From: Andrew Petheram, A.N. Myer
Hola everybody, our second day was a productive one!!! We began the day with a healthy serving of scrambled eggs, liquid beans, buns and O.J. Following breakfast we were driven to the worksite by our own personal ¨wheelman¨.Upon arrival we were greatly surprised, our worksite was not out in the poen as most of us had predicted, it was set back down a stone road from the highway. We were also surprised to find the foundation already dug. We had expected to literally start from scratch. Since the house was already started, our duties basically consisted of placing and tieing re-ba, as well as mixing and moving concrete. We also moved a lot of bricks. Today was a dirty day as we spent the first 2 hours of the day down in a trench tieing re-bar to the foundation as well as mixing concrete on the ground. We moved all the concrete in an assembly line style with buckets. I found it interesting how they build houses down here. There is re-bar placed vertically through the walls on 16¨O.C. and their blocks are only about 3¨wide. All in all today was a great day...we got a lot done even thoughit was so hot and dirty.
Chow, Andrew
P.S. The leaders are great seeing how they forced me to take a break when I was purple and still wanted to work.
From: Kayla Kuyvenhoven, Grimsby
Hola! It was a long day today; our first on the worksite. The location is perfect. It´s close to locals, there are pigs and chickens roaming everywhere and we have shade! so much hardwork was put in by everyone. If you add up all the ours of our meetings; we´ve barely been together for one day! This could never be spotted, because the way we work with eachother and care about one another is incredible. After mixing, lifting and watering etc... myself, Janet and Corie played with some local kids. Their smiles and laughter were worth every drop of sweat, and every speck of dirt we got from running around and rolling on the ground playing with them. I love it here, the people, the culture, the scenery...even the cold showers.
Love you, miss you,
XOXO, Kayla
From: Janet Krzeczkowski
Buenos Dias!
Day three in El Salvador was exciting and exhausting. We went straight to the work site after a wonderful breakfast. Working together on the house was very hard, but fun. Mixing the cement and shovelling it into buckets was my favourite task. My favourite part overall was meeting and playing with the little boys from the village. They were so cute and very polite! Even though we had no idea what they were saying, we figured out other ways to communicate and eventually started a game of tag. I can´t wait to edit the footage from today!
Family and Friends->: I wish you could see how amazing it is here! I´m excited to show you pictures and video footage. I´m having the best time, don´t worry about me, I´m safe and comfortable with everything going on. I want to take home some of the children, is that okay? Good. I have been eating well and I haven´t been dizzy at all mom!
Love you, miss you, adios! xx
Janet
From: Ryan Elliott, E.L. Crossley
Hola,
It feels like I have said that a thousand times in the last 3 days, well, because I have. It is one of the few words I can remember off the top of my head, and it is an easy way to put a smile on a face you have never met. The communication is hard, but as we learned at the worksite today, it isn´t impossible. A quote that I believe in, and have for a while is from the book ¨The Last Lecture¨. ¨Brick walls aren´t there to get in our way, they are there so we can show how badly we want something¨. The language barrier is our own personal brick wall, and the whole team has used it to prove just how badly we want this trip, and how badly we want to give the family of 12 a house. On the worksite, the masons we work with do not speak English, but we have developed forms of either sign language or broken Spanish to find out what we need to do, or to simply tell someone they are doing a good job. Another thing I have learned, in a combination of the orphanage 2 days ago and the children around the worksite today and yesterday, is that it does not matter to a child what colour your skin is, what language you speak, or what clothes you are wearing. If you treat them well, they adore you. This is a value that I believe a lot of us lose as we get older. For once I have felt that I can learn from a child instead of teaching them something. So to end another somewhat self-realising post, I would just like to say to my family and friends that I miss you and I wish that everyone of you could be here with me.
Love, Ryan
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Day 2
From Jordan milne-
"Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz... Im sleeping, Leave me alone!"
From Eric Bouw-
Hola Mom and Dad,
Yesterday was our first day working on the build site. When we arrived we were surprised to find that the foundation had already been dug. Although I was kind of looking forward to digging cause I enjoy it so much. He began with putting in all the rebar to make the house "earthquake proof". That was the easy part! We then mixed cement for the foundation. It was very different because we mix it on the ground rather than in a wheelbarrow. We carried the cement to the foundation in buckets and poured it by hand . . . I lost count of how many buckets I carried. While the cement dried we carried bricks from where they were stored to where the foundation was. This took the remainder of the day. Tommorrow we start to lay the bricks - - looking forward to that.
Adios, Eric
From Matt Sinan-
Yesterday we started off with a great breakfast with scrambled eggs and bean slop. Afterward, our rides came to bring us to the work site. The worksite was much more than I expected, I was thinking that the worksite would be in some field with the sun blazin' over us, but the setting turned out great, we had shade and a place to sit down to relax. I think the way they do things here is amazing. No one needs fancy levels or expensive tools. That's what Í really like about here: nobody cares about the material you have, they seem like real people, people who just want to connect with you, and enjoy things. Whether it's playing games or just talking. Like Kevin said, "it's not about building a house, it's about connecting with the people, learning their culture. I almost think this is normal now, like this is the way things are, by watching people, how they live. For example, we saw a guy carrying his ice in a small pull wagon, and that's what he had to do to bring his goods to his store. I think this trip shows and teaches us life values, and it's a great thing to learn. I feel like a better person helping those who don't have all the luxury we have.
From Alex Emmerson-
Day 2 started off great; a nice cold shower, nice hot breakfast. We left for the jobsite where we all were greatly impressed - everything is done totally different - - the heat is extreme, but everything is going good. I will talk to you all later.
"Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz... Im sleeping, Leave me alone!"
From Eric Bouw-
Hola Mom and Dad,
Yesterday was our first day working on the build site. When we arrived we were surprised to find that the foundation had already been dug. Although I was kind of looking forward to digging cause I enjoy it so much. He began with putting in all the rebar to make the house "earthquake proof". That was the easy part! We then mixed cement for the foundation. It was very different because we mix it on the ground rather than in a wheelbarrow. We carried the cement to the foundation in buckets and poured it by hand . . . I lost count of how many buckets I carried. While the cement dried we carried bricks from where they were stored to where the foundation was. This took the remainder of the day. Tommorrow we start to lay the bricks - - looking forward to that.
Adios, Eric
From Matt Sinan-
Yesterday we started off with a great breakfast with scrambled eggs and bean slop. Afterward, our rides came to bring us to the work site. The worksite was much more than I expected, I was thinking that the worksite would be in some field with the sun blazin' over us, but the setting turned out great, we had shade and a place to sit down to relax. I think the way they do things here is amazing. No one needs fancy levels or expensive tools. That's what Í really like about here: nobody cares about the material you have, they seem like real people, people who just want to connect with you, and enjoy things. Whether it's playing games or just talking. Like Kevin said, "it's not about building a house, it's about connecting with the people, learning their culture. I almost think this is normal now, like this is the way things are, by watching people, how they live. For example, we saw a guy carrying his ice in a small pull wagon, and that's what he had to do to bring his goods to his store. I think this trip shows and teaches us life values, and it's a great thing to learn. I feel like a better person helping those who don't have all the luxury we have.
From Alex Emmerson-
Day 2 started off great; a nice cold shower, nice hot breakfast. We left for the jobsite where we all were greatly impressed - everything is done totally different - - the heat is extreme, but everything is going good. I will talk to you all later.
Blogging: Amanda, Corie, Tricia
Amanda Vargo:
Tricia Angle:
It was the first day of work, June 29th of 2009, on a hot, humid day. Everyone worked their butts off. Well, I wish I could say the same for Kevin, but I cannot! Haha! But after a while he finally started to get dirty. Over all, it was a great day and everyone made it through.Corie Hordijk:
It is not as easy as people may think it is. There is a lot of work and effort put into a house. Everyone pulled through and I cannot wait until it is done!
I am missing everyone at home, always thinking about you and I cannot wait until I come home and share my experience!
Wow! What a day. I do not think I have physically worked that hard in a long time. Today was our first building day here in El Salvador and boy was it intense! All decked out in my manly work clothes, we arrived at the build site, a pleasantly surprising place. Tucked away in some trees and surrounded by other little brick houses and families. We immediately got to work, putting up re-bar, mixing cement (hardest job ever), moving bricks, and playing with awesome children every so often. I got to teach them tag (mika, in spanish)! All of us were drenched in sweat, but it was okay because we are dong something amazing. I also really appreciated the sense of family. We often neglect our relatives in Canada, but here there is such love! At the end of the day we were destroyed, clothes included (sorry about your shoes, mom!). The van ride home was the greatest feeling in the world. Wind blowing and care-free!
Here is to another 8 days!
I love and appreciate you all so much! Hope life is grand!
Corie
Tricia Angle:
Hey everyone! The first work day was amazing. It was difficult and hot, but it makes the work all that more rewarding. We got a lot more work done than I was expectin gand pulled together well with many surprising acts of teamwork. One of the kids on the work site was communicating with us, and I realized through language barriers that barriers are learning experiences, and from them we gain life experience, pride, and the strength to make it through anything. I cannot wait to go back and finish what we have started.
I love you and miss you! I hope everything is well and the babies have not grown too much!
Trish
Monday, June 29, 2009
About our Internet Access
Today, we arrived ¨home¨at 5:00, hot, sweaty and really looking forward to our cold showers. The Internet Cafe is very helpful to us strangers, but their hours are just enough for us to clean up, swing over and update the blog. The blog team is collecting entries from team members each night and posting them the following night. So you will always be reading about ¨yesterday¨. Hope you enjoy news!
Mike
Mike
Day 1
From Jordan Milñe-
"Hola. it´s hot! The room has A/c so thats cool! bye"
From Eric Bouw-
Hey Mom, hey Dad,
just to let you know, I made it here safe and have had a phenomenal first two days. Saturday we met the family who we were going to build the house for - they seemed really cool and have a ton of kids. Yesterday we had the opportunity to go and visit an orphanage. we got to tour the orphanage and then got to play and interact with the kids. You should have seen their faces when when we gave them the toys we brought. Its amazing how happy these kids are with so little, and it really brings into perspective how unimportant material things are. Anyways, blog you tomorrow.
Adios Eric
From Matt Sinan-
hola!- when we landed in san salvador and we were walking through the gate we could really feel the heat. Everything here is completely different, as we walked out of the airport, the first thing that caught my eye was how everyone was standing in beds of pick-up trucks and hanging off vans. I already feel the change in myself and I think that everything will change in my head when I get back to Canada and see all the things we have. the orphanage was definitely a blast. All the kids were so happy to see us. They never second looked us. they didnt care for material, they opened right up. One of the kids even took my hand before we could even say a word to them. The orphanage really supprised me, i didnt expect such a great place for these children. I can already tell the rest of the trip will be fantastic, even just driving down the roads here is amazing, and you can just see the problems here. thank-you to my school who supported me and the rotary club "Rotary International", and thanks to my parents for telling me to go, and of course the DSBN staff for putting this whole experience together.
From Alex Emmerson-
Hey Everyone,
So far this has been an all around amazing trip, we spent the first night we were here meeting the family and interacting with each other, yesterday we had the oppoturnity to visit an orphanage where if was just amazing to see the acceptance that we were given by these children who have come from these broken homes. Its amazing to realize how much we take for granted back home. I am extremely glad I got to pleasure to come on this amazing once in a lifetime trip. I will keep everyone up to date daily.
"Hola. it´s hot! The room has A/c so thats cool! bye"
From Eric Bouw-
Hey Mom, hey Dad,
just to let you know, I made it here safe and have had a phenomenal first two days. Saturday we met the family who we were going to build the house for - they seemed really cool and have a ton of kids. Yesterday we had the opportunity to go and visit an orphanage. we got to tour the orphanage and then got to play and interact with the kids. You should have seen their faces when when we gave them the toys we brought. Its amazing how happy these kids are with so little, and it really brings into perspective how unimportant material things are. Anyways, blog you tomorrow.
Adios Eric
From Matt Sinan-
hola!- when we landed in san salvador and we were walking through the gate we could really feel the heat. Everything here is completely different, as we walked out of the airport, the first thing that caught my eye was how everyone was standing in beds of pick-up trucks and hanging off vans. I already feel the change in myself and I think that everything will change in my head when I get back to Canada and see all the things we have. the orphanage was definitely a blast. All the kids were so happy to see us. They never second looked us. they didnt care for material, they opened right up. One of the kids even took my hand before we could even say a word to them. The orphanage really supprised me, i didnt expect such a great place for these children. I can already tell the rest of the trip will be fantastic, even just driving down the roads here is amazing, and you can just see the problems here. thank-you to my school who supported me and the rotary club "Rotary International", and thanks to my parents for telling me to go, and of course the DSBN staff for putting this whole experience together.
From Alex Emmerson-
Hey Everyone,
So far this has been an all around amazing trip, we spent the first night we were here meeting the family and interacting with each other, yesterday we had the oppoturnity to visit an orphanage where if was just amazing to see the acceptance that we were given by these children who have come from these broken homes. Its amazing to realize how much we take for granted back home. I am extremely glad I got to pleasure to come on this amazing once in a lifetime trip. I will keep everyone up to date daily.
Blogging: Amanda, Corie, and Tricia
Amanda Vargo:
Being here just for this one day has really affected my outlook already. Going to the orphanage was a new experience for me just knowing that there in a better place than in the hands of parents that cannot deal with or support them. The plane ride was not that bad, first time and I never got sick. The food is better than what people may think. I am eating it so it really is not that bad and that is coming from a picky eater. The experience to climb the stairs of the Devils Gate to glimpse a view of a great scenery was worth it. Shopping here is very cool and cheap.Corie Hordijk:
Buenos dias amigas! The first two days have been amazing! Arriving through the gate at the airport was overwhelming and exciting. The heat was overpowering and there were hundreds of people waiting for the passengers to arrive. We feltfamous! Immediately culture shock hit. We drove to our town, Zacatecoluca and got to our hotel that was immersed in this crazy city! We ventured through the city and I felt like everyone was staring at me. Which they were; all in shock ofthe only blonde in town. I felt very helpless seeing the starving stray dogs and struggling peopleon the street. But as long as you do your part, that is giving enough. Day two was the best experience of my life! We went to an orphanage and met 140 beautiful, fun-loving kids who were there because of horrible circumstances. They get to live in a loving and safe environment. Playing with them was so joyful. They were so fascinated with us, it was great. We also drove through the long, windy roads jamming to our Spanish beats =) We got to a beautiful hiking spot and climbed to a beautiful, tranquil mountain top. It was so calming and beautiful! We climbed through rocks and felt the beauty of the world! I felt so happy and really started to understand the lives of the El Salvadorians and the little joyus in their lives. Even though they do not have much, their culture is so rich! I am excited to see what the rest of the week will bring!Tricia Angle:
Miss you all and I wish you were here to experience it with me! =) Love you so much!
PS. Mum! We must do more traveling like this, I know you would love it!
Peace! Corie.
Hey, everyone! I cannot believe we are finally here and experiencing everything that El Salvador has to offer!It is impossible not to be excited about every little thing that happens, and I think we are all starting to realize how precious every little thing we take for granted really is. I can already feel myself becoming a different person, and it is all for the better. I am having a lot of fun, trying everything that I can, and wishing everyone could be here to share these experiences! I am going to keep these short, because you will all hear about and see pictures of everything we did when I get back, and who wants to ruin that surprise? ;)
Miss you and love you, Trish.
Blogging- Ryan and the Presentations group (Kayla, Janet and Andrew)
Hello everybody, Ryan here, for the next couple days I will be posting messages for myself, Andrew, Kayla and Janet
From: Andrew Petheram, A.N. Myer
Hola everybody, the wait is over, we are here!!! On our trip to the retreat centre, I believe everybody experienced a culture shock. It is very different down here, it is hot, humid and the way everything is done is very different. So little means so much to the El Salvadoreans. Yesterday we went to an orphanage where we recieved a tour then time to play with the children. I found it amazing how those children loved us for the mere balloons, stickers and affection that we gave to them. If we had done the same back home, the children would only be looking for more. Following our trip to the orphanage, we had a beautiful drive through the mountains where we saw how many of the native people live. Following our beautiful drive we went to a tourist area where we hiked up the mountain to a viewing platform. We could see for what seemed like forever. It is amazing how nice and natural the beauty has been left, different from Niagara Falls. That is all for now...were doing great and this place is so different.
Ciao!
Andrew
From: Kayla Kuyvenhoven, Grimsby
Hi mommy! Hi Daddy! I miss you! I´m safe, so please stop worrying. If only you knew how I am feeling and what I have experienced, you would be okay, I promise :). We have not even been here 48 hours and I feel like I´m already changing. Today we visited an orphanage where the children taught me so much. They just wanted to be close; to be loved. Culture didn´t matter, appearance? Not a problem. The language barriers? Although it may have been frustrating at times, it was no big deal. They welcomed us with open arms...literally. Hugs and smiles all around, it was incredible. I could go on forever, but I think it´s too hot to keep writing. Our hotel is wonderful, the food is delicious and plentiful. I´ve made so many new friendships. Thanks so much to everyone for all of your help. I´ll be sure to seize the oppurtunity and experience everything to its fullest. It´s frustrating because I can´t put down what I´m feeling and what we are doing down in writing, it won´t do it justice. Just know I love and miss you and I´m having the BEST and most rewarding time.
Buenos Noches,
XOXO,
Kayla
From: Janet Krzeczkowski, Sir Winston Churchill
Hola!
So far this trip has been absolutely AMAZING! It´s only day 2 and we have experienced more then some people would see in a lifetime! I used to think I knew about poor cultures and how some people in poor conditions had to live, but I had no idea. From appearance and through culture we are all very different from the people here, but we all smile and we all laugh. I love making that connection. We may not be able to communicate with our words but we can with our faces. Visiting the orphanage was by far the best part so far!
To my family: I´m having so much fun, I´m so happy and I´m feeling great! AND, I´m actually enjoying the food!
Love you, miss you, Ciao!
xoxo
Janet
From: Ryan Elliott, E.L. Crossley
Greetings from El Salvador. I would first like to take the chance to assure my worried mother that I am perfectly okay. I am in one piece, and the only part of me that is missing is a part of me that boarded the plane 2 days ago. I can honestly say that the things I have seen in the last 48 hours have changed the way I view things back home. I am still in withdrawl from my guitar, but it is becoming one of the few possesions I miss. I have learned the importance of people over objects. We have known eachother for around 4 months, but the bonds are becoming evident as we share one of our lives most important experiences together. I would like to cap off my first blog post by thanking every single person who helped us get here, it is the experience of a lifetime and we would not be here if it wasn´t for all of you.
So until tomorrow, we are off to build, learn and experience everything we can
Austa La Vista (yes, that was for you Dad)
Ryan
From: Andrew Petheram, A.N. Myer
Hola everybody, the wait is over, we are here!!! On our trip to the retreat centre, I believe everybody experienced a culture shock. It is very different down here, it is hot, humid and the way everything is done is very different. So little means so much to the El Salvadoreans. Yesterday we went to an orphanage where we recieved a tour then time to play with the children. I found it amazing how those children loved us for the mere balloons, stickers and affection that we gave to them. If we had done the same back home, the children would only be looking for more. Following our trip to the orphanage, we had a beautiful drive through the mountains where we saw how many of the native people live. Following our beautiful drive we went to a tourist area where we hiked up the mountain to a viewing platform. We could see for what seemed like forever. It is amazing how nice and natural the beauty has been left, different from Niagara Falls. That is all for now...were doing great and this place is so different.
Ciao!
Andrew
From: Kayla Kuyvenhoven, Grimsby
Hi mommy! Hi Daddy! I miss you! I´m safe, so please stop worrying. If only you knew how I am feeling and what I have experienced, you would be okay, I promise :). We have not even been here 48 hours and I feel like I´m already changing. Today we visited an orphanage where the children taught me so much. They just wanted to be close; to be loved. Culture didn´t matter, appearance? Not a problem. The language barriers? Although it may have been frustrating at times, it was no big deal. They welcomed us with open arms...literally. Hugs and smiles all around, it was incredible. I could go on forever, but I think it´s too hot to keep writing. Our hotel is wonderful, the food is delicious and plentiful. I´ve made so many new friendships. Thanks so much to everyone for all of your help. I´ll be sure to seize the oppurtunity and experience everything to its fullest. It´s frustrating because I can´t put down what I´m feeling and what we are doing down in writing, it won´t do it justice. Just know I love and miss you and I´m having the BEST and most rewarding time.
Buenos Noches,
XOXO,
Kayla
From: Janet Krzeczkowski, Sir Winston Churchill
Hola!
So far this trip has been absolutely AMAZING! It´s only day 2 and we have experienced more then some people would see in a lifetime! I used to think I knew about poor cultures and how some people in poor conditions had to live, but I had no idea. From appearance and through culture we are all very different from the people here, but we all smile and we all laugh. I love making that connection. We may not be able to communicate with our words but we can with our faces. Visiting the orphanage was by far the best part so far!
To my family: I´m having so much fun, I´m so happy and I´m feeling great! AND, I´m actually enjoying the food!
Love you, miss you, Ciao!
xoxo
Janet
From: Ryan Elliott, E.L. Crossley
Greetings from El Salvador. I would first like to take the chance to assure my worried mother that I am perfectly okay. I am in one piece, and the only part of me that is missing is a part of me that boarded the plane 2 days ago. I can honestly say that the things I have seen in the last 48 hours have changed the way I view things back home. I am still in withdrawl from my guitar, but it is becoming one of the few possesions I miss. I have learned the importance of people over objects. We have known eachother for around 4 months, but the bonds are becoming evident as we share one of our lives most important experiences together. I would like to cap off my first blog post by thanking every single person who helped us get here, it is the experience of a lifetime and we would not be here if it wasn´t for all of you.
So until tomorrow, we are off to build, learn and experience everything we can
Austa La Vista (yes, that was for you Dad)
Ryan
Sunday, June 28, 2009
We have arrived Safe and Sound
Hello everyone,
A quick mid-day entry just to let parents and family know that we have arrived in Zacatecoluca safe and sound. Everyone is comfortable, happy and excited. Habitat for Humanity has been great with getting us oriented. We have met the family, and what a family it is . . . 10 children in the home!
This morning we visited an orphanage. I would say more, but really, a picture or two will tell the story better. Our blog team is ready to go. This internet cafe was closed last night and I just came out to see if was open today (being Sunday) and to assure folks that all is well. This afternoon, they are taking us to a picturesque tourist spot.
Well, I had better get back to the retreat centre before lunch is over.
We will do our best to keep you posted here.
Hasta luego,
Mike
A quick mid-day entry just to let parents and family know that we have arrived in Zacatecoluca safe and sound. Everyone is comfortable, happy and excited. Habitat for Humanity has been great with getting us oriented. We have met the family, and what a family it is . . . 10 children in the home!
This morning we visited an orphanage. I would say more, but really, a picture or two will tell the story better. Our blog team is ready to go. This internet cafe was closed last night and I just came out to see if was open today (being Sunday) and to assure folks that all is well. This afternoon, they are taking us to a picturesque tourist spot.
Well, I had better get back to the retreat centre before lunch is over.
We will do our best to keep you posted here.
Hasta luego,
Mike
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Congratulations from Minister of Education!
Just when you think there could not be more gratitude, more comes. It is indeed humbling. Here are some kind words of congratulations from Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Education.
2 Days to go
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Looking at the blog, it is surprising how much has been accomplished before we have even left. So many people have come together to make this happen. . . The list of people to thank would be a very long one. But, we are well prepared and Habitat For Humanity - El Salvador will be a great host to us in their country. We will be staying in Zacatecoluca, but will be building in Olocuilta about 20 minutes out of town.
As I skimmed through our photos, I thought that I would add a couple more to our blog. Kevin was just interviewed one last time on radio, so there are a lot of people who will be anxious to hear about our adventure when we get back.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Spanish Notes for All!
Hi everyone! I know we've all been working hard and reviewing our Spanish notes from Monday nights but I thought a little extra might help! There is a lot of vocab and some other helpful information for you!
Monday, June 15, 2009
Interesting Facts
I was just doing some research, and found this list of interesting facts. Thought it was worth sharing.
Had a civil war which lasted 12 years (1980-1992). Peace Accords were signed in Mexico on January 16, 1992
Its the smallest country in Central America (slightly smaller than the US state of Massachusetts)
Despite its small size, it has the third largest economy in Central America
El Salvador's offical language is Spanish
Its the only Latin American country that has troops in Iraq
It has used the US dollar as its main currency since 2001
Prior to this El Salvador's currency was the Colon
The Colon is/was worth 8.75 for ever 1 US dollar
The country's minumum wage is US$120-150 a month
It's made up of 14 States/Departments
It's the only Central American country that does not have a Caribbean coastline
The biggest Shopping centre in all of of Central America is located in El Salvador's capital, San Salvador
It was involved in an infamous 100 hour war with neighbouring Honduras in 1969, after a soccer game
It has a total of 21 Volcanos
One of these Volcanos had a minor eruption on October 1, 2005. Spewing up clouds of ash and rocks, its effect reached nearby villages and caused two deaths
El Salvador has the largest airport in all of Central America
Gained its independace from Spain on September 15, 1821
Is frequently hit by earthqakes, the last big one being on January 13, 2001. Earthquake was marked at 7.6 on the Richter Scale
Is part of CAFTA (Central American Free Trade Agreement) which has trade with the USA
Has some of the best surfing beaches in the world
90% of Salvadorans are mestizo (mixed Amerindian and Spanish/European)
Oliver Stone directed a movie called "Salvador" and focus on its 12 year Civil war. The movie is critically acclaimed as one of Stone's best, and was nominated for an Oscar
Many Salvadoreans have fled for various reasons to the United States. Its estimated that around 2-3 million live in the US
Its the most densely populated country in all of the Americas
Unlike many countries that have four season ever year, El Salvador only has 2. The wet and dry seasons, which run from May to October and November to April, respectively
Many notable Salvadorean people are from Palastinan decent
The country name, El Salvador, literally means "the savoir" in spanish
El Salvador is part of what was the Mayan Empire. The Mayan Empire didn't go any further south after El Salvador
It has many Mayan and Pipil ruins including some pyramids
El Salvador's national dish is called a "Pupusa"
Had a civil war which lasted 12 years (1980-1992). Peace Accords were signed in Mexico on January 16, 1992
Its the smallest country in Central America (slightly smaller than the US state of Massachusetts)
Despite its small size, it has the third largest economy in Central America
El Salvador's offical language is Spanish
Its the only Latin American country that has troops in Iraq
It has used the US dollar as its main currency since 2001
Prior to this El Salvador's currency was the Colon
The Colon is/was worth 8.75 for ever 1 US dollar
The country's minumum wage is US$120-150 a month
It's made up of 14 States/Departments
It's the only Central American country that does not have a Caribbean coastline
The biggest Shopping centre in all of of Central America is located in El Salvador's capital, San Salvador
It was involved in an infamous 100 hour war with neighbouring Honduras in 1969, after a soccer game
It has a total of 21 Volcanos
One of these Volcanos had a minor eruption on October 1, 2005. Spewing up clouds of ash and rocks, its effect reached nearby villages and caused two deaths
El Salvador has the largest airport in all of Central America
Gained its independace from Spain on September 15, 1821
Is frequently hit by earthqakes, the last big one being on January 13, 2001. Earthquake was marked at 7.6 on the Richter Scale
Is part of CAFTA (Central American Free Trade Agreement) which has trade with the USA
Has some of the best surfing beaches in the world
90% of Salvadorans are mestizo (mixed Amerindian and Spanish/European)
Oliver Stone directed a movie called "Salvador" and focus on its 12 year Civil war. The movie is critically acclaimed as one of Stone's best, and was nominated for an Oscar
Many Salvadoreans have fled for various reasons to the United States. Its estimated that around 2-3 million live in the US
Its the most densely populated country in all of the Americas
Unlike many countries that have four season ever year, El Salvador only has 2. The wet and dry seasons, which run from May to October and November to April, respectively
Many notable Salvadorean people are from Palastinan decent
The country name, El Salvador, literally means "the savoir" in spanish
El Salvador is part of what was the Mayan Empire. The Mayan Empire didn't go any further south after El Salvador
It has many Mayan and Pipil ruins including some pyramids
El Salvador's national dish is called a "Pupusa"
St. Catharines Standard Article
You might want to pick up a copy of tomorrow's St. Catharines Standard. They have published a great article highlighting our El Salvador project. If you miss the paper however, you can view the article online already at http://www.stcatharinesstandard.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1613856 or by clicking the title on this posting. And . . . they got everyone's name right - - "Petheran" is pretty close. This was definitely another busy Monday for the team . . meetings . . news reporters . . radio shows . . and our own documentarian getting the "inside story." So take a breath, and start going through your checklists!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
FM 105.1 The River
Remember to tune in to FM 105.1 The River tomorrow (Monday, 15th) at around 8:40am when some of the team will be on air talking about the Global Village build. If radio does not work for you at that time of day, maybe the computer will . . . 105.1 The River streams its broadcast at http://www.river.fm/ where you may be able to tune in.
Send-Off BBQ
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Just a couple of photos. Thanks to everyone who was able to come out, and thanks to St. Catharines Collegiate's Hospitality crew for serving up some great food in style! We are now into the home stretch and will be on our way in less than two weeks.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
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Monday, June 8, 2009
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Busy, busy day.
Busy day.
As well, some of us will be busy at the Boston Pizza on Ontario St. in St. Catharines and at the Morrison Street location (by Home Depot) in Niagara Falls from 5:00 - 8:00pm.
As well, some of us will be at Queen Mary School starting the lunchtime BBQ in a little over an hour from now.
Monday, June 1, 2009
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