Kiva Friends Abroad

[Guest]

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[Mark CDT]

The best way to sense the poverty on the world today is, of course, to travel in the countries whose standard of living does not match ours.

I think it would be interesting to hear the travel experiences of KF - the countries they have visited and their impressions. If this has already been done before, I apologize for bringing it back.  If not, I think it would be valuable to share our experiences - especially those who are planning to travel soon.  I am especially jealous of Charlie and Diane for going to Peru without me 

For me personally, I have spend 2 weeks in Cuba, 4 weeks in the Dominican Republic and only a few hours in each of Mexico and Belize.  I can't speak a lot of the later two, but I did get a feel for Cuba and the DR.  The people in both countries seem to be relaxed and stress-free in comaprison to us. They are very friendly and of course, poor.  I suppose most do realize that they are not as well off as us but they don't realize to what extent.

One funny experience I had was in Trinidad, Cuba where I left a hotel pillow (maybe it was a towel, can't remember) in the back of our rented jeep and upon returning it, the towel (or pillow) was gone. Then someone hailed us from a second floor window and then came down and returned the item to me.  He was afraid someone would steal it - I offerred him some pesos for his kindness but he graciously declined it.

[Mark CDT]

I've reconsidered my vote and changed it from 4 to 2.  I did not spend enough time in Mexico or Belize to get a real feel for the people even though I was aware of the poor conditions there.

[KivanSteven]

Does Waterbury, CT or south central LA count?

[Diane R]

I was in China for 3 weeks in 1981, which at the time would have qualified, but I suspect it has changed *significantly* since then!

--Diane.

[charity]

I thought I would try to revive this thread and see if anyone has any tips or trips they enjoyed that they would recommend to others. 
Thanks in advance!   

[TheTatiana]

Don't stay in a fancy western-style hotel where you might as well be in Peoria.  Try for something with some local flavor.  It will be less expensive as well as more fun. 

If at all possible, have a local guide.  I had the greatest time in Guatemala with an old coworker and an old college friend who were both locals.  I met a girl on the plane on the way down to Guyaquil, Equador and we chatted about everything under the sun.  She gave me her contact information and the last night of my trip when my work was done, I met up with her and a few of her friends for a charming fun night eating local food and seeing the city.  It was wonderful! 

Another tip is to learn as much of the language as you can before you go.  Even if you only know a few phrases, people usually are delighted to help you out when you try to speak their language.  Also, you will get opportunities to learn a little more and a little more with every interaction.  Even in just a few days you can acquire quite a bit.

If you eat the first day in places with English on the menus along with the country's language, you can memorize the names of all the foods for use later in places where no English is spoken.  Something about the positive reinforcement of being fed something tasty helps food names stick in your memory.  =)

[Wood Fairy Glenda]

     Well, I'm going to Ethiopia this Saturday and to Papua New Guinea this March (both Habitat for Humanity house builds).  In Ethiopia I'm hoping to meet 3 sponsored kids after the build. I've done similar service trips, sometimes medical ones, in Philippines, Guatemala, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Mexico, Uganda and Haiti.  I've loved them all.
     In my opinion, the best way to travel is to find something you can do to help and then do it.  People in the country then understand why you're there, and you get to meet, work with, and make friends with the real people of the country.  It's wonderful.
     

[Wood Fairy Glenda]

PS: I've found that the poorer the people you meet, the more friendly and generous they are.