I am about to complete my first Kiva Fellowship in Mexico, which has certainly been a learning experience for me. The majority of my time was spent in the small city of Huatusco, Mexico onboarding a new Kiva partner. While the work was definitely interesting, there were many challenges along the way, both professional and personal. Read more
I haven’t disappeared
Trying on some traditional clothing in Chiapas
Just wanted to post quickly as its been several months since my last update. I’ve been so busy in Mexico with my Kiva Fellowship, that I have neglected my personal blog. Over the next few weeks I hope to rectify this by posting more updates, but in the meantime, check out my post on the Kiva Fellows Blog.
I would also recommend reviewing the posts of my colleagues who are placed all over the world. There will definitely be more to follow by me, both here and on the Fellows Blog.
Cheers!
Catching up – The land of Lakes and Volcanos
Five Volcanos North of Cerro Negro
I spent the first three weeks of 2012 exploring Nicaragua, which is known for its volcanoes, lakes, and beaches. Based on the advice from my good friend Dan, I hit up some of the major spots along the “Gringo Trail”.
Categories: Central America, General
Tags: Blogsherpa, Budget Travel, Kiyomi Beach, Nicaragua, Travel
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I’m back! – Now in Central America
Monkeys on the beach in Manuel Antonio
After three weeks of travelling in Costa Rica and Nicaragua, I finally have a chance to catch up.
Costa Rica
My first week back in Latin America was began on December 26th when I took a weeklong trip to Costa Rica with my old college roommate. It was nice departing from the shoestring travelling for a week where we actually stayed in hotels, rather than the dorm-style hostels I had become accustomed to.
The trip started a little rough when we were put on the wrong tour bus in San Jose. We were prepared for a full day of exciting white water rafting, but instead were put on a volcano-coffee tour. VERY disappointing. We realized this only after being on the bus for 20 minutes, when the tour guide began speaking about volcanoes. Read more
Categories: Central America, General
Tags: Blogsherpa, Budget Travel, costa rica, Kiyomi Beach, Travel
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Back in the USA – Reflections on Peru (Part 2): The Culture
I am a traveller who enjoys spending a longer time in one place rather than sleeping in a different city every night or two. I really enjoy not only seeing the highlights, but also the off the beaten path places, and getting to know and understand the culture of an area. In Cuzco, Peru I was lucky to have the opportunity.
Categories: General, Peru
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Back in the USA – Reflections on Peru (Part 1): Travelling Alone
I have now been back in the US for two weeks, happily readjusting to using my iPhone and drinking the tap water. I thought I would summarize my thoughts on Peru as I prepare for my next trip.
I was told that my posts are too long, so to keep things short and sweet, I am breaking this up into a few parts.
Travelling Alone:
I was scared of this at first: scared that I’d be lonely, get bored, or just simply not have that much fun by myself.
I quickly found that, although independent, it was very easy to make friends, even for a day, and find travel partners when I wanted to. Sometimes it was nice not to have a travel buddy, to explore things at my own pace, as I did through the ruins of Ollantaytambo, Peru. Yes, taking pictures of myself was a bit more challenging, but I didn’t have to waste time seeing the things I didn’t want, and got to see everything I wanted to see. (Ollantaytambo Pics)
Categories: General, Peru
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May 17: Huatusco, Mexico
Maestro: What’s your name?
Me: Ki-yo-mi
Maestro: Yo-what? Ki? Why don’t I just call you ‘mi Amor’. I dont need you complicating my life, mi Amor.
-Older male teacher I met earlier this week. He either couldn’t be bothered to learn my name, was attempting to charm me, or both.