Written by Anantya Mazi, 2023-24 Latitudes Student
Settling In and Finding Community
La Hesperia is a forest reserve that rests above the small rural town of La Esperie. At the reserve, I was able to settle in quickly, especially with the help of the other volunteers working here, whom I now consider dear friends. On weekdays, Monday to Friday, we begin our days with breakfast at 7:30 am. Depending on the day, you are able to choose between different options of activities/work. We normally work in sections from 8:30 am to 12 pm and then from 2 pm to 4 pm.
At the reserve, I have been able to do a variety of activities. The work one can do here can vastly differ depending on whom you choose to work with. It may range; however, Nancy often focuses on working outside with agriculture (working in the garden, harvesting cacao and coffee, harvesting bananas, etc.), while Elsa focuses on cooking and baking-oriented projects (making coffee and chocolate sauce), and Charlie does a large range of projects that can include construction/renovation, clearing trails, and working with the animals (mainly sheep and goats). At times, some work options may even extend to helping interns with their projects. While your work is valued here, schedules can be a bit flexible, and everyone here is very considerate and understanding of individual needs.
Apart from, as well as alongside, working, I have been able to connect with many other volunteers here. Dynamics can shift, but we oftentimes spend time chatting and playing games together on our breaks. The weekends (sometimes including Friday, which we can have off) are completely open. When we stay at the reserve, we often venture all around. At La Hesperia, there are many beautiful areas and trails to explore. Some trails can be anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours. However, when I leave the reserve on the weekend, I get to explore Ecuador, usually alongside my friends/peers. Furthermore, when we leave the reserve, Alexandra and her family, who manage La Hesperia, are very supportive of these processes. They have helped to check in and assist with transportation needs and advice.
Challenges Along the Way
Learning to structure volunteer work, coursework, and my personal life is definitely a process. I think I have been able to adjust easily, especially with the support of my fellow peers and staff at La Hesperia. However, I am still learning how to get into a groove that works for me.
Another challenge is that, although I consider myself independent, it is truly a new experience to travel alone. Sometimes I can feel a little overwhelmed, but I am always reminded of what an enriching experience it can be. My time alone is very valuable to me as well, so learning this process has really changed the dynamics in my relationship with myself and how I navigate the world.
Sentimental challenges have also popped up as I have had to say goodbye to my friends who have completed their time at La Hesperia. I have loved meeting everyone and I am grateful for our experiences, which can make such goodbyes feel a bit hard.
Highlights of the Journey
Working alongside Nancy has been a remarkable experience. We usually harvest cacao and coffee according to the moon cycles. When we do it is a fun experience. After the work and process of harvesting everything, we sit on the ground together and begin preparing cacao. You are allowed to taste the sweet taste of cacao as you extract the seeds. This experience often feels very rewarding. Furthermore, it is fun to peel and roast coffee and cacao in the kitchen after the coffee and cacao have been properly prepped. With friends, the kitchen is filled with the scent of the chocolate sauce being made along with the music that I like to play when we work on this.
On one weekend that we all stayed at the reserve, I went with the other volunteers to hike up the grand trail we call “Camping 2” (because of the potential campsite that lay there). As we hiked for hours, old 80s hits played from my friend’s bags. The hike was hard but the views were so beautiful. As we continued to ascend the mountain, you could begin to see the clouds and even walk through them. When we finally reached the top it was cool with a thick fog. We shared a picnic together and enjoyed the scenery at the top. On our way back down we were able to snack on some fruits in the trees and say hi to all the cows.
The reserve is home to many animals, including young ones that require extra care. One such animal is Rafael, a baby goat who needed to be bottle-fed for a few months. Occasionally, I joined my friends in the early morning to feed him. Waking up early to prepare his baby bottle with milk formula was a heartwarming experience. Upon meeting him, Rafael would always come running, greeting us with his adorable voice. Though he has grown beyond the bottle, Rafael remains as healthy and sweet as ever.
Gratitude and Reflection
I am grateful for all the people I have met here. All the staff have been so kind and supportive and it has been a pleasure getting to know them. Furthermore, I have loved getting to meet and connect with all the other volunteers here. Making friends here has even given me more reason to continue traveling in the future.
Inspired by Anantya’s gap year? Learn more about the Latitudes Year and carve out your own journey!
