tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73699452648375110492024-03-05T00:04:44.550-07:00Imagine ArgentinaLos Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-12749582878766748482013-03-01T05:12:00.000-07:002013-03-01T05:12:00.104-07:00PHOTO FRIDAY #9: Olympic Games<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihD2cUfy-PO7LLxuYeQYVA9T4YsNM63zYGvfBdUiftmwqfOdvAZnlcHdOm8f2ElNC-97pEsjQtiBul-eRiHR9nghPf-I5zc1MvKTL1g3B9aHB9BGW3PorDlnjHdpP00ez4HfDq5I2_JN8/s1600/London+Bridge.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihD2cUfy-PO7LLxuYeQYVA9T4YsNM63zYGvfBdUiftmwqfOdvAZnlcHdOm8f2ElNC-97pEsjQtiBul-eRiHR9nghPf-I5zc1MvKTL1g3B9aHB9BGW3PorDlnjHdpP00ez4HfDq5I2_JN8/s640/London+Bridge.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There has been recent discussion about wrestling not being included in the summer Olympic Games. In fact, the IOC has eliminated the sport from its roster of events (starting in 2020). As a fan of wrestling - and a competitor - I think this is an absolute shame. It is a sport of discipline, skill, and strength...but it is also a significant and historical component of the Olympic Games (both ancient and modern...and across <i>multiple</i> nations). Since this blog is not dedicated to sports or athletics, I figured I could just use this picture taken from London during a brief stop in July 2012 just before the opening ceremonies. Like how I tied that all in? :)Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-79072764025386564142013-02-22T14:11:00.000-07:002013-02-23T14:12:22.579-07:00PHOTO FRIDAY #8: View from Cerro Otto<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntHuSMlGVoOmk4NaUQ-VlJUQJWGFytisOdUppsEEBrR0MU2oJsgNucz5cszDLadv_8MC0ZU2q9AmA3OpWV-8Ip8w0hmsTu40iOz5yOcgQ-_S7m8mpMYu8Zo7ijvTwoazkfn34SZbuaDA/s1600/Bariloche.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgntHuSMlGVoOmk4NaUQ-VlJUQJWGFytisOdUppsEEBrR0MU2oJsgNucz5cszDLadv_8MC0ZU2q9AmA3OpWV-8Ip8w0hmsTu40iOz5yOcgQ-_S7m8mpMYu8Zo7ijvTwoazkfn34SZbuaDA/s640/Bariloche.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
There are few places on earth more majestic than the Patagonia region of South America. The northern limits of Patagonia (inside Argentina) begin with the picturesque paradise of San Carlos de Bariloche. This aerial view was captured high above town, following a casual 7-minute chairlift ride to the top of Cerro Otto. The panoramic below reveals thick pine forests, 'alpine' architecture, and the turquoise hues of Nahuel Huapi Lake. This is the Switzerland of South America!Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-68175050134553797462013-02-15T13:53:00.000-07:002013-02-23T14:01:49.262-07:00PHOTO FRIDAY #7: Copacabana<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzR4f4fGx2yZIa6veW3f476F6mMa_cX55FbSSoiV7G9mluE6h5HmME5Ddy1pI-V7Io9jbMAT7Q1e8AxZvdq6TTLWjuXayWOaM-9DEnUr-9uw9QieEIArtj_FrtNdLH0bH_J4oYlMUWPD8/s1600/Copacabana.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzR4f4fGx2yZIa6veW3f476F6mMa_cX55FbSSoiV7G9mluE6h5HmME5Ddy1pI-V7Io9jbMAT7Q1e8AxZvdq6TTLWjuXayWOaM-9DEnUr-9uw9QieEIArtj_FrtNdLH0bH_J4oYlMUWPD8/s640/Copacabana.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
An afternoon stroll along Copacabana Beach in the breathtaking metropolis of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: soccer in the sand...surfing in the ocean...and samba in the streets. Rio is sure to be an exhilarating host to the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics! O Brasil é lindo maravilhoso! Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-41553832326677464412013-02-08T18:05:00.000-07:002013-02-09T18:08:37.956-07:00PHOTO FRIDAY #6: Amsterdam at Night<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGyswnYOVcfk-5S4W7ANCOjXokeiuzBxeRdvMTfym0gUod6xIDCg5NnI3567rU2xk895E9Ry9d9zSf_-p0JKH8RB8h4VEfdFkYm3VIJlWakDp4jxZYLCg7ljfBEkOs_sPbsNPEKNPUtQ/s1600/Amsterdam+Night.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcGyswnYOVcfk-5S4W7ANCOjXokeiuzBxeRdvMTfym0gUod6xIDCg5NnI3567rU2xk895E9Ry9d9zSf_-p0JKH8RB8h4VEfdFkYm3VIJlWakDp4jxZYLCg7ljfBEkOs_sPbsNPEKNPUtQ/s640/Amsterdam+Night.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Amsterdam is a popular connection from the United States into Europe thanks to frequent and comfortable flights aboard KLM. I had the chance to visit the Dutch capital during the summer of 2012 en route to Nairobi (eastern Africa). I extended the stop in order to capture a few images of iconic street scenes and local culture. The warm waffles drizzled in chocolate were amazing, while the hot fries dipped in mayonnaise were a one-time treat. The overcrowded coffee shops offered unique 'herbal' aromas, while the red light district offered much, much more...but not to the imagination. With its picturesque canals, historic museums, neon-lit avenues, and mounds of parked bikes, downtown Amsterdam is a charming location for families, couples, and even globetrotting singles.Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-1635807848300948282013-02-01T18:08:00.000-07:002013-02-09T18:09:10.148-07:00PHOTO FRIDAY #5: Luces de La Boca<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uEt7aV_J8xoXHnyjjC9tb4pH_joYAZxikcts-1iLFN18ZrKxtBgfTZjBSckhlrY8roPpMhyphenhyphenPuwqg6YfmRH1yiQkVkWSCxJKsYlRRX08VB4f8qPBI8QWO_6GdPjFcOlNC1fzY5uMinFs/s1600/Boca+Lamp.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_uEt7aV_J8xoXHnyjjC9tb4pH_joYAZxikcts-1iLFN18ZrKxtBgfTZjBSckhlrY8roPpMhyphenhyphenPuwqg6YfmRH1yiQkVkWSCxJKsYlRRX08VB4f8qPBI8QWO_6GdPjFcOlNC1fzY5uMinFs/s640/Boca+Lamp.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Just another iconic landmark from the cobblestone streets of La Boca. One more reason to love - and visit - Argentina and its bustling capital of Buenos Aires...the 'Paris of Latin America'.Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-41917727698948775742013-01-25T19:19:00.000-07:002013-01-28T19:20:13.426-07:00PHOTO FRIDAY #4: Charming Salta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTOQMRzzAm2E-dOmU2UV0EPwwXSC8FvpXmRjoYdFRNTLbDnhvcfcWPJ-3s4u8Pl8M37qHwNM2I9r-9UbDSXAmC4wHVJz-H8_1olF9qTovDC2Nt5J0aAdqpo6Q5vXKrxQAACoVN7lfMN0/s1600/Salta+Chapel.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbTOQMRzzAm2E-dOmU2UV0EPwwXSC8FvpXmRjoYdFRNTLbDnhvcfcWPJ-3s4u8Pl8M37qHwNM2I9r-9UbDSXAmC4wHVJz-H8_1olF9qTovDC2Nt5J0aAdqpo6Q5vXKrxQAACoVN7lfMN0/s640/Salta+Chapel.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
The northwest of Argentina is a charming and rustic gem often undiscovered and overlooked. Some of the finest architecture in all of Argentina can be found here, including the magnificent Saint Francis Chapel with its striking hues of red and gold. This ornate building, located just a short walking distance from Plaza 9 de Julio, is a landmark to this growing metropolis of the north. First built in 1625, this chapel also boasts one of the tallest bell towers in Latin America. Visit our website for more information: <a href="http://imagineargentina.com/salta.html">http://imagineargentina.com/salta.html</a><br />
<br />Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-68791417941249295522013-01-18T21:38:00.000-07:002013-01-20T21:40:00.391-07:00PHOTO FRIDAY #3: Guanajuato<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoK9VxRt42sq3aoIdLfzuH33jvzIcF6g15twjQLZFjtK8AQ_t8GGkCqGTAVnUSzr1VjQLyuYOV02g6kKhLXM7UYqK6V2AauG6fvkfOpitgU7xfZhoGN7VHxtmkiJEEILGfE0sclaMAlGg/s1600/Guanajuato.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoK9VxRt42sq3aoIdLfzuH33jvzIcF6g15twjQLZFjtK8AQ_t8GGkCqGTAVnUSzr1VjQLyuYOV02g6kKhLXM7UYqK6V2AauG6fvkfOpitgU7xfZhoGN7VHxtmkiJEEILGfE0sclaMAlGg/s640/Guanajuato.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Founded in 1548, Guanajuato is a brilliant destination in central Mexico offering travelers one of the most picturesque panoramics in all of Central America. Numerous buildings painted in various pastels trail off into the distant hillsides as tourists find themselves wandering down narrow cobblestone streets that intersect between colonial cathedrals and shade-filled plazas.Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-46248782851531386742013-01-11T00:30:00.000-07:002013-01-11T00:30:03.792-07:00PHOTO FRIDAY #2: Tombs of Recoleta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1N9qsrHo_C_TT4qFDs4LGFegGFs9YtLpfT2BLHGgMxlMiK90TkXWPa3g3K3ukMkLMO6P9MMfLL2WuT5BtBw3xB78B7g8EHZOi_YwkFpQX_nwhr7s3bwg0pxh0_5U6BlzmewDBy7NEZWU/s1600/Recoleta+Tombs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1N9qsrHo_C_TT4qFDs4LGFegGFs9YtLpfT2BLHGgMxlMiK90TkXWPa3g3K3ukMkLMO6P9MMfLL2WuT5BtBw3xB78B7g8EHZOi_YwkFpQX_nwhr7s3bwg0pxh0_5U6BlzmewDBy7NEZWU/s640/Recoleta+Tombs.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This is one of our favorite shots from Buenos Aires. The morning rain leaves behind a sense of eeriness amidst the narrow corridors and ornate tombs of Recoleta Cemetery...final resting place of national war heroes and cultural icons.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://imagineargentina.com/buenos-aires.html">http://imagineargentina.com/buenos-aires.html</a>Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-21059505395209472112013-01-04T22:46:00.001-07:002013-01-06T20:32:33.842-07:00PHOTO FRIDAY #1: A 'Super' New Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvJxOAJX2iCLuxuVzu4FABRVqfwCdtP4o_jJa8SuOUSUHcz3wZlcCv05NWiPX_Rhp77FRI62P4mWkn3Wi2zhSsR7fslc0KQkWKoGyVVxFza9ClJUjdj7hVlf1aJK8dMIzrvw88Pq9cXY/s1600/Super+Dallin+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikvJxOAJX2iCLuxuVzu4FABRVqfwCdtP4o_jJa8SuOUSUHcz3wZlcCv05NWiPX_Rhp77FRI62P4mWkn3Wi2zhSsR7fslc0KQkWKoGyVVxFza9ClJUjdj7hVlf1aJK8dMIzrvw88Pq9cXY/s640/Super+Dallin+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, it has been much too long since we last posted here on the Imagine Argentina blog. In fact, the last post (below) was written when Wade returned from Africa in the summer of 2011. A lot has been happening since that time. We find ourselves more and more occupied each week with kids, house projects, work duties, school studies, and a bit of worldwide travel. Nonetheless, it is time to start up the blog again...with a new design and larger images.<br />
<br />
Each week, we intend to feature some of our best photographs from across the globe...and we'll start with this gem (taken right here at home). For the first installment of "Photo FRIDAY" in 2013, we selected this image of our son...our own little super hero. With a little chalk, an open parking lot, and a flair of imagination, our son soon found himself soaring above a make-believe cityscape (an illusion made possible thanks to an 8-foot ladder). He was quite the convincing actor as he stretched across the pavement with a smile on his face!<br />
<br />
We wish a HAPPY NEW YEAR to all our followers and amigos. Now go make 2013 a year of your <i>own</i> super hero achievements and adventures! Next week, we'll continue 'soaring' to a new location somewhere in the world :)Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-40424506456109950182011-08-19T20:19:00.037-06:002011-08-25T21:17:53.818-06:00The African Experience:<img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7Edxxc8_3THEfq8EcUfSwlRl040MSiEJvmpmhyjCAVztOn2YHbIk0BwE38WH_DruY1FwmZtjFdV_J4ZIwd5GU7UJs5exu6Yzpmi6pZlphMorvtZDS76t45UUmyXbNrEGOy8ZAVQv9NrM/s400/Blog-11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644657517579232578" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Chirongo threw the frisbee again...this time a bit more accurate than the last. Still, with a bright smile across his face, he turned to me and asked, "That is good?" I laughed, picked up the frisbee, and threw it well over Chirongo's head...to his delight of course. He again turned to me, this time restating his question as an affirmative: "That is good."</span>
<br />
<br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAx6AiI5l3cDl5oLseQeEstrTe-9-n7zEuHR-I-CA3DOWkD93SSxRAYBhCaPfESlhnRbl4w11Yj4gXnE2D-eZEnyXoLjxchm2g-AUTYSrERb5OtwRvCQEpZrq9-qPtjPFc-7rKIMiaw1Q/s400/Blog-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644656589117899026" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This intercultural exercise took place each afternoon until Chirongo returned home at dusk...walking 2 kilometers along a red dirt road back to his humble homestead. I knew I would see Chirongo again each morning. After all, we were now friends.</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Our group - consisting of 13 selfless volunteers - arrived to the rural village of Egu on August 7th, nestled just a few short hours outside of Mombasa in the peaceful African bush of Kenya. Once again, I had joined another service expedition with CHOICE Humanitarian. Our intention was not to "save" the village of Egu...or "rescue" the villagers living therein. Instead, we traveled across the Atlantic to support the villagers in their own progress toward self-sustainable development.</span>
<br />
<br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqz1u-uxaJBEzHiXXv-Hot_8z5emIXSZrQ3GWtEsjDktruHwPjgvVinzm2kW0fgZt2FnwzV0j-Ompzpt_PlyFYwgTrKlP0IJYsDTwl2KEoEvNtnBmynjrTM3JgEcYNJ4ulbMxi8eOzXZs/s400/Blog-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644656567806573362" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoo-Npc3nVZCNTavQjRovXZWMwn30uflALYsjtZ42PRJmc61KPH5WHRTN_0rRvS-yT8Lt8kXQ5JaYcy_Tc94c7xpmHhs01QlS65LbLUgS9Jy5Uv-EmvuPQkrQP-KU5wW1UQXWo2_OPNc/s400/Blog-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644656570325721186" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9qFt4-deGX3eXigLPcBVDDCxmEcG26enYM5iANlhoqwAKi4Ett-WZDwUPd8aCYJRRPs_bMOm6AkbD9caJpuSCzrHwGU_Yg2e7Xf0EqM2RvkBcVxi2l5nvcw-acC-ErOxfw9wMF0SBDNk/s400/Blog-25.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644660029852351442" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3VJXehfw-1RHLm7qi1DBaqHbrx7V1cLtz4Xo57diywUpecHNeqh1OCE1QVnXtRP7ZtQwAoFrbDd7RchOVqmYCn5dgg6qtogdpt38Dj55K3lXehxtPSXraq-EKSxepfm5soYPRPnQ-6B4/s400/Blog-7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644658652600562770" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcccRW5fcxRGaRrcJNPNRPDzQDTVBDjb2d61cT-jPRZZDJ953nI9gXR0z0-lpbYQgsJRLJv6mQskbl45G1N3FQuNKzpQOkN5Hku9_QPZyyETCoZDY0pBFLrOTQmFVW7T1Y-ognPabbbM0/s400/Blog-15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644657541929386114" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrxIrBTZQKXaoiZAD3m3bxYOdkRqL2wmTphNNul6hGDRfkPBy29eD3ki6-IvelZT5XP4KQUbbA_ZWvTXAl1_CiwcKrobCcQxGTctu8_Wz7NjsnhgkbyrABWK_n7ofT86MCpq6CjEm1Ec/s400/Blog-13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644657526297553522" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The residents of Egu had determined that an 8-room dispensary (or rural health clinic) was their next greatest need (second to potable water). As a result, we were asked to work with them hand-in-hand throughout the week, all while broadening our global perspectives in the process. In a brief period of just one week, we worked together to clear the land, measure and stake the perimeters, and dig the entire foundation 2.5 feet deep...all without the help of industrial equipment or heavy machinery. Yes, this is what we refer to as authentic manual labor!</span>
<br />
<br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMjEKkeTfvfLptXXpilubujSbnIAmIKwxVhk3Qu9XLAITtHp_eGuOPSfpmKrlNHHZrE07lFQSzpUSVERsD93cInODMT3NwrXSfDBkfUtyYW-hWSW_OCCblJltxHK_VlXuCZvpQDRRVjU/s400/Blog-12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644657524694814578" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijximHMw3cOIvqWQ27qqEUXfwGjyooe7J2DLhiqvICAL4pDNzbBRvidEpFrPGGZnfJyIO8-nLRFszOpS-BbLQkpP-ZsuWJvnjALayTnuBxd_3gKdN-ZtWWALtptDtLA0Zidh8QM3l4BmQ/s400/Blog-22.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644660014113292978" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg-nPgt0bg04sw1ER5MjdzPCdp0QZ8wtc8IPl-qgq3KO5dav5Pgr2AH1hac2VKTYU4BSmN60dJPAEkmo0u8ujJGR6D8ygRqBVgrXJRjeWaApoGY6wjrbkpGMCgJBdvG4QqrAsMa4bOyts/s400/Blog-8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644657038132117874" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhox8ileWo6BnmeN0rUhw1-mEDlkvi-l5viY8Zp2AV6aJ2daIpC9Mkzy8hBnfF-UzRqXRofsMwfIKZGazRBFIe9za-YKPVwuWfUq3Oiy-k8RwR5RZu872ijVoDDi6CB1ckuJBO4hoU3yhQ/s400/Blog-7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644657031050724114" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdBqwWm2dl2aTQu4zNgPF_Y7F_YRcMz42DUgJWtP5sSzteDavzHUC-Nb3PjIpUf7UX27ms74Qk6Uxa5gT571cAVZanQvSVSgcT4uu7esSxbDhpoK-8896c8QjcmXbkjEs-xNHJG7edjQ/s400/Blog-21.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644660008800575762" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMoaobcQwXaVWDFAyNxDoXJZ4k8fP8A64fuvRFE3ZPr2Gjsw4b0mbNhfSXhN2AgEDieTHnMtyZCpcYdJaMlEFWQaEtr9UVgOPJxlurMQpBuwujTRUZuXt8Y5Gz8SKHiugvzP5w5jKO0e4/s400/Blog-9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644657044020000818" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Our daily routine was simple. We awoke to a breakfast of passion fruit and mango...and we dined in the evenings with plates full of <span style="font-style: italic;">chapattis</span> and <span style="font-style: italic;">pilau</span>. We worked hard in the mornings...but we slowed down in the afternoons...eventually finding ourselves on the sidelines watching the native men and women chop through dirt without breaking a sweat. The day was not complete without at least one visit to the pit latrine - an experience one must live to understand. Of course, a late night shower was always rewarding for those that dared to bathe naked behind a curtain of dried corn stalks and beneath a pitcher of warm water...all while underneath the gleaming stars of the African sky. Then, it was off to bed on the cement floor of the schoolhouse </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">for some intermittent sleep thanks to the </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">squealing bats overhead.</span> Ahhh...the mornings couldn't come soon enough with its fresh passion fruit and mango.
<br />
<br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj11u7MKRq2rReklSht0t3qJv4qiLo-YBHGp57TDapwa1NUUxgAD9QePTLOeizd0rmTkxEBaiN4BOu559UwYSirtyp7FtfyoWJtBq7vCUS2EuMUZEGeh-cwz_2en2Cg9no5UrVbvYQNcA/s400/Blog-14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644657534560099314" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZNrAYpgl-JBJTB9TBZBLhJjdV51BQ2rjrb-IrFydIX4rgICA5w4Mh0BADgsuK4CbbZPDQ_QCUJvz7AiUd5l1JpcUOqZ0K10oktfPKJ-sgQvNl9QAkQT1ktFHTpwqt0J2HmY7fgjixhOs/s400/Blog-8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644658659153101554" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Although important, the project itself simply served as a catalyst for the deeper intercultural exchange which took place during the week. For some, the most significant experiences occurred away from the project site...during a soccer game, an English lesson, or a cultural celebration of song and dance.</span>
<br />
<br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSyTa-FyNIgoPKC3fith0SLsd4KQOOH8-v7obFYqbwkC975yTfHnDve5gjnK4d-L_9Fm_tiW1B8wHyxCe-KRsSbdue-6xaVHxZXHy8kpQ4EjsMOsy15BxPSAeRLJx3e5mLCyqhGZYR-xI/s400/Blog-23.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644660019493537826" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH26DnwfSk1NnUpVTz35M4PMt4mxtMPLmnWBlwdhEGicLs_AAoBmmCNHH7rZgcq7HeEvdFzsuwUsH5ygwFcpGsaXVt73sQrYTFLR3yM5nrWtIG5MXqtZigWvXhCq0VvbThPszal1YA1SA/s400/Blog-20.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644659618771875218" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmyTWi1UpYAVixH3kVODfXndTdA_awskS5f6qccIg-N6nabr7SR_5iHchdQdgjj1kbdpkQWZbwUGBscrpDUNAAynRgJ_95eWWDzVpCF7uJhA6rhuCzGQLgu4EHQSjvyrJ3-YvzYptYtM/s400/Blog-6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644658650996169522" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 263px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO1yL2_fQO1tfCVMkjiAT91Nez4jmwESDElMfOD7Kam_MT9pdw8CUbjcKH-_1TnwnFioKsgDj6c9mAo-2v63mE3ra3QQIlffl7HOl3NXJQVIwbw1e3-QAIo9jPhMEfGXfob25lBgDwTWc/s400/Blog-24.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644660023014187010" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbgEOPqMV0XE0LN1Ju0pUjJnxwAGKP0BG4aZxcTm-kqdwvngZ6aS8fMZaK1Sxclxg3yxwMC7bzbzHsyKT2SASjbbyEKIDgoKbsgeR9jkDZnxuz6_ANU_h5Stb_VTJOaBlzOy6HJnP1g8o/s400/Blog-19.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644659615231563986" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxtBW1we-EtwdneefeJK9gxfj2lsXmHbEVDwqX8quGnKa7q1dmvzk3yB_vDek9BZ0ueaen0Lm5-cPZarJy669WUHOdBKrEfPFQxduvBHmDcDKpJQL0GfI9Ivh245WvEbQOGjTDID5L1mc/s400/Blog-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644656575416668418" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY1wWHzbqYLSYQ-416idSOaR8k1_LRgv4AKSGIg3u0qhYll_bNwF4ySAEQbL96NlqF2xWErTS8ZE0OrKz0gt730c6Q1CWxk3IvpUg8gKjAPB7pCsIjGn5SivmmCQy0Xt58m4XqzkH9GAo/s400/Blog-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644658171302621042" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Such was the case for me as I ventured one afternoon outside of camp with the loyal companionship of Chirongo, a local 12-year old boy void of anguish for his surroundings, and instead, full of happiness and curiosity for life. Here is a description of our tour at dusk...off the beaten path in the rural outskirts of Egu:
<br />
<br /></span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The sun began to set in the distance, amidst a motionless horizon of native sisel plants and acacia trees. Chirongo and his friends were more than excited to lead me in the direction of the descending sun, along winding trails that curled past towering termite hills and desiccated crops, both of which populated the arid landscape. We encountered multiple homesteads where giggling children and smiling parents gathered outside their modest huts just before we passed...eager to greet us with a warm wave and welcoming "Jambo!"</span>
<br />
<br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia0hWhwg01B7-Wiw-i1ICTG9mZkitUF2DYkhChV1IXvPgZgCPpgXnSeF8jbDyREiKTyXoqZUEPYZEejTeKxhuxht-kvI99mtIeeeqNRl9t9WSbuEpTiG-r9wXZErdDhda4WgPuiJJgG9U/s400/Blog-16.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644659596716143698" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOqRKeQ1d_lYTVbmJrvAVqtOmFIIvGx1zuE8DKqkgx34PKelGQZMdD8R__ajaeqytq7bp3S4UgmOKQTn1uKIeoDFz6EZlzgB9NU0w18lPKsia21_rsmJeFy9LjU3-K4DqdvoDgV6fmtQ/s400/Blog-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644658171567247026" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0yhBYsj1AvXHNdUAHnI-nTZ6KvJiPkZaNHhg2byV4NCJCshyphenhyphen1HZC9Q4UQWHJ0bvW3DV9LjYwEMTTMg-4UDR54mLXAllSUpus37dCsHByNdP_PW5b0PQEoOfWS2yyBfzGDv1LPqR878Qk/s400/Blog-17.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644659605433145138" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 259px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilb31ORnceMybome6F_E97Q068OlwpoyPgv2eBhil1a-uh4z1_Zh2WihXgDJrZ_oFTeksJorRgw1NXVUfzoWP4gJI9R1liYdRkuaUKebLZp6GHdN8zCQZKKwHb6wI-rRHLFHpSXrfPpp8/s400/Blog-18.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644659612652184914" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBgIq7hPt-uTEgfDHyOV6WgQBwEHRHOV8jzyVusNiGzzIZ67P_og19U0eCAQWvXK2Bt5HFcg2imoMfALBCA7I8JVpdrTKmC3jiy7UdVSJ6qAa4ZfyinK6wfH26u5_9AreICEzEtdu5TDw/s400/Blog-14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644659117574094866" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We arrived to the village watering hole and watched as various women gathered water for their families...often walking great distances of 10 kilometers or more. Adorned in native fabrics of brilliant color, these women approached the subtle ledge, climbed down the rock's surface, and stretched their arms into the water to fill their weathered buckets. In a matter of minutes, the women were back on the trail again...returning home with full buckets of vital water now balanced upon their heads. It is not uncommon for one woman to perform this time-consuming task 3 to 4 times each day.</span>
<br />
<br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lcF_PGItpmyXt4l8VO82jKobTc3cUVoTCa2ZLiFZGe-GfbkEYMXU5Ghd3QcI7-L8t6XuNLPxY5Rquz5Z97TRBfYReSUPe4p-m1hqr_AJp-97YKYqBQT0zHVJJ8uVkbAIodZOCbO3Aps/s400/Blog-12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644659109491098162" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNgexen0tLbp57mRa2It2wP_yj3FFlVWOVjYU7Q-ooGuY-ZtsZCdWL-wi8yu9GcsCrTLozj1JZw-5h8YlPxUBYWW8sz-ow3g2mINlg8COsqlV8gM5Zn5ovmtGyjyNuodbcmLT58ip41TU/s400/Blog-15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644659124496652738" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmPxgKRBx6APGk636e2dp8UEg33xw7A5Tsy1qK9vXMLIeFhyRlNeM3CjMrDvAJpZq-KRM7dk4M7009UZnEeiq5VtidUzNilH-Xn9JInrVQFcv1dzyWkHfAljNE4X0ayFXDErdEwo7JBw/s400/Blog-11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644659103330785170" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">As a humble observer, I could not help but respect and appreciate the work ethic of these village women and mothers...all of whom performed their maternal duties with a smile. A fellow volunteer and I turned around, still a bit contemplative, just in time to witness the sun disappear behind the massive boulders in the foreground. This brief trek was well worth our time.</span>
<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">
<br /></span><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaKgYZ8Q2bP15howHQFf82ddkuynTC_PCcLA-z_RSqfrBdijqKvmh8Tbx2N2zVEfoedx2nzjovOhonuy0hVNaEUiomJEMb8xSyocrh3snoj52Z2TmrTar7BVcnbr7g4qa_PEYYYVkZ3Vg/s400/Blog-13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644659111224412674" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">After taking a few quick snapshots, I turned around in the other direction to see little Chirongo waiting for me back on the trail. There were no other villagers in sight. He alone was going to lead us back to camp. I couldn't help but smile as I descended the rocks and returned to his side. I held his hand, as he requested, and began walking back...spotting an occasional howler monkey along the way.</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Chirongo was still barefoot and unconcerned over the occasional cactus or potential snake. I decided to join him. I kicked off my sandals to feel the fine dust beneath my feet, tickling my instep and leaving a soft powder of red in between my toes. I took a couple more snapshots of our contrasting feet in the dirt. What an experience this had become.</span>
<br />
<br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk29XLDuMg89-FJ2NbWIPwWiBX1HWwQkz6xcF0vLaimXizu8FgND-n0ybsFT0fRWjT3BkcUPGzErO8ZDSqHyMLVoMqsqqIAtkPPcv10L-luM_XqShY51yQd9Ca9OlEoFgOJ-rXme3oKZA/s400/Blog-9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644658663171350002" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I assumed Chirongo spoke just broken English since our interaction was largely limited to laughter and smiles. When attempting to ask him questions, I often got confused looks in return, accompanied with a perplexing comeback in Swahili. Yet, as the night concluded, Chirongo looked at me and said, "I hope you return one day...with your wife."</span>
<br />
<br /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I'd love to, Chirongo. I'd love to.</span>
<br />
<br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhCMx8ZsSbiH_MZTSiWrAZPOHalcVbkqZ0OizyzmdRRteYfCnOALATV_I4SafKCxq3xCcNM3vkpXSGtG8x_AHlYeI-jvUOJ7lGlXgFl0f7A5Qqp3oyhR6vXjNC9lwvpK7wWHVAXBB0UJY/s400/Blog-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644658163411160962" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I could go on and on, reflecting for hours over the infinite highlights of this expedition. On a cultural level, I was relieved to see such a high sense of tolerance and civility in the village. After all, both Christians and Muslims lived together in Egu...playing, studying, and working in harmony. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Being the month of Ramadan, Muslim families returned home at dusk to break their fast over<span style="font-style: italic;"> iftar</span> meals. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Yet, there was no division. There was no contention. There was no judgment from either side. It was simply...refreshing.<span style="font-style: italic;"></span>
<br />
<br /></span><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL_EJEPIzlqrr3oNWiRfHhCSSb2YmKps8cKmeFSIYFoh8Nlkov-JUwMg6Otg-MyFnY0CrOlid5kXQiIxhM5516YphuvdMFM6jzvSeSEo-DQjZvSmiJILvkBAx3Kchw-LF3aUw0f8q0guU/s400/Blog-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644658158230840914" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHtb7AuAQIPPbshIi_WIQguwM14PZwot0Gmem7OifJdMdr7YA8LvKHuu4CwWhv4GaEYAXJaAyxN4xhmXuRt5OvOeOwmGe-QZF47rh2AtInWZu5jCgr50JXpu2H5U8fxd3Q5sT-A-LjHFk/s400/Blog-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644658154656891762" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">I soon left the village of Egu and returned to Mombasa for a final night along Nyali Beach. </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The next morning, as I sat in the white sands of the coastline and stared into the Indian Ocean, I pondered one simple truth that is reassured with each expedition: <span style="font-style: italic;">Those born into greater privilege are also endowed with greater responsibilities to improve the world and help those with greater needs...and that alone should be all that matters.</span></span>
<br />
<br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjpKkoUb_lDStZi-4wgBZI9-pa182Ve0D_9kUJq77mGN7lUknshuGyUm2Ir2KKokLpmX_-6LdLmS3h_ObQ0iFOPJvRqqviedNBVDXe9ovnO0MaVek72rI92ITuFMHFySESeuwuM_Tq5s4/s400/Blog-10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644658664604902226" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For a similar life-changing experience, please contact me at CHOICE Humanitarian (801-474-1937) or visit our website:</span> <a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.choicehumanitarian.org">www.choicehumanitarian.org</a>.
<br />
<br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGEUvFhCYEHJRI9WlDcKm2geryrH01Kq96uGr0MG-7m6-LaLIvEY23DRQ-TpoDQJ3fzAx8cdF4bWxSD9QBxHqPfyFty-s3FAeSsXw32rLan9GkzMHEIRmP2s8LJyBdCNQ7awx0M3suKzU/s400/Blog-10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5644657046187969538" border="0" />
<br />Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-56398596753261785582011-07-18T21:02:00.007-06:002011-08-06T13:09:16.577-06:002012 IA Group Expedition<span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="messageBody" ft="{"type":3}">Pick up the latest issue of Travel+Leisure to read the 2011 list of World's Best Awards. Once again, Buenos Aires ranks #1 of all Latin American cities! So, in celebration, we are gearing up for a special 2012 group expedition to Argentina to explore Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, and northern Patagonia.<br /><font style='position: absolute; overflow: hidden;height: 0;width: 0'><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-renault-laguna-ii.html>reparaturanleitung renault laguna ii</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-geschirrspueler.html>reparatur geschirrspueler</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-roller.html>reparatur roller</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-download-suzuki.html>reparaturanleitung download suzuki</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/aeg-waschmaschine-reparatur.html>aeg waschmaschine reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-kosten-simmering.html>reparatur kosten simmering</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/notebook-reparatur-reparaturen.html>notebook reparatur reparaturen</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/renault-zentrum-inspektion-reparatur.html>renault zentrum inspektion reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/opel-astra-reparatur.html>opel astra reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/fernsehen-reparatur-frankenthal.html>fernsehen reparatur frankenthal</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/samsung-reparaturen.html>samsung reparaturen</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/notebook-reparatur-offenbach.html>notebook reparatur offenbach</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/fahrrad-berlin-reparatur.html>fahrrad berlin reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/nokia-reparatur-muenchen.html>nokia reparatur muenchen</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/laptop-reparatur-in-berlin.html>laptop reparatur in berlin</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/lautsprecher-reparatur-augsburg.html>lautsprecher reparatur augsburg</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/mazda-mx-5-reparatur.html>mazda mx 5 reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung.html>reparaturanleitung</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-kadett-c.html>reparaturanleitung kadett c</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/comand-2.0-reparatur.html>comand 2.0 reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/corsa-c-reparaturanleitung.html>corsa c reparaturanleitung</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/kuehlschrank-reparatur.html>kuehlschrank reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/auto-reparatur-wilkau-hasslau.html>auto reparatur wilkau hasslau</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-handy-service-konzept.html>reparatur handy service konzept</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/koffer-reparatur.html>koffer reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/pkw-reparaturen.html>pkw reparaturen</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-opel-astra-f.html>reparaturanleitung opel astra f</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/sharp-fernseher-reparatur.html>sharp fernseher reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/parkett-reparatur.html>parkett reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/notebook-reparatur-frankfurt.html>notebook reparatur frankfurt</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-bmw-e34.html>reparaturanleitung bmw e34</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/computer-reparatur-salzburg.html>computer reparatur salzburg</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-frontscheibe-vectra-b.html>reparatur frontscheibe vectra b</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/audi-reparatur.html>audi reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/f70-reparatur.html>f70 reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-124-spider.html>reparaturanleitung 124 spider</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturleitfaden-vw-lupo-download.html>reparaturleitfaden vw lupo download</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-video-cassette.html>reparatur video cassette</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/alg-ii-reparaturkosten-eigenheim.html>alg ii reparaturkosten eigenheim</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-vw-t4.html>reparaturanleitung vw t4</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/acer-reparaturservice.html>acer reparaturservice</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/bootsanhaenger-wartung-reparatur.html>bootsanhaenger wartung reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/canon-camcorder-reparatur.html>canon camcorder reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/notebook-reparatur-karben.html>notebook reparatur karben</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/ausnahme-reparatur.html>ausnahme reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/anleitung-reparatur.html>anleitung reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-mb-100.html>reparaturanleitung mb 100</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/inverter-reparatur.html>inverter reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-bmw-e36.html>reparaturanleitung bmw e36</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-miele-g-866-sc.html>reparatur miele g 866 sc</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/auto-reparatur-moeckern.html>auto reparatur moeckern</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/ford-mondeo-reparatur.html>ford mondeo reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/acer-reparaturen.html>acer reparaturen</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/getriebe-reparaturanleitung.html>getriebe reparaturanleitung</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/e700-display-reparatur.html>e700 display reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/playstation-2-reparatur.html>playstation 2 reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/ask-beamer-reparatur.html>ask beamer reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-teile.html>reparatur teile</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/handy-reparatur-wasserschaden.html>handy reparatur wasserschaden</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/laptop-reparaturen.html>laptop reparaturen</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/renault-r19-reparaturanleitung.html>renault r19 reparaturanleitung</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/samsung-reparatur-service.html>samsung reparatur service</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-motorrad.html>reparatur motorrad</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/siemens-ap75-handy-reparatur.html>siemens ap75 handy reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-vw-t3.html>reparaturanleitung vw t3</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-antiker-puppe.html>reparatur antiker puppe</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/canon-s1-is-reparaturanleitung.html>canon s1 is reparaturanleitung</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/corsa-b-reparaturanleitung.html>corsa b reparaturanleitung</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/hx4700-reparatur.html>hx4700 reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-klimaanlage.html>reparatur klimaanlage</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-handel.html>reparatur handel</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/gummilager-astra-f-reparatur.html>gummilager astra f reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/auto-reparatur-leicht-gemacht.html>auto reparatur leicht gemacht</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/blaupunkt-display-reparatur.html>blaupunkt display reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/link-handyreparatur-kreisploen.de.html>link handyreparatur kreisploen.de</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturen-ersatzteile.html>reparaturen ersatzteile</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/pc-reparatur-berlin.html>pc reparatur berlin</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturhilfe-auto-online.html>reparaturhilfe auto online</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/handy-reparatur-heidelberg.html>handy reparatur heidelberg</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/akku-reparaturen.html>akku reparaturen</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-minolta.html>reparatur minolta</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/porzellan-reparatur-hamburg.html>porzellan reparatur hamburg</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/audi-reparaturanleitung.html>audi reparaturanleitung</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/fahrrad-reparatur-service-hannover.html>fahrrad reparatur service hannover</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-passat-35-i.html>reparaturanleitung passat 35 i</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/felge-reparatur-aschaffenburg.html>felge reparatur aschaffenburg</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/hauptuntersuchung-auto-reparatur.html>hauptuntersuchung auto reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/kopierer-reparaturen.html>kopierer reparaturen</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/corsa-b-reparatur.html>corsa b reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/auto-lack-reparatur.de.html>auto lack reparatur.de</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/nachtspeicherheizung-reparatur.html>nachtspeicherheizung reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/billig-auto-kaufen-reparatur.html>billig auto kaufen reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/kfz-reparatur-munchen.html>kfz reparatur munchen</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/bmw-e36-reparatur.html>bmw e36 reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/laptop-reparatur-offenbach.html>laptop reparatur offenbach</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/notebook-reparatur-ingolstadt.html>notebook reparatur ingolstadt</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/hanseatic-reparatur.html>hanseatic reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/fernseher-reparatur-forum.html>fernseher reparatur forum</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/gleitschirm-reparatur-muenchen.html>gleitschirm reparatur muenchen</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/auto-reparatur-wien.html>auto reparatur wien</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-diskette.html>reparatur diskette</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/preis-reparatur.html>preis reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/r129-sl-reparaturanleitung.html>r129 sl reparaturanleitung</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/kfz-reparatur-anleitung.html>kfz reparatur anleitung</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/heizung-reparatur.html>heizung reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-corsa.html>reparaturanleitung corsa</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/festplatte-reparatur-tool.html>festplatte reparatur tool</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/outlook-2000-posteingangsreparatur.html>outlook 2000 posteingangsreparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/festplatte-reparatur-kostenlos.html>festplatte reparatur kostenlos</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/minolta-reparatur.html>minolta reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-golf-download.html>reparaturanleitung golf download</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/notebook-reparatur-zurich.html>notebook reparatur zurich</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/kunststoff-reparatur-fenster.html>kunststoff reparatur fenster</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-bora-anleitung.html>reparatur bora anleitung</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-hannover.html>reparatur hannover</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-am-ford-focus.html>reparatur am ford focus</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/auto-reparatur-grossschwabhausen.html>auto reparatur grossschwabhausen</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/handy-reparatur-bremen.html>handy reparatur bremen</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-kopierer.html>reparatur kopierer</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/auto-reparatur-klimaanlage.html>auto reparatur klimaanlage</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/monitor-reparaturen.html>monitor reparaturen</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/lang-garantie-reparatur-vw.html>lang garantie reparatur vw</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/miete-reparatur.html>miete reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-digitalkameras.html>reparatur digitalkameras</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-mazda-323-f.html>reparaturanleitung mazda 323 f</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/flachdachwartung-reparatur.html>flachdachwartung reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/handy-reparatur-graz.html>handy reparatur graz</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/gfk-reparatur.html>gfk reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-passat-35i.html>reparaturanleitung passat 35i</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/maschinenbau-reparatur.html>maschinenbau reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/golf-reparatur-fensterheber.html>golf reparatur fensterheber</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/handyreparatur-dresden.html>handyreparatur dresden</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/handy-samsung-reparatur.html>handy samsung reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/heizkessel-reparatur.html>heizkessel reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/roller-rahmen-reparatur.html>roller rahmen reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/pdf-reparaturanleitung-auto.html>pdf reparaturanleitung auto</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/bmw-e36-reparaturanleitung.html>bmw e36 reparaturanleitung</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/panasonic-fernseher-reparatur.html>panasonic fernseher reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/philips-plasma-reparatur.html>philips plasma reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/mountainbike-reparatur-anleitung.html>mountainbike reparatur anleitung</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/autoteile-reparatur.html>autoteile reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/computer-reparatur-wien.html>computer reparatur wien</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-garantie-pixma-ip-4000.html>reparatur garantie pixma ip 4000</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/pixel-reparatur-bmw-e38.html>pixel reparatur bmw e38</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/porsche-oldtimer-reparatur.html>porsche oldtimer reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/laptop-reparatur-munchen.html>laptop reparatur munchen</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-roststellen-karosserie.html>reparatur roststellen karosserie</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-deutz-4006.html>reparaturanleitung deutz 4006</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/programmiergert-siemens-reparatur.html>programmiergert siemens reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/handyreparatur-nurnberg.html>handyreparatur nurnberg</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/laptop-reparatur.html>laptop reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-canon.html>reparatur canon</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-aussenspiegel.html>reparatur aussenspiegel</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-l200.html>reparaturanleitung l200</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-r-80.html>reparaturanleitung r 80</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/kaffeeautomat-reparatur.html>kaffeeautomat reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturservice-berlin.html>reparaturservice berlin</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-kawasaki-zx10r.html>reparaturanleitung kawasaki zx10r</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-bmw-r80.html>reparaturanleitung bmw r80</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/auto-reparatur-illingen.html>auto reparatur illingen</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/digital-camera-reparatur.html>digital camera reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-videorecorder.html>reparatur videorecorder</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/dach-hamburg-reparatur.html>dach hamburg reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/oelheizung-reparaturanleitung.html>oelheizung reparaturanleitung</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/ford-focus-reparaturanleitung.html>ford focus reparaturanleitung</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/laptop-reparatur-muenchen.html>laptop reparatur muenchen</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-deutz.html>reparaturanleitung deutz</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/lautsprecher-sicke-reparatur-augsburg.html>lautsprecher sicke reparatur augsburg</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-new-beetle.html>reparaturanleitung new beetle</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-honda-cb-450s.html>reparaturanleitung honda cb 450s</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-buch-audi.html>reparatur buch audi</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/heckklappe-reparatur.html>heckklappe reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/kfz-reparatur-hamburg.html>kfz reparatur hamburg</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/golf-ii-reparaturanleitung.html>golf ii reparaturanleitung</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-golf-iv.html>reparatur golf iv</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/radio-reparatur-hannover.html>radio reparatur hannover</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-cd-hyundai-xg.html>reparatur cd hyundai xg</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/lkw-reparatur-schliengen.html>lkw reparatur schliengen</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/laptop-reparatur-mainz.html>laptop reparatur mainz</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-opel-cabrio.html>reparaturanleitung opel cabrio</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/notebook-mainboard-reparatur.html>notebook mainboard reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-vw-passat.html>reparaturanleitung vw passat</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/handy-reparatur-center.html>handy reparatur center</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/handy-reparatur-zurich.html>handy reparatur zurich</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/kuehlturm-reparatur.html>kuehlturm reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/pc-reparatur-wien.html>pc reparatur wien</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/kfz-reparatur-frankfurt.html>kfz reparatur frankfurt</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-billig.html>reparatur billig</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/nec-beamer-reparatur.html>nec beamer reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturhandbuch-mercedes-online.html>reparaturhandbuch mercedes online</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-service.html>reparatur service</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/mercedes-a-classe-motor-reparatur.html>mercedes a classe motor reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/panel-reparatur.html>panel reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/pc-reparatur-programme.html>pc reparatur programme</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/passat-35i-reparatur.html>passat 35i reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-audi-coupe.html>reparatur audi coupe</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-ihc-freeware.html>reparaturanleitung ihc freeware</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/klimaanlage-reparatur.html>klimaanlage reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-anleitung-waschmaschine-aeg.html>reparatur anleitung waschmaschine aeg</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/drucker-reparatur-canon.html>drucker reparatur canon</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/bga-reparatur.html>bga reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-roller.html>reparaturanleitung roller</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-piaggio-25.html>reparaturanleitung piaggio 25</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/polyphone-reparaturservice.html>polyphone reparaturservice</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/luftmassenmesser-reparatur.html>luftmassenmesser reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/garantie-lang-reparaturdauer-auto.html>garantie lang reparaturdauer auto</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/felge-reparatur.html>felge reparatur</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparatur-krumm.html>reparatur krumm</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/reparaturanleitung-astra.html>reparaturanleitung astra</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/handy-reparatur-berlin.html>handy reparatur berlin</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/notebook-reparatur-wiesbaden.html>notebook reparatur wiesbaden</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/fiat-punto-reparaturanleitung.html>fiat punto reparaturanleitung</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/quad-reparaturanleitung.html>quad reparaturanleitung</a><br /><a href=http://pilzjaeger.com/rpr/online-reparaturanleitung-kadett.html>online reparaturanleitung kadett</a><br /></font><br />Who is interested? We hope to begin a new Imagine Argentina tradition...so click and "like" the following FB link: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/#%21/imagineargentina">http://www.facebook.com/#!/imagineargentina</a></span></span><h6 style="font-weight: normal;font-family:georgia;" class="uiStreamMessage" ft="{"type":1}"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span class="messageBody" ft="{"type":3}"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFSEzSRAUts6grg0DZv7JEmHqNm720B4VcZFtKLQGhfrfBUM3Mab4bLJcdFrY8n32N0H312zoPbu1IbAgRTed-8dyCC_tWc33lFNZEZjDvARVs6ScqVKAn2jEE6xGgk9biBlzjhdJmQc/s1600/FB+image.PNG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 301px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNFSEzSRAUts6grg0DZv7JEmHqNm720B4VcZFtKLQGhfrfBUM3Mab4bLJcdFrY8n32N0H312zoPbu1IbAgRTed-8dyCC_tWc33lFNZEZjDvARVs6ScqVKAn2jEE6xGgk9biBlzjhdJmQc/s400/FB+image.PNG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5630895491810399618" border="0" /></a></span></span></h6>Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-12633897878149002932011-05-17T18:41:00.007-06:002011-05-17T18:50:53.631-06:002011 Copa America Update:For those planning a trip to Argentina this summer, keep in mind that the 2011 Copa America soccer tournament is scheduled to begin on July 1st in La Plata...when Argentina takes on Bolivia! This month-long tournament will take place across the nation...including Mendoza and Salta (both of which we call our second homes). Will Messi help Argentina win the title...the first championship for the senior national team since 1993?<br /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 299px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje1ageNJEXvEYlnLYTjQHXgAAtYLDj1xaa-E4_h8xuW9mDB02hlG2RMWSL-FQZIY4wuxBoTwErr_11SzeXjMox2gFHKnHcexU_BNZvIRKlmCVmSkGcgDIqxpDNkK-wX7lbKl5-Uzr5m3c/s400/CA+2011.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5607851565922760882" border="0" />Visit the CA website for updates: <a href="http://www.ca2011.com">http://www.ca2011.com</a>Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-88065535866058209302010-11-17T14:18:00.005-07:002010-11-17T14:24:38.822-07:00IA Travel Photography...Now on Sale!<a href="http://www.wix.com/imaginearg/photography"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 242px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_UIno9Cq1LGYfEAiD63DuXOTLGxMo2CGhkyF4XIlfGKgmIdsNEoeCRhmItEqXcmhTa5SHrV9eA7SG7Bv4SQImVMkSca3XDowHxSuNp7t8gTd9Ac3Mb99P8N_xWLM2C8s4eOM66Txnab1/s400/Home+Page.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540631267868724626" border="0" /></a>The new <a style="color: rgb(51, 0, 153);" href="http://www.wix.com/imaginearg/photography">photo website</a> of Imagine Argentina has been published on the web! More photos will be coming in the next few weeks...depicting the diverse wonders of Latin America! Feel free to explore, leave a comment, and purchase prints NOW ON SALE!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.wix.com/imaginearg/photography"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 241px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-05L9C4HPZxFejLVprTcOpU1IhAQopfChuRBWrXfSKpYW5ThTk9GbElTqdWAnFttFCszMEyYS7W_kYP1NqdeKaTXBLuMTA8yC8mtrR7tC4ewJyvYcjkPiT7jMm1MsqgWG4dTuj8tysqcx/s400/Purchase+Page.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5540631273361376162" border="0" /></a>Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-75503934534350882010-11-07T17:16:00.002-07:002010-11-07T21:37:32.557-07:00Reflections of Bolivia...<img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqRVpTfkLRTgm0QHU-o-yrIXbewf9vnhR8GJQL7JGUB5dXB25Qg2A37DGtukd7y55pw4hd2E04DuIy4pzrqTc1x1VmVkjhpNLjGruZsuEjVCO3JYwkRozPScsc8PGbC9jk5ZFuKBcm9VkZ/s400/Bolivia+Blog-8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536964591586088194" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Imagine entering the barren landscapes of the South American </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Altiplano</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">. Occasional mud huts dot the arid terrain below a cloudless horizon of endless blue. Blustering winds sweep across immovable boulders. Yellow tufts of grass and straw keep the roaming cattle content. Frigid temperatures bring morning frost, though the afternoon sun dries up fields of scattered potatoes. From a distance, there appears to be nothing of great value just below the towering peaks of the Andes Mountains. Yet, with closer observation - and personal interaction - one realizes the true treasure found here lies within the people...the humble villagers of Bolivia.</span><br /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Zfv5GicmXLlIhIWUQL_qz2I1VkVWGE5o_1SV-RUocN8GuItkUFTIDcpehVtbbwF_9PHH-MpjJxzePWO9yyUrqIREnuz7yJAxGXGKtIT0vQ1L4iVacXeoLXniBo1M2dMW4-49wrkuWAD_/s400/Bolivia+Blog-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536964049338143762" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-0DQOcLhtNH1ghpKdo7Zlg2c1vugs2qrl7G6-K5mnWZGvsrFPEzgcklYMHOEztBd3BBLrFurla9XfyICYS5_b4bSuhGAoW-gQbc-kuXuETBpBa51eswwztTqhnvkE1IrgWFN9c3P9eKH/s400/Bolivia+Blog-16.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536965238078989154" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This past August, I was again privileged to travel down south with CHOICE Humanitarian and join a service expedition of 32 dedicated volunteers: doctors, nurses, dentists, teachers, and small business professionals. Hot chocolate, soccer games, and altitude sickness united us all throughout the week. Oh, and did I mention a unique sense of humor that deteriorated over time due to exhaustion and cold weather?</span><br /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipiTJhyiZEwOUHcoCljMpUY3O4V7bP0JbvB1B-VJU_VUaBYnh7c5cTLAQhR4vW71FvatP7tI0ioZncokuj1sdRSE7qIwy8gzdB2peXRlXdY-L3-tL1W40KrlgBOo7Ky6nF-qAFudBxBAs-/s400/Bolivia+Blog-6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536964588259058354" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH8Dc698tmNDlULd0DOQmbZ01eKbPuXAfEmOCwoYkoNB8w83AxzQFcPn3XW5zRGxaFoebsDLaWmrA0qTUbTqZO6v5ndVi2YOhFfWFJcESqOBaBp0BuFgfPCZpDL8BzzKv9VGaAL9PNYqqv/s400/Bolivia+Blog-15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536965236375051986" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We first met together in La Paz and explored this crowded capital that overflows with constant contrasts of colonialism and indigenous roots. First founded in 1548 under the ambitions of Spanish </span><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">conquistadores</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">, La Paz soon became a major stop in the trade route of silver and tin. Independence from Spain was at last declared in 1825 under the new presidential leadership of Simón Bolivar.</span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Towering snow-capped peaks embrace <span style="font-style: italic;">Nuestra Señora de La Paz</span> at 12,000 feet - creating a "bowl" of cobblestone streets, peaceful plazas, historic chapels, handicraft markets, and flickering lights of hillside slums at dusk. There is an anti-American sentiment among local politicians, but Bolivian citizens reflect a different attitude with their warm smiles and gentle handshakes. We spent our time hunting for bargain souvenirs, feasting on llama and quinoa, and researching the origins of cocaine at <span style="font-style: italic;">El Museo de Coca</span>. Our time here concluded with a proper orientation and a few scoops of rich <span style="font-style: italic;">gelato</span>. Next stop? Huancuyo!</span><br /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEBHDzQVqyDJtZQvY0V3KRjC4aeCBnQrth-EJK5VeJ-Ygb9uSvtPftRbpVC5NEbQfStSTgSeplE-vHEOQdjuHdxIUtUBewbiOH11aRwo3bu45UrhapoCiHJtqXFQd4FbqxEaG7prUkuj88/s400/Bolivia+Blog-20.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536965759961212306" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEMopfKb7wVeDlKkA_FDUvpD2KN8p1GoblnJBiewgH9-wxTbA_iVW2JXz9ilkNgO9C1RD2fUPkX7W4sLH7I844Iacy3trkObrzlZb8APw6xyDxDabU1OnHFACnk8ZNvB_YxQlnFB-84hq/s400/Bolivia+Blog-19.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536965753652987042" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijmFOPmM_qTRXY-vknd6xv7oZdPKd4LYufTZaHF5MaYmPX1hzrrQj9mUTHsyPSEYd3eacAdhM38-rOEvM6snhVKaJDC7iORBA5XRzS_ei6iCH1-8Pf8yEGrsze_wKhv4Aypr91JVL6GORh/s400/Bolivia+Blog-32.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536966330579785474" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg905HyKnM_TmTa-LdG1iJKu1QPjXRSWLMZbf0jUaYDr5zQluHRIEwVye8TbwLWVo21bHrUft08yHX8-EBAUZ5_Fay1UMWOsJ4wzGDaLB38ZOyECwJOVSOto7I_ToBYY92gPEczbS0HekoT/s400/Bolivia+Blog-36.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536966745260806146" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkWdznMfZH4s2iQcTmC_MrtRyhfryUB1PY35eabEdnQC3UN2OqLkgZaEXj0lEkAJzAQnW4UNjhX_Ay9pTK_dJ-L9b97d4AnM-Go7HoT_kqeesEHaQaG_apl5It_rvmGWAqpAC2-ibX3UvV/s400/Bolivia+Blog-35.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536966741520019650" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We packed into our vans with a lop-sided tower of luggage balanced on top. We drove out of La Paz and through crowded boroughs where swarms of people congregated around sidewalk vendors selling blackened chicken and black-market accessories. Our interstate soon entered the open landscape, cutting through a redundant terrain of dirt and dead grass shrub. The staggering mountain range of the Andes accompanied our journey until we arrived to our final destination: Huancuyo.<br /><br /></span></span><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt4SMHt-JZwG64MMwH4uEBWlsMtnO9nIcCPawGZrdyjTxFj_wzQCq9irSiOVvZHzRn2h5W04ffrP1KiFVyBF1ipKVZgMTRkN3mwTsxW_MMAC9IjNlGHDOESEOHVNHAIUXexoBv8vh9DJsg/s400/Bolivia+Blog-44.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536967104882313154" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Upon arrival, we shuffled into a quaint concrete building (the village social center) to set up camp for the week ahead. As we prepared our sleeping bags, the village elders seemed a bit apprehensive with our presence there. However, the local children were ecstatic to receive us, eager to touch our hands, hold our cameras, and discover the new entertainment we brought with us: bubbles and frisbees! As the sun descended, we bundled ourselves with warm hats and gloves to protect us from the crisp air. Despite the utter chill of the evening, we were treated with a canopy of brilliant stars that stretched across the sky. It was now time to get some much needed rest as all the service projects were scheduled to begin the next morning.</span></span><br /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFKCo4-twWDOmOsHrAwQJh9m4cVKNVD_KbVqhSRpNjwbX8NS1Y4fATKb-8qWXEAg8KXjZY4VRLVB3-II30xjNAG0uq1BSlA3KmYn2OSiwt37bhT7LOafZpip3u7E8v3Tpa3PXt4pQUrGTm/s400/Bolivia+Blog-11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536965223847138594" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinDLSxGNal0C7cGNxOP8KqDOtT5LSTpwhyphenhyphenPvAzeJ0poC1FfFqDO7-hQeYE1M-eJu_9BQZI2ywZb7DWiO7pzdFS7NYmAEUflxsD9diFTtJ0QIsi1gz8YtHpDWI-KX3-65yW24fBI6kj-LKh/s400/Bolivia+Blog-30.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536966324909798290" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">While numerous workshops and clinics were conducted in several villages across the Batallas district, I was "blessed" to work on another water project (flashback to Guatemala: <a href="http://imagineargentina.blogspot.com/2010/07/guatemala-reflections.html">June 2010</a>).</span> As dentists extracted teeth, I worked on the trenches. As doctors diagnosed arthritis among village women, I still worked on the trenches. And as select volunteers helped families herd their cattle, I was scooping up massive piles of cow dung for household fuel. Hmmm...still not sure how I lucked out on that one.<br /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizG48SO9_jpCybN9pw60mPG9WoIhcRPpXodV-c8AciRRycrUMVm04v2Z2bO7JEdLS58JWs1F5pLXH7f9UiFJkCKNFUl0bgnWuDxfJsY6RYtDXy4y7W8gwxAxqhS3rPFZSKshM9P9TubL7e/s400/Bolivia+Blog-17.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536965244170705410" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzZfZ9rx5agjKSrJudDD6-s2uRxOTzJ9x82K_lGu4-nr6_qI-NuLEQQZDzaoILtNkVt-UY9SAeHYoxmuLx-bxRoRHHN74wC7HfM-o6njXU-Ogt1-hgxuhz8s1WED-cYyhBsnMs6iLIRA1U/s400/Bolivia+Blog-43.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536967097527637426" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">The village water project was the focus of this CHOICE expedition. Those of us selected to work on this project were assigned to fill the extensive trench that village residents had dug on their own prior to our arrival. As the CHOICE Model of Development explains, villagers are required to contribute their own resources and efforts to a given project when possible. Native families of Huancuyo had committed months to the back-breaking labor required to dig a water trench 2 feet deep into the Andean mountainside.<br /><br /></span></span><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnhGiFsQBfZhgY7JvZ46wxnBariyTjQ53qhAzQ8ImX-CcCbmsTDmr8Q_XHfkunB1FUp36tVnluMluIO8_Mq6oOCNt8i9mhoaQI0qmKGiwMrPqZqfBUEzDPk8t8UVIlSDtGIA8UXI-7z1qp/s400/Bolivia+Blog-40.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536967086668667634" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We had arrived for the next phase of work. We had been invited to Huancuyo to fill that same trench with rock and dirt. Yet, we never imagined what awaited us the first morning of our expedition project. With shovels in hand, we left the village and headed up the mountain. Two hours later into the thinning air, following several false summits up the mountainside, we found the water source and origin of the infamous trench...at 13, 500 feet...overlooking Lake Titicaca (the highest navigable lake in the world). The actual trench was almost 3 miles long! We KNEW that we would NEVER finish filling this trench in just one week!<br /><br /></span></span><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-sSDv-tczdbe8L1tELJlMRsvXfUYwGzznbaFqC1sghdTRDYVGyU8M8ssfqdYCZ5AAkFzXO-wY7W5qMjz5rMpOHqaBOHfPkVWov_5lFSOhv37QqpnVTZofnNUzZv_TBQbfqfMcyoOx2qT/s400/Bolivia+Blog-10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536964605599604322" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);"><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">As village men placed meter upon meter of PVC pipe into the trench, we worked hard right behind them in shoveling large stones and piles of dirt into the open ground. But, we were not alone in our labors. Village men and women - and even small children - utilized handmade shovels to cover the pipe with dirt. Believe it or not, we couldn't keep up with the pace of determined village women...despite swaddled infants on their backs and newborn babies feeding from their breasts. Yes, that is the truth.</span></span><br /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjI0ROeoMR6svqpHBvcU6N8-Ia5NKQ3pjMtSCV3lz0ymZKR5lT0DtZIxksl7gtvcsDSglyjiH3TYNZ9z9mOO4hgkS3611Dh1OLrh6BxFJbmqgyCp96iAR6bK1D5DiWvLliP5-_hEPFxRcjt/s400/Bolivia+Blog-45.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536967112771676578" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSCc7JNEL0aE4x7Qg4G7AbEul7NbqjW1EcyBMZDzSgXmpoCdqLwJIi09gCXgE3t5vvuDlJsyit6Jp7kHgoomtGSkRkwjBRIg_02i4l2P8zTwvEljizz7tbbUXW6nJ2OMVH1DCwiS86UV2Y/s400/Bolivia+Blog-41.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536967089723414770" border="0" />To the collective shock of our expedition group, the entire trench was filled and completed...in 3.5 days! I was speechless. And no, the completion was not due to our unique participation. The project was completed due to the collaborative efforts of both sides...laboring together in an inter-cultural exchange of work ethic and mutual support. This is the essence of a true CHOICE expedition.<br /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UbaDyYhr5OfkztfKVPbTkTCjkroec77V-N0Bk4Q8iKUm8J_QAx_TuiyhLvfYZ9vl2x85t_G955npY8L4YYf48IqTYno-Wjug4pWDoc7TsKhx8SxrGk4xDEJdN5NxoxYN7_usOxeUh2dF/s400/Bolivia+Blog-9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536964603194233650" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrW14Esol7uqux8Ac8Usfo9CORkkvSHQ9XrxdoJI7hnvoVVgPPkQubSzFmqvmTxCAsruqGHwgftSJEPQmOM6fXpIDU5ne2B_5bmUgbBy2QF3hiouOggT8HlWWzGrFKjKy-v1xXbaNcNJ05/s400/Bolivia+Blog-29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536966323445162082" border="0" />Now that the trench had been filled, it was time to connect the pipe with the schoolhouse spicket which had been placed weeks in advance. This was to be the site of the official inauguration of the water project...a moment that would celebrate the arrival of potable water to the village of Huancuyo for the first time. We had underestimated the importance of such a celebration. Village women wore their finest - and most vibrant - Bolivian attire...spinning and twirling in a cultural dance that often included our own volunteers! Village leaders gave messages of gratitude, shedding tears for the simple gift of water. And village children, waiting in anticipation, partook of the feast that was placed before them: a complete spread of 15 different potatoes and sauces.<br /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX827M8-UZqKhstw8hgV9rQpxJ6i-K_p0Yh9c4sNV9AMKnKgRJs-4PMEPnrdfb0z5_zndZ2F7Ps4Iw8mi2t8qVGv0vFpl0Pzx3BAiohWnZSzKKa9OBsQLa16UIEDgols7GFOe4ePGZJ1hs/s400/Bolivia+Blog-13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536965231180045458" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFhQCVO3vA8h6pugro1IyuEojjgvcg6bAZv11JrITXJ7Ql-ai4zBlyNyhtTnDVrB7r7u5AbzlYqDKE3cGFUeHrXK1n9EWGDtoWiafVKA6_7S5JI8qfAMScSGbBfs7MX7WxjOkWYft8ZkaS/s400/Bolivia+Blog-26.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536966317290416850" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ7vlLkXEhzZSoj2UwuWZaPL8xFmGaZvw_8lBPQ6wjRSh0bgkV8VsoaHUCV_Banipzlh7y558Xxxe1CyKIrw5Lxir6R5u4acpeYDcRzzsdBUWrNR3inaNGC5uFmG5KIkX73pRMN6B_49Va/s400/Bolivia+Blog-24.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536966307947146850" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9FllLVxfnBwBfA6AmYmaQw0cGHJPxXzwev_s8-4NP7JYl5Hk0ErbGkTfQ1EHLOp1gUu3rYn8-XqH0JGQhiyRDy6gHF83eXiQLCSBqxXKl6tqNAKgRHczotGCeA1HbnNfBPYxMbUX5D1MK/s400/Bolivia+Blog-7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536964596448034274" border="0" />These dear people had waited such a long time for this sacred occasion - to have drinkable water near their homes. The excitement was overwhelming as toddlers splashed in the running water that poured from the spicket. Joy was evident in the weathered faces of villages elders, worn and cracked as a result of the brisk <span style="font-style: italic;">Altiplano</span> air<span style="font-style: italic;"></span>. I could not help but admire such wonderful people. After all, I had served a volunteer mission among the same communities 10 years before.<br /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTOzO_ZtUKPdT1P0PZU7GFjjki5W-A6gK2mYaa8hUzNeW3Ka9Q8AMTSzVsxW40oeNuLhTYyQpR0_i4nvR_n3v_fpsoFt8dstjiboZiE_sZneMjDyz_34FffytKc3hYpsXp_iwGIflZ4LWo/s400/Bolivia+Blog-23.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536965772910606498" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">As a group, we found ourselves on a memorable excursion (post-expedition) to the sacred ruins of Tiahuanaco. First discovered in 1549, this UNESCO World Heritage Site continues to be uncovered through vast excavations. The stone walls and sculpted heads of the temple speak of a pre-Incan empire that dates back to 1500 BC. Once a pilgrimage center centuries before the construction of Machu Picchu, Tiahuanaco is most recognized for its revered Sun Gate - a massive stone portal distinguished for its religious and astronomical symbols sculpted into the arch overhead.<br /><br /></span><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhADRGM8XPwPP3KrJllEb9YLvDGgPlkApixfuUv7QxWrbi3KhzJhfqWKHOk97JXUDJsVV2pfS5MEqW2-gyUQ1iMXfxEMIKgUoHF0O6fEIP0POsoBxpp16cDNEFsSrpX3psdIkgg1MQKsng2/s400/Bolivia+Blog-21.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536965761323522018" border="0" /><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">*Prior to embarking on this rewarding expedition, I sailed across Lake Titicaca from the tourist town of Copacabana to the enchanting <span style="font-style: italic;">Isla del Sol</span> (birthplace of <span style="font-style: italic;">Inti</span> - the Incan Sun God). This sacred piece of land hosts several ancient ruins and sacred sites that date back centuries. Quaint hostels and intimate restaurants welcome international guests with roasted llama and red wine. I was soon roaming the rugged trails with a Czech couple, discussing the highlights of Andean culture with thick accents and cameras in hand. We were treated with an enchanting sunset that extended from the Peruvian limits into western Bolivia...then an awe-inspiring sunrise the next morning that illuminated the turquoise waters of Titicaca. A 2-hour return navigation brought me back to the shores of Copacabana, where overzealous street market vendors sold dried potatoes, silver earrings, and a plethora of vibrant Catholic saints and virgins.</span> The entire cost of this brief trip? Just U$30. Based on these pictures? Priceless.<br /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDNqo5p2GlbTXtJikjEffCVpQLzcOUjiLUI2lhjWD2P06NOJ4qzDi77CXsnVAjTEf_r55VXoysjLIKP6JDIdvz-IBFPZbFqrrugYcvyXm1uxFkWoan-8fjW4QY2Yf3e6mSxwJcL75fou1R/s400/Bolivia+Blog-39.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536966758141431522" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0n3OaFx9BYx0dY-ZekyBifuCuwEdvhEayHSX-dbcf8qf0Hl-n4SxQGW-B9jvauL-ybTzrY2RiHcMG7uhkJGnY0RIBX2Z54kbigZsN-G1-mQTOn6HZTWXeXumoc0I9Os_VxKhNbAUtrwl/s400/Bolivia+Blog-18.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536965748159233650" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ0NhyhYIK009AkA6UfKK4eRIeLOPb0HnmU5ZOAh7EBY8BYVms4qg8pF6KvTDpbmxPtR-1UocAXfRKRY6BQ56QKvSZdz-EwYKqWJ3rObK6TAoxDj3KTKM0HwNDB-Tu5n_4k6jR7NFJcqA_/s400/Bolivia+Blog-38.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536966762200472754" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizGAnKSNlkBErhQcle7frcl_jBeBZo4C2-18RB9PL4LFkN3wx3Us5gOvMm8u7ucZhH1qbBLuF9IADCMu2gdfRo8O9FBCWleBfRjSTU3wrBQkQC0x4bnYEgku1YCXW2GbnG5vw-8QIPdGiz/s400/Bolivia+Blog-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536964017453697410" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8sFyFY-bMMEUQiAjBhYujBOJBD3l7mRL4-3BX5jHOTP8dl-vu25avIIXDKDci7iGYBTA_cqCQfJjfQm5by-L0aL2U0nL4jqy5bxKoJNCb9uff7eX6q7xztxfzpucwMlZcLhw6KDfZFKWS/s400/Bolivia+Blog-37.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536966751560977506" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXCw3QKytaWUfX48NZ4gEzQc9i-5pqTAEupsoJ-E_nTG7XbJUQj2Qw0lXKjImD6O5N9hYlZfEFSR7gudi2U0wDpwgKqur3BmTqAbiYMNTk64Up_5HgYWvmnFLC56WjzmnonIn_E1YRTJFr/s400/Bolivia+Blog-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536964028262172482" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1IRUrvrQtKcx9HtyEufvsLhu071dn4amWNQM3NysJYh1TOQrS8bBYvxLm0Bbf7y-mj4YoeZqdPYvnzRH3vy3JxBrrNrCjBaGdFQxz9q71t9xblRaw28SizyaxccHcxAnbmjPprU4jTsn4/s400/Bolivia+Blog-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536964036847195698" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyYH2YNeJ8H_DsMWIViOmmVNhDlgNwljfchpMLuy_A1T_aRsXaXcCFvjeeXL71_sVL5Kz7XAbFR8BhPntN0p5_r2I3g1yPAgll_5lkBpQp_QLeuaB_PQwUOsxBWmWeEjw238vJ_ArZjzeL/s400/Bolivia+Blog-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5536964031549073010" border="0" />Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-53239027729041608962010-08-19T21:07:00.004-06:002010-08-19T22:00:14.394-06:00Snapshots of Panama...<img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 163px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTj2VSnvBkPMiy_RyPDi0cLIzHhbCKJmipJWoGCtaqgTQHeXPacgsHez5hYXMe0BIq_LPqkUV-6fix4Yvm-7-jIKwh1YmZLKpl13AUPyhrujDp4rJ7ng1rBq9omFf7tPRXPCm7UdI_futU/s400/Bolivia-2+035-2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507330648703289314" border="0" />A brief stop in Panama (in transit to Bolivia) allowed me to visit this charming nation that bridges Central and South America (connecting Costa Rica and Colombia). From pirate raids to Jesuit missions, smiling locals are eager - and proud - to share their rich historical past with all who visit. I witnessed the crowded concrete jungle of downtown Panama, the approaching cargo ships of the Panama Canal, and the picturesque coastlines and beaches of Calzada de Amador. Enjoy the few pics below! <br /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigSLMn6QIha3ifo3CeUztOxYeJGtmMOmqDKc6o3oXkJORR3JtwAGAnLuRbREFTFrJy2Foaldcu6oa5Ch6CuN0pBUILA6ei-kXXCLeyHLjbCNPnuLH_cHVANINOrDEEGDX-clSmd4r6aNZh/s400/Bolivia-3+021-2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507331291821234994" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcmzlM3MsB3y6H17L8tcbm2bdHtG45PpgywrOV6F0wu0lrLOXuY5QYWNP3K5AMSTWLkPfNCtskmzG-cmn9rKYZ-pBgP-hIphRMN6pEsQtt8oCYW2KQsliBq9PCISpkxP4X_GOd6T9w4kJ/s400/Bolivia-3+019-2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507331284598573794" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5pg6qYAtSIhvR24N5spRPKDp5erlNt6D4Qvr4md1krLKesuDcELgnw-s3e5DGFB-N_bwwUYZguhSCzpq11w8k12sLr-h1IKtRiLAKqfTp_EpJwpzi_Ml48kpeFJVYvvdKBxtOS-d5bXQ8/s400/Bolivia-3+008-2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507331276329239154" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZmYBLvWCOWnD0N7sj5-xuKrllO7MNV7fqgXsTAt-M8jWZD0Jc6k2iBRCMwLpt4EGB0pkmF3souURll4IBjOK9V1ppTTnb4llwnZJm5Y-whtxud4y24rrQ6XnbKfQdVXSYNm6aa7Bhk0O5/s400/Bolivia-3+005-2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507331265301437538" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVu6kzcf42IrkZK-OTDiM5y7N5JLt_HwXc-Ftsz9kityEWO49u1r675VrvnzTbbhYkYiGjRrZoB5XaSM39VGD8PH-_x9bjZ2AU6RqZv5tFdT_I48VGYPlFIMlktK4g7xguNkueH2KgvF0_/s400/Bolivia-3+028-2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507331301234275714" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhekSCMHzFIy-W9NzGR4LhuaGDeygBHzNS45VwGEEYrGWnaiFFpoQoh_ZANmSaTjPaZQY0EsYVHWwq9WyNa6HuZXdNJ3mvLNm8xx1QkTQvwM40AeZi6aDBrf4PDzLJKa1HZyinXmi7MPmuq/s400/Bolivia-2+033-2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507330641800936146" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCg2c45KZBIWkWP8m-A3cwIPQqlBpJJVNgiqxq-icDWHebMdM-ahU2ZJkH-qtQK57XEcmNKW-DXq46F0NK_TXWNF7sJekfm10hiTWkQ5aNRvaqz2y0QHKM7iAUkvC3S61rIUPykvY57e8/s400/Bolivia-2+026.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507326558896409394" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ0Qu0yYAM7fThuUfoVmfEHbiowWY7WxlLsp5ItoehfY3hcXpospmOngbQ3wvpX3W8lZWpXG-XxyLX2p8cesVnKUKEEo3Vvi5DjEMz7fVS1CVs8XNK6FPkEOKpRvRT_QHyo5otPe2iMN9k/s400/Bolivia-2+017-2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507330633409559810" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisG_R1fXoyAY9BKDP3T_PTqyWmTfouaZrmzCJW9NzXi8MP6zjzyWjnvSY54nfbESKPJgGqK-qKmMG_uxgb6k1KNZzsM0Xv7BZr29WBdCAx0ctzaemZfRhs7uz4cMBnB4r-z_hCGzSyQSC1/s400/Bolivia-2+015-4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507326585548414994" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ka5_stT_Ku85fpbh4glXRgUXRyFjgaDF_RZSKiPUGp-BJx9C7W-Y4uxwMC9O_CaXtjS7txaAujq7u96pu0FhKHTIWHq5YSRpBUAatLe4PgTebA-RGhPMg4iEltKiG_EVn_OO7Jqnb02X/s400/Bolivia-2+009-2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507326574679876178" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOOQVhjNIP0ar5vkp6N5WPzt87l81iSEeytbpPAfR4mShZEUkE5MSJ-C85BiQZKrnCn87N9x74UMkbRYopANBdKqmNx-NAcbS17UDuSugttsgKG3GwYtBG79yVJTJ-tF8g4-8nwR9d9SKZ/s400/Bolivia-2+006-2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507326566025017810" border="0" />Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-5834619395896686172010-07-11T21:01:00.007-06:002010-07-12T00:50:56.811-06:00Guatemala Reflections...<span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px; font-family: georgia;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCI42eg0xTRahnDTdZ7cRik3E1UJEKoGhJu6TUC4E_5nimww2mbmPXUAnNl8a5bH-RBJK7V2kPrBQfwZpW_ffBXkx0jw_mZqGFVUX6i2vhxFOtZN6V98jaeFJrGDqIOxiUqc6S23Hi3oR/s400/Blog10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487679094900456818" border="0" /></span><span style="font-style: italic;font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" >I returned <span style="">from</span> Guatemala less than a month ago. Yet, the experience seems so distant now that I am engulfed - once again - with a plethora of email messages, voice mails, and project deadlines. I have at last written the following article to paint a comprehensive picture of this recent CHOICE expedition to Guatemala. Sure, I returned home to a pile of bills and a pending decision to attend graduate school...but I also returned home feeling more at peace, knowing that I had just dedicated a valuable week to a worthwhile cause.</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /><br /></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:trackmoves/> <w:trackformatting/> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:donotpromoteqf/> <w:lidthemeother>EN-US</w:LidThemeOther> <w:lidthemeasian>X-NONE</w:LidThemeAsian> <w:lidthemecomplexscript>X-NONE</w:LidThemeComplexScript> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> <w:splitpgbreakandparamark/> <w:dontvertaligncellwithsp/> <w:dontbreakconstrainedforcedtables/> <w:dontvertalignintxbx/> <w:word11kerningpairs/> <w:cachedcolbalance/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> <m:mathpr> <m:mathfont val="Cambria Math"> <m:brkbin val="before"> <m:brkbinsub val="--"> <m:smallfrac val="off"> <m:dispdef/> <m:lmargin val="0"> <m:rmargin val="0"> <m:defjc val="centerGroup"> <m:wrapindent val="1440"> <m:intlim val="subSup"> <m:narylim val="undOvr"> </m:mathPr></w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" defunhidewhenused="true" defsemihidden="true" defqformat="false" defpriority="99" latentstylecount="267"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="0" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Normal"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="heading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="9" qformat="true" name="heading 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 7"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 8"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" name="toc 9"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="35" qformat="true" name="caption"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="10" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" name="Default Paragraph Font"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="11" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtitle"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="22" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Strong"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="20" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="59" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Table Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Placeholder Text"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="1" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="No Spacing"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Revision"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="34" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="List Paragraph"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="29" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="30" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Quote"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 1"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 2"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 3"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 4"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 5"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="60" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="61" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="62" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Light Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="63" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="64" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Shading 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="65" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="66" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium List 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="67" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 1 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="68" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 2 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="69" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Medium Grid 3 Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="70" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Dark List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="71" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="72" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful List Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="73" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" name="Colorful Grid Accent 6"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="19" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="21" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Emphasis"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="31" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Subtle Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="32" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Intense Reference"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="33" semihidden="false" unhidewhenused="false" qformat="true" name="Book Title"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="37" name="Bibliography"> <w:lsdexception locked="false" priority="39" qformat="true" name="TOC Heading"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:"Cambria Math"; panose-1:2 4 5 3 5 4 6 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1107304683 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:Calibri; panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:-1610611985 1073750139 0 0 159 0;} @font-face {font-family:"Arial Narrow"; panose-1:2 11 6 6 2 2 2 3 2 4; mso-font-charset:0; mso-generic-font-family:swiss; mso-font-pitch:variable; mso-font-signature:647 2048 0 0 159 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-unhide:no; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; line-height:115%; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman";} span.yshortcuts {mso-style-name:yshortcuts; mso-style-unhide:no;} .MsoChpDefault {mso-style-type:export-only; mso-default-props:yes; font-size:10.0pt; mso-ansi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri;} @page WordSection1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.WordSection1 {page:WordSection1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} </style> <![endif]--><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">We departed our hotel and ventured more than 10 hours into the scenic jungles and verdant <span class="yshortcuts">cloud forests</span> of eastern Guatemala. Our valiant van carried us across the tranquil waters of <span class="yshortcuts"><span style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1278915961_1">Lake Izabal</span></span>, through the flea markets of El Estor, and up winding roads that wrapped around lush hills dotted with coffee plantations.</span></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><br /><br /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SQ25ck8wtVmOn0BqMVZZ5RqU6VTk_eOw1wp2ij0iV8zFvzTn26gpJM7Y2ucNOZTv_fsMWMqojYOTDsuFg5IM53Lu8CJQsrh6G8PxfMMbsMgXdamJf8myBAPkf0QIFuKtrsFhu5v4JI-h/s400/Blog31.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487682725592298194" border="0" /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Thus begun our CHOICE expedition on June 13th. Our group consisted of 18 service-minded volunteers: fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, friends, students, and co-workers. We left behind our laptops, cell phones, and watches...thus abandoning the constraints of pressing deadlines and strict schedules. This was going to be a week of selfless service and personal reflection thousands of miles from home.</span></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br />The paved road became a gradual path of rugged terrain as we ascended toward the villages of the Polochic region. Gravel soon replaced the ease of asphalt just as intermittent rainfall turned roadside dust into unforgiving mud. Cheerful families waved to us from the windows of their humble homes as we continued up the hill before coming to a final stop.<br /><br /></span></span></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOip2MqBf0fk77084AufcpjGd6Rnv1lrGaaPU0rJfVS7DEdzCqoFjgTg8BB_1ftxgzSeD1U3O5D9INLcU1IorfaVFePRu4-a4je1mu1ds-qd_rC9n9EAqqycBY2183xDrXnGLhJaRjEwav/s400/Blog1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487678475155947858" border="0" /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">We stepped out of our van and stretched our fatigued bodies. A small group of curious villagers had gathered to greet us upon arrival, though the village itself was still a 1-hour walking distance uphill. Without hesitation, village men with smiling faces grabbed our backpacks and hurried up the hillside as sunlight began to fade. We followed—far behind—along a broken stone path lined with oversized palm leaves and towering <span class="yshortcuts">banana trees</span>. At last, the vegetation cleared and revealed a gleeful crowd of giggling women and children gathered in the dark. Welcome to Chirixquitzac.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMC3JHrJWnB-cnTsjdJ-Cz98OzeeeJGRsCbgjAZFH1b9B04W-YKKbfjVrpyV1LGgH4TOwuyI03rnUiWS1T1dz0ubsG4nCiTYP6OHuuqJQwmMCxNEpAYB3eZUt5z-vOgBj_oZb8gYpeNqrc/s400/Blog25.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487682046819367474" border="0" /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">We entered Chirixquitzac as the first international volunteers since 1997. Still, village toddlers felt comfortable enough to hold our hands and stare at their gleaming portraits taken with our digital cameras. A small percentage of the 500 village residents spoke basic Spanish, though all others communicated in the native Q’eqchi dialect. Despite the assumed cultural differences between North American volunteers and indigenous Mayan families, nothing seemed to be lost in translation. We were delighted to be in Chirixquitzac…and Chirixquitzac was ecstatic to receive us.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVmmLWEYe8seJ77ZvnkGBwNMPfjHHddXJXNnGJxUkvbWqt1_B8FUTBFjuhHvNvKvQdXt8csNkmj6g9JoIiceldsUQEikMpIlfdhPo33_MGyg2x4e_fy_4eXZgyoI16wryfCD0ayTgUUMUv/s400/Blog19.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487680073900873394" border="0" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> </span><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCOFQwKakegSbLjfdKEKWhtQyM1qPgoqZuKm3jrP_WV2Dp-O4nh_lgVBYde-4J_aqug1G1YaBQbcvGkoaMdN9cSQ9Qlz6Uy_rWJXB_lyugwoLM_JGNxrvc5NMsvvp5fYqf5pB2E0KDaPQM/s400/Blog12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487679475706504146" border="0" /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHuzOGlb27VOZHvs0-w7uAyiiuQ0M6EBpf47o6qeyxdEo3W53uO_8H3-7DcpEN53maMzhUEFqRfruicPsjXB9FHh1IoSnS669adK841tjsVFCzxaV7vDXFR20nu6YrrpAekhHXgh_g-mw/s400/Blog18.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487680063549635858" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhixtvsrid35wEMLGAqzMsOBtBg7JNg9T4z_cHdzSCoO7s7QwP6pCQAJE8IscqNIHHJRQTpmE8x0pW_Zh4Dan5sqQebrQD2ypNEFHloHvJPBz7Ao98-o3tQlr8ESQ-_AFBeOHGbfugLpxQF/s400/Blog24.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487682037965884482" border="0" /><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5oUHNeYRV0max_h_0EMQcoF8Q8g5SEGJnJaQMRGq7WN2Kbe4ShmcLp-MXcjyqiWqLHo9WsB42OF-TjaDyDKrDygH5ynpfMj_-WXTBDbuE2wUMqKbbto4aHqyPzZh7hJjieaDKuCjXuRLK/s400/Blog22.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487682018790373410" border="0" /></span><span style=";font-family:georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Our entire week would consist of hard work, recreation, and friendships. We did not just bond within our group of CHOICE volunteers, but we reached out and unified ourselves with the endearing villagers of Chirixquitzac. We even shared a common passion for soccer during afternoon pick-up games. The villagers no longer seemed to notice the twisting ravine that divided the field, though I almost collided with a team of wallowing pigs and ducks as I ran toward a makeshift goal of tree branches!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbqdsJGB0nCFrz0NiQ1S4tHSe2cGSBMmlhToOfszVLE8TCKeCXaho_GtHNwXvaCLihuN_aUPDd_hZI3ZaJqotCDhdmuNq87BktANplwg3sFrsuLEXlAKYm-zOIufH5ycMQQHvx4yhqv91s/s400/Blog3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487678490439358242" border="0" /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_L2nIOecuJ5k3JmyCxOhKj-EUu5W43XiZxroSTrNSBEnNazGtKEZxF6LTywfXhzKCTEfTLN0JU9c4vUK3lR5teYi7ZDQj2jJsc5TEOx-V-LMYOqT_Fs-OYnjTOP69oU_60DFSH7iAID1v/s400/Blog4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487678504691056562" border="0" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoEJ8J13TpPQ0aN_QxcQYbRSsPzRqKtXIywlWVnu5_zlM2KYg2R0mv3Oc2vvZPz2CaM79ZoMaghOI4eqdUhuz7CEUMnGrr05K9UjThWcmS7R4gICXnhpRtCLEGQwLqd8aCgz_UK892nZ-/s400/Blog16.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487680039988648002" border="0" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">At first, our project appeared simple: we would dig the initial trenches of a village-identified water project. For generations, village women have scaled the mountain trails in search of fresh spring water located at higher elevations. Such time-consuming trips allowed mothers and wives to fill their ceramic jugs with just enough water to heat a pot of vegetables or wash a small pile of clothes. The villagers had invited us to work hand-in-hand with them to bring water to the village for the first time. What a humbling honor and opportunity.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaCTjOat5V35eVlwkFpsBXaXMhPE4T_J4Mz8oAGl2jh-BJ0oK2bH15WgPNlmX-sclLK8zJcP2yO0jZZOFtLEaSfGqYWLss-YsqqADIXIj-DqlQKLSnX1Fl6Y7xwmCm15IWMKb9cDw4y7b9/s400/Blog21.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487682008312371570" border="0" /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsGH3NVatG2J8SirESskoSt-eZnndebRN4mzKD3P3t_H-cyVG00d433LJ953RnBkV3UflAkjzUS9fSCzvJYGmeL6qBues3Wb1NC8043swURnl-ggVijEZ8OPGqFdXGeiSZBINdL7uKDZkA/s400/Blog20.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487680083708371058" border="0" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Each morning, with a stomach full of corn tortillas and fresh mango, we grabbed our handmade picks and shovels before trekking further up the mountain to our project site. While some groups had the pleasure of working in the shade, I struggled to avoid the suffocating heat from the sun overhead. While others were blessed with damp soil, I was blessed with solid bedrock…and a pile of broken picks due to poor <i style="">gringo</i> technique! Our group of dedicated volunteers took frequent breaks, with water bottles in hand, and watched in amazement as village men removed boulders and “cleaned up” our trenches—all without breaking a sweat!</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTMgtnY5_UGWX0z8XaYA4sB8Z_ItSxy2nw0bZ_7oc2l3e8TNgBgtYkqJva285Yv7PHfnjkQ1TcJSVxk3q1x6PIqoiHCinpQaOq7JMROlE47syEV2c2jGVuWUXrtI0I8K-2mkfMqR8tYvN/s400/Blog5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487678508813733906" border="0" /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgumrrPq23QjAFFFp85gzbvKeNwcW6Za1QiPx-mNZGpSKTdUShxYpOIwl2z93AeXiRZhWcSyDOM5q1V-7TB6SLhsfvAOuQGQG53NQS-P_K33kUBsTARqvdqwQWsftmxdScw10UsfcGo4_qs/s400/Blog17.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487680051092861586" border="0" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">The water project allowed us to better understand the trials and obstacles others often face in seeking the basic needs of life. Further perspective was given as we ventured on a midweek “ecological tour” up a surrounding mountain peak. The climb was tiresome, resembling a vertical staircase of mud with miniature footholds. The humid climate and enormous insects made the hike more interesting. As we reached the summit and overlooked the village far below, we posed the question amongst ourselves: “What is <i style="">their</i> poverty?” The general consensus was clear. The people of Chirixquitzac did not have luxurious homes, expensive cars, or lucrative bank accounts. Yet, these same people did have something much greater: happiness, camaraderie, hope, an astounding work ethic, a deep appreciation for life, and a profound connection with nature.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3mh3I-ju5HS-KppJR79Ci3dRIscuGVrzpYowMujK6bEGNZDq5eHhvTIGR9HGaPO4_ra8xnFxbL-SIY1KbZlPw3XyJotAV-1oUBJj9LvScG8pSy0AmR_RQmNJRThyphenhyphenGE5bGuTGt_FU5-F5E/s400/Blog6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487679054364253874" border="0" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjP9MujxCVcccuRXqy0NWQL8Aae3PzCr1IAR_i6Bf26IOJagdFW7U4F9hluUSltf9C4VcJxxa1Y67Jq0vCuQmGQZ-KYZ5_ynsmKMu2C7321xCT2MMHy0h_QoocwJwv5PHVtcJYoNww9xV/s400/Blog30.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487682610940227650" border="0" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRGzXWD5xOIy3sgq8bnwb813Sg1Vj2IDktmkRvs1ZFpAW_d3ZIy66aWF0JH4gkqHvX6tTrF8RbtpI925JKZaTxD_ZeNEu2pc-TTXwncsQrldQwmvOB3wgbZEXEJJ6a9IfUctqbKmzSaWFW/s400/Blog9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487679085275388802" border="0" /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxtoy00h8zL0eZm4-XWlkBtCG9kSqYpJ61V8gtkM3AufmiQu6CvLVX87vroFkM8UeWG2Qjrv6OMidtKeKFYiIQ_aeUMH7boXfkedSgob4EzYQQoo9jmIm3NzIlumNso9d5VVbkaZD9Hyc/s400/Blog27.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487682584322444562" border="0" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_VLiVeNT0mhpOqXunj_4WTdNVugMYwUiqOvHahqTNv_MTfnQlqYhDDPHIjziBv4vZXNdunJ_0xtYHnYrJ446aB-DrpMVoAzUgkkEbP8-Ta83jLrkrrOnAeqV16gM42cDLra3e54iSUnWP/s400/Blog26.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487682577903697714" border="0" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCodbq3109qbc0oBilnXY8bkQ-caRrGa8jDDTw0zqMYDfrOlN2-C_FVBNdQZD2_1vhA-rvlsb4kxjT9wgngwPGzaTj3PU6jAeuhZoCgWf5om8O9ObeIAa42howgV66pI8OdwG7PViSo9Fj/s400/Blog23.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487682026767722226" border="0" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">An eruption of thunder and torrential rain disrupted our group discussion and forced us back down the mountain. A handful of shoeless children led us down to safety—the same children that assigned me the nickname of “Rambo” earlier in the week.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8MpL8cAc9q8cp7YJV3W0loo2OONWKN5uSd08wLgxe5nXn14rTmp3P4SGAEuO0evgnLwIUkdk3y7aTThqRfFdNckiUAoWXcc08wxwmoG2OIKZvp1m9yljapZu2znpeAFd1B0TEq-0FSR4/s400/Blog13.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487679482563207922" border="0" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCKEScNi0SiwZBnbzoVEegdlklKwbcHbEOVpi1DqHhwTVgRT49tp1yODLYO8hdSdv5W4wTTcC6pHJgiP5rJMo-UFC6TC3BC65iawd5-t8ziYhsKcGDWeSNIKDLVOM1YnynwbedEcBWHNQa/s400/Blog7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487679062249307890" border="0" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNzaAxTermI1xJVbxP80jjJ4LUU13OkudWMN00Suw0vQt_Rw90uQrSld4IuOlyLtPwzxUndMu5vHRZvrdZHE-3WhwIvJEECW1wfcbZM8cFaPgLOIos9j9UeJW3NI2zRxCTpnJGR-Ayl5Jh/s400/Blog11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487679468846709154" border="0" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYHLaFlHNdF-_r0CmcQU1jZDaXFVQZysEmn6ha48I_5cpamx3z7H6vzDGB8zdOtfK3X58zCRhbgluqFjAcY-OFXzNgCjYU2L7dAMPS2pntFPXk8LJV9-BeXvfY4ftYVg5IeFwPdD6El2f1/s400/Blog29.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487682603302892082" border="0" /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">That evening, we returned to the village church to rest (with inquiring onlookers peeking through the windows). As we stretched our tired bodies across foam pads and sleeping bags, the humming of the gas generator came to an abrupt stop, turning off the few dangling light bulbs overhead. All was black—except for the intermittent flickering of fireflies in transit from one window to another. I drifted off to sleep that night as I pondered the question: “What is <i style="">my</i> poverty?” What a thought-provoking subject for us all.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9Ct5Z7A83D3xDRMs1Q5mCmaIzBo35zHRcV490U3-zk9CNuXHW4d9bFJRw5yeFPi5Hcv_v4Yle_lqOzw7AijxKKmweRErbEFJebL-tSQat9DysqdjEVTC043p037gyuVxIaC-pP5Q9Gx5/s400/Blog28.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487682595826687250" border="0" /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim8byMVBBrv2VUUc5onExX0fDQ4EQ32ilKzI2rDQ-v7l_V4ZyA_ryw4mKpe-0LnqEyLXAW46b6utYQIio6M7Qx3S8nsAUOTlcNOmBBdI7XrelVa-l9KCneVZboZchFQUfy0i_RcIBgebzA/s400/Blog15.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487679506617724082" border="0" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhalwJCU6yD1_9aodj-G6-wP0mrFJRLvnhPRixOLnv2XQMOUFKTuWLzVgWWTyCLCfs52pf-pgEAdANQwjuwj57b9oFqPTdbKxXzNL96qoTpgPyM0soJycJ6_ixEd0_CqL9Q23jKbsbB5heQ/s400/Blog8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487679077833729794" border="0" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">Our CHOICE expedition concluded the final night with a festive village celebration as hesitant mothers and children joined us in dancing to the piercing rhythms of a nearby <i style="">marimba</i>. Afterward, village elders wept and expressed their gratitude to CHOICE for our commitment to help others rise above the constraints of impoverished conditions. I was honored to translate those words for the volunteers of our group. A sacred Mayan ritual soon followed before we retired to the village church one last time.</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLshNEV-aalbQh5byWJaJfC-Fn_o49P-ZyOF8JtRylPGbsayU46GreR5KY6XT_ynelwVSyjtwthZD0s9pYdRSXsCMK1o9KhjmwAS3SFhbV2dOEc8SUbb-qhjrgs3T6KIph2o88SDW49vpd/s400/Blog2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487678485513126370" border="0" /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);"> </span><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDU7RzyXpN_8OLiUfuPKp_0aqTKLndZxQ7T-qn9b08voAMdDAmI8mV2xS7lPKMRaW0L7YiijadIHBtF7hWJdVKpn_xQhPaFCCjJNnm0RtNM7T4GDKDawBi3SPzlaLPjyqCk8e1kvCb4foW/s400/Blog14.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5487679494452524754" border="0" /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="color: rgb(38, 38, 38);">I joined CHOICE in September 2009 as the new Director of Expeditions. This was my first CHOICE expedition to Guatemala. Years of international business and travel had prepared me for the job responsibilities ahead, though I never imagined such a powerful and meaningful experience in <span style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1278915961_2">Central America</span>. This past trip renewed a personal connection with the simpler things of life—similar to what I first learned a decade ago while serving a humanitarian mission in <span style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;" class="yshortcuts" id="lw_1278915961_3">Argentina</span>. I invite you to join us in the field, share these experiences with us, and witness the powerful effect of combining the thrills of adventure with the rewards of service!</span></span></p>Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-49352589755498899352010-05-27T19:35:00.003-06:002010-05-27T22:10:27.336-06:00Mexico Through My Eyes...<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-xG2cBfhcg-CibbmTp1GSVxP94jcoJ9oQ1ELDpFO0TwWnM5LX4foYyvI2RqRRGZEZgXq10gx3mJSTi2_1lUgijsO8RBa0cgYK_zHtETsc1LX2lf71MUr6PnB-6o-7q0YbU4XcB5sxDd1E/s400/Blog-11.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475051194990210306" border="0" />This past week I had the privilege to travel with <a href="http://choicehumanitarian.org/">CHOICE Humanitarian</a> to central Mexico and visit the developing villages outside Guanajuato. As the Director of Expeditions, I was able to meet with village residents and discuss current projects and accomplishments...and I was amazed. At a time when our nation is disputing the immigration policies along our southern borders, I must take a moment to recognize the solid work ethic and determination of our southern neighbors in rural Mexico. While brief, this vital trip provided me the chance to connect with new friends and landscapes. I felt invited...I felt safe...I felt right at home.<br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTHsUfS51Nogjh-1zM3fs2HDI5_Xme8Tzs_3szWn8na-lFtwx88_rrcjyUE_QFMrHgReCDs4lxdIZ3y8q7uFGbi6P0I4R_h6wyHG3RqP2lqaA8E0rAI_ShjHsnqSXQkM9WGL-V9OM_DW5L/s400/Choice+Flight-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475031442611915746" border="0" />The trip was designed to introduce new CHOICE board members to the powerful development work taking place in the remote communities of Guanajuato. We flew down on a private jet from Salt Lake to Mexico - sitting "shotgun" is so much more impressive at 20,000 feet!<br /><br />Once in Mexico, our local directors led us to multiple villages where we witnessed the impact of CHOICE Humanitarian firsthand. We traversed rugged terrain, climbed rock-laden hillsides, and drove along dirt roads lined with towering cacti and roaming mules. Native villagers welcomed us with warm smiles and firm handshakes...eager to show us their new schoolhouses, chapels, and goat cheese production facilities! Fields once desolate now host village preschools. Land once barren is now home to water cisterns and pipes that link villages to potable water sources for the first time ever.<br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhzh7vlaNVBjJhME-PyMqxx6AGXzS5-yrlbXoR2NxPqdNw0QdiqYTLWKWZ2eJ_2eZBOlZ9OYPu6BPI10MEiFXkmpiVs9y5XBqGLz8B4m0iTdcSTKJ_sM4boDnOFjCnp7EphPtByyJq9G0f/s400/Blog-9.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475050968261573602" border="0" />The best part? CHOICE did not build these structures...the villagers did. In fact, CHOICE has empowered and mobilized these villagers to believe in themselves and purse sustainable projects and essential skills that will lead to true self-reliance and high-impact development. These wonderful people were proud of what THEY had accomplished in pursuit of a better quality of life. We were simply there to encourage them and admire their work. What a humbling and memorable experience.<br /><br />As for the goat cheese? Exquisite! The local women's cooperative of Tamaula has created a small business venture utilizing the abundant goat milk available in the village. A combined expedition with <a href="http://www.feelgoodworld.org/cheeseworld/">Feel Good World</a> will arrive to Tamaula this weekend to paint and finish the new production facilities...working hand-in-hand with the villagers themselves!<br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 298px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaIJ8Ve2bKRlCsnyBAz3ZkBBUK2AK4g8ygMDJdkknVU9mFgA44hMlCMZ-BBcSfyzlsd9zICmiplhjH95Qe5OgRUOEihFHR50S5-Aw8uxcdiez4bCtxE5gNgVMivqChSIP6CrEnz4FjN6NM/s400/Tamaula+Family-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475031461952733074" border="0" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSsowzU_Y9yDxbOYtI4wZcjTrizoPw-_Jp0FCfZ1P8N3aT3Bjt6gH6y4zVQVHVRxR1hhU2w7-W3zO2U-VrAvV3odRSDd2Ry2yNn9Isy8iX61SSSRDwbLcoSckMBL7zcnkRDcOyOD7_OOIk/s400/Blog-10.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475050977812936178" border="0" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBO05xwZBp2EEvdkKV7HZo97OGNku-12CmxqkB3-hkyHVCCj69ymVs_RquRy0mbCECUR4juqqS-j9HIncI3fAux162_Rk6AIdsogxau_fOlLaD1WoQuQRlaT9eEjay1qtHXFRH77Rs346O/s400/Tamaula+Family-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475033152324924290" border="0" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6eBCRhxHdJruRHBQLsi-jd6La-jXSAoqS4vTJPq2_h3BKS9eFPY2ucFIBnXiC_ZZcsLFvy6syZmdEnB56m77fNf-5XlfVXxevqlpThiA7Mk-J9C840PnPdSVCnvMllRt-0MbCL59I4D_F/s400/Tamaula+Man-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475033130885415650" border="0" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJeRzVCOMElWMV9pwK0tAMVn2lA2EFdnNhR3eKcLYOhE5O2_ZwgUY8O9z-3UDGhyu0OorUWi3CpFDaYfJP7O1m-0hvSVgJusY8KtxgMyO0xS-USoQc3GpsowvqU4jugZawi43odEvIhKS9/s400/Village+Man-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475033106302306082" border="0" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUiEF5-psI50c59lASsYEBotSaOQR73DDTQJ4Z2s3G5vSzQyRHsR3fLf8ZNXeQ8wQcn0-jBZK-fQUJXgnN53O9eEmpjsG1xQVsN9xhVQH86LO4NsolXN3n1Qa28dfBiIPC7xMmlqA7depH/s400/Cactus+Lunch-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475031432738031538" border="0" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivwR6gj576p7EmLp0E6vw4U-iyrtriLZMnRy7DbHfHF-SHuz9l_9rE3ebj1mtVm-bfuyM0Ti1yg14c021WmnQ7X1Jwbez3kxcAyMZGQGI1DZopay_gcfZZXSn_o-IEJC8Sh8exu27MA0G0/s400/Blog-8.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475050956154534210" border="0" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgodJKdy4V1YnufiXt5BeRWS9dgCXhoRa_Ue811uNWHOSf_5xDIzgpselSgBBOkFxYKUlfSbZ_JBal0qFhxhEpjsUye-hKgYNovipDxallGJgQ90_zL52k_sRYAcnzQf2AZdYarnrkpMaTu/s400/Tamaula+Girls-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475033142568218034" border="0" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 258px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkmtabmB_k9gKicftf0irv4a01q6r0EQI4i6D66w_lx1fEcrxttW7Qq8oHTLlie0MRtGhJVnJXb46z7nE85m6V7QiUTF7_gs4lH7KCu0vEV0gDh1lXCMlOCcvWo6Js4S1FS53khv23UcDK/s400/Cactus-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475031421516114194" border="0" />We concluded this powerful international venture in the colonial masterpiece of Guanajuato capital. Established in 1554 under Spanish control, Miguel Hidalgo would later promote the Mexican independence movement from here in 1810. Narrow cobblestone streets criss-cross the heart of downtown, zig-zagging in between pastel-colored homes and exquisite monasteries. An underground tunnel system once used to channel the Guanajuato River now serves as a complex labyrinth of bus stops and highways. Silver jewelry and precious pottery stock local craft markets, while authentic tacos <span style="font-style: italic;">de carne asada</span> are best served from a roadside stand with a tall glass of <span style="font-style: italic;">horchata</span>.<br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9jXwtz7Z52suyAlAJDmcJSbNdjdfajLRGmRzTPNcgF7iNuEKbRefDawWjKiJDDZ_YSUOfiN5YXR1keJoTB7aEBedY2xwPGoBwk_Za2FAs5V0nDixLDWojmYZtkGtaSTjQ7Ci1bhNMgoDS/s400/Guanajuato-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475031454230283554" border="0" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgET44cseax-cIccSP1LVspoJ1HJ7N0aGv_O0_xhJybIkH1qoj6ZNF9Cua_HFNmPekpL4sI5kjcdvjkascUVoAeIIH-quHgwAt4-_wSC01OYFG78WekziWNMlniOEW3DGIqoa2tIXoOcz5l/s400/Blog-12.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475051202743983794" border="0" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrDT4Tcs8DcYH__QkrsCtltzyCKtJpMjTJznUQNJZTu_3ppTZfc5p8l8Cqp9mjBeXcjlr-KweI0ardaHPS_eo_9VplK54dugSnPM4PKb0Sk7gJGDc3GT8SEje91skVxINfQfIAnQsT9HrO/s400/Tunnels-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475033117399548322" border="0" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhe3MEMeduY27FOERvbjdjxY64ThXW-z8m0deawTxdA3_lqDrOGa-YHN6_CV-sPtKeCLA4wdTX_SmIIYmYTEOa6reK0mIpTrkIO9QStwT0gIx2NXw5oXRhtV7dNYCP9mGngYM1uuc3pNWK/s400/Blog-6.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475050936956886562" border="0" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 257px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB6iVQnnu_YTs-RbGoxOQWt3ayyFQHx4EVVZuDclwbHwaqGNlauZVwArskoT3_hZg0au2Rf2CyMhMFBYEwiPUBiLZcsaGw7Zx-F7XkqY53-L59sKSLX4np-d88ZpQvui9Zg_Z4TbNPmmyI/s400/Blog-5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475046419267561378" border="0" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG5GyElGb35kd_3tpZn3jckDCrd4F57n10ZobzuPVE_dhsUVPLJbZWZdN_zYXQe3wIJWfZi_ROwFR46KOpGwj4KRC2-uc-8o1-YgvQ768CCIR1Pu2byjxWiJhrJCSHE7PpSDLIm4tNQpxF/s400/Blog-4.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475046402940932274" border="0" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq9BXU9T_Tgl8sYF3le6yXG98PzXyH7Xx3M64at5r5HHMElYV-Tpr0_43iIS1sIQTT0VH-ALV8AEDTTX0rm_nhd_kXphRHMmneixdhedOq2Q7RZ04-rEWcFXAYWvAueC1VGUIWDfSnDwfy/s400/Blog-3.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475046394306259122" border="0" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcCiyXYapdZbAeKAATXs9G6y0F0cYWfzu2-zf9S9a3f8I3KsMVqZB0kamVbizvkX58GmykcbShAd9hIGAzF6m4VePrZ2oZRzDJ47Xmm012ob-ONB5LtY-3kTg5tQsmXEYpeDNmbMUcRidK/s400/Blog-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475046389059873682" border="0" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFxNiX4YOKFxfGYJ36_BdPqJtkK4UgpLXeHKJh0XOS25KBOlR4PE5gfCg0s8F0FeLkIhEvypFh83NWc0EJQVbcMTMZOaPwJzSWcV_OztKHv8Ph8KkL7Jb8zvUpnLu8VM0tB7PV6Bqk_pDL/s400/Blog-1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475046379603839586" border="0" /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 268px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhay1iRF0rdRZKuMzoi-J96_zukll6dfMvE4az3YaHD6jqR1HewD7NooLdqqVJ_Szt0dkMpLkzeO-yk4xt7bL9oz5tIOknIPx5DJhtOWQpGRYJW1wOPH3ZAfE0RGNEnZ0ijC8Y4HXlfvsEF/s400/Blog-13.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475051211369759890" border="0" />As I first mentioned, I felt right at home in Mexico. It felt as if I was in a familiar place...somewhere I've been before. Ahhh...there's a sign I know far too well :)<br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn647gfy9daBmD57kzPyIPGaD49l7RbYUw0AdvPzrT3mHLqOdY4EpVONNSsOn1T0a_xcMCcudu01S8Fq2R3-eWQ29fLop3k2Dg1LDql6q2BIktLR8D4njJbqObiPaw3acU8Q1Ifb86gPv_/s400/Blog-7.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5475050949337171330" border="0" />Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-67303524505839974342010-04-19T21:36:00.005-06:002010-04-19T21:45:06.181-06:00Imagine Argentina on Facebook!<a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1045626718&v=wall&story_fbid=106738452700927#%21/pages/Saratoga-Springs-UT/Imagine-Argentina-Travel/106163462754111?ref=ts"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 250px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijCEXDc1uzYWoKVkRR7ekx2ECKaviymG9Dqw9YNxPoFul0TxylGJiorMFm-m9rM7cecW7bldVL_pomt8Pm5r5cbukoHiJVd1WYYcHyGTf9NopPd6uDi0hBMrbuxKoKt4E5SKuimlo-9Xcc/s400/Web+Shot.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462058553941901826" border="0" /></a>Friends & Followers:<br /><br />Join <a href="http://www.imagineargentina.com/">Imagine Argentina Travel</a> on Facebook! Click the image above - or <a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1045626718&v=wall&story_fbid=106738452700927#%21/pages/Saratoga-Springs-UT/Imagine-Argentina-Travel/106163462754111?ref=ts">here</a> - to receive travel updates, important news, and other exclusive content! Be sure to check out all the images and articles presented!<br /><br />Thanks for all your support! And coming soon...departure dates for 2011 Group Expeditions to Argentina!!!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1045626718&v=wall&story_fbid=106738452700927#%21/pages/Saratoga-Springs-UT/Imagine-Argentina-Travel/106163462754111?ref=ts"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 144px; height: 44px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLrR6Ov40XUZ1Df-5KLrlXVvyTFdeUEIA-K9_N14oE9HVFCY7PVNr674uxiNjhyphenhyphenkbT6P19rP16IepPCdbpTPU1XpixN6gFT6CPpA9DxIs1yMYwQdtoeUCeBauDMYhFCvf4mXeV-nHLTZ8/s400/facebook.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462059869156495026" border="0" /></a>Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-72707540736208118122010-03-06T12:15:00.003-07:002010-03-06T12:27:01.232-07:00SAE Article: Wine, Parades, and Wine!<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh78q8TFOVgk0azudaA2i2zWdkF8Lx9CS8MiOMKw39TUkT1dLyhFI9GVlQ1VvnIqCVI4qIagmzGj3ab-p5tJHbn9koC5El4260OPO7T3jKbdmlxHVH7A5GsYKLRxfFNHc_tUvxO4i-BZygB/s400/Vendimia+2009+050-2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5313965923670963874" border="0" />For those interested in living the experience of La Vendimia Wine Festival, feel free to read the following article at South American Explorer: <a href="http://www.saexplorers.org/magazine/travel-info/from-the-road/la-vendimia-wine-parades-and-wine/"><span style="font-style: italic;">Wine, Parades, and Wine</span></a><br /><br />While just released this month (March 2010), I had written this piece 12 months ago when the wine festivities concluded in Mendoza. It is a brief narrative describing the overall experience for Tania and I (plus little Dallin in tow). From wine and fireworks to parades and pageants - this is La Vendimia at its best!<br /><br />Visit <a href="http://www.imagineargentina.com/">Imagine Argentina Travel</a> and allow us to plan your journey to Mendoza in 2010!Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-76482425499441322902010-01-20T22:13:00.006-07:002010-01-20T23:22:59.483-07:00News: Travel + Leisure + Taxes<img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdcPNBN94pdnSKFS0-xPEQWNbxbkZq6HmraAv75a8OKbyA50Aa9SpvjKITvhsXOPepxfKpvUeDnem4rfYW0Zsi-y4FlTDso1pgkiuXhfojRWtll8feW3L15YIxjVoTvpdw-0av5qbQH9SO/s400/Misiones+600.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429059911053709042" border="0" />Once again, Argentina graces the pages of Travel + Leisure magazine (Feb 2010 issue). Amidst a luxurious list of 30 Romantic Dream Trips, Buenos Aires is featured with its "French-colonial buildings" that populate the "posh Recoleta neighborhood". In fact, the new <a href="http://www.algodonmansion.com/index">Algodon Mansion</a> has just opened its doors to world travelers seeking wine-inspired spa treatments and rooftop tango lessons at sunset. Romantic indeed.<br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt2N3CLCPJmjwRYJP2oP0nGNeXBZltvB3hnGMMhxnAVuazE7S2bh414u_INXGXopaCj8S888upyT18DVVPAaBmPx7RjHK-EAIUxAIUbsfKtXTQLrPw5VTNX2IDG_GsqZJ9WTo9gbM_PHZ7/s400/Recoleta+2006-1+032.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429059914028309154" border="0" />Just one month prior (Jan 2010 issue), T+L released its list of the World's 500 Best Hotels. To no surprise, 8 of Argentina's most distinguished properties were featured. Our personal pick in Buenos Aires would have to be the luxurious <a href="http://www.alvearpalace.com/v3/index.php">Alvear Palace</a>. As for Patagonia, <a href="http://www.llaollao.com/ing/">Llao Llao Resort</a> continues to be the landmark gem in Bariloche. These deluxe 5-star properties range from $250 to more than $1000 per night.<br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDtQN-tT1hXlx4EIykZbbMOmVNmQsDgd3_A_rfhabVdktDOAd9UPd6YHe8DsoFbBkhyphenhyphenDNw8uBLNw0hoEz2ek-NxmZT1yM1mQqTlFz9CaF7z7_c4y8ldU9Y5OKOxsJb72UiS7ovLQoxxxRA/s400/Bariloche+2009+423.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429064896732321106" border="0" />As for the negative news, Argentina now requires a $131 tourism tax for all American travelers arriving into Buenos Aires through Ezeiza International Airport. Following months of government discussion - and debate - this tax went into effect on December 20th, 2009. The tax (termed a "reciprocity fee") is equal to the visa processing fee Argentines have paid since 2002 before traveling to the United States. It seems fair...but is it the right time considering the global economic situation? Time will tell.<br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5ufhdICfiOX4I8GVNONhSyGjeaYSAly7qcTC1jkOo7DJ6gOewdEBtBDNz65r04DB8tleoPfmFS9Vya6LTobAiK-OhCcpjrUHyAuSp5KqaRn3C_wK4FzLzIZRVCfESgfpMoQjlYDhFQ3RI/s400/Buenos+Aires+681.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429059908286828354" border="0" />On a lighter note, there's a little something on the eastern side of the Andes that makes the tourism tax a little easier to handle. So...sit back, relax, and let Imagine Argentina Travel handle all the details.<br /><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 182px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhF9on_0PECJAw6p5QM3kZGdBJDYmkhS5dITUmeYneOUiTh02uyb36AmqiI9dAyDIogqcBxn4Uyt-qJG4nC8HTjtqpnjO1WdKSHXuohGXeE9erPXP8SSqWmPOONUrY8vqbT9QTnrw6VrJx/s400/Wine+Sellar+020-5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5429059897517527522" border="0" />Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-57286245833050873282009-12-02T23:07:00.003-07:002009-12-02T23:24:47.964-07:002010 World Cup Draw!<img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5191079974726302802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; WIDTH: 229px; CURSOR: pointer; HEIGHT: 316px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQPbLruWjhpi3YZtkjxqtplifUcPScomIc7jZW9GZf5rJcA7_exXIUxzRtPDyslsh_xTxa6FF__DqfsxbE7S8MSfRX2r7iFJHKMLW7wLaPq7fHRCtNHMpBjvMkUmM4y2kiP5xWr4QTmp4/s320/037-2.JPG" border="0" />Got soccer? Well, ladies and gentlemen, the 2010 World Cup Draw is scheduled for December 4th - this Friday!!!<br /><br />Live from Cape Town, South Africa (12:00 noon EST) all 8 groups of next summer's tournament will be decided. Will Argentina find itself in the Group of Death once again? Will England and Argentina meet in the opening round? Who will score the first goal - Messi, Tevez, Aguero? Stay tuned for updates...Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-49262751139922680632009-11-17T15:34:00.007-07:002009-11-17T22:03:04.141-07:002010 CHOICE Expeditions!<a href="http://choicehumanitarian.org/index.php?s=content&p=expeditions"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 85px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh55eGrjDQxDzzY9DB0m6NGuN4Frmq5QK7sjoQ5SStJfgTE1i0nqW_ZOgvP-XIjoRaYI1uJdkgVOfUWb1b0kJnxG0mpZrnwOPh9qpYEBn7c__hYvzsbLFmMKpMN-v2HO9DzLOMGv_vyVHbO/s400/Expeditions.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405204757650350210" border="0" /></a>Friends -<br /><br />This past weekend, <a href="http://choicehumanitarian.org/index.php?s=content&p=expeditions">CHOICE Humanitarian</a> celebrated its 2009 Fundraising Gala in Salt Lake City, Utah. With 700 supporters in attendance, the event was an absolute success and 100% of all donations received will be used to fund projects and critical needs throughout regions of Africa, Asia, and Latin America.<br /><br />As the new Expedition Director at CH<span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">OICE Humanitarian, I am proud to organize multiple humanitarian trips across the globe for 2010.<br /><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">Expedition participants will experience an unforgettable inter-cultural exchange as we venture into stunning landscapes and gracious communities across Mexico, Guatemala, Bolivia, Kenya, and Nepal. Our life-changing expeditions combine the thrills of adventure with the rewards of service.</span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br />Your participation in such an expedition represents an essential step in furthering the vision of self-sustainable development among impoverished villages residents. Participants work hand-in-hand with motivated villagers on several important projects: schoolhouses, health clinics, water systems, pit latrines, etc.<br /><br />Since 1982, we have utilized village-identified projects to empower communities and increase leadership within. </span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;">CHOICE focuses on long-term sustainable development and not short-term relief and rescue. Our villages learn to become self-developing communities through adherence to the CHOICE Model, a proven approach to eliminating impoverished conditions and creating long-term opportunities.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">We have just printed CHOICE EXPEDITIONS brochures. Please contact me if you would like to receive these brochures in the mail.</span><br /><br />Join CHOICE as we build people, not just projects!</span></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><br /><br /></span></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:85%;">a 501(c)3 non-profit organization</span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-family:georgia;"></span></span></div><br /><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh53pRQ0e-zbFoidMijwGVK1zqMuEFLdpUxQBFHo28n2kh_y9yIP7KEyHZbargL4BVrIUQRuf2eQaQR4FTcKdtTN3OcQmm4mdcfyFTVK41PbtOaZHvEdf9GK6b_zvNfFdhrZxu2JtHsH2Wk/s400/Peru+2006+%232+001-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405304069643478210" border="0" />Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-2680874923310054422009-10-13T21:57:00.008-06:002009-10-13T22:29:45.509-06:00Wine & Tango in the News!<a href="http://www.imagineargentina.com/news.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 251px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdIyAabgZJdOcBeaSXUi1UlK4W4iMejgA0AfNPBITA0iPrBYKeEy6QHBf7PjbCjMsubssn-nGGDdQUTZACPw9y7n7snAGeU8raYGqLH4Bls-k5PjUCQdGG67hwpyUiCcXEIrWD8l4JwP_T/s400/Argentina+2006-1+404-2-BW.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392303016543645330" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.imagineargentina.com/news.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">OCTOBER 2009</span></a><br />In January of 1888, the National Geographic Society was formed in Washington DC. Ever since, National Geographic has become a standard in journalistic excellence when promoting cultural wonders and geographic marvels. This month, NG Traveler has named Mendoza as one of its 50 Places of a Lifetime! In celebration of fine wine, luxurious wineries, staggering mountains, high-end cuisine, and deluxe hotels, National Geographic has selected Mendoza as one of just 5 such sites in South America.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.imagineargentina.com/news.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 292px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEJCj5KltrmInE6_r3A0XdJYicpDNFzKjUfIiPuQjibuSue5lttJwXSPlz1OUnvR_4QClKmlXzx1jX_UcSBsCPv6ocKNGFVm3_7yqpfT-lglFMauAbUdbqqMPKmWRj6QqDwpkkyQHLv06E/s400/Argentina+2006-1+394-2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392303015399098914" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.imagineargentina.com/news.html"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPAju5kAj3JVwqRV3n9tagYQYs_j3ghEk9WTLO0zppUzfiQHGbjS1njukhxLsMWU1ydBDdIsdRReJLjbu3jRCVpAsva4KF8kEJuWUpKsB7v2G15zAtruDoLjbHG8ePRD9lCWZRukQD5e0G/s400/Misiones+653.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392303005074486002" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.imagineargentina.com/news.html"><span style="font-weight: bold;">SEPTEMBER 2009</span></a><br />As of September 2009, tango will now be considered an essential element of the world's cultural heritage. Following approval from the United Nations, this provocative dance of southern South America has earned the official UNESCO seal of approval. While the birthplace of tango is still disputed between Argentina and Uruguay - in part due to the undetermined birthplace of legend Carlos Gardel - both nations came together last month in a mutual sentiment of gratitude and excitement. Now popular with mainstream television audiences, <span style="font-style: italic;">el tango</span> has flourished in both Buenos Aires and Montevideo since the late 1800s...fusing bodies across <span style="font-style: italic;">milonga</span> dance floors through sensual movements and sultry music. Travelers can witness this dance for themselves while strolling the Florida Street shopping district or perusing the famous cobblestone corners of El Caminito.<a href="http://www.imagineargentina.com/news.html"><br /></a>Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-65443393100232562862009-10-04T17:31:00.011-06:002009-10-04T23:29:38.256-06:00Mercedes SosaMercedes Sosa, considered the "Voice of Latin America", has died in Buenos Aires at the age of 74. Born in San Miguel de Tucumán - where we first met in 2002 - Sosa was known for her <span style="font-style: italic;">estilo folclórico</span>...and admired for her opposition to the military regime that overthrew the government of Argentina in 1976. A previous post regarding her powerful music and background can be found <a href="http://imagineargentina.blogspot.com/2008/07/monday-music-moment_14.html">HERE</a>.<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GhjVAulG9WM&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&hd=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GhjVAulG9WM&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x5d1719&color2=0xcd311b&hd=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tania</span>: Before I was married, I imagined this song as a lullaby for my future son. I would sing<span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"> </span></span></span>"Duerme Negrito" - <span style="font-style: italic;">Sleep Little Dark One</span> - as I would rock him to sleep each night. I imagined him with dark skin and lots of dark hair...but Dallin is the complete opposite! While Dallin's actual lullabies are a vast selection of songs that we love, this was our song before he was born. I learned this song when I was around 14...and I planned to use it as a way to share my love of Mercedes Sosa with my children. I'm so sad that she is gone, but I know her legacy and music will live in my life forever. I hope to keep both her memory and music in the lives of our kids!Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7369945264837511049.post-65046144435285265872009-09-15T15:03:00.012-06:002009-09-15T15:33:04.674-06:00Pride of Argentina...It is not often that a triumphant athlete carries the pride and joy of an entire nation upon his shoulders. Following Juan Martín del Potro's astonishing win over Roger Federer in the 2009 US Open final, the pride of Argentina was rekindled to the fullest...with celebrations, smiles, and tears splashing local newspapers and television broadcasts across the nation. For a country that has struggled with multiple political and economic challenges, del Potro must feel a righteous sense of pride as he has lifted the heads and hearts of millions back home in Argentina...in Buenos Aires...in the small town of Tandil. <span style="font-style: italic;">Por lo tanto, felicitamos no solo a Juan Martín del Potro, pero también a todo el pueblo argentino.</span><br /><br />Keep watching until the end to hear del Potro speak in Spanish and dedicate the triumph to his coaches, his friends, and the people of Argentina.<br /><br /><object width="340" height="285"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/S0JXslZZ-_c&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/S0JXslZZ-_c&hl=en&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x006699&color2=0x54abd6&border=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="340" height="285"></embed></object>Los Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07251754886676386489noreply@blogger.com4