CHACALA 27 FEBRUARY 2007

Today is a day of lots of happiness and smiles! We have early breakfast, because Luc is starting with school, which is about 15 minutes walk to the other side of the bay. We opt for the village road, because the walk along the beach would be too tempting! Everyone is very happy to see Luc at school. He gets his own table and looks happy, so I leave him, trying not to worry, look sad or go back. I walk back on the beach. It is so incredible and I cannot even compare this to life in the city, where you have to face traffic, road rage etc etc. I have an emotional moment where I just cannot believe how lucky I am to live my dream! Man, this is seriously the life!!!
I spent the morning working with Anastasia formulating new concepts for discipline at the children’s project. Decide to divide them into groups, give them visual borders and symbols to help them feel that they belong somewhere. Also decide to appoint leaders and award the winners. I know very little about child education, but we decide to give this a try. I also set artwork for the Children’s rights that we will teach them. Spent the rest of the morning with Angelica working on marketing and PR strategies.
Have to run to get Luc from school – once again on the beach! He waits at the gate with his teacher – blue star on his forehead! He looks extremely happy and asks me “whose idea was it to send me to this school?”. I told him it was mine, to which he answers “I love you so much mommy!”. The walk home is stunning. We go through the little harbour and see the bay from another angle. Quite a lot of yachts that have arrived, but the beach, lined with thatched restaurants, is quiet and there is a few kids playing in the water. Luc cannot resist the temptation and is in the water within seconds! He swims all the way to the other side (swim/play), were we bump into Alimay, his 4 year old petite blond friend (whose dad is the yoga teacher) and her mom and dad. Ricardo joins us for lunch and we share some ideas on the spa. (By the way, last night we discovered the spa at the back of the resort – it is exquisite, with the most beautiful heated pools). After lunch Anastasia goes with us in town. The plan was to see what paint is available at the centre and also to find out if we can get some printing done. This time we hitch a lift again and the very friendly Kramer couple from Canada gives us a lift to the highway. They have been to Kenya and Tanzania and is considering visiting SA. When he hears that we are volunteers, he decides to drop us in town! The centre is closed, but we manage to get the printing sorted. We wait for the local taxi, which arrives and the driver tells us to wait as he needs to go and get something. Thirty minutes later and he is not back yet, and no one is fazed at all! What a great life – no pressure, no time limits, no deadlines – in the end I think we are all doing it to ourselves. The taxi drops us at the fruit stalls at the turn off. We try and buy wonderful new food. Have to hike once again and gets a lift with a kamikaze driver on the back of his bakkie. I realise that if he should have an accident, we most probably will be killed! Said a little prayer and we arrive safely! At dinner Luc teaches Anastasia and Ricardo Nkosi Sikelele Africa! He has also taken a real fancy in Angelica! The poor boy – no more blondes for him!!! (He has however showed off the photo of Liane and him!).

REFLECTION:
Life is just so much less complicated without a big house, a big car, a big job, a big (red) bank account and big responsibility – really, life should be a beach, on the beach!!!!!

LAS VARAS 26 FEBRUARY 2007

The planned working session with Angelica is moved up, as she is alone in the office. We have a really nice breakfast with Emily (who also work in the office) and discuss possibly assisting in upgrading the den. I use the time to finish off emails and to work on the flyer for abused women. Just before twelve the three of us (Anastasia, Luc and myself) set off to Las Varas to the children’s project. We walk to the main road and then hitch a lift (on the back of a bakkie!) to town. Drive pass fruit stalls with amazing fruit displays (would love to stop here!). The town is a quaint village, with cobble stone main streets and interesting little shops. One of the best items on sale in Mexico is the hand made Los Lados (icecream). There is a few children at the project already and Anastasia also shows us the medical clinic. Within minutes Luc is doing flips on a mattress with Pepe, a young boy who was brain damaged at birth. Lunch is served and by this time there are lots more children. We manage to work in an hour of Spanish lessons whilst they are having lunch. Luc is very lazy and just wants to play. Then it is time for drama class. What chaos. Most of the children have never seen a play and does not know what an actor is. To add to the chaos, they cannot understand me and Anastasia has to translate everything! To get them focused and disciplined is an enormous task, but we push ahead and have great success in some of the exercises and very little is some of the others. Realise that they work much better as a group and really struggle to do things on there own (shy???). At about 3.30 we are all exhausted and give them a break. We use the time to cast the main characters for our play and start working with them. On the way home we stop at a little sweet “caravan” in the plaza (town square). Here we buy another delicatessen – caramelised nuts! Take a taxi home and go for a swim with Luc. He gives me a big hug and says “Mommy you are so special, thank you so much for bringing me here.” Later in the waves he screams “Dit is vrekken groot golwe die – ek laaik dit!”. By 8.30 we are exhausted. Have a long chat with Renaldo (the Argentinean masseur) – he loves talking in Dutch and about rugby!! Luc tells him all about the Blue Bulls! In bed by 9!!!!!!

REFLECTIONS
Too tired to think up anything wise…..

MESSAGE TO URI
My wonderful state of relaxation was shuttered by the Children’s Project today!!!

CHACALA 25 FEBRUARY 2007

Today Beckett is leaving! A last breakfast together and a quick swim for the boys. And then it is goodbye time. Luc and Beckett decides it is a good idea if Luc goes with! When I ask him what I will do without him, he says “I will phone you Mommy!”. Tears as the taxi departs with Beckett – real life is beginning to happen for Luc… It is overcast and we decide to do some work. Manage to write the first scene for our play for the drama class at the Project (which starts tomorrow). Angelica will translate to Spanish. Also redesigns the bar menu (sorry, I just cannot stay away from the creative stuff!). I take Luc to the beach in the afternoon, but it is cold and he rather plays in the sand. Later we go for a walk on the beach and get some ice cream from the village. The beach is full of locals who came in for the day. Lots of children swimming and also lots of the big birds (which we still need to identify) on the water. The big fishing ship (that looks like a pirate ship) is still around and a new catamaran has arrived in the bay. Dinner tonight is wonderful - fish and lots of salad (must just add the beans with every meal is a favourite). jenny from New York, joins us from dinner. She is a social worker who lost her husband to cancer three months ago. This is her first holiday on her own. Also fabulous entertainment tonight – an old lady (who looks like a mix between Frida and Evita and sounds like Maria Callas) plays the piano and sings. I must say this is really an interesting crowd! Luc is crazy about the French doctor who does acupuncture and balancing (I think!). He did an improve last night when the video bombed out – much to the delight of the children! Also meet the handsome masseur from Argentina, all the girls have been talking about. Big surprise – he can speak Dutch, after having live in Holland for a long time! Well Luc, no more gossiping between the two of us!

REFLECTION
Letting go of the cell phone, the 3G card, and the scale – a life changing experience! No more feeling guilty about not phoning people back, or deleting useless emails or gaining 500 grams! There is a fourth dimension after all!!!!

CHACALA 24 FEBRUARY 2007

1. THE THREE PARENTS - GREG, MONIQUE AND SUZANNE

2, CREATIVE PHOTO BY LUC

3, HIKING

Luc gets invited by Beckett to go with on the Petroglyph tour, so that I can do some work. Manage to get a lot of work done by 10 and decide to join them on the tour. Bumpy taxi ride on small dirt roads (lots of memories of the jungle – this is a real test!). Finally we get to Alta Vista, situated on the side of a old volcano. Nice hike up the river bed. Kids loving it. Petroglyphs are really amazing and all over the area (possibly dating to 3000 BC). We get to a shrine, where you can leave a token. They boys are immediately interested in all the candy left there and it takes some explaining to persuade them to leave it as is. The river is dry, but must be stunning when running. The walk ends in a high rock wall with boulders on the side. Here we find the area where “you can feel the energy”. Suzanne lights a candle and I hand the boys the cookies to leave – of course they do it the real child way – one for leaving and one for eating! The rest of the day is spent on the beach! Greg teaches Luc to body surf and Luc is very brave – goes in deeper and deeper in the surf. Until a big wave knocks him down. He comes running out in tears - “Ek is amper dood, Mamma!” (Nou ja, so leer mens maar!). After dinner it is movie time and the boys (and some adults!) enjoy Sherk 2.

CHACALA 23 FEBRUARY 2007

MAR DE JADE FROM THE BEACH

Today’s mission is to get Luc into a school. We set off with Anastasia – the beautiful Spanish volunteer from the States, who will be visiting SA with Angelica. Our mission takes us up the little dirt road, pass a few little cafes and curio shops. And then the primary school. Looks really nice with some kids doing sports outside. Luc refuses to go inside and says he is not going to this school. One of the teachers suggest that we rather go for the Kindergarden and takes us there (one block down from the school). The first thing we see is a small jungle gym, and Luc suddenly looks much more interested! It is a small little school, with 7 boys only, one little classroom (very nicely done, with a very nice computer station). The boys are a bit wild. They run and scream and jump on each other. None of them speak English and Anastasia translates. They would love to have Luc. Costs is 80 Pesos ($8 dollars!) per week. School is on Tuesday to Friday. Without much discussion Luc is already on the jungle gym and nods happily when we ask him if he wants to go to this school! The rest of the morning is spent on the beach and at the pool. Luc hangs out with his friend, Beckett (who will be leaving soon). I have a session with Laura and Angelica in the afternoon, looking at setting up the support group and doing marketing and PR. Laura is a truly amazing women – somewhat of an activist and often in trouble because she takes on radical causes (like stopping police brutality etc!). Laura started the clinic in 1983 and the resort was a result of interns who wanted to come and work in the clinic and needing a place to stay. Many charity and community development projects have developed as a result of Mar de Jade. What they have accomplished is truly amazing! I am very excited about what can be done (one can easily stay here for many more months!).

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FOR CALLIE
Dear Daddy. We just want to say HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Hope you have a great day and have lots of fun!

REFLECTIONS
Being bored on day one, desperately looking for work, driven to do something, whilst you are sitting in the sun drinking a Pacifico! All of this because we forget how to relax and enjoy life.

LA BONITA 22 FEBRUARY 2007

SPICE MARKET IN LA BONITA

HAPPY LUC IN LA BONITA

This time up 6 (which we later discover was in fact 5! Add on 2 hours from Atlanta to Puerto Vallarta, and deduct 1 hour from PV to Chacala). Now I understand why we are asleep at 7! Finally also manage to get my blog sorted – as I am in Mexico now, the edit page is in Spanish – so quick, forced way to learn Spanish (we have booked our Spanish course for next week, by the way!). Also glad to see that Uri is so faithfully always available on Skype – good to chat to a friend (although he called me a rude Afrikaans word!). Later in the morning we join the group for a shopping excursion (retail therapy!) to La Bonita, half an hour drive from Chacala. It is the local Thursday market, with a great deal of cheap Chinese stuff, but also some amazing local stuff. Before we even start walking, Luc goes on a strike and only a wonderful handmade pistachio ice cream, covered in chocolate and coconut gets him going. Off to the bank (another confusion situation trying to distinguish between US $ and Mexican Pesos $!) And then it is time for shopping! Desperately seeking Alice (my shopping buddy) at this stage – jewellery, clothing, jewellery, nuts, jewellery, mirrors, jewellery, bowls, jewellery and lots of other amazing stuff. Too much to deal with right now – and we decide that we will have to come back before we leave to get gifts for all! More importantly is our mission to get snacks for our stay (Luc has all of a sudden develop an appetite like a lion!). “Luc es tengo hambre” is all he can say. (Which means, roughly translated “Luc is I have hunger”). Upside down grammar, but we get the message, Luc! Fruit (bananas, apples, watermelon, pineapple), fruit juice (never had so much frizzy drinks in one week), pistachio nuts and local caramel nuts and we are all set to go. Beckett arrives with a set of cars for Luc (now they are happy little boys!). Back in Chacala, a car ralley has arrived. The guys offer to take the boys to town to look at the cars and mother is very happy for her 30 minute power nap. Eventually find Greg, Suzanne and the two boys on the beach. Luc has now grown into a complete “show off” beach bum. The evening is ended off with more great food… Monday, just wait for Monday, then we will work on the diet again!

POST SCRIPT
For those who have finally hope for me – I have not been sitting doing nothing the last days! Managed to work through Shelter against the storm (A guide on setting up support groups for women) and also prepared all the drama classes for the next month! (All of this between 4 and 8 in the morning!)

REFLECTIONS
What a great experience going from a so called “celebrity” to a nobody! Where you disappear into obscurity and you don’t have to worry about putting on make-up to go to the shops (cause frankly, no-one gives a damn!)

CHACALA 21 FEBRUARY 2007

We are still not managing to “manage” our time. Up at four, doing bible study and waiting for the sun to come up! The day is spent on the beach, with Luc’s new friend Beckett. Luc takes to the sea and we struggle to get him out. Beckett is a “Cars” fan and the two of them end up watching the Cars dvd. Food is interesting and surprising. Not at all what I perceived Mexican food would be like – unfortunately for my diet (as I had these visions of loosing lots of weight because I don’t like spicy food and melted cheese – guess what we know as Mexican in SA is not real Mexican). Also love the array of fresh salads – and don’t forget the beans! (Luc maak so ewe omverskoning vir al die “poepe” wat heeltyd uitglip!). We are exhausted by seven and nearly fall asleep at the dinner table. We miss the impromto concert by one of the guests (who is a professional singer). But we hear the stunning voice and applaud as we are drifting in and out of our sleep.

MESSAGE FOR KARIN HOUGAARD
Happy birthday amiga! Hope that you will become even more famous and popular – and that West End is getting closer!

REFLECTIONS
Overcoming fear. There must be a reason why I chose to do my sabbatical in a little beach village where the environment, the language, even the people remind me of Jolo Island. Finally I have to learn that not all people are evil and that you can still trust a lot of people in this world!

TO MEXICO 20 FEBRUARY 2007

LUC WITH MR & MRS ASZENMIL


Still struggling to get the clocks to USA time. Dead tired when we get up. Rush to the airport and then half a hour of stress as they are checking out our Mexican visas (missing a tourist form!). Eventually sorted and then onto a very empty plane to Puerto Vallarta. Luc makes friends with a most colourful couple sitting on the other side of the isle, Mauricio Aszenmil and his wife. They are from Israel, lived in Argentinia (speaks fluently Spanish) and on their way to join friends in PV. Gives us the chance to speak the 5 words of Spanish we know (quickly discover that our Spanish is not going to get us far!). Luc and Mauricio had a ball on the plane, building the lego helicopter he got from Mike and Liz. Mauricio helps Luc to get the toilet door open and comes back laughing – he told Luc to wash his hands and Luc said “No, this is a new jacket, I will make it wet!”. No problems with the visa and getting into PV. Lots of hugs between Mauricio and Luc when saying goodbye. We are also picked up by the Mar de Jade shuttle service. As I look at the handwritten sign, I remember the horror stories of people being picked up by fake services and being robbed and dumped somewhere. I decide that we will be stuck at the airport if I listen to this fear and we get in! The trip North to Chacala is 1 hour and 30 minutes and we are very grateful for the aircon. I find it amazing to see how alike countries look. This area reminds me of a mixture between Malawi, Mozambique and Costa Rica. The drive up to the North is slow but smooth. Of course neurotic Monique, just can’t get rid of her normal fears – visions of armed bandits jumping from the bush on the side of the road and stopping us (Al la “Proof of life”), will be get to our destination, can I trust the driver? But once again having to realise that somewhere in your life you have to trust God and other people. A sigh of relieve when we turn off the highway and we see Chacala 9 km! A little dirt road to the left and after 5 days we are eventually at our final destination. A friendly welcome by Emily, warm goodbye to our driver (who’s biggest challenge on the way here was to turn down the volume of the radio every time his teenage son turns it up!). We have a little downstairs room, with two double beds, shower and toilet and a view of the building next door! The resort is situated at the end of a beautiful white beach, against a hill. (the village looks a bit like the villages in Jolo!). We meet Anastasia (who tells us she will be visiting SA soon) and Emily offers us great lunch – after a big bowl of sweet corn soup Luc says “Mommy, this is the best food!” (Sorry Uri, there goes NY’s French fries!). And then adds “Thank you for bringing me to such a beautiful place”. No negotiation about what we do after lunch. Luc straight off to the beach!! Then the pool – sun going down and not heated – so not a lot of swimming there! Dinner is great – beans and rice and other interesting things – and my first Mexican beer – Pacifica. Luc makes a new friend (Beckett) and his mom, Suzanne, offers tot look after the two of them. Also meet Angelica and Laura (the owners) and very keen to start on the project. Use the evening to read through the handbook of Sexual Abuse! Tiredness sets in and in bed early (even missed the talent show!).

19 FEBRUARY 2007

Today I discover two things – all in the early hours of Monday, on our trip to our next stop, Atlanta. Firstly, it will take years to get use the to freezing weather of New York and secondly, I am not the strong, fit backpacker I was 8 years ago when I went around the world with Liz! After the taxi driver dumps us on the sidewalk at La Guardia, I nonchalant try to lift my backpack – trying to show everyone that I was made for this – resulting in injuring just about all the muscles in my back! (I must add that I quickly gave up the fight and after that it was $3 trolleys!). We arrive in Atlanta with no Liz at the airport (who was under the impression that we were coming in later). There I discover the frustration of being in a first world country and not being able to communicate (no MTN roaming or wrong band width!). We are very happy to eventually see Liz & Mik, the new addition to the family (gorgeous blue eyed little Michael) and the brand new mansion (let me tell you – no ways of keeping up with the Sages!). The day gets even better with lots of Italian sparkling wine, followed by our standing Atlanta date – the Vetnamiese salon for the best pedi and mani in a massage chair (that eventually helped the back recover from the backpack trauma)! Dinner (typical Mike out-of-this-world style) is my favourite – black beans and rice! Once again a late evening getting rid of the winter clothes and repacking for warm Mexico.

THE "STARBUCKS" LADY

Freezing!

King Kong's

Building

NEW YORK 18 FEBRUARY 2007

Of course we are up at 5 in the morning. Luc happily watches Scooby Doo on TV. We meet Uri for breakfast at really nice French restaurant. From there we take underground (Luc's first NY underground) to Stratten Island Ferry - Luc wants to see the Statue of Liberty (after commenting that the Starbucks take away logo is the Statue lady!). It is freezing on the ferry and we try and get it over and done as quickly as possibly. My camera did not charge properly, so there is no pict of Luc or the statue - apart from a few very badly exposed ones on his camera. From there to China Town where we bump into hundreds of people celebrating the Chinese New Year - see the dragons and all. By now we are frozen - water in my shoes and no feeling in my toes. Luc orders corn chicken soup and we struggle to find a restaurant with no line. Luck eventually! Tengo Hambre!!! (I am hungry!!!!). We eat like starving people!!!! And 3o minutes with the tummies full and the feet heated up, we brave the cold again. I get my hour at Maceys (biggest department store in the world). Too much for my African roots - manage to do the childrens department, look at shoes and coats - and then my time is up! Six more floors to go and no time - and every on sale!!!! Luc and Uri does goes up the Rock! Many stories up to see the whole city. Luc wants to go higher and even sees King Kongs building! Then off to the Museum of Natural History - we have to go here because of the movie, Night at the Museum. Get there as the door closes. Luc in tears and blames the two of us for being so slow!!! We promise to bring him back!!! By 7 we are back in the hotel (I think baby sitting has even made Uri tired, because there is no energy for partying!). So tired did not even make the Housewives at 9!

NEW YORK 17 FEBRUARY 2007

Hours of delays, white runway, freezing weather (us Africans really taking the strain) and we finally end up in our hotel room at 3030, just off Union Square. Uri is there waiting for us (for the last 2 hours!). We set off for breakfast - as per Luc and Uri's order - chips (or french fries!). Lots of ice on the streets. Luc loves it - skates on it like a wild thing until he falls, and blames and old glove miles away for making him fall! We walk a lot and Luc does really well. Goes shopping - Luc gets a brand new DVD player and digital camera - now he is very happy. Trying to do some shopping at the factory outlet, but by this time jet lag is setting in. By 6 Luc is crying, ordering a "taxi" to go home. Uri is trying his best to keep us awake. No use - by 8 the two Africans are in bed and fast asleep!