I entered Nicaragua today. It is my first time out of the country and I am a little nervous. I was greeted at the airport by Christine, who is a Witness for Peace worker. She was very nice and so is the drive, Louise. The hostile that we are staying at is nice than I thought it would be. The food is very good and it is is mostly beans and rice accompanied by a fried banana. We also went to the President’s Palace and took a historical tour around the Somoza’s family estate. The estate was ruined by the 1973 earthquake. I found it interesting the number of PDA displays throughout the streets in Nicaragua, as well as the number of children who came up to the van to make a quick dollar. Today was very light and I look forward to tomorrow.
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Caitlin Dolan's Blog 1 (posted a few days later)
Monday, May 16, 2011
Day 2 in Nicaragua by Maria, Megan, and Kristina
Today was a very interesting day. Each day of our delegation we will be doing a quick reflection or check in on how everyone is feeling. This exercise allows us to speak without interference from others. It’s a self reflection which makes you vocalize your internal thoughts. We then spoke quickly about our initial feelings in the difference of culture in Nicaragua compared to our own. Things that were brought up included clothing (it’s a lot tighter and fancier), everyone is wearing heals, and there is a lot of PDA. Other cultural differences included seeing young children to left unattended and working on the streets.
We soon after left our first hostel to come to Cepad, which we will stay for the majority of time. Once at Cepad we did an exercise on power vs. privilege, where we discussed what the American dream. Which we described as the typical owning a house, white picket fence, college education and other aspects of identity to what determines your success in America. We then did the line activity, which we realized our group, as small as it is, is very diverse. From that activity we named systems of oppression like racism, sexism, ageism, etc. These systems determine your power and privilege in American society.
Soon after lunch we went to the local market, where we were given $2us or 40c$ (the amount an average Nicaraguan makes in a day) to spend on food for a family of six. We quickly noticed how difficult this feet is. We were able to buy some rice and beans but that was about it. We also realized that if that was all we can spend on food, how do we pay to cook the food or buy other necessities? After spending our money in the local market we went a more tourist centered affluent mall, which featured big names stores like Nike and Guess. There were a lot less people and the prices were hiked up. The workers, although they got paid more, were still only living on $6US a day. They also were expected to look nicer and pay to get to work.
Our next activity took us to a part in Managua that consisted of government funded houses for the victims of DDT or pesticides sprayed on bananas produced by transnational companies like Dole or Chiquita. These people have been in a struggle with the companies and report that their physical and mental health has been affected by the chemicals. 1000s of people have gotten sick, become sterile, and even died because of the spray. We came back to the hostile to watch the documentary “Banana” which portrayed one of the many court cases about the struggle. Our group then reflected on both the movie and our interaction with Guillermo, one of the directive bodies of the FSLN.
Overall, it was a very intense day where we did and learned a lot of Nicaragua, especially in terms of how the United States companies use their power and privilege to take advantage of the impoverished working class.
We soon after left our first hostel to come to Cepad, which we will stay for the majority of time. Once at Cepad we did an exercise on power vs. privilege, where we discussed what the American dream. Which we described as the typical owning a house, white picket fence, college education and other aspects of identity to what determines your success in America. We then did the line activity, which we realized our group, as small as it is, is very diverse. From that activity we named systems of oppression like racism, sexism, ageism, etc. These systems determine your power and privilege in American society.
Soon after lunch we went to the local market, where we were given $2us or 40c$ (the amount an average Nicaraguan makes in a day) to spend on food for a family of six. We quickly noticed how difficult this feet is. We were able to buy some rice and beans but that was about it. We also realized that if that was all we can spend on food, how do we pay to cook the food or buy other necessities? After spending our money in the local market we went a more tourist centered affluent mall, which featured big names stores like Nike and Guess. There were a lot less people and the prices were hiked up. The workers, although they got paid more, were still only living on $6US a day. They also were expected to look nicer and pay to get to work.
Our next activity took us to a part in Managua that consisted of government funded houses for the victims of DDT or pesticides sprayed on bananas produced by transnational companies like Dole or Chiquita. These people have been in a struggle with the companies and report that their physical and mental health has been affected by the chemicals. 1000s of people have gotten sick, become sterile, and even died because of the spray. We came back to the hostile to watch the documentary “Banana” which portrayed one of the many court cases about the struggle. Our group then reflected on both the movie and our interaction with Guillermo, one of the directive bodies of the FSLN.
Overall, it was a very intense day where we did and learned a lot of Nicaragua, especially in terms of how the United States companies use their power and privilege to take advantage of the impoverished working class.
Day two
So today is our second day. It some how managed to get hotter today :/ but that is besides the point lol.
Today we talked to banana workers who are fighting a battle against large transnational fruit companies. Hearing their stories and the struggles they are going through is actually really concerning to me. It is difficult for me to deal with the ethical concerns that I have about the whole situation. As I listened to Guillermo speak about the struggles he has faced trying to get justice for his family and community, I thought about all the times I sat at home worry free consuming Dole/and other fruit company products. I know that not eating Dole products will not solve anything but it is just hard for me to think that indirectly I am allowing these companies do these horrible things.
I'm not sure exactly what I want to do about this whole situation but I know something needs to be done.
Today we talked to banana workers who are fighting a battle against large transnational fruit companies. Hearing their stories and the struggles they are going through is actually really concerning to me. It is difficult for me to deal with the ethical concerns that I have about the whole situation. As I listened to Guillermo speak about the struggles he has faced trying to get justice for his family and community, I thought about all the times I sat at home worry free consuming Dole/and other fruit company products. I know that not eating Dole products will not solve anything but it is just hard for me to think that indirectly I am allowing these companies do these horrible things.
I'm not sure exactly what I want to do about this whole situation but I know something needs to be done.
Jen's Pre-Trip Post
Tomorrow at 5:30 in the morning my journey to Nicaragua will begin! It seems like I have been counting down this day forever and it is hard to believe that it is finally here. I have also been packing for days to make sure that I have everything to make this trip of a lifetime perfect and for my parent’s sake, safe.
For those of you who do not know me, like every other 20-year-old in the United States, I am addicted to facebook, my blackberry, and it is a rarity to leave the house without make-up. The idea of going to a third-world country to experience a life that has no technology and is so foreign to mine, not only excites me but also scares me at the same time. The struggles that a third-world country faces really hit home when going to the Infectious Disease doctor to receive vaccines and to prepare for the trip. My doctor told me many people in Nicaragua have contracted and could possibly die of Typhoid Fever and Malaria and that I should be vaccinated to make sure that I don’t contract the diseases myself. It is hard for me to grasp the idea that a solution for these diseases are in the United States and in other parts of the world, yet the people of Nicaragua still struggle with something that is potentially preventable. I look forward to meeting the native people and learning first hand culture of Nicaragua.
For those of you who do not know me, like every other 20-year-old in the United States, I am addicted to facebook, my blackberry, and it is a rarity to leave the house without make-up. The idea of going to a third-world country to experience a life that has no technology and is so foreign to mine, not only excites me but also scares me at the same time. The struggles that a third-world country faces really hit home when going to the Infectious Disease doctor to receive vaccines and to prepare for the trip. My doctor told me many people in Nicaragua have contracted and could possibly die of Typhoid Fever and Malaria and that I should be vaccinated to make sure that I don’t contract the diseases myself. It is hard for me to grasp the idea that a solution for these diseases are in the United States and in other parts of the world, yet the people of Nicaragua still struggle with something that is potentially preventable. I look forward to meeting the native people and learning first hand culture of Nicaragua.
Kristina's Post on her first day
May 16, 2011,
Yesterday was quit an exhausting but exciting day. I was awake for more than 24 hours but it was worth it all. Since this is the first official day of the trip I am interested to see everything that I will learn during this trip. I have already learned so much about the Nicaraguan history and how the country has been influenced by their civil wars and American policies. It is really sad the kind of condition the country is in.
Yesterday when we were driving through Managua, it was kind of an emotional experience for me. There were a lot of kids out trying to do some odd jobs and make some extra money. These kids had to be between the ages of 6 and 12. It was just a very surreal experience to see the poverty you’ve only ever heard of in real life.
On a happier note, I am excited to see what kinds of things I learn today and we are going to the market/mall so that should be interesting. :-)
Yesterday was quit an exhausting but exciting day. I was awake for more than 24 hours but it was worth it all. Since this is the first official day of the trip I am interested to see everything that I will learn during this trip. I have already learned so much about the Nicaraguan history and how the country has been influenced by their civil wars and American policies. It is really sad the kind of condition the country is in.
Yesterday when we were driving through Managua, it was kind of an emotional experience for me. There were a lot of kids out trying to do some odd jobs and make some extra money. These kids had to be between the ages of 6 and 12. It was just a very surreal experience to see the poverty you’ve only ever heard of in real life.
On a happier note, I am excited to see what kinds of things I learn today and we are going to the market/mall so that should be interesting. :-)
On the way to Nicaragua...Some Thoughts by Maria
As I am on a plane to Nicaragua, I am truly excited to be on TCNJ’s third delegation with Witness for Peace (WFP). A great organization whose mission “is to support peace, justice and sustainable economies in the Americas by changing U.S. policies and corporate practices which contribute to poverty and oppression in Latin America and the Caribbean.” WFP brings people from the United States to “witness” the disparity in Nicaragua and express what they believe is the United States role in the third world country. To get a quick understanding of the extent the WFP does please read “Witness for Peace: A Story of Resistance,” by Ed. Griffin-Nolan.
Not only am I excited for what I am going to learn and experience
I am super ecstatic to be with the group of people coming on the trip. We have a great group of students with so many different talents and interests. The group includes Karina Lopez, Erica Hernandez, Kat Avila (the only one who has been on the trip before), Kristina Merced, Caitlin Dolan , Meghan Gerity, Jennifer Ullrich, our only boy Adam Sflerazzo, and my co-staff member Heather Camp.
We are landing in 20 minutes and I just can’t stop smiling and thinking this is going to be a great trip. At this time I would also like to thank the Bonner Center for giving me this opportunity, Pat and Paula for being so supportive, and Brit Aydelotte for organizing everything. Keep Reading the blog, it’s going to be GREAT!!!!
Not only am I excited for what I am going to learn and experience
I am super ecstatic to be with the group of people coming on the trip. We have a great group of students with so many different talents and interests. The group includes Karina Lopez, Erica Hernandez, Kat Avila (the only one who has been on the trip before), Kristina Merced, Caitlin Dolan , Meghan Gerity, Jennifer Ullrich, our only boy Adam Sflerazzo, and my co-staff member Heather Camp.
We are landing in 20 minutes and I just can’t stop smiling and thinking this is going to be a great trip. At this time I would also like to thank the Bonner Center for giving me this opportunity, Pat and Paula for being so supportive, and Brit Aydelotte for organizing everything. Keep Reading the blog, it’s going to be GREAT!!!!
Saturday, May 14, 2011
Getting Ready!
Right now, it is May 14th at 10:30PM in NJ and I am sitting in the TCNJ Bonner Center writing this blog post. You might think it is a bit unusal for me to be in the Bonner Center at such an obscure time on Saturday Night, but there is a very special reason why I am here tonight. Tomorrow morning at 2:45AM I will embarck on my long journey to Managua, Nicaragua.
I am going to Nicaragua as a junior Bonner Community Scholar at TCNJ. Instead of simply going to the country to relax, sit by the pool, and sip on a few drinks, I will be going to wittness and live first hand what life is really like in a 3rd world country. Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the america's and the carribean behind Haiti. This is all part of the mission of the Bonner Program at TCNJ. Our mission is to help and make better the community and world we live in. Going to Nicaragua will help me to gain a better understanding of what life is like outside the comfort of a rich country and the socio-economic bubble I live in.
While I am sure I will gain much pleasure from the trip, that is not my main purpose. I am going to Nicaragua to "witness" the culture, lifestyle, political atmosphere, and life of the people of this country. I hope to be humbled by the lixuries I am afforded that I never even knew existed.
I am nervous about many things regarding my trip. I have heard many negative reports by others that Ihave gone before me. Sickness, uncleanliness, dangerous situations, etc. have all been described to me by the people who have gone before me. Instead of looking at the worried faces I see on others I tell about my trip, I look at this as a learning experience and an attempt to see first hand what they mean when others portray such worries.
I have a ton more to say but this must suffice for now. I need some rest before my long trip early tomorrow morning. I hope to update everyone following me on this blog as soon as I get a chance! Check back to learn more about my experience
-Adam
I am going to Nicaragua as a junior Bonner Community Scholar at TCNJ. Instead of simply going to the country to relax, sit by the pool, and sip on a few drinks, I will be going to wittness and live first hand what life is really like in a 3rd world country. Nicaragua is the second poorest country in the america's and the carribean behind Haiti. This is all part of the mission of the Bonner Program at TCNJ. Our mission is to help and make better the community and world we live in. Going to Nicaragua will help me to gain a better understanding of what life is like outside the comfort of a rich country and the socio-economic bubble I live in.
While I am sure I will gain much pleasure from the trip, that is not my main purpose. I am going to Nicaragua to "witness" the culture, lifestyle, political atmosphere, and life of the people of this country. I hope to be humbled by the lixuries I am afforded that I never even knew existed.
I am nervous about many things regarding my trip. I have heard many negative reports by others that Ihave gone before me. Sickness, uncleanliness, dangerous situations, etc. have all been described to me by the people who have gone before me. Instead of looking at the worried faces I see on others I tell about my trip, I look at this as a learning experience and an attempt to see first hand what they mean when others portray such worries.
I have a ton more to say but this must suffice for now. I need some rest before my long trip early tomorrow morning. I hope to update everyone following me on this blog as soon as I get a chance! Check back to learn more about my experience
-Adam
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