With more than half of us hailing from states where temperatures are currently over 100 degrees, we are only occasionally dreaming of tropical islands and summer sun (mostly me.) But with snow days comes fireplace s'mores, snowball fights, and an endless stream of mate. Beyond our Spanish skills steadily improving, we have also become well versed in fire making and baking– cookies, banana bread and brownies are now ubiquitous.
As the winter solstice hits, today marks the first day of a new season. Within Chile the winter solstice also coincides with the celebration of We Tripantu, a Mapuche holiday where communities welcome the birth of the new sun. We too are also celebrating as it also marks our half way point and almost completion of our surveying efforts. Throughout our time in Neltume, our primary work has focused on surveying the communities on the transition from a logging based economy to one founded on eco- tourism. Yet beyond collecting data on perceptions of naturaleza, we have had the chance to meet countless faces of the community and not only collect answers to our surveys, but also gather stories. Speaking with Sam, she mentioned if anything, we can provide an outlet for voices to share and experiences to be heard. Thus, as we finish up our surveys, we head to Valdivia come Tuesday to visit and venture into different regions of Chile and begin the next steps of our project- water testing, camera traps, data analysis, (and climb a volcano).
2 Comments
6/22/2017 02:16:52 pm
Hola les escribo al mail [email protected] pero me rebota, tienen otro coreo
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Dani (RP)
7/5/2017 02:00:10 pm
The relationship between travel and volunteering is complex, and much has been written and discussed about its effects on those who travel as well as those they encounter on their journeys. In order for the experience to be fulfilling for all parties, it is important to stay mindful of your presence, role and impact. This blog is a great place to think about those things, but it doesn't have to stop here. Speaking from my own experience as a DukeEngage alum, the process of reflection continues for years after you return to the States.
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