The Tamarindo News

The Tamarindo News is a monthly, bilingual community newspaper.  It’s free and it’s pretty great–they’ve got most of their stuff online, too.  I’m impressed by the topics they cover.

Cepia was recently written up in a section titled, “Communities Survive Together or Fall Apart.” They definitely deserve the publicity!

The paper has also started a suplemento nuevo, titled “Agua Pura.”  The supplement includes the history of the watershed in Tamarindo, which has been stressed due to the fast rate of developments in the past 30 years.  In the first supplement of “Agua Pura,” women were highlighted as playing an important role in clean water issues in the area, because they have more of a sensitivity towards mother nature.

After the donations…

A lot of us are trying to make sense of the earthquake in Haiti.  I am so confused as to why the world would test the limits of the Haitians in such a cruel, hellish way.  I have a hard time writing about this because, besides donating money, there is little that the standard American can do.  Somehow, all I can do is hope that Haiti has finally gotten the world’s attention.

I’ve just read this book.  I suggest everyone to read it.  There is a lot of important history about Haiti, as well as the story of one of the most selfless individuals, Dr. Paul Farmer.  He is the founder of Parners in Health, and this organization is where I suggest donating money.

*NEW* Please sign the petition to help Haiti drop their $1 billion debt (click HERE).  This is essential for their development in the next decades.

¡La primera semana: arte y mujeres a CEPIA!

So far, so good!

We had a successful first week of workshops:  decent turn-out, awesome projects and incredible enthusiasm.  Keenan and I are feeling a bit relieved and super excited to continue our work at CEPIA in Huacas.

Proyecto uno: Un collar

Proyecto dos: Pulseras

Haciendo pulseras!

Las mujeres!

Enero: la puesta de sol

We may not be able to drink salt water, but to not be able to swim in it?!  The horror.  Thankfully, the beaches on the Northern Pacific side of CR are safe for swimming/surfing, and Tamarindo has been working on cleaning up its runoff.  Some other regions in Costa Rica, like Puntarenas, are not so lucky due to pollution from factories.

Una baula y el año nuevo

Last night, minutes after the turn of the decade, I watched a giant leatherback turtle (una baula) dig a nest on the beach and lay her eggs.  The initial sight of the massive sea amphibian was awe-striking.  Her path was clearly visible, from the ocean to the banks of the beach on Playa Grande.  She carefully scooped warm sand aside with her rear fins, creating a safe place for the eggs she soon deposited into the nest.

Frugal and happy in 2010

Today, Matt Gross for the New York Times published a post, “Resolved: Smarter and Frugaler in 2010.”  I’ve decided to share my take on this resolution because, even though this guy has obviously done some traveling, I think I’m more of an expert in the frugal department!

Colores de Navidad

Treats in Liberia, CR.

Snack on the bus.

Tienda de Navidad, Liberia.