Job Discussion Forums

[thelmadatter]

I like the idea of doing some kind of community service. More specifically, Im interested in reforestation projects, or perhaps some other environmental projects. I googled "proyectos de reforestacion Estado de Mexico" but got a lot of government gobblygook (you know, "your government is doing SOOOO much for you type stuff) as well as a lot of off-topic stuff. Anyone know of organizations I can contact to volunteer time with?

[moonraven]

You are backing water, Weona.

You deliberately tried to make fun of my recommendation to avoid political demonstrations--commenting that now you'd have to look out for the "deportation police". Give me a break from your sarcasm.

I am NOT going to reverse my advice. Admittedly, I know more about Mexico and Ecuador and their laws than about those of other countries. In Ecuador, for example, at the university where I just spent a couple of months, one of the grounds for being fired from one's job (if a foreigner) is participating in political manifestations or being in the area where they are taking place. The university doesn't want its profs violating the Ecuadorian constitution.

I have already described some of the incidents in Mexico.

If folks choose not to play by the rules of law in countries where they are not citizens, they may very well pay the price for their arrogance and scofflaw attitude.

[dog]

To Chazz...hope you read this before you go....
I am returning to Hondoland for my second year at a private school in San Pedro.
I'll try to keep my suggestions to the questions you posed. (1) Good beer-How can you not like a beer with the name Salva Vida (Life Saver) ? but it's not really very good,,,they have Corona (more expensive) and Bud and Miller Light, Heineken,,,all depends on your budget.
(2) Money home to Canada....Western Union is really expensive and I didn't use it. My school has an account with a bank in Miami so any checks I sent home were cashed with no problem. There were (are) Canadians there but I never inquired about their banking. Sorry on that one.
(3) I've never been to Comoayugua but in San Pedro Sula but pretty much anything you can get in the States , you can get here. Foods from the Northern Hemisphere are slightly more expensive than back home but again it depends on your budget. I wouldn't bother packing a bunch of peanut butter. If you're that hard up for it come and see me and I'll share.
(4) Soccer?....geeez I see leagues playing all the time. As to whether you'd be "good enough" it's hard to say....but don't fret they all suck at hockey.
(5) Activism?...I think the best advice is to stay off the soapboxes and help with small local causes, such as orphanages and the like, food kitchens. Honduras is a corrupt country. The pay off of the police is expected, everyday (as in happens all the time doesn't mean you will pay off even once if you behave) and it's been going on forever. I don't think one skinny gringo and his girl friend are going to change much in the way of Honduran politics. (But don't let me stop you)
(6) In general, I enjoyed myself. The people I met are very welcoming and accepting of North Americans, although most locals think all Americans are rich. Which we are by most of their standards. My students are among the "elite" in that most have maids, some have chauffeurs, and a few have body guards. However, the school requires Social Work and it was some of the most rewarding experiences I had there.
As far as things to do...there is always the ruins at Copan, kayaking and zip-line tours in La Ceiba, beaches in Puerto Cortez, Tela, La Ceiba, and of course in the Isla de Bahias off shore.
I bought a motorcycle because I got tired of taking taxis everywhere. Traffic is crazy...if you have the nerve and the horsepower..."anything is possible"
I would be happy to answer any other questions...I am flying back on or around Aug 1, 2005
Best Wishes and Good Luck...doggie