The time is fast approaching....
So, here we are on the eve of our departure for the 'build adventure'. As we have never done this before, or anything like it, we are fretting about what to take with us and what to leave behind. We certainly won't need winter clothing as the temperature seems to vary between the low 80's F (around 28 C) and the upper 70's F( 24/26 C) at night. Thus we need to contend with the heat, sun and we are told, multiple bugs!! Then there is also the ancillary stuff such as the hard hats, protective gear, the rechargeable cordless drill and some bits and pieces which we will bring as gifts for local people and children.
We are checked in for the flight and the car has been ordered for 4 (yes four!!) a.m. tomorrow morning for our 6.15 a.m. departure from La Guardia first for Houston and then on to Belize City. Cameras and electronics are being charged and all the various wires and connectors being sorted out. The suitcases have been brought up from storage (to the chagrin of the cats who seem to know what that presages). Preparations are in full swing.
The stuffed animals have been selected and as usual, Ratly is to the fore with his "I don't go, you don't go" mantra.
The frantic search for that 'Oh so appropriate t-shirt' which hasn't been seen for years takes place. MAC actually HAS an Open Source Ecology t-shirt which seems to have self-destructed or maybe self-composted as it is nowhere to be found.
Our neighbors have been very kind in donating some children's things which we will distribute to some of the local villagers at Copper Bank. One of the representatives of Open Source Ecology, Scott Mader is also a very active Kiva (click to go to the link), member (as is MAC). This organization extends micro-loans to women and others in third world countries so that they can start businesses or generally improve their lives. MAC has never had a default on one of her loans which are generally of $50 or less.
Although as yet we have not made too many arrangements, we are hoping to see some of the country in the short time that we have after the build is completed. So far we have booked a hotel in Belize City but there are all sorts of jungle lodges where bird and wild-life watching is available, jaguars, crocodiles and that sort of thing. So, we may, yet decide to go to one of those instead or just do day trips from Belize City.
We will see, watch this space.
We are checked in for the flight and the car has been ordered for 4 (yes four!!) a.m. tomorrow morning for our 6.15 a.m. departure from La Guardia first for Houston and then on to Belize City. Cameras and electronics are being charged and all the various wires and connectors being sorted out. The suitcases have been brought up from storage (to the chagrin of the cats who seem to know what that presages). Preparations are in full swing.
The stuffed animals have been selected and as usual, Ratly is to the fore with his "I don't go, you don't go" mantra.
The frantic search for that 'Oh so appropriate t-shirt' which hasn't been seen for years takes place. MAC actually HAS an Open Source Ecology t-shirt which seems to have self-destructed or maybe self-composted as it is nowhere to be found.
Our neighbors have been very kind in donating some children's things which we will distribute to some of the local villagers at Copper Bank. One of the representatives of Open Source Ecology, Scott Mader is also a very active Kiva (click to go to the link), member (as is MAC). This organization extends micro-loans to women and others in third world countries so that they can start businesses or generally improve their lives. MAC has never had a default on one of her loans which are generally of $50 or less.
Although as yet we have not made too many arrangements, we are hoping to see some of the country in the short time that we have after the build is completed. So far we have booked a hotel in Belize City but there are all sorts of jungle lodges where bird and wild-life watching is available, jaguars, crocodiles and that sort of thing. So, we may, yet decide to go to one of those instead or just do day trips from Belize City.
We will see, watch this space.
Comments
Post a Comment