News blog of Casa HOY:
Travelers changing the world---
Blog de noticias de
Casa HOY:
Viajeros cambiando el mundo---
www.hoycommunity.net---
e-mail: hoycommunity@gmail.com
Michael Hink, a traveler-volunteer from Germany, was our last guest this spring. An enthusiastic person and an avid traveler, he was on a 2-month journey through Mexico, visiting several places and writing about his experiences for a newspaper back home in Europe.
Staying at Casa HOY, Michael volunteered his time at four different projects that included work with kids and the elderly.
Now we're ready our summertime visitors. Please come join us!
Despite all the bad news about drug-related violence you hear abroad, we’re hear to tell you that Mexico is by and large still a safe, noble, friendly and wonderful destination—especially if you have a host Mexican friend or family who gives you insider information (like Casa HOY)!
Hearing the news from afar only gives you part(s) of the whole story. Let’s face it—a lot of what is “newsworthy” is negative. But, here’s the question: Would you deny yourself a visit to New York City or Los Angeles after hearing news of a failed homemade bomb attempt in Times Square or a gang-related shooting in an LA 'hood?
So, what’s really happening in Cuernavaca?
Due to the involvement of the Mexican military in a so-called war on drugs, you will now see in cities like Cuernavaca a greater army presence and police activity randomly patrolling the streets and stopping traffic, especially at checkpoints for stolen vehicles, weapons, etc.
Cuernavaca is far from a dangerous city where you are afraid to step out of your door,or walk down the street or hail a cab at the corner. This year, we have so far had three groups and one individual (i.e., more than 30 individuals) participating with Casa HOY in Cuernavaca and in smaller towns in the state of Morelos. No bad experiences, no scary situations, nothing out of the ordinary to report.
Nevertheless, there have been a handful of sensational events in the area and subsequent news reports about casualties in vendetta-type operations among gang members of the drug cartel operating in the state. It may appear to an outsider to be an increase in personal risk and random violence, but in reality it is targeted violence against and among gangs, police or politicians involved in drug trafficking.
We live here 24/7, and we have never felt unsafe or threatened. Of course, as experienced travelers ourselves, we always take extra precautions (e.g., have a cell phone available, HOY staff available 24 hours, have a curfew) with our traveler-volunteers when on the streets, using public transportation and going out at night. We take care of our visitors and take into consideration risks associated with setting, time, circumstances, etc. We know Mexico, we know Cuernavaca. We are aware of Mexico’s problems as well as its strengths. And, as our recent participants and our quiet daily life prove, we have quite a peaceful daily life!
Gerardo and Katy
P.S. If one day we really believe Cuernavaca is dangerous for visitors, we will be the first to let you know!
12 students from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, came to work and "convivir" with the indigenous women potters of Cuentepec, Morelos. It was a great week of cultural immersion, community service and sightseeing in the area.
Good luck everybody, Carpe Diem and see you next year!
12 estudiantes de la Universidad Loyola Marymount de Los Angeles, vinieron a México a cooperar y convivir con la mujeres indígenas artesanas de Cuentepec, Morelos. Fue una increíble semana de inmersión cultural, servicio comunitario y paseos en el área.
¡Buena suerte a tod@s, Carpe Diem, y nos vemos el próximo año!
Casa HOY is glad to have 9 students from Florida State University this week, as part of their Alternative Spring Break program. It's been a fun week of volunteer work, cultural immersion and international cooperation!
An interactive/cooperative/educational experience in the state of Morelos, Mexico Option 1: A week at Casa HOY
Daily volunteer activities at a foster home for youth, a food bank, a community recycling center, and other sites (emphasizing both hands-on and human interaction)
Talks on Mexican culture, social activism, local & global issues
For groups of 6-8 people Cost per individual per week: US$250-$350 (depending on number of activities, talks, meals, etc.) Basic service includes:
hostel-type lodging
breakfast
local transportation
talks and Spanish hour
all dynamics and arrangements for volunteer service
one guided tour
wireless Internet
Option 2: A week living and working in a rural community For groups of 8-15 people Cost per individual per week: US$500
basic lodging
all meals
local transportation
all dynamics, activities, and arrangements for volunteer service
*A great life experience abroad for college students, youth clubs & networks, church groups, socially responsible companies, and other groups Winter, spring, and summer breaks
Please contact us 3-6 months in advance to begin the registration process and schedule a week or two in 2010 at: hoycommunity@gmail.com Gracias y saludos! Team Casa HOY www.hoycommunity.org
Another Summer has ended at Casa HOY....but not without great memories.... Our last 3 participants from Canada, Australia, and the States enjoyed their respective weeks of volunteer work, specially visiting the girls from Casa Perlas, a foster home for former street kids or minors with parents in prison. There, HOY´s participants gave informal English classes, origami and bracelet-making workshops, swam and played games with the energetic and always smiling girls. Casa HOY will receive more visitors at the end of the year...more news coming in the Fall!
Otro verano terminó en Casa HOY....pero no sin dejar buenos recuerdos... Nuestros 3 últimos visitantes de Canada, Australia, y los Estados Unidos disfrutaron sus respectivas semanas de trabajo voluntario, especialmente visitando a las niñas de la Casa Perlas, un albergue para antigüos niñas de la calle, o menores con padres en la prisión. Ahí, los participantes de HOY dieron clases de inglés informal, al igual que talleres de origami y como hacer pulseras, también nadaron y jugaron con las siempre energéticas y sonrientes niñas. Casa HOY recibirá más visitantes al final del año...más noticias pronto!
