Research Whales will participate in an informational meeting on the Pullman campus January 24th for Education Abroad program. A faculty-led program "Eco-education in Ecuador" will offer credits for students who wish to participate as interns for the summer of 2011 (Three weeks in July).
See WSU blog and read about program and options for students.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
December Culture Ecuador
So I decided to come down to Ecuador for the Christmas holiday...just to experience the holiday culture within Ecuador. All of the world I have visited celebrates Christmas (so that is a hint as to where I have not been)....and Ecuador is no different.
Here in Quito people decorate their houses with lights, although not quite as gaudy as that found in the US. The interiors have trees, stockings, and Christmas decor of all types. The malls have glitter and lights as they entice people to buy. But what is different in Ecuador is that people do not 'buy'.... I was at a Christmas family event where 15+ people attended and there was not one gift. Where in America; .prior to Christmas we spend hours hunting for that particular gift that we think someone will like, and most of the time it is just 'another' thing that sits idle most of the year, or fairly soon. And during Christmas or Eve, we spend hours opening up gifts...either ripping through the paper or slowly, the end result is the same. More things to haul back to our house or eventually place in the storage shed or...sell cheap in a garage sale.
But at this family event I attended....no gifts...none....only food of turkey, several types of potatoes, pig, vege's etc etc...and wine. Afterwards....karaoke. And when I say Karaoke, I mean KARAOKE.....in fact, five (5) hours of it. On and on and on and on.... Luckily being the new kid on the block I became exempt, thanks goodness. Oh, this was all on Christmas Eve by the way....
Christmas day....yes, the malls are open but again I hardly see anyone carrying around a bag or exchanging. People walk the mall...eat at the food court...walk and talk. The malls are crowded with little room to park as people just walk and enjoy the company of others.
I cannot say which group (America or Ecuador) obtains more or less satisfaction from Christmas. I am not overly religious and neither are the people I stayed with in Ecuador, so that aspect didn't even come into play. But from being apart of the Eve/day activities....I can honestly say that both groups manage to enjoy their days. Each group brings with it their family culture and they exist and enjoy each other within the frames of their culture.
I do know that I for one....will most probably experience Christmas from my culture as opposed to attempting to enjoy that of Ecuadorian culture. Not that I am smug, just that I too have to recognize that I bring to 'myself' a unique culture when it comes to holidays. In my quest to understand and to experience the culture of Ecuador, it is important to not leave out my culture as being a viable option as well.
Here in Quito people decorate their houses with lights, although not quite as gaudy as that found in the US. The interiors have trees, stockings, and Christmas decor of all types. The malls have glitter and lights as they entice people to buy. But what is different in Ecuador is that people do not 'buy'.... I was at a Christmas family event where 15+ people attended and there was not one gift. Where in America; .prior to Christmas we spend hours hunting for that particular gift that we think someone will like, and most of the time it is just 'another' thing that sits idle most of the year, or fairly soon. And during Christmas or Eve, we spend hours opening up gifts...either ripping through the paper or slowly, the end result is the same. More things to haul back to our house or eventually place in the storage shed or...sell cheap in a garage sale.
But at this family event I attended....no gifts...none....only food of turkey, several types of potatoes, pig, vege's etc etc...and wine. Afterwards....karaoke. And when I say Karaoke, I mean KARAOKE.....in fact, five (5) hours of it. On and on and on and on.... Luckily being the new kid on the block I became exempt, thanks goodness. Oh, this was all on Christmas Eve by the way....
Christmas day....yes, the malls are open but again I hardly see anyone carrying around a bag or exchanging. People walk the mall...eat at the food court...walk and talk. The malls are crowded with little room to park as people just walk and enjoy the company of others.
I cannot say which group (America or Ecuador) obtains more or less satisfaction from Christmas. I am not overly religious and neither are the people I stayed with in Ecuador, so that aspect didn't even come into play. But from being apart of the Eve/day activities....I can honestly say that both groups manage to enjoy their days. Each group brings with it their family culture and they exist and enjoy each other within the frames of their culture.
I do know that I for one....will most probably experience Christmas from my culture as opposed to attempting to enjoy that of Ecuadorian culture. Not that I am smug, just that I too have to recognize that I bring to 'myself' a unique culture when it comes to holidays. In my quest to understand and to experience the culture of Ecuador, it is important to not leave out my culture as being a viable option as well.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Study Abroad at Washington State University
Summer 2011....Study Abroad with Washington State University will offer up to 3 semester credits for internships/work in Ecuador. You will be provided with room and board....excursions, whale watching and data collection opportunities, chances to work in schools and experience Ecuadorian Culture...
One of the negatives about living in the USA is just that....you live in the USA. When compared to other nations we have a false society....and very materialistic. Summer Abroad is a great opportunity to witness life in another country. Eco-Ecuador will give you a chance to experience Ecuador at its purest. This is not a tour trip.....this is a working adventure. Each year with the return of the Humpback whales, the Ecuador economy gets a boost as tourists from around the world come to catch a glimpse of humpback whales. But why just catch a glimpse...? Why not work more closely with several times a week and help out in collecting whale data? ....Why not work within the schools and help to demonstrate about Eco-education, environmental education? .... Do something with your life and help others, help the world.
Our biggest problems in this world are yet to be solved. There is very little we can do about the past or what has led us to 'seeming' climatic changes so there is no use harping on it...but we can begin to take what we have and make a difference for the future...... This starts with 'you'...learn about different cultures, experience them...be a part of them. Build from within and begin to do your part of help those around you.
One of the negatives about living in the USA is just that....you live in the USA. When compared to other nations we have a false society....and very materialistic. Summer Abroad is a great opportunity to witness life in another country. Eco-Ecuador will give you a chance to experience Ecuador at its purest. This is not a tour trip.....this is a working adventure. Each year with the return of the Humpback whales, the Ecuador economy gets a boost as tourists from around the world come to catch a glimpse of humpback whales. But why just catch a glimpse...? Why not work more closely with several times a week and help out in collecting whale data? ....Why not work within the schools and help to demonstrate about Eco-education, environmental education? .... Do something with your life and help others, help the world.
Our biggest problems in this world are yet to be solved. There is very little we can do about the past or what has led us to 'seeming' climatic changes so there is no use harping on it...but we can begin to take what we have and make a difference for the future...... This starts with 'you'...learn about different cultures, experience them...be a part of them. Build from within and begin to do your part of help those around you.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Nature Photos
If you want....take a look at my bird / nature photos at : http://lmans66.zenfolio.com/
I really enjoy photography and have found digiscoping....this is where you take a spotting scope and hook a camera to the back eyepiece and snap away. I find this almost more enjoyable although a bit more cumbersome. But I feel a bit closer to my subjects as not only do I view them thru the scope first but my images are more up-close of them too.
I remember 15 years ago as I was looking thru a cheap spotting scope I wondered how I could take shots using the scope as a lens. Dah, it took me a while and I am a bit late into this but I have it figured out now~ I have a Swaroski 80mm HD spotting scope which cost a pretty penny, as well as a point and shoot camera or two. It takes quite a bit of photography skills just to get off a solid shot, let alone birding skills to find the right bird at the right time and in the right light etc.... What an enjoyable way to relax and spend time.
Everytime I go to Ecuador I spend time with my friend Steve in Quito who travels with me to Mindo or Cotopoxi etc... My friend Kevin and I do the same thing in Puerto Lopez in Ecuador. Of course....the states are another place I digiscope or take photographs of. Real cool...awesome!
I really enjoy photography and have found digiscoping....this is where you take a spotting scope and hook a camera to the back eyepiece and snap away. I find this almost more enjoyable although a bit more cumbersome. But I feel a bit closer to my subjects as not only do I view them thru the scope first but my images are more up-close of them too.
I remember 15 years ago as I was looking thru a cheap spotting scope I wondered how I could take shots using the scope as a lens. Dah, it took me a while and I am a bit late into this but I have it figured out now~ I have a Swaroski 80mm HD spotting scope which cost a pretty penny, as well as a point and shoot camera or two. It takes quite a bit of photography skills just to get off a solid shot, let alone birding skills to find the right bird at the right time and in the right light etc.... What an enjoyable way to relax and spend time.
Everytime I go to Ecuador I spend time with my friend Steve in Quito who travels with me to Mindo or Cotopoxi etc... My friend Kevin and I do the same thing in Puerto Lopez in Ecuador. Of course....the states are another place I digiscope or take photographs of. Real cool...awesome!
Friday, April 23, 2010
Washington State University Philanthropy Project
I recently returned from Pullman where four students at WSU were successful in raising funds so we can build an eco-library in Puerto Lopez, Ecuador. I really admire what they have accomplished. It is not easy raising funds for 'causes' outside of the US. Most Americans can barely see the need in their own back yard let alone in a world half way away from us~ So, thanks, my hat is off to you all.
Our goal is to match the dollars which WSU students donated to us. With this money we intend to purchase eco-books written in Spanish. We will place these in a school in Puerto Lopez allowing the students an opportunity to further their appreciation of their environment and eco-system. Many things all over the world need to change, we all know that. Change happens over time and by giving these students the knowledge base to draw from in regards to their eco-system, we hope that as they become leaders in their community, we will have helped set the foundation for a solid appreciation of their environment. .........
Our goal is to match the dollars which WSU students donated to us. With this money we intend to purchase eco-books written in Spanish. We will place these in a school in Puerto Lopez allowing the students an opportunity to further their appreciation of their environment and eco-system. Many things all over the world need to change, we all know that. Change happens over time and by giving these students the knowledge base to draw from in regards to their eco-system, we hope that as they become leaders in their community, we will have helped set the foundation for a solid appreciation of their environment. .........
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Social Change
I have taught a class or two with Walden University for 8-9 years... The University, although for-profit....has an emphasis on Social Change. I feel this is important and although I have been a proponent of social change for years, it is good to see an entire organization lead with this in mind.
Walden has highlighted the Foundation in their alumni journal "Walden Ponder"....I am proud of that. The Foundation has been in existence for 4 years and we have slowly evolved into an organization where we support both (a) environmental education and (b) scientific research. Through these two focus points, we have created a bit of social change within the area of Ecuador where we are based. I slowly see change....
In addition, I feel that the Foundation reaches out to others. For instance, every time we bring in a university student from Quito, United States or from other countries, we have added to their understanding of the third world and problems associated with it. In order for the world to change for the good....we need to change from within. As these interns grow into their lives and expand their influence with a community.....it is hopeful that they will always remember their internship experience and begin to promote giving and social change.
Walden has highlighted the Foundation in their alumni journal "Walden Ponder"....I am proud of that. The Foundation has been in existence for 4 years and we have slowly evolved into an organization where we support both (a) environmental education and (b) scientific research. Through these two focus points, we have created a bit of social change within the area of Ecuador where we are based. I slowly see change....
In addition, I feel that the Foundation reaches out to others. For instance, every time we bring in a university student from Quito, United States or from other countries, we have added to their understanding of the third world and problems associated with it. In order for the world to change for the good....we need to change from within. As these interns grow into their lives and expand their influence with a community.....it is hopeful that they will always remember their internship experience and begin to promote giving and social change.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
Ecuador Birds
Since I am a bird watcher and enjoy hiking around.....I have a collection of some of my better bird shots from my walk-abouts in Ecuador. Some of these are from the Mindo region of Ecuador while an equal number are from the coastal region. You can view these at:
http://lmans66.zenfolio.com/p961186004
Birding in Ecuador is difficult depending on where you bird. For instance, in the Mindo Valley area outside of Quito, this is a very rainforested area with an abundant amount of foliage, thus making it difficult to get the perfect shot. Most of the time you need to have two or three shots pieced together to actually view the entire bird! But there are a few spectacular shots here of hummingbirds and the like. On the other hand, the coastal area...especially isla de la plata, the birds are not as easily spooked and the foliage is sparse. Thus, good birding although the numbers of difference species are not as great.
The sun is an issue in Ecuador. Having the sun is almost a must in any jungle area or even on the coast. But with the sun comes this intense heat and sometimes humidity that drains your body rapidly. Either way...an experience that must be had by any birder.
I use either my 300f4 L series Canon (with or without my 1.4 T/C) or my 80-400 Tokina Lens.
http://lmans66.zenfolio.com/p961186004
Birding in Ecuador is difficult depending on where you bird. For instance, in the Mindo Valley area outside of Quito, this is a very rainforested area with an abundant amount of foliage, thus making it difficult to get the perfect shot. Most of the time you need to have two or three shots pieced together to actually view the entire bird! But there are a few spectacular shots here of hummingbirds and the like. On the other hand, the coastal area...especially isla de la plata, the birds are not as easily spooked and the foliage is sparse. Thus, good birding although the numbers of difference species are not as great.
The sun is an issue in Ecuador. Having the sun is almost a must in any jungle area or even on the coast. But with the sun comes this intense heat and sometimes humidity that drains your body rapidly. Either way...an experience that must be had by any birder.
I use either my 300f4 L series Canon (with or without my 1.4 T/C) or my 80-400 Tokina Lens.
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