I know it has been waaaay to long since my last post, I have been busy to say the least. In the last month and a half I have hosted several international visitors, have launched a few new projects here in Chilasco, been called in to help Peace Corps revise the Sustainable Community Tourism Project guidelines, and of course been over my head in English classes. I have also been working hard to obtain mobile internet service for my laptop, and am happy to say that I was just able to succeed in this endeavor today! So from here on out I will be connected to the internet, and will try hard to post more frequently.
First off I want to comment on this wonder that is the internet. I think we would all agree that it is the most significant, world-changing invention of recent times. It has changed everything from the way we shop to the way we communicate with one another. It is hard to think of many aspects of our lives that have not been affected by the internet. However, I never expected it to have a huge impact on life out here in the middle of the jungle with a bunch of farmers. That was naive. After a few months here in Chilasco I have come to the realization that one of the most useful tools I can provide the people of my community with is the internet.
The first step in that process was obtaining service for myself. Now, granted there are many selfish motives inherent in this first step, but nevertheless I now control the only "reliable" source of internet access for miles. The next step is to introduce the power and possibilities of global connectivity to the members of my association. They are not completely in the dark ages when it comes to this issue, but they are only vaguely familiar at best with the internet right now. They do have an email address and a makeshift website, but they barely know how to check the email and the website has never been updated and is unfindable through search engines. This is the fastest and most efficient way to bring in the visitantes, and the best way to connect ADESOCHI and its magnificent wonders to the rest of Guatemala and the world at large. So we will work on that.
We will also be working on a website to sell some of the incredibe handmade goods that are made here and never find a new home. We have organized a large group of female artisans from all over the region who make all kinds of beautiful products; everything from baskets woven from pine needles to fantastic traditional Mayan garments. Thousands of hours are put into these goods and often nobody even sees them. I want to help them learn to take advantage of the fact that the world market place is only a few key strokes away. I think it could be a huge success, and I will be calling on all of you for help once we are able to launch the site. Don't hold your breath though, life moves slowly down here.
I'm going to leave at that for now. I will try to start putting up frequent shorter posts like this one with a few pictures each, rather then really long ones that come few and far between.
This is the main courtyard at the Mayan ruins of Tikal. This is just a teaser, the next post will discuss my trip to the ruins, the Mayan culture, and the great change predicted for the year 2012.
This is the entrance to Semuc Champey. The waterfalls are draining the freshwater lagoons, and the river, Rio Cahabon is actually flowing under a huge limestone bridge here.
This is Rio Cahabon right before it flows beneath the limestone bridge that is Semuc Champey. I have rafted this beast twice now (although obviously not at this spot exactly).
This is the aerial view of Semuc Champey. The river is raging underneath, and the limestone has formed a series of freshwater lagoons that are fed by rainwater running off the mountains. The water is incredibly clear. Its gorgeous here.
This is me attempting a back flip off of a rope swing into the river. It looks good now, but the landing was ugly, 4.3
No comments:
Post a Comment