Monday, July 4, 2011
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
20-24 JUNIO - Cuenca
Estoy en Cuenca toda de esta semana para el Encuentro Continental de los Pueblos del Abya Yala Por el Agua y la Pachamama, un conferencia de muchos personas de todas de las Américas para discutir y organizar para el agua y la Pachamama. Es importante que yo no digo "el medio ambiental" porque las temas dde este encuentro está focando en las temas de las indígenas con más la espiritualidad, cosmovisión, sumak kaway y mucho mucho más.
Friday, June 17, 2011
8 JUNIO - Communitari@s 33
I took to the streets with El Churo to publicize the right of communities to have 33% of radio broadcasting. The state law states 33% for private broadcasting, 33% for public broadcasting, and 33% for community broadcasting. When interviewed, many people argued that communtiies should have 50% if not more!
Last week, I went to a meeting with a coalition of community, communication, and academic organizations who were trying to figure out what exactly is the difference between public vs. community. What are universities classified under? Public or community broadcasting? What about the church? What does the law exactly specify about these organizatoins? How do we increase frequencies in rural and underserved areas?
Last week, I went to a meeting with a coalition of community, communication, and academic organizations who were trying to figure out what exactly is the difference between public vs. community. What are universities classified under? Public or community broadcasting? What about the church? What does the law exactly specify about these organizatoins? How do we increase frequencies in rural and underserved areas?
Vistas maravillosas [PART II]
I JUST SAW THE MOST BEAUTIFUL THING I EVER SAW LAST NIGHT. On the bus ride back from Riobamba, the view of the moon was of an otherworldly magic! Riobamba is located near the highest summit in Ecuador, the Chimborazo volcano. Unfortunately, Verónica and I were there for a radio workshop so there were no outdoor sightseeing tourist plans. I swear I felt as if I could slide open the window and touch it with my bare hands.
It appeared that big! It was of a bright and luminous white, so white that I could see gray patches, which are probably late heavy bombardments (LHB) that scientists talk about. My neck strained staring out the window whenever it appeared behind the expansive albeit light cover of clouds. I was gaping at the wonder of it, in complete disbelief that such a beautiful organic, natural sight exists. Yes, there are great pyramids but screw the ancient world, screw the industrious world--nothing can compare to the natural world!
It appeared that big! It was of a bright and luminous white, so white that I could see gray patches, which are probably late heavy bombardments (LHB) that scientists talk about. My neck strained staring out the window whenever it appeared behind the expansive albeit light cover of clouds. I was gaping at the wonder of it, in complete disbelief that such a beautiful organic, natural sight exists. Yes, there are great pyramids but screw the ancient world, screw the industrious world--nothing can compare to the natural world!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Things I've Lost [Part 1]
It's been two week in and I've left the following on the trip to Esmeraldas last weekend.
- shampoo
- face wash
- deodorant
- mini toothbrush
- mini toothpaste
- cell phone
- shampoo
- face wash
- deodorant
- mini toothbrush
- mini toothpaste
- cell phone
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Here's to new food and drink customs!
- Just had half a shot of vodka today after a productive meeting. I need to move to Perú--apparently it's the custom there!
- After the meeting, Jorge bought a lemon and a small bag of salt from a woman on the corner of the street. He then proceeded to eat really only the lemon. I joked and gave Jorge a hard time for how weird it seemed but I wish I tried it myself. After all, I absolutely love citrus.
- Fresh homemade juices every day for breakfast and lunch at home and at restaurants. I had an interesting exchange (amongst many others!) with Jorge and Verónica about how Americans and prefer what is cheaper and easier. While here in Ecuador, making fresh juice is cheaper than buying Coca Cola and so much healthier and more delicious.
- After the meeting, Jorge bought a lemon and a small bag of salt from a woman on the corner of the street. He then proceeded to eat really only the lemon. I joked and gave Jorge a hard time for how weird it seemed but I wish I tried it myself. After all, I absolutely love citrus.
- Fresh homemade juices every day for breakfast and lunch at home and at restaurants. I had an interesting exchange (amongst many others!) with Jorge and Verónica about how Americans and prefer what is cheaper and easier. While here in Ecuador, making fresh juice is cheaper than buying Coca Cola and so much healthier and more delicious.
Learning New Words in the Indigenous Tongue of Kichwa
The indigenous people (las indígenas) of Ecuador speak the indigenous language of Kichwa. Here are some indigenous words I’ve recently learned:
Wambra → el joven / el niño → youth / child
Pachamama → A tough definition to explain. It possesses a meaning that encompasses the natural world, the industries that have been developed, the land, the people, aka the life and world.
Abya Yala → Americas (describing North, Central, and South Americas)
Sumak Kawsay → El buen vivir → Good living. Holistic care of all parts of life from food, shelter, health, family and friends, work—everything.
Fishy/Fishy Nice* → superior → pretentious / smug
Chumada → borracho → drunk
*So this isn’t actually how it’s spelled but I swear, it’s how it’s pronounced. When Anita told me this, she also made this weird gesture with her fingers near her nose as if something smelled… Like fish? Like ass? Like a douche with something up his ass? This is how I remember new words.
Wambra → el joven / el niño → youth / child
Pachamama → A tough definition to explain. It possesses a meaning that encompasses the natural world, the industries that have been developed, the land, the people, aka the life and world.
Abya Yala → Americas (describing North, Central, and South Americas)
Sumak Kawsay → El buen vivir → Good living. Holistic care of all parts of life from food, shelter, health, family and friends, work—everything.
Fishy/Fishy Nice* → superior → pretentious / smug
Chumada → borracho → drunk
*So this isn’t actually how it’s spelled but I swear, it’s how it’s pronounced. When Anita told me this, she also made this weird gesture with her fingers near her nose as if something smelled… Like fish? Like ass? Like a douche with something up his ass? This is how I remember new words.
"Green Go!"
Just learned the origins of the term gringo yesterday and I still can't stop laughing about it. “Green go!! Go green go!"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gringo#In_English
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gringo#In_English
"Rise Above"
I find it ironic that once I got Internet access, the first song I looked up on YouTube was “Rise Above” by Dirty Projectors. I just needed some English-speaking music in my life again and immediately went for the Dirty Projectors. I love this band so why is this choice so ironic?
The song I chose, “Rise Above,” is a cover of the song by Black Flag, the seminal punk rock band from California. Punk, actually, is huge here in Ecuador especially amongst the youth. My internship is located right next to a public high school and I see the kids walking around in black jeans and Nirvana or Ramones shirts with their hair cut and died with a mess of gel. There aren’t many but I can’t help but hold a figurative “rock on” sign in my mind when I pass by them. Back in the 70s and 80s, Black Flag were the first true punk rockers anywhere. Their music is a symbol of rebellion against systemic and oppressive modes of thought. Here are some choice lyrics from “Rise Above”:
Society's arms of control
(Rise above
We're gonna rise above)
Think they're smart
Can't think for themselves
(Rise above
We're gonna rise above)
Laugh at us
Behind our backs
I find satisfaction
In what they lack
For those outside the states, the Dirty Projectors version is characterized as ‘indie’ and not much else. Mostly because ‘indie’ has served as a catchall term for any independent music, no matter the differences in sound and genre. But also because the music of Dirty Projectors pulls from so many different influences (African beats, pop, R&B, etc.) that their music becomes so hard to classify. It’s sort of what ‘punk’ has meant for such a long time. Punk music spans many different sounds, mostly loud and angry, but unclassifiable amongst its listeners as well its denouncers. It’s got a history and ideology much like indie music today, which (if done right) prides itself on innovative sounds and independent production. The States: Indie. Latin America/Ecuador: Punk.
Punk, though, is what holds strong here in Quito. Just the tag ‘punk’ means so much as graffiti in the streets on the walls. All the radio programs that I’ve taken note of haven’t played really mellow indie music that I tend to listen to but I’ve already met musicians with a strong tradition of trova (folk music) in Latin America. I wonder if anyone listens to Black Flag or Dirty Projectors or at the every least Bright Eyes? I think Jonathan Franzen may have hit it right when he mentioned Conor Oberst in Freedom, he really is sort of the closest thing we Americans have to a Bob Dylan of our generation.
http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/15601/
The song I chose, “Rise Above,” is a cover of the song by Black Flag, the seminal punk rock band from California. Punk, actually, is huge here in Ecuador especially amongst the youth. My internship is located right next to a public high school and I see the kids walking around in black jeans and Nirvana or Ramones shirts with their hair cut and died with a mess of gel. There aren’t many but I can’t help but hold a figurative “rock on” sign in my mind when I pass by them. Back in the 70s and 80s, Black Flag were the first true punk rockers anywhere. Their music is a symbol of rebellion against systemic and oppressive modes of thought. Here are some choice lyrics from “Rise Above”:
Society's arms of control
(Rise above
We're gonna rise above)
Think they're smart
Can't think for themselves
(Rise above
We're gonna rise above)
Laugh at us
Behind our backs
I find satisfaction
In what they lack
For those outside the states, the Dirty Projectors version is characterized as ‘indie’ and not much else. Mostly because ‘indie’ has served as a catchall term for any independent music, no matter the differences in sound and genre. But also because the music of Dirty Projectors pulls from so many different influences (African beats, pop, R&B, etc.) that their music becomes so hard to classify. It’s sort of what ‘punk’ has meant for such a long time. Punk music spans many different sounds, mostly loud and angry, but unclassifiable amongst its listeners as well its denouncers. It’s got a history and ideology much like indie music today, which (if done right) prides itself on innovative sounds and independent production. The States: Indie. Latin America/Ecuador: Punk.
Punk, though, is what holds strong here in Quito. Just the tag ‘punk’ means so much as graffiti in the streets on the walls. All the radio programs that I’ve taken note of haven’t played really mellow indie music that I tend to listen to but I’ve already met musicians with a strong tradition of trova (folk music) in Latin America. I wonder if anyone listens to Black Flag or Dirty Projectors or at the every least Bright Eyes? I think Jonathan Franzen may have hit it right when he mentioned Conor Oberst in Freedom, he really is sort of the closest thing we Americans have to a Bob Dylan of our generation.
http://www.songmeanings.net/songs/view/15601/
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Los y las jovenes
He estado muy impresionada con todos l@s jóvenes que yo he conocido a través de Ecuador. Cualquier la provincia o el pueblo, todos tienen un amor y afán genuina. Es palpable en todo y cada interacción y conversación. Ellos no hesitan a preguntar una pregunta. Ellos están listos y dispuestos a ayudarte. Ellos cantan y bailan con o sin una guitarra en sus manos. A traves de todos los viajes en el bus a y del hotel, l@s jóvenes cantaron y bailaron musica tradicional con letras que referencian Che Guevara and solo la simple belleza de la vida. Yo no puedo expresar como mucho calidad estoy lleno de después he estado pasando tiempo con ellos. Estoy no consciente de cómo feliz que me hace hasta yo tengo tiempo a relaxar y me doy cuenta lo que una conexión maravillosa que he hecho.
Hay no punto de angustia o mal-intención en ellos. Yo hago esta punto porque tan a menudo en mi trabajo de voluntario en los barrios de Los Angeles o Boston, yo he conocido muchos jóvenes desobedientes que no importa cuánto mucho dinero o esfuerzo, es imposible a hacer una diferencia en tod@s l@s jóvenes de la organización. Este es no quiere a decir que el trabajo no vale la peña--no en absoluto. Es solo muy refrescamente a encontrar tantos muchos jóvenes cultos y sinceros que están trabajando en sus comunidades.
Yo no puedo dejar que reconocer que esta es el producto de socialismo dónde el gobierno y la comunidad están teniendo la responsabilidad de la crianza y concienca de l@s jóvenes. Tienen un conocimiento fuerte de los problemas de sociales y los instituciones que criarlos. Es muy fácil a iniciar una conversación intelectual porque ellos tienen contestas y opiniones informadas. El gobierno (y también otras organizaciones) he financiado todos los talleres que El Churo enseñan en las programas de radio y los derechos de comunicación.
Los temas de conversación han alineado entre asuntos como el mercado libre, los estudios de universidad, Justin Bieber, Arnold Schwarnegger, las idiomas, la cultura y la crianza, el aborto, la diversidad y la raza, todas mientras comiendo el almuerzo o jugando Jenga. Pero es no mucho sobre los asuntos discutieron pero el pulso de la curiosidad y la genialidad autentica que, en el fin del día, Ecuador me lleva una mejora persona.
I have been so expressed with the youth that I have met throughout Ecuador. No matter which province or town, they all possess a genuine love and eagerness. It’s palpable in each and every interaction and conversation. They don’t hesitate to ask a question. They are ready and willing to help when you are in need. They sing and dance with or without a guitar in their hands. All throughout the bus rides to and from the hotel, the youth would sung and danced traditional music that references Che Guevara and just the simple beauty of life. I can’t express how much warmth I'm filled with after hanging out with them. I’m not even conscious of how happy they make me until I have time to settle down and realize what a wonderful connection I’ve made.
There is no point of angst or mal-intention in any of them. I point this out because so often in my volunteer work in the ghetto areas of Los Angeles and Boston, I have met many disobedient youth that no matter how much money or effort, it is not possible to make a comprehensive difference in all of them. That is not to say that the work being done in the organizations I've been involved with hasn't been worthwhile—not at all. It's just that it is so refreshing to find so many sincere and knowledgeable young people working in their communities.
I can't help but recognize that this is all a product of socialism where the government and community is taking responsibility in the education and consciousness of youth. They have a strong awareness of social problems and the institutions that reinforce them. With all the youth I’ve met, it has been very easy to start an intellectual conversation because they possess informed answers and opinions. The government (as well as other organizations) has funded all the workshops that El Churo teaches in radio programming and communication rights.
The themes of conversation have ranged amongst issues such as free trade, college studies, Justin Bieber, Arnold Schwarnegger, languages, culture and upbringing, abortion, diversity and race, all while eating or playing Jenga. But it is no so much about the issues discussed but the pulse of authentic curiosity and geniality that characterizes each interaction that, at the end of the day, Ecuador leaves me feeling like a better person.
Un taller en las programas de radio con los juegos cooperativos y energizantes.
A workshop in radio programming with icebreakers and games.
Hay no punto de angustia o mal-intención en ellos. Yo hago esta punto porque tan a menudo en mi trabajo de voluntario en los barrios de Los Angeles o Boston, yo he conocido muchos jóvenes desobedientes que no importa cuánto mucho dinero o esfuerzo, es imposible a hacer una diferencia en tod@s l@s jóvenes de la organización. Este es no quiere a decir que el trabajo no vale la peña--no en absoluto. Es solo muy refrescamente a encontrar tantos muchos jóvenes cultos y sinceros que están trabajando en sus comunidades.
Yo no puedo dejar que reconocer que esta es el producto de socialismo dónde el gobierno y la comunidad están teniendo la responsabilidad de la crianza y concienca de l@s jóvenes. Tienen un conocimiento fuerte de los problemas de sociales y los instituciones que criarlos. Es muy fácil a iniciar una conversación intelectual porque ellos tienen contestas y opiniones informadas. El gobierno (y también otras organizaciones) he financiado todos los talleres que El Churo enseñan en las programas de radio y los derechos de comunicación.
Los temas de conversación han alineado entre asuntos como el mercado libre, los estudios de universidad, Justin Bieber, Arnold Schwarnegger, las idiomas, la cultura y la crianza, el aborto, la diversidad y la raza, todas mientras comiendo el almuerzo o jugando Jenga. Pero es no mucho sobre los asuntos discutieron pero el pulso de la curiosidad y la genialidad autentica que, en el fin del día, Ecuador me lleva una mejora persona.
I have been so expressed with the youth that I have met throughout Ecuador. No matter which province or town, they all possess a genuine love and eagerness. It’s palpable in each and every interaction and conversation. They don’t hesitate to ask a question. They are ready and willing to help when you are in need. They sing and dance with or without a guitar in their hands. All throughout the bus rides to and from the hotel, the youth would sung and danced traditional music that references Che Guevara and just the simple beauty of life. I can’t express how much warmth I'm filled with after hanging out with them. I’m not even conscious of how happy they make me until I have time to settle down and realize what a wonderful connection I’ve made.
There is no point of angst or mal-intention in any of them. I point this out because so often in my volunteer work in the ghetto areas of Los Angeles and Boston, I have met many disobedient youth that no matter how much money or effort, it is not possible to make a comprehensive difference in all of them. That is not to say that the work being done in the organizations I've been involved with hasn't been worthwhile—not at all. It's just that it is so refreshing to find so many sincere and knowledgeable young people working in their communities.
I can't help but recognize that this is all a product of socialism where the government and community is taking responsibility in the education and consciousness of youth. They have a strong awareness of social problems and the institutions that reinforce them. With all the youth I’ve met, it has been very easy to start an intellectual conversation because they possess informed answers and opinions. The government (as well as other organizations) has funded all the workshops that El Churo teaches in radio programming and communication rights.
The themes of conversation have ranged amongst issues such as free trade, college studies, Justin Bieber, Arnold Schwarnegger, languages, culture and upbringing, abortion, diversity and race, all while eating or playing Jenga. But it is no so much about the issues discussed but the pulse of authentic curiosity and geniality that characterizes each interaction that, at the end of the day, Ecuador leaves me feeling like a better person.
A workshop in radio programming with icebreakers and games.
Friday, June 10, 2011
HYPER[VENTILATING]
- Tomorrow, I am expected to attend a youth event on my own. I will be representing El Churo ALL ALONE. IN SPANISH. IN SPANISH. IN SPANISH.
- The day after, I'll be leading an icebreaker amongst a group of youth for the radio workshop that El Churo will be holding in Esmeraldas (8 hrs away from Quito by bus). Once again, IN SPANISH. With YOUTH. Some of whom will be younger and many of whom will be older. IN SPANISH.
I actually don't think I've ever been SO NERVOUS in my life.
- The day after, I'll be leading an icebreaker amongst a group of youth for the radio workshop that El Churo will be holding in Esmeraldas (8 hrs away from Quito by bus). Once again, IN SPANISH. With YOUTH. Some of whom will be younger and many of whom will be older. IN SPANISH.
I actually don't think I've ever been SO NERVOUS in my life.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Bi-Presidential Politics
Earlier this evening, I caught parts of the meeting between President Rafael Correa and President Hugo Chavez on bilateral relations between Ecuador and Venezuela respectively. There were many clips that featured Chavez's praise of Ecuador and the country's push for agricultural sovereignty and rich natural resources. Chavez, afterall, is visiting Ecuador (Salinas, Ecuador to be exact), not the other way around so it makes sense that he is trying to make nice.
credit: Noticia al Dia
But, from what I have read about them, both Correa and Chavez are already on good terms. They consider each other personal friends outside of politics. And I can definitely tell from their interaction and banter during the meeting. For some reason, news shows focused on clips of Correa's snickering and looking a tad bit bored while Chavez appeared very agreeable. I guess they were interested in showing the human side of the President or maybe I was watching a very bias broadcast against Correa... I couldn't tell because I was mainly enamored with with how extremely light-hearted Chavez came off. He was shown laughing, practically giggling at times. My host mother caught his really childish chuckle and couldn't stop laughing herself. For all of Chavez's portrayal in American media as a "radical socialist dictator," this more forbearing perspective from Latin American news sources was very intriguing.
Awwwwwwww!
credit: Tierra Noticia (España)
But, from what I have read about them, both Correa and Chavez are already on good terms. They consider each other personal friends outside of politics. And I can definitely tell from their interaction and banter during the meeting. For some reason, news shows focused on clips of Correa's snickering and looking a tad bit bored while Chavez appeared very agreeable. I guess they were interested in showing the human side of the President or maybe I was watching a very bias broadcast against Correa... I couldn't tell because I was mainly enamored with with how extremely light-hearted Chavez came off. He was shown laughing, practically giggling at times. My host mother caught his really childish chuckle and couldn't stop laughing herself. For all of Chavez's portrayal in American media as a "radical socialist dictator," this more forbearing perspective from Latin American news sources was very intriguing.
credit: Tierra Noticia (España)
Vistas maravillosas [PART I]
La vista desde de la sala de la apartamento. Las montañas de Pinchincha.
The view from the living room of the apartment. The mountains of Pinchincha.
Monday, June 6, 2011
About My Internship... El Churo Comunicación
Poca se sabe de Wellesley que este verano, estoy usando su dinero para trabajar con un cooperativo. Esta es una necesidad en un cambio de ritmo para mí. He estado sintiendo muy ambivalente y desilusionada que se siente muy bien a trabajar para cambio en un medio ambiente sin pretensión de superioridad moral o ego. Las personas que más admiro y aspiro a ser hacen lo que hacen sin pretensión. Hay tan pocos actos desinteresados. Las personas del Churo están trabajando porque esta es su vida. Como una otra organizadora me explicó, este trabajo es no una elección. Aquí en El Churo, yo puedo sentir la obligación fuerte a trabajar para su familia, la clase social, la gente que han sido desatendidos e ignorados, Ecuador, Latina América—tod@s.
Colectivo El Churo es, en mis palabras, un grupo de personas que trabaja para los derechos comunicación y los derechos humanos para todos pero especialmente para los jóvenes. Los políticos y la arte y la cultura son integradas al juntos y así que, ellos usan plataformas diferentes para alcanzar los mismos objetivos. Expresión de política y social se promueve a través de
1. Web radio – las programas radio en música y cultura
2. Churo Móvil – el móvil con un micrófono que es manejada en las calles para llegar las masas especialmente ellos no acceso al Internet o otros formas de tecnología
3. Eventos de arte y cultural – los conciertos y los talleres en los espacios públicos con entrada libre
4. Organización política y social – trabajo con otros las organizaciones y la gente con las mismas metas para la comunidad
Hablando con Jorge, uno de los principales detrás El Churo (pero, tener en cuenta, no ego, él fue el primero persona a destacar que hay no jerarquía), me explicó a mí: Hay dos razones para el trabajo que pasa en todo del Latina América. Primero, la memoria de la tierra. La historia del dolor y también la buena de cada país es compartido entre todos el gente. Segundo, la identidad de ser un Latin@ o Ecuadorian@. Hay mucho orgullo y amor con los pies en verdad a la tierra. Cada persona está trabajando para el bien común con el pasado y el futuro en mente.
Hablando con Jorge, uno de los principales detrás El Churo (pero, tener en cuenta, no ego, él fue el primero persona a destacar que hay no jerarquía), me explicó a mí: Hay dos razones para el trabajo que pasa en todo del Latina América. Primero, la memoria de la tierra. La historia del dolor y también la buena de cada país es compartido entre todos los Latinos Americanos. Segundo, la identidad de ser un Latin@ o Ecuadorian@. Hay mucho orgullo y amor para lo que son. Cada persona está trabajando para el bien común con el pasado y el futuro en mente.
Para más leyendo:
Colectivo El Churo es, en mis palabras, un grupo de personas que trabaja para los derechos comunicación y los derechos humanos para todos pero especialmente para los jóvenes. Los políticos y la arte y la cultura son integradas al juntos y así que, ellos usan plataformas diferentes para alcanzar los mismos objetivos. Expresión de política y social se promueve a través de
1. Web radio – las programas radio en música y cultura
2. Churo Móvil – el móvil con un micrófono que es manejada en las calles para llegar las masas especialmente ellos no acceso al Internet o otros formas de tecnología
3. Eventos de arte y cultural – los conciertos y los talleres en los espacios públicos con entrada libre
4. Organización política y social – trabajo con otros las organizaciones y la gente con las mismas metas para la comunidad
Hablando con Jorge, uno de los principales detrás El Churo (pero, tener en cuenta, no ego, él fue el primero persona a destacar que hay no jerarquía), me explicó a mí: Hay dos razones para el trabajo que pasa en todo del Latina América. Primero, la memoria de la tierra. La historia del dolor y también la buena de cada país es compartido entre todos el gente. Segundo, la identidad de ser un Latin@ o Ecuadorian@. Hay mucho orgullo y amor con los pies en verdad a la tierra. Cada persona está trabajando para el bien común con el pasado y el futuro en mente.
Hablando con Jorge, uno de los principales detrás El Churo (pero, tener en cuenta, no ego, él fue el primero persona a destacar que hay no jerarquía), me explicó a mí: Hay dos razones para el trabajo que pasa en todo del Latina América. Primero, la memoria de la tierra. La historia del dolor y también la buena de cada país es compartido entre todos los Latinos Americanos. Segundo, la identidad de ser un Latin@ o Ecuadorian@. Hay mucho orgullo y amor para lo que son. Cada persona está trabajando para el bien común con el pasado y el futuro en mente.
Para más leyendo:
El Churo Comunicación
Little does Wellesley know that this summer, I am using their money to work in a cooperative. It is a much-needed change of rhythm for me. I’ve been feeling so ambivalent and disillusioned that it feels so good to work for change in an environment without any self-righteousness or ego. The people that I most admire and aspire to be, they do what they do without any sense of superiority or pretension. There are so few selfless people in the world. The people of El Churo are doing the work they do because this is there life. As another organizer I respect from the states explained to me, this work is not a choice. Here in El Churo, I can feel the strong obligation to work for their family, social class, the people that have been underserved and ignored, their country (Ecuador) and their land (Latin America)—tod@s.
The El Churo Collective is, in my words, a group of people that work for communication rights and human rights for all but especially youth. Politics and art and culture are integrated. They may use different platforms but to reach the same objectives. Political and social forms of expressions are promoted through:
1. Web Radio – programs on art and culture
2. Churo Móvil – the automobile with a microphone that is driven in the streets in order to reach the masses especially those without access to Internet or radio
3. Arts and Culture events – concerts and workshops in public spaces for free
4. Political and social organizing – work with other organizations and people with the same goals for the community
Talking to Jorge, one of the principle people behind El Churo (but, keep in mind, no ego, he was the first person to emphasize that there is no hierarchy), he explained to me: There are two driving forces for the work that happens in all of Latin America, First, the memory of the land. The history of pain but also the good of each country is shared between all Latin Americans. Second, their Latin American or Ecuadorian identity. There is so much down-to-earth love and pride for who they are. Each person is working with the past and the future in mind.
Further reading:
“It’s Not About You.” Op-Ed Column by David Brooks in The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/31/opinion/31brooks.html
Little does Wellesley know that this summer, I am using their money to work in a cooperative. It is a much-needed change of rhythm for me. I’ve been feeling so ambivalent and disillusioned that it feels so good to work for change in an environment without any self-righteousness or ego. The people that I most admire and aspire to be, they do what they do without any sense of superiority or pretension. There are so few selfless people in the world. The people of El Churo are doing the work they do because this is there life. As another organizer I respect from the states explained to me, this work is not a choice. Here in El Churo, I can feel the strong obligation to work for their family, social class, the people that have been underserved and ignored, their country (Ecuador) and their land (Latin America)—tod@s.
The El Churo Collective is, in my words, a group of people that work for communication rights and human rights for all but especially youth. Politics and art and culture are integrated. They may use different platforms but to reach the same objectives. Political and social forms of expressions are promoted through:
1. Web Radio – programs on art and culture
2. Churo Móvil – the automobile with a microphone that is driven in the streets in order to reach the masses especially those without access to Internet or radio
3. Arts and Culture events – concerts and workshops in public spaces for free
4. Political and social organizing – work with other organizations and people with the same goals for the community
Talking to Jorge, one of the principle people behind El Churo (but, keep in mind, no ego, he was the first person to emphasize that there is no hierarchy), he explained to me: There are two driving forces for the work that happens in all of Latin America, First, the memory of the land. The history of pain but also the good of each country is shared between all Latin Americans. Second, their Latin American or Ecuadorian identity. There is so much down-to-earth love and pride for who they are. Each person is working with the past and the future in mind.
Further reading:
El Churo Comunicación
“It’s Not About You.” Op-Ed Column by David Brooks in The New York Times. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/31/opinion/31brooks.html
Payayayayayyaya
My host mom made me fresh payaya juice and my constipation issues have been resolved. #TMI
Mi madre anfitriona me hizo jugo fresco de payaya y todos mis problemas de estreñimiento han sido resueltas.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Diez – Si tuviera que elegir
Mis diez momentos más memorables de mi primera vez en Ecuador, diez semanas estudiando las transformaciones política y social de la país.
1. Caminando a través de Las Amazonas. Durante el día. Durante el noche. Nadando en Río Amazonas. Casi viendo delfín rosas y tulcánes pero no en realidad.
2. Jugo fresco cada mañana con almuerzo hace por mi madre anfitriona. < 3
3. Jugando con mi prima joven anfitriona cuando ella estaba quedando con su abuela (mi madre anfitriona). Estoy la primera asiática que ella he visto y ella se fascinó con mis ojos. Uno tiempo, mientras estábamos jugando en la sala, ella tocaba mi ojo y mi lente de contacto se cayó. No me sorprendió si ella está creciendo pensando que todos los asiáticos tiene lentes extraños en nuestros ojos (que es casi cierto).
4. Caminando el ecuador en busca de baños que funciona en un dirección diferente.
5. Todos las noches en La Plaza Foche con los Minnesotans. < 3
6. Viendo la explotación de petróleo. Cuando nuestro grupo llegaba a un pueblo pequeño en las Amazonas, veíamos la gente viviendo al lado de vertidos. Aprendimos sobre los problemas de saludable y ambientales en las comunidades y además en su economía y sustento. El punto decisivo para mí estaba cuando estábamos en un lago pequeño cubierta en petróleo pero con vegetación todo alrededor. Nuestro guía de Acción Ecológica explicaba que con todo la polución, solamente un tipa de planta puede cultivar. Fue en ese momento que me di cuenta de que la diversidad de naturaleza en los Amazonas—uno de los lugares más diversos en el mundo—también está en riesgo major.
7. Aventuras al aire libre. “Zip-lining” y “rafting” en Mindo.
8. Conversaciones con Ecuatorianos locales. Yo aprendía más de mi madre anfitriona, la familia indígena que vivimos con por un periodo de tiempo, los niños pequeños, y las personas que se conocieron en bares y fiestas.
9. Todos los cuentos locos y extraños que yo puedo decir en el futuros sobre mi aventuras con mi hermana anfitriona Erika. < 3
10. Todo que yo aprendía sobre la cultura y la gente de Ecuador y como ellos están trabajando para un lugar mejor para vivir. Estoy muy feliz de volver y aprender más. En el corto tiempo que he estado vuelta, yo sólo he experimentado más calidez y amabilidad.
My ten most memorable moments from my first time in Ecuador, ten weeks studying the social and political transformations of the country.
1. Walking through the Amazon Forest. During the day. During the night. Swimming in the Amazon River in water that appears brown but feels so refreshing. Almost seeing pink dolphins and tulcans but not really.
2. Fresh juice every morning for breakfast made by my host mother. < 3
3. Playing with my young host cousin when she was staying with her grandmother (my host mother). I am the first Asian that she has ever met and she was fascinated with my eyes. One time, while we were playing in the living room, she touched my eye and my contact lens fell out. I would not be surprised if she is now growing up thinking that all Asians have weird lenses in their eyes (cause we all kinda do).
4. Walking the equator en search of toilets that flush in a different direction.
5. All those nights in Plaza Foche with the Minnesotans. < 3
6. The sight of the exploitation of oil in the Amazon. When our group arrived in a small town in the Amazons, we saw people living next to vertidos. We learned about the environmental and health problems in the communities in addition to theiir economy and livelihood. The decisive point for me was when we came upon a small lake covered in oil but with vegetation encircling the entire area. Our guide from Acción Ecológica explained that with all the pollution, only one type of plant can grow. It was in this momento that I realized that the diversity of the Amazon Rain Forest—one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world—is also in major jeopardy.
7. Adventures in the outdoors. Zip-lining and rafting in Mindo.
8. Conversations with local Ecuadorians. I learned the most from my host mother, the indigenous family we stayed with for a period of time, little kids, and all the strangers we met at bars and parties.
9. All the crazy and strange stories I can tell in the future about my adventures with my host sister Erika. < 3
10. All that I learned about the culture and the people of Ecuador and how they are all working for a better place in which to live. I am so happy to be back and to learn more. In the short time that I have been back, I have only experienced more warmth and kindness.
1. Caminando a través de Las Amazonas. Durante el día. Durante el noche. Nadando en Río Amazonas. Casi viendo delfín rosas y tulcánes pero no en realidad.
2. Jugo fresco cada mañana con almuerzo hace por mi madre anfitriona. < 3
3. Jugando con mi prima joven anfitriona cuando ella estaba quedando con su abuela (mi madre anfitriona). Estoy la primera asiática que ella he visto y ella se fascinó con mis ojos. Uno tiempo, mientras estábamos jugando en la sala, ella tocaba mi ojo y mi lente de contacto se cayó. No me sorprendió si ella está creciendo pensando que todos los asiáticos tiene lentes extraños en nuestros ojos (que es casi cierto).
4. Caminando el ecuador en busca de baños que funciona en un dirección diferente.
5. Todos las noches en La Plaza Foche con los Minnesotans. < 3
6. Viendo la explotación de petróleo. Cuando nuestro grupo llegaba a un pueblo pequeño en las Amazonas, veíamos la gente viviendo al lado de vertidos. Aprendimos sobre los problemas de saludable y ambientales en las comunidades y además en su economía y sustento. El punto decisivo para mí estaba cuando estábamos en un lago pequeño cubierta en petróleo pero con vegetación todo alrededor. Nuestro guía de Acción Ecológica explicaba que con todo la polución, solamente un tipa de planta puede cultivar. Fue en ese momento que me di cuenta de que la diversidad de naturaleza en los Amazonas—uno de los lugares más diversos en el mundo—también está en riesgo major.
7. Aventuras al aire libre. “Zip-lining” y “rafting” en Mindo.
8. Conversaciones con Ecuatorianos locales. Yo aprendía más de mi madre anfitriona, la familia indígena que vivimos con por un periodo de tiempo, los niños pequeños, y las personas que se conocieron en bares y fiestas.
9. Todos los cuentos locos y extraños que yo puedo decir en el futuros sobre mi aventuras con mi hermana anfitriona Erika. < 3
10. Todo que yo aprendía sobre la cultura y la gente de Ecuador y como ellos están trabajando para un lugar mejor para vivir. Estoy muy feliz de volver y aprender más. En el corto tiempo que he estado vuelta, yo sólo he experimentado más calidez y amabilidad.
My ten most memorable moments from my first time in Ecuador, ten weeks studying the social and political transformations of the country.
1. Walking through the Amazon Forest. During the day. During the night. Swimming in the Amazon River in water that appears brown but feels so refreshing. Almost seeing pink dolphins and tulcans but not really.
2. Fresh juice every morning for breakfast made by my host mother. < 3
3. Playing with my young host cousin when she was staying with her grandmother (my host mother). I am the first Asian that she has ever met and she was fascinated with my eyes. One time, while we were playing in the living room, she touched my eye and my contact lens fell out. I would not be surprised if she is now growing up thinking that all Asians have weird lenses in their eyes (cause we all kinda do).
4. Walking the equator en search of toilets that flush in a different direction.
5. All those nights in Plaza Foche with the Minnesotans. < 3
6. The sight of the exploitation of oil in the Amazon. When our group arrived in a small town in the Amazons, we saw people living next to vertidos. We learned about the environmental and health problems in the communities in addition to theiir economy and livelihood. The decisive point for me was when we came upon a small lake covered in oil but with vegetation encircling the entire area. Our guide from Acción Ecológica explained that with all the pollution, only one type of plant can grow. It was in this momento that I realized that the diversity of the Amazon Rain Forest—one of the most ecologically diverse places in the world—is also in major jeopardy.
7. Adventures in the outdoors. Zip-lining and rafting in Mindo.
8. Conversations with local Ecuadorians. I learned the most from my host mother, the indigenous family we stayed with for a period of time, little kids, and all the strangers we met at bars and parties.
9. All the crazy and strange stories I can tell in the future about my adventures with my host sister Erika. < 3
10. All that I learned about the culture and the people of Ecuador and how they are all working for a better place in which to live. I am so happy to be back and to learn more. In the short time that I have been back, I have only experienced more warmth and kindness.
Things I've Forgotten
- Any light form of outerwear (i.e. cardigan, sweater, jacket)
- Hiking boots (if I go to the Galapagos)
- Rain boots (they'd come in handy time to time esp. for certain travels)
- Small purse (for late nights out)
I can't believe I did not bring any utilitarian outerwear. FAIL.
- Hiking boots (if I go to the Galapagos)
- Rain boots (they'd come in handy time to time esp. for certain travels)
- Small purse (for late nights out)
I can't believe I did not bring any utilitarian outerwear. FAIL.
Friday, June 3, 2011
Fickle Fickle Weather
I'm worried that I should've brought rain boots. It's bright and sunny in the morning but then it starts raining in the mid-afternoon. Hard rain. Torrential rainfall. For about fifteen minutes. And then it's just bright and sunny again. I actually love the rain but I do not want to get soaked in all the acid rain proffered from all the pollution in the city.
First Post Ever
Arrived a few days ago. Weird to be here without all the amazing Minnesotans I met in January but it's also so exciting this adventure is finally underway! ECUADOR SUMMER 2011.
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