RuthG

You can get there cheaply on a ferry (just $2.25/person currently). Many of the tourist businesses are owned/operated/staffed by white North Americans-there’s a good-sized colony of gringos who are enjoying life off the beaten track here. The good thing is that so far there are no chain stores-no Starbucks, Walgreens, McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy’s (though there are plenty of these on the main island of Puerto Rico).

We loved Tamarindo Beach, which we accessed by hiking from Flamenco Beach over the hills through the Luis Peña Nature Preserve. We had this beach all to ourselves on a beautiful November afternoon, & the snorkeling was amazing!

last night after a week’s visit. It was quite wonderful. I’ll post a few stories & photos soon.

EDIT: Here are some of our photos. A feast for the eyes—it is a supremely photogenic place.

I just received this via e-mail, & it seems legitimate. See the note on this website: http://www.citizens.org/news/newsletter/2005/october/articles/bbc.cfm

I can’t do it myself—I’m a mom & within the age range, but I have been to Africa before (Kenya) & have done other overseas traveling. Go for it if it looks right for you! The application deadline is NOVEMBER 10, 2005.

Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 9:35 AM
Subject: FW: TV SERIES SEEKING MOMS FOR AN AFRICANADVENTURE

BBC Television and the Travel Channel are working on
an exciting new series that will take 8 mothers from
across the United States on a 7 week journey of
discovery to Africa. Please feel free to forward this
on to people you think might be interested.

This will be a life-transforming vacation for these
mothers to learn about each other, themselves and the
African continent. The itinerary includes the
countries of South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and
Zambia (but may expand further). The production is
committed to the participants experiencing the real
lives of African people and encountering the full
diversity of the countries visited.

We are particularly interested in finding academic,
student/graduate and non-profit sector moms who have
an interest in Africa but have never had the chance to
go.

Those chosen must be willing to give up all their
commitments (family, work and home) for the 7 week
period for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. This
is a chance to explore the continent in a tailor-made,
hands-on vacation and make a lifelong connection with
7 other amazing women.

Applicants must be between the ages of 21-55 and never
have traveled outside the US, or have limited
traveling experience. These women should be prepared
to be on TV, be outgoing and articulate and ready to
take on a huge challenge.

If this isn’t you, please take a moment to consider
the dynamic women in your family, work circle or
social life that would make great candidates (Aunties,
teachers, friends at co-workers!). Please feel free to
forward this flyer to anyone, or any groups that would
be excited by this prospect. We have a tight deadline
and need all applications to be received by Thursday
November 10th! Please use the power of email to get
your nominations responding ASAP.

Interested moms can email the BBC at
mtcasting@bbcnyproduction.com or call (212) 974-9050
ext 231.

Hopefully I can find time to post some reports after the trip. We’ll be in San Juan, El Yunque & Culebra.

all things made new.

If the biblical view of heaven is what you care about, you’re not really talking about some disembodied existence in a nebulous hereafter. What we’re told is that there will be a “new heaven AND new earth.” All the goodness of physical existence & spiritual life, intensified & purified & renewed. Being immensely alive, being intimately in touch with others, in love with all creation, letting God wipe away our tears.

This place is the one that makes all the other places real & wonderful.

I took a student group to the UN Headquarters. It was a fascinating visit! We got to hear presentations from the folks at UNDP (UN Development Programme) & ask questions. Then a guy from the Environment Programme worked with us for a bit. He helped us understand the thorny issues that have to be addressed—for example, how to evaluate proposals for aid for big infrastructure projects. You don’t just have to ask who will benefit (just the elites, or the grassroots folks?) & how the project will affect the environment; you also have to gather opinions & views throughout the country, & you have to be very diplomatic.

On a lighter note, the gift shop is big & full of cool stuff. And there is lots of wonderful art on the grounds & in the buildings—sculptures, tapestries, paintings.

I’m not offering to answer questions about it because I really don’t know the procedure for a private party to visit the UN, or other details you’d want to know before visiting. BUT I encourage you to go if you possibly can!

It’s quite an attractive town. I lived there for 12 years in the 1970s-80s. But I haven’t been back for about 8 years, & that was just an afternoon’s visit—so I’m not the best person to answer questions about Lawrence nowadays.

• Pasto, Nariño
• Puerto Asís, Putumayo
• Villagarzón, Putumayo
• Medellín, Antioquia

• Bogotá, DC (the capital)
• Cacarica, Chocó

Cacarica is a mostly Afro-Colombian community committed to nonviolence & protecting the rainforest to which they hold collective title. They are amazing! Consider coming on a delegation sometime & getting to know them.