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Date: 7th July 2011
Volunteering at Traveller Not Tourist
Our time spent at Flora Tristan was immensely worthwhile. This blog entry, and all others represent reflections and impressions we brought -- based on our brief time there. We asked questions about the toilet piping and nobody knew where it went. While we were there, there was no waste bin, no toilet paper and no water for washing. Of course it is a great improvement and we were so impressed by the school and the volunteer dedication. We highly recommend people come to Arequipa and volunteer with TNT.
From Blog: Arequipa, Semana Santa, y mas tiempo en Flora Tristan
Volunteering at Traveller Not Tourist
Our time spent at Flora Tristan was immensely worthwhile. This blog entry, and all others represent reflections and impressions we brought -- based on our brief time there. We asked questions about the toilet piping and nobody knew where it went. While we were there, there was no waste bin, no toilet paper and no water for washing. Of course it is a great improvement and we were so impressed by the school and the volunteer dedication. We highly recommend people come to Arequipa and volunteer with TNT.
From Blog: Arequipa, Semana Santa, y mas tiempo en Flora Tristan
Date: 13th March 2011
Answering some questions and concerns
As co-founder/manager of Traveller Not Tourist, the organisation that Shari and her family volunteered with, I would like to address some of the points she raised above. With regards to there being no TNT presence at the school, being a volunteer organisation specifically started to provide a service to those travellers who do not have pots of money to spend on volunteering, we charge a small admin fee so we can only afford to employ a small number of people. We address the issue of a lack of leadership on the project sites by appealing for volunteers to take on the mantle of project co-ordinator but of course, this is a bit hit and miss and depends a lot on the season and what volunteers we have at the time. We are now advertising specifically for longer term volunteers with the necessary skills to come to Arequipa to fill these roles and therefore, make the running of the school and liaison with the orphanage easier and more organised. We also now have a full-time Volunteer Co-ordinator (Brenda, who was in that position when Shari was there, was part-time as she was studying) who makes frequent visits to the project sites. In answer to the questions about the toilets - Yes - concrete toilets are not ideal but unfortunately needs must and most of the inhabitants of Flora Tristan do not have flushing toilets so the fact that there are any at all is quite a big deal! The pipe (there is one) empties into a massive (safely and securely contained) hole underneath the plot of land. This will last for 5 years and then it gets sealed up (obviously you have to make another hole first and swap to using that one!). The human waste will then break down naturally (with the addition of calcium oxide) and, when the other hole is full you swap back (as the waste in that one will have compacted down) and so on. Most of the toilets in Peru cannot handle toilet paper so this is not due to bad engineering - just the Peruvian way! The bins (including the toilet bins) are emptied weekly by a local resident - in return she is allowed to take any plastic bottles to a recycling centre where she is paid for them. The toilet paper is bought by Traveller Not Tourist - of course, we need to be notified by volunteers when it is running low. 50% of the profits from the tours we sell goes to the projects so it may be this money, or donations from volunteers, that is used to buy the toilet paper (and pay for the electricity, repairs, paper and pens etc). Since Anna, the new Volunteer Co-ordinator, arrived, she has instigated a full overhaul of the school including checking on supplies, ensuring that all the teaching resources (of which there are many) are well organised and accessible. She is also helping the current Volunteer Co-ordinator to identify any needs and, using money from the tours and donations, buying whatever is necessary (books, stationery etc). There has also recently been a reshuffle in terms of classes and a new curriculum is being devised which will be available on the website soon (so that volunteers can see what classes will be being taught when they are there). I get the impression from this blog that you didn't feel your time volunteering with our organisation was too great so I would like to apologise for that. If you have any more comments about the organisation I would be very happy to hear them so that we can continue to improve (although I suspect a lot of them will already have been dealt with by Anna!) Thank you for all your time and energy. Best wishes, Jay
From Blog: Arequipa, Semana Santa, y mas tiempo en Flora Tristan
Answering some questions and concerns
As co-founder/manager of Traveller Not Tourist, the organisation that Shari and her family volunteered with, I would like to address some of the points she raised above. With regards to there being no TNT presence at the school, being a volunteer organisation specifically started to provide a service to those travellers who do not have pots of money to spend on volunteering, we charge a small admin fee so we can only afford to employ a small number of people. We address the issue of a lack of leadership on the project sites by appealing for volunteers to take on the mantle of project co-ordinator but of course, this is a bit hit and miss and depends a lot on the season and what volunteers we have at the time. We are now advertising specifically for longer term volunteers with the necessary skills to come to Arequipa to fill these roles and therefore, make the running of the school and liaison with the orphanage easier and more organised. We also now have a full-time Volunteer Co-ordinator (Brenda, who was in that position when Shari was there, was part-time as she was studying) who makes frequent visits to the project sites. In answer to the questions about the toilets - Yes - concrete toilets are not ideal but unfortunately needs must and most of the inhabitants of Flora Tristan do not have flushing toilets so the fact that there are any at all is quite a big deal! The pipe (there is one) empties into a massive (safely and securely contained) hole underneath the plot of land. This will last for 5 years and then it gets sealed up (obviously you have to make another hole first and swap to using that one!). The human waste will then break down naturally (with the addition of calcium oxide) and, when the other hole is full you swap back (as the waste in that one will have compacted down) and so on. Most of the toilets in Peru cannot handle toilet paper so this is not due to bad engineering - just the Peruvian way! The bins (including the toilet bins) are emptied weekly by a local resident - in return she is allowed to take any plastic bottles to a recycling centre where she is paid for them. The toilet paper is bought by Traveller Not Tourist - of course, we need to be notified by volunteers when it is running low. 50% of the profits from the tours we sell goes to the projects so it may be this money, or donations from volunteers, that is used to buy the toilet paper (and pay for the electricity, repairs, paper and pens etc). Since Anna, the new Volunteer Co-ordinator, arrived, she has instigated a full overhaul of the school including checking on supplies, ensuring that all the teaching resources (of which there are many) are well organised and accessible. She is also helping the current Volunteer Co-ordinator to identify any needs and, using money from the tours and donations, buying whatever is necessary (books, stationery etc). There has also recently been a reshuffle in terms of classes and a new curriculum is being devised which will be available on the website soon (so that volunteers can see what classes will be being taught when they are there). I get the impression from this blog that you didn't feel your time volunteering with our organisation was too great so I would like to apologise for that. If you have any more comments about the organisation I would be very happy to hear them so that we can continue to improve (although I suspect a lot of them will already have been dealt with by Anna!) Thank you for all your time and energy. Best wishes, Jay
From Blog: Arequipa, Semana Santa, y mas tiempo en Flora Tristan
Date: 3rd May 2010
La continuacion
Esperamos que podamos encontrar familias que hablan espanol, aqui en Central Oregon. Vamos a intentar venir este Sabado a RICE.
From Blog: The End...The Beginning...Birthday Greetings
La continuacion
Esperamos que podamos encontrar familias que hablan espanol, aqui en Central Oregon. Vamos a intentar venir este Sabado a RICE.
From Blog: The End...The Beginning...Birthday Greetings
Date: 3rd May 2010
que buen viaje
He disfrutado leer sobre sus viaje los últimos cuatro meses. Era un poco como estaba con ustedes. Memorias para todas sus vidas. Sería muy interesante escuchar más en Compañeros Friends cuando regresen. Hasta entonces bienvenidos y hasta pronto, Barb
From Blog: The End...The Beginning...Birthday Greetings
que buen viaje
He disfrutado leer sobre sus viaje los últimos cuatro meses. Era un poco como estaba con ustedes. Memorias para todas sus vidas. Sería muy interesante escuchar más en Compañeros Friends cuando regresen. Hasta entonces bienvenidos y hasta pronto, Barb
From Blog: The End...The Beginning...Birthday Greetings
Date: 2nd May 2010
Reverse Culture Shock
Hi again. It usually takes us a good month or more to readjust to life back at home. The longer you are away, the longer it takes to get used to being back. We've been home for 3 weeks and still not quite there yet. As you said, we seem to have so much. When I get home after travelling with one backpack for 4 months, I always have the need to attack my closets and take things to the Sally Ann. Poco a poco.
From Blog: The End...The Beginning...Birthday Greetings
Reverse Culture Shock
Hi again. It usually takes us a good month or more to readjust to life back at home. The longer you are away, the longer it takes to get used to being back. We've been home for 3 weeks and still not quite there yet. As you said, we seem to have so much. When I get home after travelling with one backpack for 4 months, I always have the need to attack my closets and take things to the Sally Ann. Poco a poco.
From Blog: The End...The Beginning...Birthday Greetings
Date: 2nd May 2010
Happy Homecoming -- Happy Birthday
Thanks Connie and Chris. We are home now and it feels quite peculiar. The house is too big...the car too big and everything else is oversized. We miss Ecuador and Peru so much and hope that this experience propels us forward. Say -- do you have the name of that little, lovely town in Mexico you taught Ingles? Hope our paths cross again sometime.
From Blog: The End...The Beginning...Birthday Greetings
Happy Homecoming -- Happy Birthday
Thanks Connie and Chris. We are home now and it feels quite peculiar. The house is too big...the car too big and everything else is oversized. We miss Ecuador and Peru so much and hope that this experience propels us forward. Say -- do you have the name of that little, lovely town in Mexico you taught Ingles? Hope our paths cross again sometime.
From Blog: The End...The Beginning...Birthday Greetings
Date: 2nd May 2010
Way to go!
What you accomplished in almost 4 months was an admirable feat! And what an amazing experience for your girls, as well as yourselves. Your learning curve certainly climbed mountains as well as you did, partially due to your open minds and a willingness to tackle new challenges with a positive attitude. Congratulations and best wishes for a happy homecoming.
From Blog: The End...The Beginning...Birthday Greetings
Way to go!
What you accomplished in almost 4 months was an admirable feat! And what an amazing experience for your girls, as well as yourselves. Your learning curve certainly climbed mountains as well as you did, partially due to your open minds and a willingness to tackle new challenges with a positive attitude. Congratulations and best wishes for a happy homecoming.
From Blog: The End...The Beginning...Birthday Greetings
Date: 2nd May 2010
I enjoyed you Peru post. It sounds like you are having a good time there. My blog is looking for travel photos. If you have time, email us some at dirtyhippiesblog@gmail.com and check us out at dirty-hippies.blogspot.com Continued fun on your travels, Eric
From Blog: The End...The Beginning...Birthday Greetings
I enjoyed you Peru post. It sounds like you are having a good time there. My blog is looking for travel photos. If you have time, email us some at dirtyhippiesblog@gmail.com and check us out at dirty-hippies.blogspot.com Continued fun on your travels, Eric
From Blog: The End...The Beginning...Birthday Greetings
Date: 29th April 2010
saw your pic, would like to use in Quichua website
Greetings! I saw your picture of a "street scene" in cuenca, and I'd like to ask your permission to incorporate it into an online Quichua language learning site I am developing at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. let me know if you think this might work, and thanks in advance for considering! Nate p.s. please email me with your reply- I don't check travelblog too frequently
saw your pic, would like to use in Quichua website
Greetings! I saw your picture of a "street scene" in cuenca, and I'd like to ask your permission to incorporate it into an online Quichua language learning site I am developing at the University of Wisconsin, Madison. let me know if you think this might work, and thanks in advance for considering! Nate p.s. please email me with your reply- I don't check travelblog too frequently
Date: 28th April 2010
LONG BUS RIDES
The last bus ride we took, from the town of Pisac back to Cusco, was a mere 45-minutes. But it was by far, one of the most crowded buses (colectivos) we'd been on. We all ended up standing up, sandwiched front to back, fro 40 of the 45-minutes, as the road switched backed up the narrow canyon. On top of that, there was a baby on board with a major smelly diaper and for the first time ever, I was nauseous from the smell of it all...so glad it was a one-time deal for us!
From Blog: MACHUPICCHU - WONDER OF THE WORLD
LONG BUS RIDES
The last bus ride we took, from the town of Pisac back to Cusco, was a mere 45-minutes. But it was by far, one of the most crowded buses (colectivos) we'd been on. We all ended up standing up, sandwiched front to back, fro 40 of the 45-minutes, as the road switched backed up the narrow canyon. On top of that, there was a baby on board with a major smelly diaper and for the first time ever, I was nauseous from the smell of it all...so glad it was a one-time deal for us!
From Blog: MACHUPICCHU - WONDER OF THE WORLD
Date: 28th April 2010
wow!!
I certainly admire what you have done......and where you have been does sound so very amazing....... I would love to see the places, meet the people and experience the raw beauty of the land....but I don't know if I could handle all of those very long bus rides.......happy birthday Andy and Marleigh......with love and hugs, from Amélie.
From Blog: MACHUPICCHU - WONDER OF THE WORLD
wow!!
I certainly admire what you have done......and where you have been does sound so very amazing....... I would love to see the places, meet the people and experience the raw beauty of the land....but I don't know if I could handle all of those very long bus rides.......happy birthday Andy and Marleigh......with love and hugs, from Amélie.
From Blog: MACHUPICCHU - WONDER OF THE WORLD
Date: 27th April 2010
I enjoyed your Machupicchu post, and it reminded me of my own time there! I also wish I had known about Ollataytambo beforehand, because we also loved the town and wished that we could have stayed there for a bit. My blog is looking for travel photos, reviews, etc, to share. If you have the time, check it out at dirty-hippies.blogspot.com, or email me at dirtyhippiesblog@gmail.com. Continued fun on your travels! Heather :)
From Blog: MACHUPICCHU - WONDER OF THE WORLD
I enjoyed your Machupicchu post, and it reminded me of my own time there! I also wish I had known about Ollataytambo beforehand, because we also loved the town and wished that we could have stayed there for a bit. My blog is looking for travel photos, reviews, etc, to share. If you have the time, check it out at dirty-hippies.blogspot.com, or email me at dirtyhippiesblog@gmail.com. Continued fun on your travels! Heather :)
From Blog: MACHUPICCHU - WONDER OF THE WORLD
Date: 25th April 2010
MachuPicchu
En este momento, estoy escribiendo un blog sobre el dia en MachuPicchu. Es posible que el blog terminara en un or dos dias.
From Blog: Onward to Cusco, the Ancient Inca Capital
MachuPicchu
En este momento, estoy escribiendo un blog sobre el dia en MachuPicchu. Es posible que el blog terminara en un or dos dias.
From Blog: Onward to Cusco, the Ancient Inca Capital
Date: 25th April 2010
MachuPicchu
We went on April 20th and the next blog will have some of the poco fotos we took. It was an amazing day and came 1 day before Andy´s birthday. We leave Cuzco tomorrow on the night bus for Arequipa and will be in Arequipa the better part of the day, before flying back to Lima. Then, just 2 days left of this amazing journey.
From Blog: Onward to Cusco, the Ancient Inca Capital
MachuPicchu
We went on April 20th and the next blog will have some of the poco fotos we took. It was an amazing day and came 1 day before Andy´s birthday. We leave Cuzco tomorrow on the night bus for Arequipa and will be in Arequipa the better part of the day, before flying back to Lima. Then, just 2 days left of this amazing journey.
From Blog: Onward to Cusco, the Ancient Inca Capital
Date: 25th April 2010
Happy Trails!
I am SO glad that you are going to Machu Pichu -- indeed you must be there or on your way back by now! I can't wait to hear all about it from my intrepid traveler friends!!!!!!
From Blog: Onward to Cusco, the Ancient Inca Capital
Happy Trails!
I am SO glad that you are going to Machu Pichu -- indeed you must be there or on your way back by now! I can't wait to hear all about it from my intrepid traveler friends!!!!!!
From Blog: Onward to Cusco, the Ancient Inca Capital
Date: 24th April 2010
fantástico
todavia me encanta leer de sus experjencias en su viaje....esperando para su blog sobre machu picchu... barb
From Blog: Onward to Cusco, the Ancient Inca Capital
fantástico
todavia me encanta leer de sus experjencias en su viaje....esperando para su blog sobre machu picchu... barb
From Blog: Onward to Cusco, the Ancient Inca Capital
Date: 19th April 2010
wow
Wow is about all I can say. I am humbled as well.
From Blog: colca, coca leaves, chivay and condors
wow
Wow is about all I can say. I am humbled as well.
From Blog: colca, coca leaves, chivay and condors
Date: 13th April 2010
Tiempo para reflejar
Thanks Anne-Marie. No, I don't think our lives will ever be the same, but this is a very good thing. We wrastle with what else to do, how to help and where to go from here...Quien sabe...
From Blog: Arequipa, Semana Santa, y mas tiempo en Flora Tristan
Tiempo para reflejar
Thanks Anne-Marie. No, I don't think our lives will ever be the same, but this is a very good thing. We wrastle with what else to do, how to help and where to go from here...Quien sabe...
From Blog: Arequipa, Semana Santa, y mas tiempo en Flora Tristan
Date: 13th April 2010
time for reflection
Once again, Shari, you have a written a wonderful blog. After I read these blogs I realize how strange this world is. We are all the same, yet put in such different circumstances. These beautiful children live in conditions that are difficult for us to imagine yet you have been able to enter their world. I suppose your life will never be quite the same. Thanks for sharing your experiences!!!
From Blog: Arequipa, Semana Santa, y mas tiempo en Flora Tristan
time for reflection
Once again, Shari, you have a written a wonderful blog. After I read these blogs I realize how strange this world is. We are all the same, yet put in such different circumstances. These beautiful children live in conditions that are difficult for us to imagine yet you have been able to enter their world. I suppose your life will never be quite the same. Thanks for sharing your experiences!!!
From Blog: Arequipa, Semana Santa, y mas tiempo en Flora Tristan
Date: 12th April 2010
La Adventura Sigue
Connie, Yes, Arequipa and the place we are volunteering is very different than Banos and the Bib. Today is our last day and we will be sad to leave. We will check your travel blog soon. Please get us the info on the Mexican TEFL program. Hope to catch up to you two sometime. You always have a place to stay when you come to Central Oregon.
From Blog: Arequipa, Semana Santa, y mas tiempo en Flora Tristan
La Adventura Sigue
Connie, Yes, Arequipa and the place we are volunteering is very different than Banos and the Bib. Today is our last day and we will be sad to leave. We will check your travel blog soon. Please get us the info on the Mexican TEFL program. Hope to catch up to you two sometime. You always have a place to stay when you come to Central Oregon.
From Blog: Arequipa, Semana Santa, y mas tiempo en Flora Tristan
Date: 12th April 2010
The Adventure Continues
Hi guys! We just returned to Canada and are enjoying getting caught up with what you are doing through your blogs. Thank you. For sure your kids will return to Bend with a new view on life! What a dry and dusty and poor area Arequipa is. Not at all like Banos or any area of Ecuador that we saw. Please tell Ansley that we love the 'shadow puppets' jumping in her photo. What kind of rods did Marleigh use for the puppets? We can't see them. Enjoy the next leg of your trip and take care. Time certainly goes fast when you are on such a great learning curve, doesn't it? Check out some neat photos from our trip... http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ladyandtramp/2/1268852059/tpod.html Connie and Chris
From Blog: Arequipa, Semana Santa, y mas tiempo en Flora Tristan
The Adventure Continues
Hi guys! We just returned to Canada and are enjoying getting caught up with what you are doing through your blogs. Thank you. For sure your kids will return to Bend with a new view on life! What a dry and dusty and poor area Arequipa is. Not at all like Banos or any area of Ecuador that we saw. Please tell Ansley that we love the 'shadow puppets' jumping in her photo. What kind of rods did Marleigh use for the puppets? We can't see them. Enjoy the next leg of your trip and take care. Time certainly goes fast when you are on such a great learning curve, doesn't it? Check out some neat photos from our trip... http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/ladyandtramp/2/1268852059/tpod.html Connie and Chris
From Blog: Arequipa, Semana Santa, y mas tiempo en Flora Tristan
Date: 7th April 2010
hola David
gracias para escribirme! a mi me gusta Banos mucho y espero que yo regresare muy pronto. Ansley
From Blog: El Paseo de Monos, ‘El Gran Circo de Titeres’, y mas...
hola David
gracias para escribirme! a mi me gusta Banos mucho y espero que yo regresare muy pronto. Ansley
From Blog: El Paseo de Monos, ‘El Gran Circo de Titeres’, y mas...
Date: 6th April 2010
hello ansley
hello ansley I am one of your friendly of the school Oscar efren kings I am called david you remember my I hope that you return in a moment to baños de agua santa
From Blog: El Paseo de Monos, ‘El Gran Circo de Titeres’, y mas...
hello ansley
hello ansley I am one of your friendly of the school Oscar efren kings I am called david you remember my I hope that you return in a moment to baños de agua santa
From Blog: El Paseo de Monos, ‘El Gran Circo de Titeres’, y mas...
Date: 31st March 2010
Flores Tristan
Yes -- we are awestruck by what we are seeing. The resources at this little language school are meager....I bought a box of chalk today so we could play hopscotch on the playground. The kids were thrilled. They are eager to learn english words and I think are very intrigued by seeing children from another area. Yes...we truly are blessed for what have in our country and for all the little things we take for granted.
From Blog: Onward to Lima and Arequipa
Flores Tristan
Yes -- we are awestruck by what we are seeing. The resources at this little language school are meager....I bought a box of chalk today so we could play hopscotch on the playground. The kids were thrilled. They are eager to learn english words and I think are very intrigued by seeing children from another area. Yes...we truly are blessed for what have in our country and for all the little things we take for granted.
From Blog: Onward to Lima and Arequipa
Nancy Baxter
non-member comment
Great title
Love the title of the book. Intrigued by items you guys are holding up. Can't identify them all but assume they are related to the trip (guess we'll find out in the book!) Did you write to the companies for copyright permission (for photos of their products) or is that something the editor does? Are you going to send out a few pages to further tantalize us or do we wait for the book? xo ant nansy
From Blog: Time Flies -- and Time for another adventure (or two)