Family

Heather Vaught South America- INTI
Well friends, we’ve done it. We’ve traversed the primary forests of the Ecuadorian Amazon, trekked the Salkantay pass at 15,200 feet, and visited the ancient city of Machu Picchu. We’ve witnessed community activism in Junin, and experienced the daily life of Ecuadorians while staying with local families in Pucara. We don’t even have to talk about our week working with the monkeys… The most important thing is that we all… Read More

Arequipa and Colca Canyon

Heather Vaught South America- INTI
For the most part, our week was relatively quiet. Everyone had Spanish lessons, either in the mornings or the afternoon, depending on skill level, which left half the day to roam free and explore the city of Arequipa. The real height of our trip was the weekend trek the group chose to do, through the Colca Canyon. As we learned, it is one of the largest canyons in the world,… Read More

G-22

Heather Vaught Central America- MAYA
Last week we were at an amazing eco-hostel and sustainability project called G-22. It was started by architect Alfredo Maul when he returned to his home country of Guatemala from studying and working abroad. It focuses on staying sustainable in an ever-changing urban environment. He uses many innovative practices like composting organic waste and collecting rainwater, even reusing use sink water to wash dishes and flush toilets. Alfredo used many… Read More

Los Monos and Arajuno Lodge

Heather Vaught South America- INTI
This week for our journey, we came to a quaint little city called Puyo and just on the outskirts of it is a little place called Paseo de los Monos. Paseo de los monos is a refugee camp for rescued animals (mainly monkeys) but there are other animals such as tortoises, parrots, pecardis (hogs with a white collar around their neck), a margay, a kinkachu, coati (supposely a mix between… Read More

Blog from Xela

Heather Vaught Central America- MAYA
The fourteen of us sat in a circle on top of a grassy hill overlooking the city of Quetzaltenango, nicknamed Xela. With the cluster of city buildings spread out below us we discussed our thoughts and hopes for the rest of the program. After we wrapped up our orientation, we jumped into the meat of the Carpe Diem trip. Introductions to homestays and preparations were made for our first week… Read More

Safe arrival!

Heather Vaught South America- INTI
The South America group has made it safely to Quito. After their overnight flight, they were picked up from the Quito airport and taken to their cozy hostel. They are settling in and looking forward to the next few days of orientation. Stay tuned as the students will be posting blogs in here in the coming days!… Read More

Safe arrival

Heather Vaught Central America- MAYA
After a night of travel, the MAYA group arrived safely in Guatemala this morning. They were met at the airport by a driver and are now en route to their guest house in Quetzaltenango. The are doing well and looking forward to diving into their orientation! In the coming days, the students will start to post blogs here, letting you all know how they’re doing. We look forward to hearing… Read More

On their way!

Heather Vaught Central America- MAYA
From North Carolina, New Jersey, Connecticut, Colorado, California, Oregon, Vancouver, California, Massechusets… the Spring 2016 Central America students have all arrived safe and sound in Los Angeles! They are checked in for their flight to Guatemala, and are getting ready to head through security and begin their journey together. Everyone is excited, and happy to finally be together as group. We wish them much learning, laughter, joy and adventure over… Read More

On their way!

Heather Vaught South America- INTI
From Massachusets, Virginia, Oregon, Maryland, Kansas, Texas, New York, Toronto, and Florida… the Spring 2016 South America students have all arrived safe and sound in Los Angeles! They are checked in for their flight to Quito, and are getting ready to head through security and begin their journey together. Everyone is excited, and happy to finally be together as group. We wish them much learning, laughter, joy and adventure over… Read More

Hola Compañeros!

Heather Vaught South America- INTI
Here we find ourselves in the midst of winter, spending time with all of the amazing people who comprise the Carpe Diem community and staff, and enjoying all that Portland has to offer. It’s hard to imagine that in less than two week’s time we will all be enjoying the warm, tropical nights and hot sun of Ecuador! If it doesn’t feel real yet, don’t worry- it will soon! We… Read More

Final blog

Heather Vaught Central America- QUETZAL
To Our Dear Quetzal Queens, Another day has dawned and the sun is shining once more on the glittering ocean. Coffee has been consumed, balingas — ahem, excuse me, baleadas — have been eaten, and all is well here in Roatan…. But it’s not the same without you! As great as this little golden island in the Caribbean is, it’s safe to say: WE MISS YOU! By now, you are… Read More