Due to lack of a schedule at Puente Casa, I moved placements Wednesday. I'm sad to leave the kids, but I'm glad that I am working at a place where I feel helpful. I am now working at Amureci, an women's empowerment organization that began in 2001. It was started by and is run by several Tico women with the aims of improving the environment and the lives of those in it. They make and sell eco-friendly crafts including gorgeous handmade papers and frames and jewelry. They also support local artists by selling their work to both local customers and stores around La Fortuna and San Carlos. Amureci currently staffs five women, Mayra, Milly, Martha, Mayella, and Giselle. Each woman works in the mornings two days per week and all five work in the afternoon, which allows for them to run their families as well as their cooperative business. None of the five speaks English, so with the daily one-on-one exclusively Spanish conversation, I think my language skills will improve. I did bring cookies the first day, because I figured that baked goods serve as a universal language. I've met Giselle, Milly and Mayra so far and all three are wonderful and a treat to talk to. I have helped clean the store and work area, learned how to make necklaces and earrings, and tomorrow, Martha is teaching me how to make paper out of natural fibers and banana leaf.
Today we went to the Arenal National Park. We had a perfect day for watching the volcano erupt. It was clear and sunny. It was about an hour hike around the base of the volcano. We trekked over piles of the ash and old lava from the most recent eruption in 1992. It's one of the world's top five most active volcanoes, erupting multiple times per day.
This weekend: Tamarindo and surfing. It's going to be tight.
Here are some pictures of the national park, Amureci, and the Puente Casa girls' soccer team.
Today we went to the Arenal National Park. We had a perfect day for watching the volcano erupt. It was clear and sunny. It was about an hour hike around the base of the volcano. We trekked over piles of the ash and old lava from the most recent eruption in 1992. It's one of the world's top five most active volcanoes, erupting multiple times per day.
This weekend: Tamarindo and surfing. It's going to be tight.
Here are some pictures of the national park, Amureci, and the Puente Casa girls' soccer team.
Britt and Laura in front of the Lake Arenal
Our driver, Ronald, taking in the Volcano's majesty
As you know by now, this is Volcano Arenal.
And so is this, but with people in front of it. I think I have more pictures of this volcano than my parents have of my entire childhood.
Arenal and the black stuff in the foreground is old lava. As we hiked, we could hear Arenal grumble.
Ronald and me, chillin' on lava
Yours truly and everyone's favorite active volcano
Puente Casa girls after their 4-1 loss to Green Forest, a local private school
Amureci
3 comments:
That was a long time between posts, but patience pays off, and I'm first again.
The volcano really is beautiful. I'm glad you took a lot of pictures. The new placement looks to be an improvement, and maybe you will post some of your creations. I also hope you'll bring some home. Have fun on the coast, and be careful. I miss you and love you. Love, Mom.
Aghhhhhh foiled again!!!
Mom may have won this battle, and that other battle, but I will win the war. I loved all your pics of the volcano. Make some awesome paper today!!!! Luv, Taylor
This new placement sounds great. Love the M's and Giselle!!Please bring some of the stuff you and they make home if you can. I wish I could send you some money for them. If that is possible, let me know how. Great pictures. I think you're the only person I know who has seen an active volcano--go, girl! ly and my xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoaj
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