Sing it Bruce...

Born in the Usaaaah...

I never thought it would feel soo different. I mean, Mexico is very americanised by South American standards, McD, Starbucks, Big Malls ... it's all there. But arriving in Houston, i was hit by the spectacle of over-consumerism that reigns there. To be fair to Houston, unless you plan on visiting NASA there's not much else to do here (sorry). So that is exactly what I have been doing - (window) shopping.

But let's go back a few days. I said goodbye to my colleagues and my friends and welcomed my mum to the jungle of D.F. We spend a few days getting over her jet lag, staying in a posh 5 star hotel (oh..dorms will be tough after this!) and getting a massage :) . We then braved the horrendous and infamous traffic and hit the road in our rented car (people, you would have been proud!). My suggested itinerary over a little over 5 days was DF to San Miguel de Allende, to Guanajuato, to Morelia, to Taxco ...back to DF. All this probably means nothing to most , but all I can say (now having seen it) is that is it amazingly beautiful. We stopped in beautiful and picturesque colonial towns, soaking up the atmosphere and enjoying the typical Mexican hospitality (have i mentionned how mexicans are the NICEST pple ever!). It was a little bit like Thelma and Louise - but without Brad or the chase.

I feel lucky being able to do something like this with my mum. We had a great time and shared many many laughs together.

It ended all too soon and before I knew it I was at the airport boarding a Continental flight. I was genuinely sad to leave Mexico. The people, the city, the work, the friends I have made ... all have made this one of the best experience possible.

But now for something a little different. I met up with my Dad in Houston and have enjoyed spending time with him (although given the work schedule (his) this hasn't amounted to that much...) and well shopping with mum (you gotta love the dollar!).

Next move - going to see one of my closest friends TOMORROW!!! I am very excited and we will be celebrating our big 3o together. PARTY-PARTY-PARTY-

Raaaah...bring on life after 3o!

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 !