Bus trip to Trujillo, Peru... (Flights from Dallas, TX --> Mexico City, MX and San José, Costa Rica --> Quito, Ecuador)
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Saturday, September 27, 2008
Sinergia's Report
More relevant to the purpose of the blog than the post listed below, I am excited to report that my microfinance association's first financial report will be published this week. The report will be sent to individuals and foundations that have supported our associations operations in the past as well as individuals, foundations, churches, and Peruvian business who we hope will consider supporting us in the future. The financial report contains a snapshot of the company's current financial condition as well as a income statement that shows how Sinergia has used its donations since its inception in January 2007. More interestingly, the report also contains a explanation of the vision and mission of our organziation and a couple of testimonies from women in the community with whom we work. If you would like a copy of this report to learn more about what Sinergia is accomplishing, shoot me an e-mail with your mailing address at drew.mcway@gmail.com (or just post it on a comment directly on this website) and I'd be happy to send you one free of charge.
Apology and Blog Venting
Apologies for totally dropping the ball for the last six weeks on the blog (this is directed at you Mom, as you are probably the only avid blog reader). Oh, and Joey Converse and Jordan Campbell (shout out!), I know you have called me out for neglecting the blog as well.
Well, right when I think I am totally settled into my new culture and my new job, Peru pitches another curve ball. This time in the form of a bureaucratic beast: Customs and Immigration. My kind family agreed to send a care package with granola, my computer external harddrive, a friendly greeting card, and - might I add, most objectionably - an old button-down collared shirt and a used pair of climbing shoes! You see, Peruvian customs has airtight restrictions on importing used clothing into the country. Nevermind, that Peru has recently climbed to the number #1 slot in international Cocain exportation. No, it's probably best to focus their efforts on clothing crossing the borders. Peruvian Fedex suggested that I hire a customs agent, men hovering around the city airport, to speak to customs officials on my behalf and "negotiate an agreement". If that's not a euphemism for "you have to bribe the customs guy holding your belongings", I'm not sure what is. The care package is currently in transit back to the US.
Well, right when I think I am totally settled into my new culture and my new job, Peru pitches another curve ball. This time in the form of a bureaucratic beast: Customs and Immigration. My kind family agreed to send a care package with granola, my computer external harddrive, a friendly greeting card, and - might I add, most objectionably - an old button-down collared shirt and a used pair of climbing shoes! You see, Peruvian customs has airtight restrictions on importing used clothing into the country. Nevermind, that Peru has recently climbed to the number #1 slot in international Cocain exportation. No, it's probably best to focus their efforts on clothing crossing the borders. Peruvian Fedex suggested that I hire a customs agent, men hovering around the city airport, to speak to customs officials on my behalf and "negotiate an agreement". If that's not a euphemism for "you have to bribe the customs guy holding your belongings", I'm not sure what is. The care package is currently in transit back to the US.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
First Impressions
Trujillo, Peru is a bustling city of some 800,000 metropolitan inhabitants. Much like many Spanish developed cities, there is an old historic district in the heart of town that then gives way to a typical square grid development of commercial and residential. And much like most other central american cities the developed city grid thins into shanty undeveloped poorer neighborhoods on the outskirts. I live on a busy intersection apartment building just inside the historic quarters with three recent ol' miss graduates and another guy from Florida, but my the microfinance NGO "offices" in the less wealthy outskirts. I work with one other full-time employee Eduardo. Between his broken English and my broken Spanish I think we're going to be able to get things done! I don't have much to report in regards to my work here yet because most of my first week was dedicated to getting a cell phone, learning the company loaning policies and methodologies, figuring my way around town, etc. but I did have the privilege of meeting and photographing (with the help of a professional!) a few of the borrowers. Photos posted above.
Trip Wrap-up
Before I unpack the details of my first week in Trujillo, here are some numbers that summarize my journey through Central America:
Days: 39
Countries: 8
Bus Hours: 126
Boat Hours: 11
Flight Hours: 8
Backpack Weight (lbs.) 22
Hot Showers: 3
Boxers: 2
Rice and Beans meals: 23
McFlurrys: 2
Highest Fever (F): 104
Lost in Translation: ...
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