Mexico City Departure Date: D - 15

The decision has been made. I will leave Mexico and the entire continent of Hispano-Landia in May. How will I cope ? Having been surrounded by dark skinned Spanish speakers for nearly 8 months what will happen of me ? I will be understood by everyone, look like everyone else, dress like everyone ...

oh...


... joy.

Or is it ?

Finally... a little "field work"

I had been waiting for this moment since starting my work in Microfinance in Mexico back in February ... the opportunity to get "down and dirty" in the field finally got presented to me when I was asked to join the Regional Manager on a number of project visits in San Luis de Potosi and Morelia. Although all this sounds very exciting (and parts of it definitely were!), I am exhausted, tired of the 3 consecutive 4 am wake up calls, of 40 min flights in very small planes and, who would have thought possible...tired of eating out!

But despite these minor disagreements, the experience was extremely interesting and enlightening in the fact that I got to see first hand the benefits of using Microfinance to help people better their lives.

I got to see two very different projects but in both cases the funds loaned could make a real difference to the future of these organisations.

First stop was in San Luis de Potosi to visit a Microfinance organisation (MFIs) called FinCrecemos. MFIs are similar to banks as in they give out loans and can sometimes provide saving/insurance products but the key difference is that they will offer small loans and will not require a guaranty (collateral) from their customers. Usually, MFI target low income women who aim to start or already have a commercial activity. Interest rates are higher than commercial banks (approx 7% per month) but a lot lower than their only alternative, ie loan sharks who charge in their area 10% per day!

In order to receive a loan of approx $200, they must create a solidarity group (in this case the minimum was 12 people), have had a address for at least 1 year and have or look to create a commercial activity (from anything to Taco stall to selling flowers..etc).

We were given the opportunity to meet a credit promoter (the woman who is the link between the MFI and the end clients), her supervisor, the Director of the MFI and a group of women who are receiving a loan. We interviewed all these people trying to get a 360 view of the whole process. It was eye opening as I got to see how a little trust could really go a long way!

Both the women working for the MFI and those receiving the loans were very serious about their responsibilities, enthusiastic and well organised. It was clear and accepted that this was a business to them and not charity. It made them feel important and trustworthy.

Not a bad result in terms of empowerment for women.

The second project I visited was a Fair Trade company called Fairtrasa, a fruit exporter (mainly avocado but incorporating grapefruit, blackberries, lime and even wine!) based in the Michuacan region of Mexico.

This project is categorised as a "production"project which we were drawn to because we aim to increase our support of Fair Trade organisations around the world. Unfortunately I was not able to go see the avocado producers (no time) but I did get a good understanding of the issues relating to fair trade organisations and how they aim to "put a little back into the community".

This project was interesting in the fact that it demanded an analysis of the business as a whole as well as the financial analysis required to give out the loan (so again, a different twist on the whole process).

In both these projects, I saw respect, drive and the desire to grow, develop, improve lives without the need to government intervention.

I am now tired but happy. I have interesting responsibilities ahead that span from the financial analysis of these proposals to finding new target projects in Mexico. Should keep me nicely busy for a while.

Off home for a well deserved rest.

PS: Am also v chuffed and slightly intrigued as to how I managed to get by (Spanish wise) translating what was said to me from Spanish into English (via french) as all my notes are in English !

Semana Santa in Belize, March 2008

First stop in Belize was Orange Walk, a small city in the northern part of Belize which is the usual port of call for anyone that wants to see Lamanai,the site of pre-colombian Maya ruins dating back to the 16th Century BC. Although impressively set in the jungle a 2h boat ride from Orange Walk, I think I was a little ruined-out by then. I did enjoy getting a bit of a tan on the boat and seeing one crocodile. Shame we were surrounded by American Southerners....they gave a whole new meaning to the word southern drawl.

Next stop was the jungle. We stayed at Ian Anderson´s Caves Branch a Jungle resort of sorts, which combines luxury tree house accomodation and budget dorms. Guess where we stayed? The whole camp was actually quite cool, combining isolation (and howler monkeys!) with the perks of warm water in outdoor showers and comfortable beds. We set off on the Black Hole Drop expedition, which involved a challenging trek through the jungle and them being dropped off into the Black Hole (300 ft drop) with ropes ...of course.


After my 2 day stop in the Jungle I decided to go full circle and return to the same country I started this trip ... Guatemala. I had not had the opportunity to see Tikal the first time around and thought it would be fitting to return to Guatemala 6 months down the road. Unfortunaly my disposable camera failed me on this occasion, so no pictures.

Nothing could prepare me for the truly awesome feeling of walking by the Tikal Temples minutes before dawn, listening to the howler monkeys and the different bird species waking up in this isolated jungle setting. I have definitely found my favourite Maya Ruin Experience.

Next stop was the Caribbean coast and the laid back coral limestone island of Caye Caulker. Caye Caulker is definitely chilled, there are no cars (except for golf carts), no big hotels but plenty of hammocs, rustic cabanas and rum punch! The people have a definite caribbean feel, polite and very friendly. They call it a Backpacker´s Heaven and I know why!

Unfortunately there are no beaches as the coast is filled with algue which makes any attempt to take a dip rather unpleasant. But for those who like to dive, opportunities to get out there abound, whether you want to swim with nurse sharks or see the famous manitees.

The place is perfect if you want to relax and not do much more than read a book and go for food. Which is exactly what I did. I also indulged in a little more rum than I probably should have but it made for unforgettable memories.

Soon enough it was time to say cheerio and embark on the journey home. I had initially planned to take a 2 hr boat ride to Corozal but plans changed dramatically when it appeared that boats didn´t leave at the time it said on the schedule. This is the Caribbean after all ... Instead, I took a boat ride to another Caye, boarded a plane to Corozal, then a bus over the border into Mexico. I then had a 22h bus ride to look forward to in order to get back into Mexico City. All fun and games except that the friggin´HSBC cash machine ate my card and that Mexico ´s Executive buses equal Argentina´s cheapo buses ... ie. they´re crap.

Back to life...back to reality

I haven't posted since the 14th March...yikes... i definitely do not deserve passing the 2000 mark in terms of site visits (raaah!)

I have had a busy two weeks - galivanting (as my mum would say) around Mexico and Belize (I included a bonus stop into Guatemala to see Tikal). It's been so long I don't even know where to start.

First as previously mentioned, my camera died while I was in Chichen Itza. This has resulted in having to go back in time and use a disposable camera. I purchased three in total and have ended up with a grand total of approx 10 acceptable photos. Nice ratio, don't you think? Although clearly disappointed with the result, the old, worn out look is growing on me. Let me know what you think.

First stop after Chichen Itza was Playa del Carmen, a small fishing village that has turned out to be a second Cancun in the making. It is part of the Riviera Maya, the Mexican version of the French Riviera which caters mostly to American tourists.

It's not everyone's cup of tea. I was there during Spring Break which meant many (too) Americans - university students and family alike walking around La Quinta (the main street) which boasts souvenir shops, pharmacy (for prescription drugs that are available OTC in Mexico), Starbucks, Papa Johns, Subway, BKing, McDo ... etc..etc...Not quite what I was expecting.

On a postive note, I enjoyed a day at the beach and got to witness first hand Mariachi singing outside our hostel.


Next stop was Tulum a small village further down the coast towards Belize, which has the most beautiful setting for Maya ruins in Mexico. With hindsight I would have rathered skipped Playa and gone directly to Tulum. It has beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, flour-like sand and best of all .... very little infrastructure. If you ever dreamt of drinking an ice-cold Corona somewhere in Mexico ....you should do it there.


As I was battling with the surf, looking extremely sexy with my newly-purchased kids goggles (cheaper!), I got talking to a bunch of kids who were having fun in the waves nearby. It turned out that they were on a day out with their english teacher. They seemed excited to be able to practice their english , so we chatted along about their Maya culture, learning english, Mexico, the beach...everything and anything.


Very cool.

Next stop Belize.