I am back on the lake in the volcanic crater mentioned in a previous post. We are almost finished with an intensive two weeks with a vanful of 10 potters visiting communities, mostly in northern Nicaragua. It has been a great way to practice Spanish, since the group includes a …
I travel in order to learn about other cultures. There are only a limited number of ways to learn about another culture. One, of course, is to read about it, but we are often very aware that this is framed by the perspective of the author. Another way is to …
Tourism is one way for communities to earn money which offer respite from the hectic life of white collar workers. However, depending on money spent as luxury – one´s dream vacation – seems to be an insecure way to develop an economy. In addition, the tourists hoarding their few days …
I have arrived in Managua and have had the luxury of time to get used to a new country and a new city. The hostel where I am staying has notices that it is safe to walk in the neighbourhood – and then gives the border streets for the area …
2 January: Preparing to go to Nicaragua, with this blog and thinking about poverty and what ordinary Global Notherners can really contribute to improve the world. I am bringing quite a lot to read compared to my previous trips (when I had no time to read, or sleep, due to …
I am on the road again, travelling to take photos in the eastern part of Oregon state. It’s hard to be moving on every night. I am rounding off a few tasks before departing for Nicaragua in a week’s time, and carting boxes of things from a car to a …
Being able to voice one’s opinion – especially if one is able to analyse information and to frame one’s opinion in logic – is an essential contribution to social movements of all sizes. We hear about lack of freedom of speech and think we know what it looks like; Amnesty …
Those who know me cannot but help being aware that I make pots. Whenever I can and by hand, with slow processes and simple clays. For the past four months, I have been practising making pots on the wheel, in the hope of inching closer to a skilled level, and …
Asked to write a blog and maybe a book as well. A good challenge, as I have gotten out of the habit of making my voice heard. I tend to wait to be asked before I tell some aspect of my history or even my opinion. This often has the …