i carry your heart with me

some class notes

wandorion — Fri, 17 Aug 2007 02:09:00 GMT

CIVIL LAW SYSTEM - Latin America Siete Partida : first codification of Roman Law, 1348 (?). Applicable to entire Spanish empire; a comprehensive, gap-filler law. The Spanish "legally" justified conquering S.America's indigenous population thru divine right >> said God told the Spanish to rule the Indians: convert willingly or by force. Forces of discontent in the Americas: 1. Colonies separating from British Rule. 2. Latin America separating from Spanish rule. a) N.America seen as land to be settled; S.America seen as land to be looted. b) N.American indigenous seen as subordinates - no blood mixing; Spanish mixed with the indigenous of S.America. c) N.America wanted elected representative to rule - no king; S.America (1) Napolean separated Brazil from Portugal, (2) Spanish territories: juntas took over while Spanish king was in prison but simply to govern on his behalf and to fight the French - did not intend to take over. South American countries follow US Constitutional (public) law since gaining independence. But private law continues from Roman traditions. All countries of Latin America became independent in between 1810 and 1822. All Latin American countries have adopted a Presidential system of gov'nt [Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches]: head of gov'nt & state, people granting power to gov'nt, *Constitution* voted & adopted by process unique from other statutes (not all Constitutions are written - some are oral). The Constitutions of Latin America are inspired by the US and the French - framework for gov'nt and guaranteed individual rights. Federalism is the states giving federal gov'nt only enumerated powers, but Latin American states never had any power which they could retain. In some countries: being a judge is a career - go straight from law school to the judicial bench. Judges have to explain their verdict. Prosecutor can appeal an acquital - no double jeopardy clause. There are no juries in civil law world (exceptions: such as Brazil in very serious crimes; Argentina in some circumstances). Stare decisis is not part of civil systems, because judges are not integral in law making. Rather, civil law is university law, constructed by legal scholars. It evolved from Roman law and focuses on rights (whereas common law focuses on remedies). Civil law systems give no remedy unless provided by statute. "Amparo" gives judges power to remedy a violation of a civil law, "restoration of the right immediately." All Latin American nations have a judicial system like the United States, but do not give S.Ct. power to invalidate unconstitutional claims - only make inapplicable to the particular case. However, Latin American courts do have the authority of abstract review (initiated by a party, not by the court), whereas the United States requires an actual "case or controversy." Note* some countries have recent rules with allow precedent to become binding under certain conditions - such as Mexico's 5x1 rule, which essentially says that if the same ruling is handed down by a super majority on five consecutive determinations, then it becomes binding precedent. DNU = decrees of necessity and urgency : President's rule-making power; hyper-Presidentialism. Most Latin American countries expressly provide this in their Constitutions today. Bill of Rights. 2nd & 3rd generation rights = obligations of gov'nt to provide (housing, education, etc.) [as opposed to US - which prevents gov'nt interference] Current distrust of gov'nt due to: centralization, bureaucracy, over-regulation, under-compliance. ARGENTINA Argentina gained independence in 1810. Their first Constitution was adopted in 1853, and the 1853/60 waw the fourth oldest Constitution in the world. The Olivos Agreement and the Rosada Accord were pre-constituent steps in reforming the Constitution; these are where the DNU's (decrees of necessity and urgency) came from, called for a legislative delegation, the Judicial Council was formulated, and voting restraints were imposed on the Constitutional Convention. In 1994 Argentina adopted their newest Constitution, which expressly empowers DNU's. Argentina binds itself to the International Human Rights tready and also to the International Court of Human Rights. Argentina holds international law as equal to the authority of its domestic Constitution, and if there is a conflict then the international treaties actually trump domestic law. 1976-83 was the last military coup/dictatorship in Argentina, and now trials concerning the many people taken during that time are being being brought to convict the military leaders responsible for the "disappeared" as they are called. President Menem gave pardons, amnesty to these military officials, but now those pardons are being revoked and President Kirchner calling for justice. These trials are the "juricio de la verdad." Amparo is granted in Art 43 of the 1994 Constitution, as well as detailed in a 1966 statute. Amparo is the action to protect a person's civil rights. Since the 1994 Constitution, judges can now declare the statute unconstitutional across the board (before they could only declare unconstitutionality as to the particular parties involved), now amparo applies against private action (before only applied against gov'nt action), and it protects not only constitutional rights but also those granted thru statutes and treaties. However, amparo still requires that all other avenues of remedy be exhausted before filing of an amparo action. The courts still hear amparo in January, which is the month of vacation for lawyers and courts are otherwise closed. Supreme Court Justices have the option of three oaths: (a) on the four gospels of the Bible, (b) to country and God {God being a generic term for whichever force is that Justice's greater power}, or (c) to country and honor. Counsel has 10 days to write and file their briefs for a case going before the S.Ct, and these briefs run an average of approximately 40 pages. S.Ct. case law transitioned into a new era along with the 1994 Constitution. Up to 1994, the Argentine S.Ct. frequently cited to United State's S.Ct. cases; after the new Constitution international law is more prominent than US cases. Federal judges have mandatory retirement at age 75. Appeals as of right: constitutional cases must be heard by the national Supreme Court. Provincial supreme courts hear all constitutional cases concerning at least 25,000 pesos. Procurator General (parallels US's Attorney General) may file unconstitutionality actions on own initiative, and must intervene in all such actions regardless of who files. The court decides how much each attorney gets paid in a case, and the losing party must pay both attorneys. Experts are randomly appointed to a case by the court, from a pre-selected list. 90% of the trials in Argentina are abbreviated, meaning they are judged solely on written submissions to the court. Only 10% go to an actual oral hearing. Criminal law calls for "libre conviccion razonada," which means reasonable intimate conviction - a standard not as high as the US's beyond a reasonable doubt. Verdicts have to be explained, whereas in the US they are simply guilty or not guilty. Verdict and sentence are declared at the same time, by the same panel of judges. The victim can have a lawyer proceed even if the state drops the charges, "particular damnificado." The defendent himself can question witnesses. Defendents canNOT plead guilty; guilty is for the court to determine. Argentina law school focus on law - lots of black letter memorization, whereas the US focuses on facts and how to apply the law. Voting: over 18 = mandatory; over 70 = can but do not have to. MEXICO There are 136 Articles in Mexico's Constitution. Citizens are guaranteed civil, political, social, and economic rights; third generation collective rights aim for sustainable development, education, and cultural self-determination. The President sits for a six year term; Congress has two houses - the Senate and the Chamber of Deputies; the judiciary is US-inspired and has 11 justices sitting for 15-yr terms. To amend the Constitution requires a 2/3 vote of the members of Congress present at the vote plus the majority of state legislatures. Separation of powers issues: Art 105(I) articulates the constitutional controversy, which is for conflicts between gov'nt bodies/branches. Art 105(II) lays out the unconstitutionality action, which deals with the abstract challenge to any gov'nt act (along listed restrictions). Art 107(II) declares amparo for individuals, for specific instances. And Art 107(XIII) says that when same level lower courts split on parallel decisions, the S.Ct. will decide the issue; however, note that the S.Ct.'s ruling will not affect either of those two lower court's prior rulings. DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Amparo is not thru their Constitution but is active and valid thru Article 25 of the American Convention on Human Rights. International law created amparo, and it applies against private party action. Amparo can also apply against judicial rulings. ETC. 1) Constitutional Supremecy: (a) self-monitoring, (b) separate body for oversight, and (c) S.Ct. oversees/checks. unconstitutionality action for (potential) violations. 2) Separation of Powers - to secure the rights of individuals: (a) horizontally thru branches of gov'nt, (b) vertically thru fed / state / local gov'nts. Constitutional controversy to deal with violations. 3) Domestic Applicability of International Law -> ratified treaties are part of supreme law of the land, often trumping domestic law (even w/o implementing legislation); (a) self-executing, (b) programmatic. a) exculpatory excuse : it is still wrong, just don't punish for it b) justificatory excuse : conduct is okay in itself a) territory of law : subject to law of area you are in b) personality of law : subject to law of your ethnic group a) discrete holding : "inter partes," relative effects, binds only the parties b) jurisprudential holding : "erga omnes," general effects, binds all/everyone a) dualist : domenstic Constitution prevails over international law b) monist : international law prevails

case notes

wandorion — Sat, 4 Aug 2007 15:28:00 GMT

Ekmedjian v. Neustadt Argentina S.Ct. 1988 ~opinions expressed on TV >-> politics ? right of reply -> religion ? right of reply, collective need to balance free speech & dignity of private persons -Am Conven on HR Art 14 : violate treaty by (A) legislative proscriptions of violations, or (B) legislature fails to establish mechanisms necessary to met the treaty’s requirements -> international law haw precedence over domestic law (Vienna Convention on Treaties) -self-executing = only if presently apply in concrete context *Ct. : Art 14 is free & precise : “anyone has the right” ... right to reply, using same communications outlet \ -> ratified treaties automatically are valid domestic law: Art 31, Argentina Constitution => Inter-American Court of Human Rights interprets Art 14(1) to give broad right of reply - “ideological interests” = “affirmation of moral/religious principles” - intent to slander/insult not required - offense of substantial gravity - must impact victim’s most intimate feelings >> collective representative Siri v. Police Commissioner Argentina S.Ct. 1957 ~newspaper closed down -lack of reason ? amparo *Ct. : P never requested habeas corpus particularly, thus Ct. not limited to ruling on such grounds; judgment for P/newspaper -> individual’s rights exist because they are in the Constitution, independently of whether/not the legislature has enacted remedies for violations of those rights -Art 33 of Constitution Kot v. Fistein Argentina S.Ct. 1958 ~workers occupying factory because of labor dispute w/ employer ? amparo - right to property and to work *Ct. : judgment for P/employer -> amparo protects constitutional rights as against private parties, not just against state (gov’nt) action Avon v. Labor Court Dominican Republic S.Ct. 1999 ~labor dispute ? amparo (writ of protection) *Ct. : writ of protection comes from Art 25(1) of Am Conven on HR and it DR domestic law - constitutional right - as against private parties / administrative officials / judges / gov’nt - S.Ct. may establish procedure individuals participate in societal debates, as well as assert rights Yecapixtla v. Congress Mexico S.Ct. 2002 ~indigenous rights ? constitutional controversy: challenge to procedure of constitutional amendments \ Art 105(I)(i) - local sued state & fed *Ct. : dismissed; unreviewable -> constitutional controversy may not target the amendment procedure under Art 135 Fed Dt Legislature v. Articles 334(III)& 131(b) Mexico S.Ct. 2002 ~abortion statute ? unconstitutionality action :: Art 131(b) grants Public Ministry authority to grant abortion w/o confirming rape \ Art 105(II)(e) - exculpatory excuse : wrong but do not punish *Ct. : Art 334(III) constitutionality confirmed (7-4 vote) -focus on national public health -regulated social relation (illegal abortions) -specific in when not to punish Art 131(B) unconstitutional* (6-5 vote) *BUT dismissed because needed 8+ votes -> Mexican Constitution protects the life of the product of conception - displaces any inconsistent local statute -> international treaties subordinate only to the Constitution \ thus, international treaties protect the child’s life upon conception -> 334(III) : affirmative & absolute defense to punishment; pardon Rio Bravo v. Governor of Tamaulipas Mexico S.Ct. 1996 ~position-filling of public officials ? constitutional controversy : state statute in conflict w/ Fed Constitution \ Art 105(I)(i) *Ct. : unconstitutional, therefore invalid (unanimous 11 votes) - invalidate Art 21 - invalidate measures - validate city’s appointments \ binding only as to parties, since not (c), (h), (k) and because municipality v. state -> municipalities control : (1) public safety & traffic (2) state interferes only as necessary & by law -> Mexico S.Ct. -cannot go beyond relief framed by the parties -cannot go beyond facts framed by the parties -is obligated to correct law, legal principles applicable

travel w/ breakables

wandorion — Fri, 3 Aug 2007 18:34:00 GMT

So, why is it that I can travel for weeks on another continent and not break my fragile souvenirs, but then after being home for just a few days something ends up in pieces?? ?

PanAm Games

wandorion — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 01:50:00 GMT

The contests I saw at the 15th PanAmerican Games in Rio de Janeiro 2007: 16 July Women's indoor volleyball US lost to Cuba in three games (16-25, 23-25, 15-25); Dominican Republic won the first game against Peru before I left 17 July beach volleyball men: Canada beat Chile in two games; Mexico beat Guatemala in two games women: US (Angela Akers and Brooke Niles) beat El Salvador in two games (21-11, 21-7) 18 July women's soccer US beat Argentina 3-0 Brazil beat Ecuador 10-0 women's indoor volleyball US lost to Brazil in three games (13-25, 20-25, 20-25) 19 July beach volleyball men: Brazil beat Costa Rica in two games; Argentina beat Columbia in two games; Venezuela beat Ecuador in two games; US (Ty Loomis and Hans Stolfus) lost to Puerto Rico in three games (21-23, 21-15, 8-15) women: Canada beat Ecuador in two games; Cuba beat Columbia in the first game - then I left 20 July equestrian eventing: The vast majority of the riders were from the US, Argentina, Brazil, and Canada. Chile's entry rode into the ring and withdrew from the competition. I think it was Jamaica and Uruguay that had riders up as I was leaving. Also, the only female riders I noticed were those from the United States. Go red, white, and blue! women's basketball US beat Columbia 95-41

packing notes

wandorion — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 16:02:00 GMT

GLAD I BROUGHT: *blanket - this was just a small airline one (Northwest has the best blankets I've seen on a plane) and it was the single most useful and beneficial item I traveled with. headlamp - nice in the dorm room at the hostels, and good for wandering out to dark locations to look at stars. pants w/ lots of pockets & zipper closures - extremely useful in crowded and unsafe areas, hide the money etc in different spots! converter - this was actually a pain for people to find once we got down there, at least at a descent price. foreign currency - order some while still at home, it was much easier to get off the plane and be able to just go instead of waiting in lines for exchange or atm. layers - clothes that are work in layers are the best, especially for traveling in several different climates. various wallets & extra cards & copies of info - security and crisis mitigation. *journal - write it down, otherwise you'll forget it, and there is a lot you will experience and want to remember. quick-dry clothes & dark colors - work best for light travel and limited washing. alarm clock - don't depend on others to wake you up. nothing white - would just end up ruined anyway, or too much worry in trying to not ruin it, so don't bother. *shirt to trade - bring something from home to give and/or trade to the locals you will meet, great souvenirs for both. silverware - comes in handy, especially if traveling on a budget, but even if you don't leave home with it just save a plastic fork while you are out on travels. SHOULD NOT HAVE BROUGHT: door stop - I read about this on some website but found it completely useless because I was in hotels with a roommate, many of the doors it would not have worked with anyway, and in the hostels you can't really block people out of the dorm room. so don't bother with this little "safety tool." I didn't use my compas at all, but I would not suggest leaving this at home. It depends on adventure plans. Not as useful/necessary in the cities but good to have in the country/jungle. I was with locals and horses & dogs - so I always could have used their sense of direction. Plus, the stars are great in the country (though sometimes obscured view from vegitation and/or clouds). Ultimately, a little compas doesn't take up much room and is not a bad idea to include. SHOULD HAVE BROUGHT: extra razor - I only use it on underarms, so one was okay but an extra would have been nice, too. travel towel - carrying a fullsize towel takes up a lot of room, it takes a while to dry, and it starts to smell. however, I didn't even buy a towel until week 7. you can make it work. and it depends on lodging (obviously hotels provide towels, and I even had one hostel that did. plus, you can rent towels at the hostels - though it's essentially just at inexpensive to buy one.) travel scissors (or a knife) - this came in handy. was easy enough to buy out there, too. powdered detergent - a bar of soap cleans the clothes in the showed, but detergent would have been real good. tupperware or some hard case - to keep souvenirs from breaking, especially when traveling with a backpack as opposed to a suitcase. easy enough to buy at local "dollar" stores on the travel road. bug repellant - not essential, but I could have thrown a few dryer sheets in my bag for those two times it would have been useful. more shirts to trade / other gifts from home - I meet so many fantastic people, it would have been nice to have a piece of home to share with them. button-up, long-sleeve, quick-dry, dress-up-able shirt - like they sell at REI, what Patagonia makes, this would have been a useful item: dress it up, dress it down, keep away from the sunburns, stay a little warmer = just so many uses and it packs easy. this is one clothing item I am defintely adding to my arsenal. Overall, I did a very good job of packing. Start light, bring an extra bag for souvenirs, and repack occasionally to fit things better as you acquire more. Have fun!

Gallery: Bolivia

wandorion — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 03:58:00 GMT

pics from Bolivia

back in the US - Michigan

wandorion — Mon, 23 Jul 2007 11:49:00 GMT

Well, after delays and lots of wandering around airports, I made it safely back to US soil and am currently with my sister in Michigan. It feels real good to be back. I could not have dreamt of a better trip, and it felt very good to get on that plane headed home. Thank you to all the wonderful people I met in South America and all the special memories I now have. And thank you to all of the people back home who followed me on this adventure. I will continue to post blogs on here - because there is a lot to fill you in on!!! In the New York airport I saw Starbucks and had to order a drink. A really big one. The Way I See It #270: "Taste is subjective. Taste is democratic. Taste is powerful. Taste - the combination of texture, aroma, temperature, aescthetic and environment - is also a window into someone else's life or culture. Be confident in your taste, but remain curious and expose yourself to new tastes. Allow your taste to constantly evolve and grow - while keeping and cherishing the memories that taste creates." (Marcus Samuelsson - chef, co-owner of "Restaurant Aquavit" and author of "The Soul of a New Cuisine"). A great sum-up of a worldly experience... abrazos abracos hugs

a question for you

wandorion — Sat, 21 Jul 2007 11:10:00 GMT

are you sure you don´t just want to come down here? then i don´t have to leave! :)

Brazilians are wonderful people

wandorion — Fri, 20 Jul 2007 22:47:00 GMT

Today I went to horse eventing. It was not very eventful, though. I certainly thought I was in for a bit more excitement than simply changes gaits, leads, and directions. Beautiful animals in any case. Most of the riders were from the US, Canada, Argentina, and Brazil. The Chile entry I would have seen rode into the ring and withdrew from the competition; Uruguay was up right before I left; and I think Jamaica was coming toward the ring. Oh, and the only female riders I noticed were from the US. It is interesting to sit back and compare countries from such a perspective.

Anyway, about the amazing people in this country - they are so freakin´ helpful!! I didn´t know where I was going (I had a map and would have gotten there eventually) and I don´t speak the language, but they take such good care of me - they even hand me off to the police and they make sure I get the right train stop. They track me down if I am headed in the wrong direction (I was wandering around to familiarize myself because I had time). They also make a point to find English speaking PanAm volunteers, even though I don´t need any further assistance at that point.

It was a bit un-nerving to have so many locals so surprised that I was traveling alone in Rio. They told me to be very very careful. And I certainly realize that the places I was traveling were almost places that I wouldn´t want to go alone even in a place I was familiar with. Guardian angels have certainly been with me this week. Every place I have gone the past few days I ran into wonderful people of this country who went out of their way to make sure I was safe and where I needed to be.

My final PanAm event was the US women´s basketball team stomping Columbia. I think the final score was 95 to 41. And the crowd actually cheered for the US instead of boo-ing.

Tomorrow is it. It feels strange to be leaving this amazing place. Time has flown by, and many many special memories are in my heart from these past two months. I recommend such an adventure to you all. Visit several places. Travel alone a little bit. Use public transportation.

a quick update

wandorion — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 17:38:00 GMT

Watched US men lose in beach volleyball today. Yeah, the crowd was definitely against us. I think the only team that gets boo-ed more than the US is Argentina; Brazil and Argentina are not the best of friends. Actually, the US women´s soccer team beat Argentina yesterday, and the crowd actually cheered for us. That was nice. The US won 2-0. Then the next soccer match was Brazil against Ecuador. Brazil put on a phenominal show and won 10-0. It was freakin´ wild to watch! Those women are superb athletes. After that I went to the semi-finals of women´s volleyball and watched Brazil beat the US in three games. And just now Brazil lost to Cuba in the gold medal match. They went to five games, and the final was a two point win - all the games were really close. So, I don´t think the US should feel too bad for losing to those two teams - because they are amazing.

Anyway, back to today. I just watched a lot of beach volleyball. US women are playing Mexico now, but I don´t have a ticket. I am at the hostel and going to chill out, which is needed because I am sick again. :( It sucks ´cause I only have a couple days left. At least I meet some more great Brazilians at this hostel, and they helped me get some medicine. It works quite well, too.

Okay, that´s the update for now.

hugs

beach volleyball

wandorion — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 22:24:00 GMT

Tonight I watched Canada men beat Chile in two sets. Then Mexico controlled Guatemala in two. The Mexico men played awesome almost the whole match! Their blocks were fantastic and the hits had crisp snaps on them.

Then I finished the night with the US´s Brooke Nile and Angela Akers easily ousting El Salvador: 21-11 and 21-7. It was really good play by the US. I wandered right up to the front and snapped some photos, too!

It gets intense at this competitions - it is quite emotional to hear people booing the United States athletes. The other countries really don´t like President Bush.

Alright, this is a short one - but I gotta get to bed to be up early: US v Argentina for women´s soccer. Then indoor volleyball >>> including the match between US and Brazil!!!

cheer for your team

wandorion — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 23:55:00 GMT

There is nothing quite like cheering for your team at an international sporting event. Tonight I watched Cuba handle the US women´s volleyball team at the 15th PanAmerican Games in Rio. It would have been much better if we had won (we lost 16-25, 23-25, 15-25), but it was still an amazing experience to have that home pride come out in such a venue.

There were maybe three other people clapping for the US. There were a lot of boos in our direction. I wish I had an American flag with me to wave! There were Cuban flags throughout the arena. I´ve done high school sports, and college sports, and cheered for the away team at professional competitions - but nothing came compare to the international level. It is beyond words and something everyone must try to experience...

The Domincan Republic had wasted Peru in their first game, and then I left with some other people from my hostel who I happened to run into at the game. They are Brazilian. Amazing population indeed.

And to add why I think the US lost: blocking. Cuba did, we didn´t. That put us on our heals and off-balance the whole match. Also, and connected to that lack of center, the US hitters did not utilize line shots. I think that would have made it more difficult for Cuba to get all those blocks. But instead our hitters hit right into them. US #3 played very well. #2 was slow getting to the block and thus often seemed to not get a good seal on the net; several points to Cuba for balls flying off her hands at unplayable angles. #6 had her good moments, as did #18, but the team in general seemed to never have gotten beyond the point of just showing up. It almost seemed like they were suprised by Cuba not laying down for them, and that then it was all over too quickly for them to adjust and play their game. At least I got to watch them, and of course I wish they had won.

a week at jungle beach

wandorion — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 15:38:00 GMT

The week in the jungle was superb. There is a unique set-up that allows you to open your mind and soothe your soul at the same time. A difficult combination, and yet this place achieves such results with hardly any effort at all. It is a little piece of paradise.

Jungle Beach Hostel: [check back for the contact info, I will add it eventually...]

Throughout the week I rode horses, hiked to caves and waterfalls, made loyal companions with the dogs, strecthed into yoga poses in the morning with the sound of the river around us, rafted the river, and looked at the most beautiful night sky.

The local cowboy showed me a lot of wonderful scenery from horseback - taking me high up into the mountain to count his cattle and then on another day around into town, along river trails and mountain pathes. We tied the horses and hiked into river spots and a lagoon. We shared a couple beers along the way. We stopped to chat with locals and watched many birds and other horses and cattle roam their territory. Watching him handle the horses it is quickly apparent that he truly is an equine master.

Antonio (the owner of Jungle Beach) is an amazing person all around. He has an inspiring passion for the environment and to save the world in essence. He wants to teach the kids everything. He wants to talk to people and debate, and he is very open to new ideas and suggestions. He took care of us all during our stay - meeting us at the bus station for the ride from Rio, making natural medicines for Andy´s (one of the English guys) ailments, going out of his way to make phone calls and connections for us after our stay at his place, and anything else we could have thought of he certainly would have tried to accommodate. Oh, and he didn´t have a credit card machine, so for one couple to pay they went into town together and bought him a TV in exchange for their stay at his hostel.

His wife, Carina, is also amazing. A beautiful Brazilian native, with a working knowledge of English and a cuteness from lack of confidence in it. She is a wonderful cook! (Make sure you get Antonio to take you on lots of hikes, because otherwise you will definitely gain some weight!) She also instructed us in yoga - a wonderful way to wake up, especially in this environment. It just fits.

The kids are cute and interested in learning who you are and also the English language a little bit. It was Christian´s 8th birthday while we were there. The cake was very chocolatey and very very good!

And the dogs and horses became my fast friends. The little black was like my own personal guard dog by the end of the week. He slept on my legs out on the lawnchair, and he followed me to the bridge at night to watch the stars. He also waited for us after long rides, sometimes he met us in town and sometimes he was just sitting by the main gate to jungle beach. Our welcoming party :) The horses are new to the property, and the white especially is a willing and capable mount. I learned later that he used to be cowboy´s horse - which explains why he is such a superb animal. The black horse had an issue with his horseshoe, and I didn´t ride him as much just because he was a smaller animal and we were putting the less experienced riders on him. Oh, and I forgot to mention that the cowboy let me ride HIS horse, too! That blew my mind - you gotta be good for a real cowboy to give you his mount. :)

River rafting was absolutely one of the best experiences! Six of us went, so we got two rafts and two guides (our guide was much more fun). The river was perfect for us as beginners, too. It was mostly calm and a soothing ride, and the rapids were enough to give us a little adrenaline rush. Honestly, by the end I really wanted more rapids and a rougher ride with this group because it was so enjoyable! Both rafts managed to get stuck on rocks at various points, which ended up being great because we jeered at each other and also got to jump around the raft to get it unstuck. We are all still surprised that we didn´t flip ours when it happened to us :) We stopped to play in the water outside of the rafts, and at one of the rapids our guide backed us up and made us splash ourselves with the cold water. It was great!!!

I definitely and highly recommend Jungle Beach Hostel to any- and everyone. It is well worth the trip.

answers

wandorion — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 08:06:00 GMT

**Keep in mind that most of this comes from class lectures - things can and do get lost in translation. Anyway, this is part of what I think I learned:

Question 1

One goal of economic intergration is to promote free trade, by reducing barriers to international commerce. Some of these integration schemes have a positive impact on the economies of the Western Hemisphere´s poorer nations; other schemes treat them as not much more than another signature on the paper. Much depends on the agreement itself as well as the economic make-up of the particular member countries in relation to each other. Also, there are dangers that the benefits are really only short-term and in the long-term end up harming the economically challenged nations.

The essence of free trade in itself promotes specialization and division of labor. It allows and encourages each member to do what it does best, which generally should benefit all involved. Be cautious, though, of the danger of concentrating one commodity in one area. If disaster strikes the area, everyone losses that supply. Also, if that commodity declines in value, the area better have financial alternatives to sustain itself. This is especially true for poorer countries - those with few products to offer the world due to lack of skilled labor, lack of capital, lack of developed natural resources, failure to attract foreign investors, and perhaps also geographic obstacles, among other things.

Industrial substitution, a form of “closed integration,” is the integration stage where developing countries focus on developing their own industries. This may be through internal education as well as through foreign investment coming to the nation. Mild warning: beware of “Dutch disease.” This occurs when a small country finds a way to generate a large income but yet cannot sustain its supply of goods; the nation will find itself sucombing to rapid inflation. It will default on its foreign loans then. Yet, this too may actually stimulate foreign buyers to purchase from that market because the loaning countries do not get paid unless the debtor country has income to pay those bills. Thus, to get their money back they actually have to buy from that debtor country. This illustrates a twisted-positive, showing that every situation indeed carries more than one perspective.

Foreign investors can be attracted to less developed countries because of the lack of regulation. The labor force works long and hard, for little pay, and does not demand much beyond the meager wages. Then employers turn around large profits selling the finished products to developed populations. Poorer nations are utilized in this process but only receive a minimal benefit.

Public health and safety regulations, for example, certainly do not always make trade easier, though. Nowadays low standards in this arena are more often a barrier to international trade. Consumers are becoming more and more humanitarian conscious and swaying toward products of fair labor. Thus, employers are pushed to provide better working conditions and better benefits to their employees. Globalization and access to information through the world wide web is causing poorer countries to moreso realize their value to the world market and inquire into improved foreign employment. And this remains a win-win: the poorer populations get better treatment, and the product is still cheaper for the employer to manufacture.

In 1947 GATT (General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade) established the preferential trade agreement, with the necessary elements being (1) elimination of all trade barriers with member countries and (2) not increasing the barriers against non-members. This is less than full liberation of trade because tariffs with non-members can still vary per member country. It stipulates free trade along member borders only. GATT amended its articles in 1979 and said that less developed countries need not observe these guidelines. The point was to cater to the particular needs of these nations, by allowing the conditions of the agreement to sway in their favor. The PTA makes it easier to stimulate that challenged economy and thereby generally helps the poorer nations. Along the same lines as preferential treatment, the proposed Free Trade Agreement of the Americas, FTAA, incorporates special and differential treatment, SDT, options into its articles (Art. 13). SDT´s can be utilized on a case-by-case basis according to (a) sector, (b) subject and country, or (c) group of countries.

Vertical integration between “north” (developed) nations and “south” (developing) nations is a newer partnership perspective. NAFTA, the North American Free Trade Agreement, adopted in 1994, is the first example of such an agreement. NAFTA imposes a phase-out process on tariffs, setting various time frames for different products. This allows the “south” nation time to develop itself in a manner that it will be more likely to sustain, as opposed to requiring immediate changes which can throw the economy way off-kilter and potentially lead to economic crisis. Such a phased system helps the “south” nation more, and it is appealing to both players: the poorer nation improves itself and the wealthier nation secures an international market without having to relinquish its upperhand to an unqualified partner.

Some trade agreements further impose political requirements on their member countries, such as MERCOSUR´s democratic clause. At least theoretically this benefits poorer governments by forcing a popular voice in government. People with a say in how they are governed tend to care more about policies and feel more in control of the state´s actions. A trade agreement with such a provision is tinted with elements of helping the poorer nation help itself.

There are a few notable trade agreement solutions which can cause great harm to a poorer nation. Specifically, intellectual property is an area with huge implications for poor nations. Trade agreements that include protections for IP rights hinder poor nations in providing medicinal drugs to their people at accessible prices. These nations simply do not have the technological development to recreate the drug from their own research, thus they cannot produce it cheaply because of the cost of royalties on the patent. Though in desperate need of the drug to stop the cycle of the disease among the population, protecting IP rights can financially prevent humanitarianism. The World Trade Organization (WTO) is trying to address this concern through TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights). Article 31 provides for compulsory licenses when circumstances are of national interest or public emergency (as well as for abuse of the patent). Yet not all countries agree with and abide by this term.

The United States has a list for countries lacking enforcement of IP rights. “Watch list 301” articulates those countries, and business people and investors tend to thereby steer clear of operating in these places. Poorer countries need foreign investments. This puts them in a bind – to balance the economy´s need for foreign intercourse and the population´s need for government care.

Another harm to poorer nations may be the abstract trade alignments of wealthier nations with each other. When the poor nations are completely left out of the agreements they miss out on the benefits and protections and can then fall prey to explotation from those wealthy teams.

At this point in world history, it seems that pretty much any trade agreement it signs will be a good move for a poorer country. Vertical integration is a positive aliance from the poorer nation´s perspective, and horizontal integration may not result in many benefits but nor is it likely to lead to any significant economic harm. North-north agreements may be the greatest danger to poorer nations, but international regulations are more and more designed to have overall positive impacts globally, as world leaders are realizing and anticipating the interdependence of all nations on an ever increasing scale. In summary, poor nations run a low risk of being harshly negatively impacted by their trade agreements – even if simply because they do not have much to lose.

Question 3

(note: pages cited refer to Professor Giacalone´s handout Mexico and the Western Hemisphere, edited by Carol Wise; unless otherwise specifially indicated)

The Americas are currently experiencing unilateral reform efforts, and intraregional trade and investment are rapidly increasing. This creates a strong pressure for deeper integration. International trade organizations will only survive if countries respect the rules of such organizations. The WTO can say anything it wants, but without authority to enforce its voice it doesn´t much matter.

Regional trade agreements are one means to obedience. The smaller number of member countries in regional agreements make their pacts more intimate and which is sometimes more powerful. If one member goes out of line, the reciprocity from the other member(s) can be an intense sanction. A global agreement can function smoother due to the peer pressure aspect of these smaller agreements.

On the flipside, though, regional agreements can also be a block on larger agreements. This is because the region may become totally invested in only its members and delete more competitive non-member trade options due to preferences granted to member nations. There can be peer pressure to turn down other agreements. Also, some of the policies already in force in the regional trade agreements could be in contradiction with clauses pushed for in the FTAA.

The Free Trade Agreement of the Americas, FTAA, is essentially an extension of 1994´s North American Free Trade Agreement. NAFTA joins the US, Canada, and Mexico in the first agreement of vertical integration of “north” (developed) nations and “south” (developing) nations. This was also the premiere free trade agreement between Latin America and non-Latin America. But these break-throughs did not come all at once. NAFTA actually resulted from two prior partnerships: the 1989 Canada-US FTA and the 1992 US-Mexico FTA. Various motivations led to the joining of these partnerships into one agreement. The United States wanted to secure its market, because it had slipped into national debt and there were issues of regional trade blocks with Europe and Asia. Mexico sought to consolidate exports to its principle market and to maintain and deeper economic reform. Canada just did not want to be left out.

Though the FTAA is an extension of NAFTA, each have distinct purposes, and currently North America does not have as much incentive to push for a hemispheric agreement. Both the public and the private sectors of the US will have to take leadership initiative in getting an FTAA signed. Canada will more than likely follow the US in any hemispheric decision. Mexico plays a unique role - being a Latin American nation in North America. Mexico has not expressed any major support for FTAA, and one theory is that Mexico would prefer to stay away from a full hemisphere agreement to avoid competition with other Latin American countries who produce similar export products. Less developed nations prefer the agreements with less members, because it is easier to secure special treatment. When there are various small, developing nations they cannot all get extra preferential treatment.

Developing nations are attracted to the regional and subregional agreements because of the greater probability of a more immediate increase in trade and flow of capital. And bilateral deals on any level virtually guarantee market access. The Latin American trade agreements are generally south-south, and as Mauricio Boquero-Herrara noted in his article “Latin American Update: Something is Going on in Latin America: “differential treatment and the concession of preferences to less developed members is a principle that is an important feature of the Latin American approach to economic integration (p3; 12 L. & Bus. Rev. Am. 613).” And in another article, “Open Regionalism in Latin America: An Appraisal,” this same author talked about how as nations progress through development, so too will the motivations for their trade agreements progress. Underdeveloped countries focus on developing their own industry. More industrialized nations seek to widen and secure the market for their products (p2, 11 L. & Bus. Rev. Am.139). Further citing to this second mentioned article:

“REGIONAL Integration in Latin America comprises four important features, which can be described as the granting of differential treatment and preferences, politically led processes, highly institutionalized structures and forums, and antithetic positions towards external markets. ... Differential treatment is considered not only a peculiarity, but also a principle of economic integration in the region. It may, however, create complexities and bring about weaknesses and legal uncertainty. Political direction could become political intrusion. Institutions, structures, and forums may turn dysfunctional, and external relations could be based on policies that leave the region vulnerable to external shocks (p1).”

While US trade agreements reflect a concept of deep integration, Latin American trade agreements “have been formulated in part as a strategic counterweight to US influence (p304).” North America signs trade agreements to advance and secure its interests in services and intellectual property. Latin America´s primary interests are market access, dispute settlement, and trade facilitation. A successful FTAA will have to figure out a way to align these goals. The FTAA will not be realized if and until NAFTA and MERCOSUR can come to agreement – meaning that the US and Brazil must both decide that FTAA will benefit them each enough for their respective reasons that the partnership is worth it to them. Many scholars say this is very unlikely; it is impossible to have two hegimons in one multi-member trade agreement.

Utlimately, it seems that regional agreements area necessary for the creation of international trade agreements, evident from the fact that CUSFTA and the US-Mexico FTA joined into NAFTA and now the FTAA is an effort to extend from there. These smaller partnerships establish common grounds and use baby steps toward larger-scale alignments. However, these smaller agreements actually block a larger agreement, by locking out the non-members. And note that once a large-scale trade agreement is adopted and has force to extract obedience, then these smaller agreements may be more or less obsolete.

Question 6

Trade agreements can no longer focus on solely economic points. Globalization has ignited the humanitarian concern for all aspects of life. Thus, issues such as the protection of human rights, socio-economic status, immigration, and environment are making their way into international trade agreements.

To most fully address all societal aspects of trade, a common market is the best economic integration scheme to push for. This is full liberation of trade among member countries, equal tariffs along all non-members borders, along with free circulation of people, capital, and services. (The next step beyond this would be to implement a common currency, as with the European Union.) Yet even with such a signed agreement, reality still reveals barriers. Public health and safety, for example, can be a barrier. Countries with less regulation and lower standards are much less appealing to the international work force (though employers may prefer it, especially from a financial standpoint). Thus, to attract the necessary labor, countries are pushed to adopt better standards of health and safety. The intestines of commerce [jobs + workers + supplies + demand for the product] work to better the process as a whole.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) laid the international foundation of guarantee on basic human rights and defined those rights to include health, food, clothing, housing, medical care, social services, and “security in the event of unemployment, sickness, disability, widowhood, old age, or other lack of livelihood in circumstances beyond his control.” Certainly this applies according to different standards in various countries. Each government generally decides how its country will respect and fulfill these aspects of life on Earth. Many Latin American nations have implemented complete and free public health care, for instance. There is typically also a private sector of health services. The same caliber of doctors practice in each sector, though the private division tends to have better supplies and facilities. There can be an incredible wait list on the public side.

The protection of human rights can be intimately related to whether the particular country is monist or dualist. The monist nations hold international law as the ultimate force domestically. Dualist nations allow international law to coexist with domestic law, but the national Constitution will always prevail. Monist nations note the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (1969), which lays out concurrent duties of nations to respect (a negative obligation, to refrain from certain acts), to protect (an obligation concerning third parties), and to fulfill (a positive obligation, to affirmatively provide access to rights). These duties are subject to several levels of enforcement, domestic remedies being the most immediate. Once domestic methods are exhausted, an issue may go to various specialized Committees; i.e., Torture, Race, Women, Child, etc. The American Convention on Human Rights also deals with international human rights violations. It has a Commission that issues public orders and a Court to issue sentences. Ultimately, these avenues only have as much force as the particular country gives to international law, and most Latin American nations do indeed hold international laws supreme over their own domestic laws.

In the quest for universal human rights, the main push is for “progressive realization.” Nations must be able to demonstrate that they are always moving toward complete human rights guarantees for their population. This of course carries an obligation of non-regression: under principles of reasonableness, cannot reduce a right that the people already enjoy. The key issue on enforcing international human rights is the establishment and recognition of a minimum core. The world needs to agree on the basic essential rights incumbent upon every government to respect and/or provide. And to comply, a country must demonstrate every reasonable effort.

Further, Latin American nations are constitutionalizing amparo (or its equivalent, by various designators). [Argentina: 1994 Constitution, Art 43 + statutory law 16986 (1966); Mexico: Constitution, Art 107; Brazil: “mandado de seguranca”; Dominican Republic: by way of the American Convention on Human Rights, Art 25.] Amparo makes any violation of human rights judicially actionable. It applies against state action and against private party action. It protects constitutional rights, as well as statutory and treaty rights. Standing is granted broadly; exhaustion is typically required. Some nations authorize judges to declare the challenged norm unconstitutional only as applied to the parties at issue; other countries have more recently empowered judges to declare unconstitutionality across the board. This ties into trade agreements because as countries progress through PTA´s to FTA´s to Customs Unions to Common Markets, so too will their domestic rights likely flow. As citizens interact with other governments, they will increasingly request and demand equitable treatment by the member nations, such as the “MERCOSUR citizen” going through the Brazilian airport (textbook p239).

Ideally the specialization and division of labor enabled through trade agreements would better the socio-economic status of all member populations. However, reality is moreso that the gap between income of skilled laborers versus non-skilled laborers will increase even more. As Manual Chavez articulated in his 2006 law review article “Trade and Environment in Latin America: When Institutions, Transparancey and Accountability are Essential:

“Trade, by itself, does not bring prosperity... Unemployment, inflation and a steady and constant consumer price index has left most workers with a negative impression and experience concerning globalized trade. ...[and] because the rewards of trade and globalization are concentrated within the top 20 percent of each nations population, the remaining populations within each Latin American country see little incentive to support trade and globalization (p5,7).” (14 Mich. St. J. Int´l. L. 225)

There are just too many other elements which are necessary to achieve equality on a grander lever: education (being the biggest variable), natural resources, geographic location, etc. To force equality is unfortunately all too often to cater to the lowest common denominator. This is a dangerous method and conceivably leads to the inside-out destruction of civilization (read Ayn Rand´s “Atlas Shrugged”).

Common markets are the trade agreements which would economically provide open immigration (though there are still other boundaries – such as political). Overall, if any of the trade regimes functions toward the goal of increasing domestic economic productivity by opening international trade, then immigration will not be such an economically motivated life move. Immigration will no doubt still occur, but the financial incentives and barriers will not be such prevailant reasons for it; instead people will move between countries for reasons such as geography, climate, career fields, etc. – rather than mere salary necessities.

As for the environment, the less regulation, the more appealing it is to business because waste disposal costs can be minimal. Trade agreements lean toward increasing regulation, though, through provisional requirements among member nations. Less regulated nations will increase their standards in order to sustain the agreements with developed partners such as the United States. Further, environmental law is rounding out its approaches. It now takes concern of (1) natural environment, (2) man-made environment, and also (3) cultural environment. This means that all aspects must be considered: nature in itself, artifical constructions, as well as the values that mankind puts on environment.

The United Nations has held progressive conferences in this forum. Stockholm, 1972: environment formally recognized as a global concern. Rio de Janeiro, 1992: non-governmental organizations become forcibly active in environmental issues. Johannesburg, 2002: private industry and banks emerge as actors in the scene of environmental protection. Since 1992 sustainable development has been the motivated method. This label calls for practices that are economically sustainable while being environmentally friendly and socially just. In other words, the practices must generate a profit, must not negatively impact the environment, and all people must have access to basic rights. After private industry and banks stepped up their involvement, they adopted the Equator Principles (2003), laying out environment management standards. It is the financial force of these players that pressures businesses and governments to comply.

To conclude, I think that trade agreements will find it necessary to include additional provisions – not just the economics of commerce – in order to deal with socio-economic divisions. Even still, the rich will tend to get richer and the poor poorer, but decreasing the barriers on international trade can increase the individual´s opportunities to a ´better´ life. This can be successful on a per person basis, if that person makes it happen, by choosing to step up and individually take what life has to offer. Reducing trade barriers can enable a population to realize the various options out in the world...

back from the jungle

wandorion — Sun, 15 Jul 2007 15:22:00 GMT

Hey. Sorry to leave ya hangin´ - but I was in the Atlantic RainForest all week. It was fantastic! I rode horses four days all over the place, hiked to waterfalls and caves, ate amazing food, discussed water problems and global warming, did yoga, played with the dogs, ate wonderful homecooked food, and looked at the most beautiful stars.

I will fill in details later, after I get resituated adn organized back in society.

hugs

Oh, and a note on that last entry. I have to qualify that I can fairly say that was the worst waxing I have ever gotten. So, while I am sure it is not a painfree process, it likely generally is not as bad as my experience was. Therefore, men - appreciate what your woman goes thru, and women - don´t knock it ´til you try it ;)

Brazilian bikini waxing.

wandorion — Sun, 8 Jul 2007 19:50:00 GMT

yeah, it hurt.

Live Earth - Rio 2007

wandorion — Sun, 8 Jul 2007 11:26:00 GMT

It was on Copacabana beach. Started around four in the afternoon and went until 10:30. Local artists, local DJ´s, plus Pharell, Macy Gray, and LENNY KRAVITZ. Oh yeah, and it was free!!! Yeah, I had a very good time.

I went there with Antonio. He owns Jungle Beach Hostel, which is where I am headed Monday... Anyway, we ended up near a group of locals, and the people just started giving up beers and cotton candy. Antonio is almost old enough to be my dad, but he told them we were boyfriend and girlfriend so that they guys would stay away from me. The girls were fantastic fun! I really wish I understood the language!

As for that boyfriend part, we dropped that act for a Brazilian from another group close by who came to meet me. Very attractive guy. He claimed to not know English, but we nonetheless founds means to communicate :) Oh, and at the end of the night I told him I thought he really did know English and that he was just pretending like he didn´t. He answered no - so I have to wonder how he understood the question. ha ha.

The English all the guys did know: ´the book is on the table.´ Oh, and this other guy who actually did know English asked me where I was from. I said Michigan, and he started jumping up and down yelling ´Michigan! Michigan!´ Then he stopped and said ´where is Michigan?´ Ha ha - that´s gotta make you smile :)-

Oh, also, I got my first pickpocketing experience. The bastard took my map! And he got my hostel ID card. The first time I should have figured out what was going on, but the second time I felt nothing. Those people are smooth at what they do. But I knew enough to not really bring anything valuable with me. And my money was in every pocket but the one he was going for! (my angel is watching over me). It was funny, too, because right after he did it Antonio commented that we where in a really safe spot - being with the locals. That pocket was the one on the outside of the circle, though.

The locals were very good to us. They gave us beer, cotton candy :), tried to speak some English for me, and that guy I meet quickly got between me and a fight that was starting directly behind us. It was nice. The people of the country continue to capitavate me (even the ones who dig in my pockets). :)

the zoo

wandorion — Fri, 6 Jul 2007 14:53:00 GMT

I went to the zoo this morning. It was a great experience! Even getting there was an adventure: first I tried to ask the taxi how much he would charge me. He told me to take the bus. But I could not find the line he was telling me to take, and I asked the bus that said "zoolígico" on it and the driver said something I didn´t understand entirely but at least meant ´not this bus´. So, I went to mail some postcards and decided to just ask the postal clerk. She was actually helpful and we were understanding each other. The lady in line behind me started helping, too. Then she told me to not worry about it, that she lived near the zoo and would drive me there. YES!!! Some people are so awesome!

So, that nice lady drove me to the zoo. We talked a little - not much because of language of course. At one of the intersections I tried to ask here what this fenced-in park-looking place was. Apparently she did not understand me because she explained how traffic lights work: stop on red, go on green. Then she looked at me like I was crazy and asked if we had traffic lights in the US. Yeah :)-

The zoo itself was a great great experience. Some parts did smell pretty bad, and unfortunately the animals generally have very tiny cages. But some of them sure don´t seem to mind. There were little monkeys wrestling with each other. Even other move one of them would look over to make sure that people were watching them. And there were some kind of clawed mole-faced things that were loose around the zoo. First I saw them in the trees, then I saw another one crawling across the grass. I have to get the pictures of these posted - I´ve never seen anything quite like them. Creepy and gross and unthreatening; weird combination.

The snakes. Oh, my God, the snakes! Sista, you would have loved it (and yeah I got pictures). The freakin´ snakes were just piled up on top of each other. The the cage is maybe 4 x 3, and there were AT LEAST 15 rattle snakes in it. It was scary how much lethal power was in that little box (though I think they are probably devonomized (if that is a word)). I glanced at this heap of snake body, and noticed there were about five heads in it. Seriously like the stuff you read about in the science fiction books. Crazy!

There were lots of pretty birds. Blue and red and GREEN :) I like the green ones. There was also this gray bird that made me think of a mix between a volture and an eagle. Weird.

Oh, the turtles! There were tortugas all over! There was a line of them on a log, and there were these little huts with the floor completely lined by turtles! SO many!!!

And I got to watch gators eat. There was a fake pony that kids were playing with. The deer were laying in their little shelter - the photo I have looks like a Christmas card. (Yeah, I will post all these photos, but the computer I am on now I don´t think will handle that operation too well.) The flamingos were pink. ;)- There were lots of cats. Big ones and little ones. And some that I am not sure if there were really cats. It looked like part cat, part fox-like creature. I don´t know! Oh, yeah, there were rabbits, too.

I watched a little boy line up along the cage so his mother could take his picture with the animals in the background. The little ostrich-type bird grabbed his hat. ha ha. His brothers thought it was super funny. Then they tried to feed the birds their hats, to.

Also, I had some really good gummi candies. I bought them from a little girl who was working the stand with her mother. She was so adorable and friendly and helpful! I went back two more times. And, no, there´s nothing grand to say about it other than that - but I thought she deserved some recognition on my blog :)

Then I rode the bus back to the square and on now here to finish my school essays. Advice: whenever you visit a place, make sure you try out all the modes of transportation. It is just such a great way to see the city and touch the people. Yeah, sometimes it seems hard because it is all so strange and you might not know the language, but people are generally very helpful. And I do think that in some small way it makes you a better person.

wind. lots of wind. and very strong.

wandorion — Thu, 5 Jul 2007 13:35:00 GMT

I did not know this place could be so windy! It seriously makes me feel like it is going to knoch me over! And the dirt flies all over. The power of it is beautiful, though. It makes the trees bend in graceful arches. :)

Today I visited the statue of Christ. Not nearly as big at the one in Rio, of course, but you still get the idea of God the Savior. Oh, and I also checked out the cathedral museum. It was pretty amazing the stuff they have in there. There was one chalis (sp?) the cups the priest uses for the wine that had the Last Supper on the top, angel faces on the stem, four clergymen standing on the base, and then heads of an eagle, a cow, a lion, and a person on the base, too. It was done with silver. Very beautiful.

Let´s see, yesterday I walked to a park with water and chessboards and people and wind. Some guy walked by and blew my disgusting slobber looking kisses. He was holding his wife´s hand at the time. Wish I had thought to employ the word "cállete!" (which means shut-up). Dirty gross man.

There was also a market right next to the park. I bought a Puma jacket and belt. Cost me less than U$S 10. It was fun to go back in forth on the price a little bit ;)

Tuesday I went to a birthday party and then out to a bar with live music. It was fun. I let the girls to my hair and make-up and pick-out my attire. They are definitely younger than me, you can tell by the way they apply make-up. I am much more subtle in my approach. But it was very pretty; they did a fine job. The music at the bar was very enjoyable. I don´t understand most of what they are singing about, though the sound moves me nonetheless. And Reggatone has beats that I really am enjoying - makes me want to dance. Hopefully the girls remember to burn me a CD ;)

What else... Oh, I met the coolest travel agent ever! She speaks English very well (also German). She hasn´t been to the US yet, but she cannot wait to get there and kiss her boyfriend. That would be Mr Mickey Mouse!! ha ha. She told me stories about how she used to hate Americans, and not help any of us who got lost in this other world. But now she realizes that Americans are wonderful people, and she says that President Bush is the only one who sucks. Now she defends Americans whenever she sees someone else giving us a hard time. :) She told me about the constellations here a little bit. I wish it had been night time so she could have shown me. Also, she used to be a tour guide. This one time she was explaining maíz beer to a group. She kept saying what the group heard as "mice" - ´you squeeze the mice´ and blah blah blah. The group was acting like they were going to be sick. Then she realized that maíz sounds like "mice" but actually means CORN. She was talking about corn beer. ha ha. Funny story (I am sure she told it better than I have).

Other than that, I am mostly just being here. Tonight I go for a home-cooked meal with friends. Maybe to another park tomorrow. Or the zoo. Then back to Rio Saturday. Oh, and my essays are almost complete (for school)!! It will be nice to have them finished. I will post them, to share with you what I (think) I learned on this study abroad...

hugs

ha ha - hey!!

wandorion — Mon, 2 Jul 2007 17:18:00 GMT

Wow, it`s been a little while since I have been on here - sorry about that. I have enjoyed just being in places too much to run to the computer all the time (though I am still working on school essays).

This past weekend I went out to San Ramon and San Xavier, Bolivia. It was nice; VERY nice to be back in a family atmosphere (I went with some of Jorge`s family friends) and it was also great to be around animals! I got to pet lots of dogs, and there were cats and chickens and ducks and a pig. The dogs played with the cats and so did the pigs. Yeah, this was the first time I have seen a pig and a cat play together. Granted, it was a little pig and a big cat, but it still sort of blew my mind. ha ha! It was good. Also, there were cows. :) Sunday we got up real early and went to the farm, and he milked the cows right into our cups! Warm, fresh milk with cinnamin and sugar = YUM. The first glass also had San Pedro (an alcohol made from grapes - but not wine) and that was way too strong for me in the morning!

The countryside itself was a welcome and comfortable change from the big cities I have been visiting. I can only think of two discriptions for it, and I am not so sure they align at all. The one is that it is like rolling farm land with palm trees. The other is that it is like the serengetti with domestic farm animals. Yeah, I don`t know where I come up with this pictures either. (And I don`t think I am very good at spelling sometimes, either.)

Santa Cruz itself is a lot of fun for me. It is a quaint place. The people have local features - which is nice to see after being in the melting pots of big cities. I tower above most of the people. It was just before I made this trip that I was informed that Bolivians are typically very very short; the only one I knew before was 6 foot 5. Security guards are abundant, especially around the banks by the main plaza. Safety does not present itself as much of an issue to me here (though of course I am still aware and cautious, Dad and Mom - you taught me thoroughly). The buildings are not high. I think four stories is probably about the max, maybe five. Things are close together and well laid out. It is very easy to travel around on foot. The main plaza is a beautiful place, with lots of plants and benches and of course the church. It was nice to just wander around and listen to the music. Oh, and stuff is very inexpensive. The Bolivano is basically 8 to 1 on the US dollar. This afternoon for lunch I had a huge sandwich (still have half for dinner), fries, and fresh juice. Cost me less than U$S 4.50. And I think that was eating on the expensive side of options. Some places do price their items in US dollars, though, so keep a heads up depending on what kind of items you are looking at.

As for driving, the vehicles interact with each other a lot less aggressively here. The do drive pretty much wherever they please -meaning wherever the vehicle will fit. But they seem very good natured and helpful to each other. The cars break down, but they just fix them wherever they happen to stop. Random people stop and help, too. Here is a driving caution: they are serious about their speed bumps! WOW. The bumps are huge and they are preceeding and also following by a series of smaller bumps. It is pretty intense, especially when you consider that they vehicles are not built like the big cars in the States. But the people take it all in stride and roll along with a smile.

The hotel I am at is good, too. I like the Rose soap and towels. The music channels are a good mix of 80`s and Spanish music. And I watch the movies with subtitles (Laura: I saw ´In Her Shoes´ last night. English w/ Spanish subtitles.) The hotel is fairly simply, but I get the impression that it is very nice relative to the area. There are good pictures in the hallway: first floor has a unicorn (made me think of The Last) and the second has a couple horses on it (the third is just a landscape). Breakfast is yummy (cafe con leche, suco de papaya o piña, y pan con marmilade) and has a great view because the windows are to the balcony and the city from there. I like it ;)

p.s. Dad`s co-workers (meaning: Dad) : yeah, I imagine that Scottish guy is single. He is also 19. Nice guy, but I have other very fine quality options...