaded to visiting schools and these places known as cooperatives. Some of the schools we went to were a Bolivarian High School, and an elementary school. We also stoped by, I guess what we would call an adult school, Mision Ribas. So, Venezuela´s school system is similar to ours in the states except for the fact that they only have to main levels of schooling. The first is Primary, which is 1st grade to 6th grade and the Secondary which is their high school level but known a 4th and 5th grade, but high school. Majority of the schools we visited are big like Skyline, or any other major high school in the Bay Area. Some of the activities that we did was get divided into groups and discuss differences between our school systems. Most of the students in the group would probably agree that their system of schooling is better than what we have. Most of us exchanged numbers and or emails and we got a chance to hang out with them and play a game of volleyball at one of the schools. The one thing a lot the Venezuelan students were shcoked at was that we were able to wear earings and dye our hair and didn´t have to wear uniform. The other form of schooling, are these things called misiones. For example, there are three levels, Mision Robinson, which is like primary schooling, for adults, a basic level. Then there´s Mision Ribas, which is equivelent to high school education for adults, then there´s Mision Sucre wich I beleve is the highest level of education one can get through this type of system. We visited Mision Ribas, and spent time talking with some of the adults and coordinadors within the program. The cool thing about this system is that it´s like a public high school for anyn adult needing a high school education, and I think the best part is that the entire program of all three of these Misones is that it´s funded the PDV, http://www.pdvsa.com/, the major gas company here in Venezuela. Also while in Monte Carmelo we visited, and volunteered in three co-operatives (cooperativas). Ocho de Marzo(the 8th of March) , La Alianza (The Alliance), and Mision Arbol. Ocho de Marzo is a Sanare based cooperative that produces it´s own pastas and granolas. Some of the student were able to make and package the granola and pastas and experience what it was like being part of the process. La Alianza, which is about a ten minute drive up from Monte Carmelo, is a farmong cooperative that grows it´s own organic fruits and vegitables, along with the production of yogart. I was one of 8 who had the privledge of working in the fields weeding out cilantro. Although the work seemed hard and exausting, it was actually fun and prodcutive. The fun part was the end of seeing all the work we had done gone to good use of how when we first started to how the rows of cilamtro looked at the end. The other upside to that, was haing your hands get softed by the dirt and your hands smelling like cilantro. Mision Arbol is also in Sanare and the whole point of that was to learn how to make fertilizer using cow poop and turning it into manure to plant trees. Sorry I don´t know much of that specific cooperative. It was a really nice and fun experience because we stayed at a ladies cooperative which produced pasta sauces and maralede. The one thing none of us really like about the stay was the fact that there was only running water at two specific times in the day, which was the morning and the afternoon, the rest of the time was cold bucket showers, and fitting ten girl in one room. All in all it was a very interesting experience and come to think of it, Venezuela its actually growing on the students. actually, I´ve already heard some say that they want to stay longer. Well, I gues I should be going because aparently I have a 6hour bus ride ahead of me to head to the beach and we´re scheduled to leave at about 6:30 in the morning. I´ll continue to try my best as to keep you guys updated, so until next time...Peace.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Oh, Solitude land me your ears
March 23, 2008
Yeah. Homesickness has definitely set in, and now I’m just trying to get along with everybody else. I fee like I’m at a disadvantage, because I am the only one from my school, and even then I don’t really know any of the other kids. It’s an awesome trip though, and I’m happy to be here. It’s not unusual to feel alone, and as long as I remind myself of that, everything is alright.
- Eric
Yeah. Homesickness has definitely set in, and now I’m just trying to get along with everybody else. I fee like I’m at a disadvantage, because I am the only one from my school, and even then I don’t really know any of the other kids. It’s an awesome trip though, and I’m happy to be here. It’s not unusual to feel alone, and as long as I remind myself of that, everything is alright.
- Eric
Who's Really Behind the History?
March 21, 2008
Arriving in Venezuela was a great feeling, having the flight delayed didn’t turn out to be as bad as I thought considering the cooler whether. Seeing all the different people yet still looking similar in different ways is nice to see. Our first day we learned many new things about the history of Venezuela. I love the way Luis taught us making things interesting and fun. One thing that I liked the most was the fact that he had mentioned and made clear that even though history is made out to think that it was the conquistadors that made the country what it was it was really the people native and Africans that put their strength, blood, and tears into the success of the country and without them none of the Americas would be what it today. I aprechiate his recognition
to those who have never gotten it, THE REAL HEROS. I feel good about the decision I made about commiting myself to this experience, I am learning new things and expanding on my views on the world.
- Navida
Arriving in Venezuela was a great feeling, having the flight delayed didn’t turn out to be as bad as I thought considering the cooler whether. Seeing all the different people yet still looking similar in different ways is nice to see. Our first day we learned many new things about the history of Venezuela. I love the way Luis taught us making things interesting and fun. One thing that I liked the most was the fact that he had mentioned and made clear that even though history is made out to think that it was the conquistadors that made the country what it was it was really the people native and Africans that put their strength, blood, and tears into the success of the country and without them none of the Americas would be what it today. I aprechiate his recognition
to those who have never gotten it, THE REAL HEROS. I feel good about the decision I made about commiting myself to this experience, I am learning new things and expanding on my views on the world.
- Navida
March 22, 2008
Hey everybody! We have went through some rough days just sitting down for hours but its been worth because I have learned so many things about venezuela that I had no idea. We got a tour through west Caracas and downtown Caracas we saw the presidential palace where Hugo Chavez was at. It was sad how many people out here live in this dirty environment its not healthy for pregnant women or children.Today is viernes santo and everyone we probably doing activities for the holiday.i thank the two lovely women in East Caracas that cooked for use that gave us Posada at their house. Also they’re have been wonderful people out here that have been so helpful and took they’re time to actually show us and tell us about Venezuela.It has been some exciting
this three days in Caracas and now we are actually on the bus on our way to Barquisimeto we will be they’re until 6p.m. and we will drive 15mins away to monte carmelo were we will be staying for four days we will be ding alot of activities with schools over they’re. Well ill keep in touch and upgrade with our trip in venezuela.
- Celeste
Hey everybody! We have went through some rough days just sitting down for hours but its been worth because I have learned so many things about venezuela that I had no idea. We got a tour through west Caracas and downtown Caracas we saw the presidential palace where Hugo Chavez was at. It was sad how many people out here live in this dirty environment its not healthy for pregnant women or children.Today is viernes santo and everyone we probably doing activities for the holiday.i thank the two lovely women in East Caracas that cooked for use that gave us Posada at their house. Also they’re have been wonderful people out here that have been so helpful and took they’re time to actually show us and tell us about Venezuela.It has been some exciting
this three days in Caracas and now we are actually on the bus on our way to Barquisimeto we will be they’re until 6p.m. and we will drive 15mins away to monte carmelo were we will be staying for four days we will be ding alot of activities with schools over they’re. Well ill keep in touch and upgrade with our trip in venezuela.
- Celeste
Afternoon on our way to Monte Carmelo
Venezuela is a leader in the way that the world should become. When we landed and stepped into the humidity I didn’t know what history and uprise was created in it.
The first day here was great. At first I thought we were going to be regular turistas because that’s what the agenda seemed like it would be. But once I saw the casitas on the hill I knew it wasn’t going to be any regular commercial area. The Barrios were the first thing I noticed. They reminded me of the Favelas in Brasil. They looked like they were made by hand not like the section 8’s or the projects in the city.
Anywho, In our day out on Caracas we had a tour like no other. Our leader Luis was very informational and Entertaining. He didn’t just take us around and show us all the national land marks, but took us on a historical rout. One that started with Simon Bolivar and ended with Chavez. Through out our tour we saw how the plaza was filled with gente dressed in purple because it was semana santa because their lives were saved at some point in their lives. It was interesting how Luis was explaining the four powers in the plaza were built in the 1500’s. IT’s amazing how long the Church has been in power. Not only in Venezuela, but through all Latin American Countries.
After taking a quick bite of some pan dulce, we went to see the longest mural of history I have ever seen. It began with the indigenas of venezuela when it all came from, then went to how the meztisos came to be and followed with all the scandeles with in the politics. It was almost like watching a movie with Luis being the narrator. I hope that One day there can be a mural like that in the US.I can’t wait to talk to some youth about what’s really going on with this untelevised revolution.
- Alma
The first day here was great. At first I thought we were going to be regular turistas because that’s what the agenda seemed like it would be. But once I saw the casitas on the hill I knew it wasn’t going to be any regular commercial area. The Barrios were the first thing I noticed. They reminded me of the Favelas in Brasil. They looked like they were made by hand not like the section 8’s or the projects in the city.
Anywho, In our day out on Caracas we had a tour like no other. Our leader Luis was very informational and Entertaining. He didn’t just take us around and show us all the national land marks, but took us on a historical rout. One that started with Simon Bolivar and ended with Chavez. Through out our tour we saw how the plaza was filled with gente dressed in purple because it was semana santa because their lives were saved at some point in their lives. It was interesting how Luis was explaining the four powers in the plaza were built in the 1500’s. IT’s amazing how long the Church has been in power. Not only in Venezuela, but through all Latin American Countries.
After taking a quick bite of some pan dulce, we went to see the longest mural of history I have ever seen. It began with the indigenas of venezuela when it all came from, then went to how the meztisos came to be and followed with all the scandeles with in the politics. It was almost like watching a movie with Luis being the narrator. I hope that One day there can be a mural like that in the US.I can’t wait to talk to some youth about what’s really going on with this untelevised revolution.
- Alma
Oil-Spill Alley
March 22, 2008
We woke up at about 5:00 in the morning, which is about 2:30 in the morning PST. I was kinda grumpy, and apparently I snore loud enough to disturb the dead. The food is SOO rich here. The cheese we had this morning tasted like it had just been made, and the cow was still nearby. The milk is somewhat the same, and whether it’s being in a different country or just a better outlook, it tastes better than it does in the states. I love the music that plays. It a perfect narrative for the scenes you see as you drive down the roads, past housing both formal and informal, poor and middle class, even some moderately rich. It’s so interesting to hear the people speak, to us and to other people. It’s so fluid and easy, and sometimes I try to imitate them in the hopes of learning something new. My knowledge of the language has expanded ten-fold in a day, and I have acquired what I like to refer to as an accent.
There is so much positive energy here, and even though we’re considered gringos, we are treated well. The car rides are interesting with the music, sights, smells, and when we get pit-stops, the tastes. There is a never-ending supply of intrigue here, and insight to be found. In only 2 days here learned more than I could have imagined. This is what I was hoping for. Right now we are on our way to Barquisimeto, and spelling that was just as difficult as the million-hour bus ride there. Surprises and adventures are afoot.
-Eric
We woke up at about 5:00 in the morning, which is about 2:30 in the morning PST. I was kinda grumpy, and apparently I snore loud enough to disturb the dead. The food is SOO rich here. The cheese we had this morning tasted like it had just been made, and the cow was still nearby. The milk is somewhat the same, and whether it’s being in a different country or just a better outlook, it tastes better than it does in the states. I love the music that plays. It a perfect narrative for the scenes you see as you drive down the roads, past housing both formal and informal, poor and middle class, even some moderately rich. It’s so interesting to hear the people speak, to us and to other people. It’s so fluid and easy, and sometimes I try to imitate them in the hopes of learning something new. My knowledge of the language has expanded ten-fold in a day, and I have acquired what I like to refer to as an accent.
There is so much positive energy here, and even though we’re considered gringos, we are treated well. The car rides are interesting with the music, sights, smells, and when we get pit-stops, the tastes. There is a never-ending supply of intrigue here, and insight to be found. In only 2 days here learned more than I could have imagined. This is what I was hoping for. Right now we are on our way to Barquisimeto, and spelling that was just as difficult as the million-hour bus ride there. Surprises and adventures are afoot.
-Eric
Beauty Everywhere
March 21, 2008
The trip is going amazing. We had a great day visiting Caracas. We inundated the students with history and talked a lot about community. I am impressed with how well the group gets along. The conversation about community and making our group commitments for the trip was fun and insightful. It warms my heart and soul to see the students learning and experiencing new things. I am really starting to feel the results of all the hard work put into BAYGI.
Seeing all the old and new faces in Venezuela brings back fond memories. There are so many beautiful people in the world doing so many great things. I have engaged in enlightening and hard conversation about community and equity that have my mind spinning trying to figure things out. We are heading to Sanare to see more of our friends and fall in more and more times. Peace and Love Jason Gardner
The trip is going amazing. We had a great day visiting Caracas. We inundated the students with history and talked a lot about community. I am impressed with how well the group gets along. The conversation about community and making our group commitments for the trip was fun and insightful. It warms my heart and soul to see the students learning and experiencing new things. I am really starting to feel the results of all the hard work put into BAYGI.
Seeing all the old and new faces in Venezuela brings back fond memories. There are so many beautiful people in the world doing so many great things. I have engaged in enlightening and hard conversation about community and equity that have my mind spinning trying to figure things out. We are heading to Sanare to see more of our friends and fall in more and more times. Peace and Love Jason Gardner
I Can Understand Spanish When I Listen!
March 21, 2008
Today, after having my ears inundated with Venezuelan Spanish, I realized that my ears are becoming more familiar with this language that I want to learn. After a year of not really speaking, but listening to a lot of music, I can understand a lot what is being said. It’s funny how we make plans to learn a language and then a year later, oops... Anyway, I look forward to this wonderful time here with friends and language and love.
- Khalil
Today, after having my ears inundated with Venezuelan Spanish, I realized that my ears are becoming more familiar with this language that I want to learn. After a year of not really speaking, but listening to a lot of music, I can understand a lot what is being said. It’s funny how we make plans to learn a language and then a year later, oops... Anyway, I look forward to this wonderful time here with friends and language and love.
- Khalil
On Our Way
March 20, 2008
Flight 301 from Atlanta to Caracas - we are on our way. This moment has come so rapidly and, though we have spent months organizing the trip, raising the funds to make it possible, planning an itinerary that aims to transform hearts and minds, and preparing the youth for the wonderful challenges of international travel, it seems like yesterday that I was gathering students in room 307 at City Arts and Tech High School to watch a slide show of the previous trip to Venezuela to get them excited the journey.
I have traveled out of the country every summer since I started teaching in the Bay 9 years ago and have visited Venezuela 3 times in the past few years but getting on a plane to fly several thousand miles and a language away brings challenges that I have never faced before. At 5am this morning I kissed goodbye my partner, Shikira and Omari, my 9 month-old son - knowing I would be away from his glowing smile and his captivating laughter for almost two weeks. Two days marks the longest span of time I have been away from him in his short lifetime but, though I know I will miss both he and Shikira like broken wings miss flight, I am excited about both seeing the world with the new eyes of a father and returning to family carrying new experiences and insights in my heart and mind.
- Trevor
Flight 301 from Atlanta to Caracas - we are on our way. This moment has come so rapidly and, though we have spent months organizing the trip, raising the funds to make it possible, planning an itinerary that aims to transform hearts and minds, and preparing the youth for the wonderful challenges of international travel, it seems like yesterday that I was gathering students in room 307 at City Arts and Tech High School to watch a slide show of the previous trip to Venezuela to get them excited the journey.
I have traveled out of the country every summer since I started teaching in the Bay 9 years ago and have visited Venezuela 3 times in the past few years but getting on a plane to fly several thousand miles and a language away brings challenges that I have never faced before. At 5am this morning I kissed goodbye my partner, Shikira and Omari, my 9 month-old son - knowing I would be away from his glowing smile and his captivating laughter for almost two weeks. Two days marks the longest span of time I have been away from him in his short lifetime but, though I know I will miss both he and Shikira like broken wings miss flight, I am excited about both seeing the world with the new eyes of a father and returning to family carrying new experiences and insights in my heart and mind.
- Trevor
Thursday, March 20, 2008
On Our Way
Flight 301 from Atlanta to Caracas - we are on our way. This moment has come so rapidly and, though we have spent months organizing the trip, raising the funds to make it possible, planning an itinerary that aims to transform hearts and minds, and preparing the youth for the wonderful challenges of international travel, it seems like yesterday that I was gathering students in room 307 at City Arts and Tech High School to watch a slide show of the previous trip to Venezuela to get them excited the journey.
I have traveled out of the country every summer since I started teaching in the Bay 9 years ago and have visited Venezuela 3 times in the past few years but getting on a plane to fly several thousand miles and a language away brings challenges that I have never faced before. At 5am this morning I kissed goodbye my partner, Shikira and Omari, my 9 month-old son - knowing I would be away from his glowing smile and his captivating laughter for almost two weeks. Two days marks the longest span of time I have been away from him in his short lifetime but, though I know I will miss both he and Shikira like broken wings miss flight, I am excited about both seeing the world with the new eyes of a father and returning to family carrying new experiences and insights in my heart and mind.
by Trevor
I have traveled out of the country every summer since I started teaching in the Bay 9 years ago and have visited Venezuela 3 times in the past few years but getting on a plane to fly several thousand miles and a language away brings challenges that I have never faced before. At 5am this morning I kissed goodbye my partner, Shikira and Omari, my 9 month-old son - knowing I would be away from his glowing smile and his captivating laughter for almost two weeks. Two days marks the longest span of time I have been away from him in his short lifetime but, though I know I will miss both he and Shikira like broken wings miss flight, I am excited about both seeing the world with the new eyes of a father and returning to family carrying new experiences and insights in my heart and mind.
by Trevor
Day 1 in Caracas
Hey everybody, we are in our second day in Caracas, Venezuela. I according to the time difference, it should be about 6:30. Anyway, I was able to post anything yesterday because of internet connections. Today was our first official day in Caracas, we didn't do much because we got a late start, but the only thing we did do was take a tour of the city and got a lesson on Venezuela's brief history all in a mural, and caught up with some old friends, and took a small tour of native's town. We got to see the house in which Simon Bolivar was born in. Simon Bolivar is in equivilent to George Washington, but better. We drove by the presidential palace called Mira Flores. We weren't allowed to get photos because of high security, but I did get some footage of it on video. The one thing that has really stood to me was the amount of graffiti and the advertisements. The downtown area of Caracas is almost not too much different from America. The graffiti here is allowed regardless of whether it's on private property or public. The only thing the police will question is whether the graffiti is political or art work because I guess they don't really allow political graffiti in certain areas. The one thing that sucks is that every time we come to Venezuela, it's during holy week, which means just about every thing's closed. Tomorrow we will be leaving at about 6:30-7:00 for a 6hr bus ride to a city called Sanare, which is in a different state. Our entire week is jam packed, and while in Sanare, we are susposed to be volunteering at some adult schools. So it is going to be 10:00, and I will keep you updated as soon as possible.
Ciao!
Keep you questions coming, and I'll try and answer them to the best of my abilities.
by Stefani
Ciao!
Keep you questions coming, and I'll try and answer them to the best of my abilities.
by Stefani
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Venezuela and me
I never really been out of the country so I amvery interested in see what the country is like. I want to know how different the culture is. I want to learn if the people there have similar values. I want to see what types of things they considered to be important and want to keep in their lives for a long time. I want to learn what types of things that people out there do for fun and if they are the same or not. I want to see if they value family as much as people do in america.
I am most interested in the music because I like to dance. I am also interested in the education. I am interested in see who are in school and who aren't. I want to learn about what they are learning and ta the age in which they learn things. I would also like to see what people think about the politics. I would like to know how many students want to make changes like chavez.
A question that I have is how do venezuelans value their family? What values do people have?
I am most interested in the music because I like to dance. I am also interested in the education. I am interested in see who are in school and who aren't. I want to learn about what they are learning and ta the age in which they learn things. I would also like to see what people think about the politics. I would like to know how many students want to make changes like chavez.
A question that I have is how do venezuelans value their family? What values do people have?
Since I am a Colombian citizen, something that I would like to learn most while my stay in Venezuela is about politics. Ill be really interesting to know what really is going on and learn about how things are really inside the country instead of just reading it in the media. I think that by being there and getting the real experience and the perspective from the Venezuelan citizens, would give me a really good look at the situation and understanding.
The aspects that most interest me of our visit to Venezuela are the culture, music and politics. The culture interest me because is really similar to the Colombian culture, also the music have similar influences, and of course the politics because of the conflict between Colombia and Venezuela, and ill like to find out more about how Chavez came to power for its second time.
-What does the small blue book consists of, how is it helping the community, how is it helping Chavez?
-Is the Venezuelan economy being affected by the how the country is being lead. Can you see it?
- Angelica Griseles
The aspects that most interest me of our visit to Venezuela are the culture, music and politics. The culture interest me because is really similar to the Colombian culture, also the music have similar influences, and of course the politics because of the conflict between Colombia and Venezuela, and ill like to find out more about how Chavez came to power for its second time.
-What does the small blue book consists of, how is it helping the community, how is it helping Chavez?
-Is the Venezuelan economy being affected by the how the country is being lead. Can you see it?
- Angelica Griseles
Winta Debas
WINTA DEBAS
1. WHILE IN VENEZUELA, I WANT TO LEARN MOST ABOUT THE
CULTURE AND THE POLITICS OF THE COUNTRY AND HOW IT HAS
CHANGED OVER THE YEARS AND WHAT FACTORS CAUSED THE
CULTURE OF THE ORIGINAL PEOPLE TO CHANGE OTHER THAN
COLONIZATION.
I WANT TO COME BACK WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF HOW A
DEVELOPING COUNTRY STRUGGLES TO MAKE ENDS MEAT. I
REMEMBER WHEN I WAS IN NICARAGUA, I NOTICED THAT THE
PEOPLE WHERE GRATEFUL FOR THE LITTLE THAT THEY HAD AND
SAW HOW THE UNITED STATES AND OTHER COUNTRIES VALUE
WHAT THEY HAVE DIFFERENTLY. IN THE UNITED STATES, WE
TAKE THE MANY THINGS WE HAVE FOR GRANTED.
THIS WILL HELP ME TO GIVE BACK TO MY COMMUNITY BY
SHARING THE EXPERIENCES I’VE GAINED FROM TRAVELING TO
TWO DIFFERENT COUNTRIES.
2. THE ASPECTS THAT I AM MOST EXCITED ABOUT LEARNING
WHILE IN VENEZUELA IS THE CULTURE AND BACKGROUND
HISTORY AND I AM EXCITED THAT I GET TO LEARN ABOUT IT
BY ACTUALY GOING TO THE COUNTRY.
3. -WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT CHAVEZ IS DOING TO HELP
THE COUNTRY AND IN WHAT WAYS COULD, WHAT HE IS DOING,
EFFECTING THE COUNTRY?
-WHAT ISSUES DOES CHAVEZ HAVE WITH THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT?
1. WHILE IN VENEZUELA, I WANT TO LEARN MOST ABOUT THE
CULTURE AND THE POLITICS OF THE COUNTRY AND HOW IT HAS
CHANGED OVER THE YEARS AND WHAT FACTORS CAUSED THE
CULTURE OF THE ORIGINAL PEOPLE TO CHANGE OTHER THAN
COLONIZATION.
I WANT TO COME BACK WITH THE KNOWLEDGE OF HOW A
DEVELOPING COUNTRY STRUGGLES TO MAKE ENDS MEAT. I
REMEMBER WHEN I WAS IN NICARAGUA, I NOTICED THAT THE
PEOPLE WHERE GRATEFUL FOR THE LITTLE THAT THEY HAD AND
SAW HOW THE UNITED STATES AND OTHER COUNTRIES VALUE
WHAT THEY HAVE DIFFERENTLY. IN THE UNITED STATES, WE
TAKE THE MANY THINGS WE HAVE FOR GRANTED.
THIS WILL HELP ME TO GIVE BACK TO MY COMMUNITY BY
SHARING THE EXPERIENCES I’VE GAINED FROM TRAVELING TO
TWO DIFFERENT COUNTRIES.
2. THE ASPECTS THAT I AM MOST EXCITED ABOUT LEARNING
WHILE IN VENEZUELA IS THE CULTURE AND BACKGROUND
HISTORY AND I AM EXCITED THAT I GET TO LEARN ABOUT IT
BY ACTUALY GOING TO THE COUNTRY.
3. -WHAT ARE SOME THINGS THAT CHAVEZ IS DOING TO HELP
THE COUNTRY AND IN WHAT WAYS COULD, WHAT HE IS DOING,
EFFECTING THE COUNTRY?
-WHAT ISSUES DOES CHAVEZ HAVE WITH THE UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT?
A New View of the World
The thing that I want to learn the most is how the youth and people in general view the world from there. I want to know their opinions about different conflicts going on in the world. I want to bring back a better appreciation for maybe the freedom in thinking that we have here. I am not exactly sure what I can take from it until I go there and leave.
I think that education and culture interest me because politics are very controversial and can be argued about a lot and I am not to into that. I think all of the things interest’s me in certain aspects but I think those two the most.
When I think about it I think it would be really interesting to research the politics and ask the youth of Venezuela what there opinions are about everything going on with their country. Another thing I would be interested in researching their educations and asking them how they feel about there education. Since they are the future of Venezuela and there educations now will effect how the country runs in the future.
- Alma Herrera- Pazmino
I think that education and culture interest me because politics are very controversial and can be argued about a lot and I am not to into that. I think all of the things interest’s me in certain aspects but I think those two the most.
When I think about it I think it would be really interesting to research the politics and ask the youth of Venezuela what there opinions are about everything going on with their country. Another thing I would be interested in researching their educations and asking them how they feel about there education. Since they are the future of Venezuela and there educations now will effect how the country runs in the future.
- Alma Herrera- Pazmino
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
My Retuning Trip-S. Diaz
I'm not sure what I want to learn because this is a returning trip, but I hope to kind of pick up where we left off last year and hope to meet new people and learn new things. There was a place we went last year called "23 de Enero" (The 23 of January) which was something like a village in a city. The cool thing about it was that they never really involved the police or any type of government officials unless the situation really called for it. It was interesting beacuse within that community, there was a great deal of trust. I just thought it was cool how the people could handle, I guess, most of there situations. I think it would be great if a lot of us here in the US could do the same. My interest is mostly in the culture and it's politics. I just want to see how the people the people live depending on the area they live. Also, I would really like to see more of their political side with all the controversy that goes on with Chaves. This is my second time going, so my expectations aren't as high as they would usually be, but I hope to see some the people we met last year and be surprised at the same time.
Celeste Chavez
Im very excited to go to venezuela to explore new things in life.For examples they're environment, how the education is out there, How is it that they're laws are. I think im going to better understand things because Venezuela's environment is very different from ours right here in Oakland. In Oakland they be hella voilence in the bay area, many deaths and robberies. Im thinking that many of the people in Venezuela appreciate life and why we are here but others in the world that really have work as hard as other then they wouldn't know hot it is to appreciate life or any one. I would ask many of the people in Venezuela how ther life is?how is it that they survive out here, how they get the money. Also if they like how they education is out they're. My main goal on my trip to Venezuela is to be able to appreciate more of life after seeing how they survive out there and get to connect with people out they're.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Venezuela - March 19-31, 2008 - Pre Trip Reflections
As you prepare for our time in Venezuela, we would like you to develop a research question that will become one of the main lenses you look through as we visit the various locations and programs. In your first pre-trip blog, please answer the following questions:
1. What do you want to learn about most while in Venezuela? What do you want to bring back with you that will help you better understand and give back to your own community?
2. Which aspects of our visit to Venezuela interest you most (education, politics, history, culture, music, etc.)? Why?
3. Create at least two possible research questions you might use to help frame your interactions with people as we travel to various schools, community organizations, cultural centers and cooperatives.
1. What do you want to learn about most while in Venezuela? What do you want to bring back with you that will help you better understand and give back to your own community?
2. Which aspects of our visit to Venezuela interest you most (education, politics, history, culture, music, etc.)? Why?
3. Create at least two possible research questions you might use to help frame your interactions with people as we travel to various schools, community organizations, cultural centers and cooperatives.
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