Comments for La Vida Idealist

Comment on “Take Your Rosaries Out of My Ovaries!” by Lindsay Southwick

Lindsay Southwick — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 15:17:38 +0000

feminazi!

/nah, I kid
/ good post

Comment on A “Representative” Democracy by philip

philip — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:44:44 +0000

Great post Laurel, brought up an interesting topic for me. The whole “first world” label bothers me in general for a few reasons.

First of all, I really wonder what sort of ideal “first world” nations (Europe?/USA?) have set up for developing Latin countries. I think it is what worries me about “globalization” as well; the same model for economic development doesn’t fit for all nations/ cultures of the world. I mean, as much as I hate Correa’s stiff import taxes whenever I try to get bike parts, or expensive electronics, or BEER in this country; he does have a model that is building stability and growing the local economy of this small Andean nation while shunning some “first world” trade partners like the U.S.

So, although I am sure your current paisanos are passionate, and have specific goals for their political aims, I guess I do not take as much offense to the representative’s statement as you do. I understand that racism and classism are entrenched in culture, and I don’t doubt that that is a factor perhaps in some of the comments you mentioned about the indigenous populations, however, if some in El Salvador don’t want to be a first world nation, or don’t think they can, good for them, other options exist.

Please keep us posted on what you do find out!! Best, Philip

Comment on Volunteerism in Latin America: The Uruguay Picture by Top 50 Volunteer/Activism Blogs - L I V A

Top 50 Volunteer/Activism Blogs - L I V A — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 00:07:57 +0000

[...] travel there, and who want to volunteer in the local community. Some notable recent posts include Volunteerism in Latin America: The Uruguay Picture, Give a Student Hot Lunch, and She’ll Eat for a Day…, and Planning a [...]

Comment on A Little Puppy & Immigration Control by Kristin

Kristin — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 16:56:23 +0000

I love this story! Perfect example and small story to illustrate the bigger story! The story of Enelbi and this puppy touches my heart.

Comment on Why to Teach English in Colombia (With an O) by nsouthwick

nsouthwick — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 01:15:14 +0000

Halimah,

Thanks so much for commenting on this! I’m glad you’re enjoying the blog and I’m so excited for the awesome experience I know you’re going to have with WorldTeach! Colombia is an amazing place and I absolutely encourage you to apply to the program. Please feel free to get in touch with me if you have any questions at all or just want to find out more about Colombia. You can reach me through my blog (linked at the bottom here) or email at natalie.southwick@gmail.com. Hope to hear from you, and have an amazing time in Panama!

And Clement, thank you as well for the kind words. Volunteering is an incredibly rewarding experience in so many ways, and I definitely encourage you to use this website and others like it to look for opportunities. Good luck!

Comment on Small Frustrations and Big White Elephants by Inequality and Inspiration Between the Clouds / La Vida Idealist

Inequality and Inspiration Between the Clouds / La Vida Idealist — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:27:24 +0000

[...] look at “Money Matters: An Awkward Request from Students” by Kimberly Friedland, “Small Frustrations and Big White Elephants” by Nereida Heller, or “La Vida: Teaching English in Quito, Ecuador” by Philip [...]

Comment on Money Matters: An Awkward Request from Students by Inequality and Inspiration Between the Clouds / La Vida Idealist

Inequality and Inspiration Between the Clouds / La Vida Idealist — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 11:26:18 +0000

[...] out her blog. And to read more about challenges in Latin American schools, take a look at “Money Matters: An Awkward Request from Students” by Kimberly Friedland, “Small Frustrations and Big White Elephants” by Nereida [...]

Comment on Top 10 Things to do Ecuador by Sebastian

Sebastian — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 16:47:43 +0000

As an Ecuadorian, it is refreshing to see this list here. I would recommend Horseback Riding in the highlands, there are a bunch of places to do that and is awesome. Specially in Cotopaxi.

Comment on Back in the Game (and Hiking in Guatemala) by Philip

Philip — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 20:20:22 +0000

Sounds like a cool project, maybe we could get something like that going in Ecuador as well! I know what you mean about “community development”, difficult to define and attain, but simple, successful projects like yours really seem to make a difference, best to you!

Comment on Of Leap Years and Underwear by Philip

Philip — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 20:14:35 +0000

Hi Laurel, El Salvador sounds like an interesting place, good to hear about the work you are doing there. Glad you are getting to experience the culture first hand too, even after three years in Ecuador, I find the slang extremely difficult as well. Best luck to you there!