These other previous musings are about things I've noticed in my spare time--really, what I've been doing most of is theatre (and I wouldn't have it any other way!). I'm currently working with four different groups, have rehearsals six nights a week (and twice a day two times a week), have bought costumes and paint, and have written 3 scripts. Those are the plain facts, but of course the intricacies of the groups are much more complex and not as finite. (Note: the first pictures match up with the text which pertains to them, and the following ones are in order [View Full Entry]

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Chuchos It's amazing the things you can learn from animals. I've learned so much from the people here, but two of the most interesting interactions I've had have been with dogs. Human culture affects them as well, just as it impacts food, beliefs, government, and the natural world. My first experience was with the dog Surdan, who actually technically belongs to Cristina's mother who passed away two years ago. Since he is now left to his own devices, he wanders around to all the houses of the family members, grabbing food when he can. He's actually a sweet, calm dog--which h [View Full Entry]

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When you wake up in the morning in Ciudad Romero, it´s to a dawn of sounds. Around 5 a.m. the chorus of a hundred gallos commence their melancholy howling, encouraging the insects to bring their buzzing from a forte down to a piano. Some time later, the air is sprinkled with the twitters and whistles and cries of the native birds, waking up in the early light. Then the mooing and baaing starts, along with the thumping bass of rancheras, reggaeton and ballenato being played way too loud at 6 in the morning, but loud enough so that the mujeres can [View Full Entry]

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The ArtCorps training in Antigua was a truly--dare I say magical?-- experience. During the 5 days that we spent together, I learned new skills and ideas to enhance my work in El Salvador...even better, I had the opportunity to forge relationships with some truly incredible artists who are giving a year to share their talents with others to make a difference. I was humbled by the amazing skill and creativity of the group, and also felt proud to be a part of it! We met in Antigua, a beautiful colonial-style tourist trap in Guatemala, complete with cobblestone streets, carriages, and majesti [View Full Entry]

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I have begun my year-long "adventure" in the lovely city Quetzaltenango (or "Xela), which I adore despite the smell of gasoline smoke and the sound of barking stray dogs at night. It is beautifully nestled in the mountains, which you can see towering elegantly above the cement blocked and brightly colored buildings. First and foremost, I want to thank several people for their "apoyo" (support): my incredible parents, Gary and Shelley, who have been so supportive of me throughout this whole process; and the following generous people: Nick (whose continued activism in the chemical world am [View Full Entry]

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Ceviche (say-ve-chey): Cold soup-like dish usually bearing suspect raw fish or unidentifiable parts of aquatic creatures. How does it taste: when cooked correctly...incredible. The basic ingredients: limes (lots of ´em), raw seafood (virtually anything to your liking: shrimp, octopus, fish, lobster, prawns, scallops, conchalagua), tomatoes, bell pepper, onion, salt. Isn´t it dangerous to eat raw seafood: Yes!!! Actually, in theory the seafood in ceviche is not raw at all, as it is cooked in the acids of the limes before consumption. Before getting into this particular story of R [View Full Entry]

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Struttin across Chile! Robyn and Aaron First of all, if you missed the previous blog about Bariloche (I realize that it might have been confusing, since that entry actually came "before" the update one, but I published it afterwards...), just scroll down and check it out! It's a long one, but you can cheat and just look at the pictures if you want to. Just because I'm "recovering" at home doesn't mean I'm going to stop writing about the adventures we've had! There's a lot to catch up on! Now, we're on to Chile. [View Full Entry]

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Coming Home Robyn and Aaron As some of you may already know, I am currently recovering from jaw surgery at my parents' house in Agoura Hills, CA. I am doing better, and Aaron and my parents, as well as numerous family and friends have been a tremendous help--I don't know what I would do without them! Here is what happened: Last Friday, Aaron and I had just landed in Cusco, Peru (elev. 3,400 m) after coming from Lima, Peru (sea level). We spent about 2 hours resting and drinking coca tea and taking altitude sickness [View Full Entry]

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Once we arrived in Bariloche, we spent a little time looking around the bus station for Tony and Michelle, who we hadn't met before, but who were gracious enough to house us anyway, and finally found them. We met Paige and Ellie as well, as we went over to the sports club with them to swim! Then, they dropped us off at the "airosilla" (gondola), where we took the ride up to Cerro Otto (it was a gorgeous day!), and got a chance to admire the gargantuan Nahuel Huapi lake and the surrounding mountains. As big as the lake is, there [View Full Entry]

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It's been more than 2 weeks since I last updated, and I apologize...traveling is kind of crazy sometimes, allowing little time to breathe or relax, and when there is that time, I usually just want to go to sleep, or do simple things like take a shower and recharge (batteries, body, etc.). I'm going to try to get Aaron to add his two cents in this entry, since he obviously has a somewhat different perspective on the same events! He's currently indisposed, playing with Paige (well, keeping her busy, anyhow!). Aaron on 'my two cents': "In other words, over the last [View Full Entry]

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