I'm Being Robbed!

During our Guatemalan house build with Habitat for Humanity this past February, we had a day of R&R in the beautiful city of Antigua.  Antigua was founded in 1524 and has endured fires, earthquakes, floods and volcanic eruptions throughout it's history.

Antigua is a UNESCO World Heritage Centre

I enjoy the Central Parks that adorn most Central American cities and Antigua is no exception.  Sunday found the park fairly crowded with local people and tourists alike.  We sat on a bench to take part in some "people watching" and listen to a group of musicians called "Artesanos del Vientos" or Artists of the Wind.

Enjoy the Artists of the Wind

A young Guatemalan lady sat down beside me with her small baby.  I am always very careful in public with my belongings, and this day was no different.  I tucked my backpack tightly next to me as I shared the bench with the lady and her baby.

The music the band was playing had the attention of everyone.  Even though the group was right in front of us, the music seemed to be flowing in from the volcanic mountains that surround the city.

Suddenly, my backpack, which I thought I had a good grip on, moved.  The vision of a thief grabbing it from behind the bench flashed through my head.  Before I really had time to think, I jumped up, turned and was ready to leap over bench to save my belongings.  I couldn't believe it was happening!  As I turned expecting to look into the eyes of a "ladron" tugging at my backpack, the baby the lady was holding on her lap kicked me again.  The mother laughed, my wife laughed more, and I sunk back into my seat feeling sheepish, but very relieved.

Lima's Magic Water Circuit

In the city of Lima Peru, you can find a Municipal Park on the edge of the downtown area that will amaze you.  It is called "Circuito Magico del Agua" - Magic Water Circuit.  It is an exhibition of over a dozen water fountains choreographed to light and music that has to be seen if you visit Peru.  The park is apparently the largest display of water fountains in the world.

Don't get wet!

Tunnel of Water

Some of the displays are interact, for example the Tunnel of Water.  Visitors line up and file through the Tunnel.   Some fountains shoot water high in the air.  Other displays have laser light shows and musical entertainment.  

If Peru and the creations of the Incas are on you bucket list, I highly recommend you add this popular attraction to your list of things to see.

Spectacular Colors

 

Here you can enjoy a small sample of what you will find in the 

Magic Water Circuit

A Coffee Picking Christmas

I thought I'd share an email I received from Rodger Harrison, the President of a charity called Paramedics for Children (click here to learn more) based in Copan Ruinas, Honduras.  I share it for information purposes only and for no other reason than to enlighten you on what Christmas may bring to that part of the world.  

Hope you had a Merry Christmas and I wish everyone a Happy and Healthy 2015.

Discover Cuba's Explosion of Color

José Rodríguez Fuster is a Cuban artist specializing in ceramics, painting, drawing, engraving, and graphic design. 

As a part of his work, he has spent many, many hours decorating his home as well as over 80 others, in the town of Jaimanitas, which is in the outskirts of Havana.  When you arrive, you find the area full of color.  Imaginative murals, and sculptures adorned in colorful ceramics are everywhere.  I have attached a small sample of the works in the attached slide show.

I recommend spending some time in this neighbourhood when you visit Havana.  I think you will be impressed by the environment created.  Fuster's art is a cherished part of Cuban culture, and this creation is a must see when visiting Havana.  

Colores de Fuster

To discover more Cuban culture - take a look at my Cuba playlist on my YouTube Channel

La Habana - Is Havana really safe?

Hotel Telegrafo, Havana Cuba

The last three nights of our "Historical Central Cuba" tour took us to La Habana.  As we entered the once prosperous city, our guide briefed us on it's history before and after the revolution.  There are many buildings being refurbished now, and you'll see scaffolding and fencing everywhere.  The buildings that have been repaired are truly spectacular with their pillars, high ceilings, tile and artwork.
Our guide encouraged us to explore Old Havana during our free time, and told us multiple times how safe the city is.  That being said, off we went.
Cathryn and I had been there before, so we headed out to find a Bake Shop that made great little Guayaba turnovers.  One turnover and a coffee made for a great afternoon snack.  We returned to the Hotel Telegrafo in time to get cleaned up and head down for Happy Hour.
Turned out Happy Hour wasn't so great.  One member of our group had her purse stolen by an athlete who specialize in "snatch and run".  She lost her Passport, Drivers Licence, Credit Cards, and all her money.  The poor sole, traumatized as it was, now had to endure a marathon session with the Cuban Police in order to get a report which would in turn, allow for the issuing of documents to temporarily replace her Passport.  During the process, a number of different Police officers told the woman and her witness (through our guide/interpreter) that this had never happened before.

The next day I was having a Cristol (great Cuban Beer) at the Hotel Bar and a man from Germany sat down next to me.  We exchanged travel stories.  He told me how he was swarmed in a bar by a group of young women who left him without his money or his iPhone.  He fortunately, carried only enough money for the day.  The balance of his money, Passport and other documents were in the hotel safe.

Walking the streets in Old Havana

So, is Havana safe?  I'd say yes. We never once felt threatened when walking around, and have never heard of anyone being physically abused or mugged.   However, where there are people, there are thieves.  Practice good habits so as not to become a target.  Stick to the main avenues.  Use a bag/purse with a strap that can go over your head and shoulder.  Carry the bag under your arm.  Avoid flashing or counting large amounts of money in public.  If you don't have a safe at the hotel, use a concealed money belt for your valuables.  Always be aware of your surroundings.  Seeing the same stranger nearby more than once on a busy street probably isn't a coincidence.
This was a very unfortunate event for our travel companion to experience.  The lesson we learned from it is to never get complacent.  This could happen in any city, in any country.  Travel smart, be safe, and enjoy your travels.

Casa de Cultura - House of Culture

During our recent visit to the city of Santa Rosa de Copan, in Honduras, we visited the Casa de Cultura.  This is a facility that provides lessons in music, art, and dance for the youth.  It appeared to be a very busy place. We stopped by in late in the afternoon.  Ballet dance lessons were in session as well as some beginner guitar lessons.
It was inspiring to see the quality of art on display, and the number of kids taking part in the dance and music lessons.  We were invited into the guitar lessons and granted permission to take a video of a small  performance.  It is posted below.

Artwork on Display in the Casa de Cultura

Guitar Lessons

The Casa de Cultura is located a block from the Central Plaza, so if you are in the area, check it out.

PFC - School Supply Program

The main purpose of our stay at Copán Ruinas in February 2013 was to participate in the School Supply Program created by Paramedics for Children.  This program delivers school supplies to Mayan Chorti children in schools that are located in the mountains around Copán Ruinas.  In Honduras, the Government provides a school and teacher, but does not supply note books, pencils, pens etc.  Many of the children are from families who cannot afford to buy what is needed, and would otherwise have to go without.

A Day on the School Supply Trail

Each morning were up at 7 a.m. and served a delicious breakfast at Hacienda La Esperanza.  We enjoyed typical Honduran Breakfast, Pancakes, Oatmeal or Yogurt & granola along with fresh fruit.

Between 8 & 9 a.m., we boarded the 4 x 4 Mules and headed into the mountains for the scenic drive to the various schools.  The roads were a a bit rough to say the least, but the scenery was spectacular.  We passed through small communities, coffee plantations, pine forests and many steep inclines.

The arrival of the Mules at the schools always created a commotion.  The children were excited to see Roger (program founder) and Marco Tulio (program coordinator), as they have been visiting these communities and bringing supplies to the children for the last 17 years.







One group of students made signs welcoming Roger, Marco Tulio and "Visitantes" - that would be us.  Quite often they had a song or two, and always a "Gracias" and a smile.

Everyone lines up and receives a plastic bag to carry their supplies.

Children display their supplies.

The children are given 2 notebooks, two pencils, a pen, ruler, eraser, a box of pencil crayons and a candy.

Inside one of the school rooms.  On average, there were 3 grades, 30 to 40 students and one teacher.

Marco Tulio presents a Soccer Ball for the students.

Students at a school just across the border in Guatemala

Visiting with the teachers and children was a big part of the experience.  

Roger entertaining children with his favorite puppets.

In all, we visited 23 schools, and delivered supplies to just under 2,000 children.  The experience was educational and very rewarding.  The schedule allows ample time to learn as much as possible about the schools, and the culture of the people.  

Click here to learn more about Paramedics for Children, or make a donation to this worthy and efficiently run program.  I recommend it!!!