This sounds very similar to a few volunteer trips I've made with a nonprofit organization called Corazon de Vida (corazondevida.org). They organize bus trips for volunteers from LA, San Diego and Orange County to visit one of the several orphanages that they run in Tijuana. I visited the El Faro and Hacienda homes, both in poor sections of Tijuana. They barely get by and also need volunteers and support. We did not spend the night but came back the same day. They organize crafts and activities to do with the children and provide lunch. They also give a tour of the site. On our last trip the founder of CDV, Hilda Pachecho, joined us.
It's fun and rewarding to spend time with the kids and they love the attention. Mexico has no foster care system so volunteers are needed. It's a great way to spend a Saturday. They had a Christmas visit last weekend. I was bummed I wasn't able to attend that one but I'm definitely going back next year. — December 6, 2009 8:36 a.m.
Doing Europe: Prague, Czech Republic
I´m with mamabear on this. Matt is describing the exuberance of youth. Can you remember that, Fred? -when the world was open at your feet and anything seemed possible? How many people his age have the guts to go overseas and experience several other cultures for a few years? Frankly, I think we´d have a more understanding and wise populace if this were more common. I know Matt and he told me how it profoundly affected him. He is much more than a party boy. He is an extremely talented and culturally aware person. If he was a party boy then, so what? People learn, grow and change. Even Gandhi started out as a party boy. Have you grown wiser? Obviously your experience is different than Matt´s so why don´t you write your own story? I mentioned, somewhat jokingly, that Matt should write a book. But I know that there´s a book in him, that his experienced is much deeper and multi layered than can be revealed in these articles. As far as his appreciation of Czech culture, did you read his first story about his experience in the Spanish jail? Would you not call that Kakaesque? What a nod to Franz! Have fun in Prague, Fred.— June 27, 2010 3:55 p.m.
Doing Europe: Prague, Czech Republic
I love reading your stories. Have you thought about writing a book?— June 23, 2010 8:57 a.m.
Sevilla, Spain: A Celebratory Day To Remember...Maybe
Great story, Matt. Your experience sounds horrifying!— May 8, 2010 9:59 p.m.
An Enchanting Visit to Casa de Paz orphanage in Ensenada, Mexico
This sounds very similar to a few volunteer trips I've made with a nonprofit organization called Corazon de Vida (corazondevida.org). They organize bus trips for volunteers from LA, San Diego and Orange County to visit one of the several orphanages that they run in Tijuana. I visited the El Faro and Hacienda homes, both in poor sections of Tijuana. They barely get by and also need volunteers and support. We did not spend the night but came back the same day. They organize crafts and activities to do with the children and provide lunch. They also give a tour of the site. On our last trip the founder of CDV, Hilda Pachecho, joined us. It's fun and rewarding to spend time with the kids and they love the attention. Mexico has no foster care system so volunteers are needed. It's a great way to spend a Saturday. They had a Christmas visit last weekend. I was bummed I wasn't able to attend that one but I'm definitely going back next year.— December 6, 2009 8:36 a.m.
Punta Mesa Loop
While at lunch today I was flipping through your Afoot & Afield in San Diego County book (great book for SD hikers!)for a hike this afternoon. I decided on Hollenbeck Canyon near Jamul. I'll be visiting a friend near there tonight. I came home and checked out this web site before heading out and there was your story. The Punta Mesa loop looks like another great hike-but for another day. Your book has provided many mornings and afternoons of recreation and hiking pleasure for me.— November 24, 2009 1:46 p.m.
Bloodless Bullfights in Gustine, California
Interesting. I just wrote a story on Madrid, Spain where bullfighting is a traditional part of the culture. I declined to attend any bullfights when I was there. The one bullfight I attended years ago in Rosarito, Mexico made such an indelibly bad impression on me that I decided it would be my last one. I didn't realize at the time that the bull would be killed. It's good to know that they're able to preserve their culture without sacrificing the bull. Thanks for sharing.— November 21, 2009 9:13 a.m.
Taj Majal, Agra, India
I've never taken a photography course-so feel free to leave any constructive suggestions as to how to improve the photos.— November 21, 2009 7:23 a.m.
Mud Pots of Calipatria & Leonard Knight's Salvation Mountain, Niland, CA
I looked up the movie credits of Into the Wild and there's a Leonard Knight who played himself. It's obviously him. I thought he looked familiar!— November 8, 2009 6:31 p.m.
Mud Pots of Calipatria & Leonard Knight's Salvation Mountain, Niland, CA
Bonnie, do you know if this is the fellow that was in the movie Into the Wild? (directed by Sean Penn, starring Emile Hirsch about Chris McCandless who traveled to and died in Alaska). There's a scene set in California which included either Leonard or someone very similar.— November 8, 2009 6:16 p.m.
Re-tune in Sedona, Arizona
Have fun in Sedona, guys! I loved your photos, antigeekess— November 4, 2009 8:50 p.m.