For some people, a vacation lying in the sun and doing nothing is more frustrating than relaxing. These people prefer to be active on their vacations and welcome the opportunity to help others during their time off. Others take vacation time specifically to perform good deeds for others. If you want to spend some time helping others, a volunteer vacation in Mexico may just be the right choice for you.
In Mexico, more than 1,000,000 families live in substandard housing, according to official estimates. Habitat for Humanity Mexico estimates that this number may be even higher, because it doesn’t take into consideration multiple families living in crowded conditions under one roof. In fact, Habitat for Humanity estimates Mexico’s housing needs at double the official estimates.
Based on Christian principles, Habitat for Humanity promotes adequate housing as a fundamental right for all people. Working with people from all nations and walks of life, they develop housing for families and work to support community sustainability. More than 20 years ago, Habitat for Humanity began working in Mexico in the cities of Chihuahua and Hildago. Habitat for Humanity Mexico now works in all 17 states and has grown to become one Latin America's largest Habitat for Humanity Programs.
Depending on the amount of time you have to spend, you may choose from the Global Village Program, which is a two-week volunteer trip, or the International Volunteer Program, an opportunity that lasts several months. The cost of participating in the Global Village Program varies, but excluding air fare, the cost for a 9- to 14-day trip averages between $1,200 and $1,500. Fees include room and board including meals as well as transportation in Mexico. Air fare and baggage handling fees aren’t included. A small part of the participation fee also goes to support the local building program. If this sounds high, don’t worry – part or all of the participation fee may be tax deductible.
To participate in the Global Village volunteer program in Mexico, you must be at least 14 years old, in good health and, if you’re a minor, you may need to be accompanied by your parent or guardian. More information on this and the International Volunteer Program can be found on Habitat for Humanity’s website.
In addition to Habitat for Humanity, the Projects Abroad organization offers a number of volunteer vacation opportunities in many different countries. In Mexico, their efforts are based in Guadalajara.
In one program, high school age students can participate in turtle conservation work at the Campamento Tecoman Biological Station. In addition to learning the Spanish language during the day, students spend evenings working to help protect the rare Olive Ridley turtle by counting and collecting eggs, helping newborn turtles return to the sea and caring for injured turtles. Students also study local wildlife and help with crocodile conservation.
If animals interest you, you may also want to check out Projects Abroad's veterinary medicine and animal care projects. In Mexico, you can work with a variety of animals you may never see in your ordinary animal care or veterinary work, including large snakes, elephants and big cats. Other volunteer program opportunities through Projects Abroad include teaching English, working in orphanages and providing medical care to impoverished regions. Projects Abroad’s prices vary depending on the nature and length of your stay.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Monday, June 8, 2009
Cinco de Mayo
If you are planning to visit Mexico and want to arrive during a time of festivities then there’s two holidays that will fit your criteria. Cinco de Mayo is a huge Mexican celebration on the 5th of May. A lot of Americans celebrate it. Most call it Mexican Independence Day but it’s far from that. Mexico claimed it’s independence from Spain on September 15, 1810. Cinco de Mayo actually symbolizes something completely different than an independence from Spain. A lot of Americans also celebrate this special day.
Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French at the battle of Puebla. The Mexicans lost the war so their victory wasn’t against the French but more about the victory with in the country as a whole. The fact that Mexico united and stood up for themselves against the French showed great patriotism and inspired many other Latin countries to be willing to defend themselves against intervention. The Mexicans did not win the war but the victory over in Puebla was inspiring for many.
Cinco de Mayo is not a Mexican holiday though. It is more of an American holiday where the Mexican-Americans get together and see this holiday as a time for fun and dance. There’s a fifty year difference between Battle de Puebla and Mexican Independence day from Spain.
September 16th is a perfect day to fit in your tour of Mexico. September 16th is the real Mexican Independence Day. You can visit the city of Zocalo and watch the locals re-enact the call of independence. Make sure you head over to the main plaza where all ages go to party! It is a day full of music, food, and dance. Hundreds of vendors set up serving food in every corner in the city. They make typical foods like guacamole and chips and beverages such as ponche (fruit punch), Men and women dress with typical Mexican fashion like what they wore back in 1810.
Live Mariachi bands entertain hundreds of people in the city squares. A whole ceremony is dedicated to the forefathers and you can hear everyone yelling VIVA MEXICO! The streets are decorated by Mexican flags and lights. The national colors of white, green, and red which are the colors that flood the streets on this day. Both of these holidays are significant to the Mexican culture in one way or another but September 16th is the real Independence Day and shouldn’t be missed by anyone. It’s a day you don’t want to miss if you’re in Mexico.
Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Mexican Army’s victory over the French at the battle of Puebla. The Mexicans lost the war so their victory wasn’t against the French but more about the victory with in the country as a whole. The fact that Mexico united and stood up for themselves against the French showed great patriotism and inspired many other Latin countries to be willing to defend themselves against intervention. The Mexicans did not win the war but the victory over in Puebla was inspiring for many.
Cinco de Mayo is not a Mexican holiday though. It is more of an American holiday where the Mexican-Americans get together and see this holiday as a time for fun and dance. There’s a fifty year difference between Battle de Puebla and Mexican Independence day from Spain.
September 16th is a perfect day to fit in your tour of Mexico. September 16th is the real Mexican Independence Day. You can visit the city of Zocalo and watch the locals re-enact the call of independence. Make sure you head over to the main plaza where all ages go to party! It is a day full of music, food, and dance. Hundreds of vendors set up serving food in every corner in the city. They make typical foods like guacamole and chips and beverages such as ponche (fruit punch), Men and women dress with typical Mexican fashion like what they wore back in 1810.
Live Mariachi bands entertain hundreds of people in the city squares. A whole ceremony is dedicated to the forefathers and you can hear everyone yelling VIVA MEXICO! The streets are decorated by Mexican flags and lights. The national colors of white, green, and red which are the colors that flood the streets on this day. Both of these holidays are significant to the Mexican culture in one way or another but September 16th is the real Independence Day and shouldn’t be missed by anyone. It’s a day you don’t want to miss if you’re in Mexico.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Belize Tourism
Belize is a hot destination for over 850,000 tourists annually. If you are seeking offshore kayaking adventures, beautiful walks through national parks, or explorations through mysterious Mayan territory then Belize is the spot for you. Belize has perfect mild temperatures, glorious beaches, and a history as rich as its texture.
The vast expanse of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and marine reserves reach across 40% of the country and it is all protected territory. This creates a vast haven for many species that would otherwise be subject to scarcity or even extinction. It is a blessed land for all to view, experience, and enjoy. Crooked Tree Wildlife sanctuary is the most famous sanctuary in Belize. In this sanctuary a bird-watcher can find themselves enveloped in paradise.
It has been recently discovered that Mayan culture and civilization was centered in Belize. We all know that Belize is home to a hoard of Mayan treasures. Mayan templates, towns and cities, observatories and palaces, only a few of which have been uncovered. This is an amazing amount of Mesoamerican heritage packed into magnificent jungles and long-abandoned cities of the past.
The largest island in Belize is the Ambergris Caye, as well as being the hottest destination for tourists. This island is also the home to San Pedro, the infamous, singular town on this luxurious island.
There is so much to do in this rich land. The obvious treasures are the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, and the Mayan mountains and heritage and history that abound. But some of the underlining spectacles are found in the tropical rainforests, limestone caves, surrounding waterfalls, ancient temples and ruins, zip lining in the forests, even snorkeling near the barrier reef.
What magnificence. What adventure. It is too much to try to describe, because words just do not hold a light to the true sights and spectacles that await. If there is a place that everyone needs to discover, at least once, this is it. It is Belize, and it awaits.
The vast expanse of national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and marine reserves reach across 40% of the country and it is all protected territory. This creates a vast haven for many species that would otherwise be subject to scarcity or even extinction. It is a blessed land for all to view, experience, and enjoy. Crooked Tree Wildlife sanctuary is the most famous sanctuary in Belize. In this sanctuary a bird-watcher can find themselves enveloped in paradise.
It has been recently discovered that Mayan culture and civilization was centered in Belize. We all know that Belize is home to a hoard of Mayan treasures. Mayan templates, towns and cities, observatories and palaces, only a few of which have been uncovered. This is an amazing amount of Mesoamerican heritage packed into magnificent jungles and long-abandoned cities of the past.
The largest island in Belize is the Ambergris Caye, as well as being the hottest destination for tourists. This island is also the home to San Pedro, the infamous, singular town on this luxurious island.
There is so much to do in this rich land. The obvious treasures are the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean, and the Mayan mountains and heritage and history that abound. But some of the underlining spectacles are found in the tropical rainforests, limestone caves, surrounding waterfalls, ancient temples and ruins, zip lining in the forests, even snorkeling near the barrier reef.
What magnificence. What adventure. It is too much to try to describe, because words just do not hold a light to the true sights and spectacles that await. If there is a place that everyone needs to discover, at least once, this is it. It is Belize, and it awaits.
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