Big breakfast at the hotel. Pam provided general information in her usual efficient, clear and concise way. Carolina arrived and “received” us—expressing her genuine and heartful appreciation for the team. After she left, more team work on goals and team building. And more information.

Another break, another large lunch at a different hotel and an evening meal while enjoying the entertaining and beautiful offerings of the fountain.

I was struck by the similarity of goals of this team as well as the shared enthusiasm in working with students tomorrow. And we already met some of our goals of warmth, fun, cuisine and culture!

Team: Feb 18- March 3

Our first team gathering began with dinner. All team members were present except for Joan, Tom and Karen. We ate a delicious dinner, socialized with each other and listened to music. One kind of music though one ear and another group with the other—different music to the immediate right and left of us—like the battle of the bands.

A Day in Queretaro by 2011 Volunteer Mary

We got up early this morning for a quiet, do-it-yorself breakfast and walked to our bus pick-up point. It was still dark when we left the hotel; the morning air felt cool and refreshing. All was quiet on the street and the Jardín, which had been crowded with people the night before. There had been a band playing, people dancing and enjoying the music, children playing and families enjoying a walk and ice cream on a warm Sunday evening.

I had four classes today. The students were well prepared, attentive, and eager to learn and improve their English speaking skills. Between classes in the cafeteria area I had several enjoyable conversations with students, as did the other volunteers.

At 1:00 p.m. it was off to lunch at the nearby restaurant before the journey back to the Hotel Hidalgo. We arrived warm from the now hot (25° C) midafternoon sun and tired from our work. Many volunteers, myself included, took a bit of time for a siesta, Others bought more food and supplies to keep us all fed and energized.

At 6:15 we had a team meeting, read the journal and inspirational daily thought. Discussion centered on a farewell party hosted by the volunteers for the UTEQ faculty on Thursday. The planning committee has great ideas for food and musical entertainment. First rehearsal Tuesday. After that a pizza and beverage party was enjoyed by all, along with good conversation before ending another day in Querétaro.


Thought for the day:

Tell me and I will forget,
Show me and I may remember,
Involve me and I will understand.
~ Chinese proverb


Shared by Volunteer Mary D.

Happy Cinco de Mayo!

Cinco de Mayo — or the fifth of May — commemorates the Mexican army's 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations.

Cinco de Mayo traditions include parades, mariachi music performances and street festivals in cities and towns across Mexico and the United States.

~ Information courtesy of History.com

Happy Children's Day, April 30th!!

This coming Saturday, April 30th is Children's Day in Mexico! It is also known as "El Día Del Niño". And in some schools they give the day free or let the kids wear shorts and a colored shirt.

We wish all our host partners, friends and children of Mexico a very happy Children's Day and we look forward to serving your communities again this June, July and October. If you might be interested in joining us this summer or fall, don't hesitate to contact us today!

Remaining 2011 Service Program Dates:
June 4 - June 18
June 18 - July 2
October 15 - October 29

Update on Safety in Mexico

In recent months, certain areas of Mexico have been subject to increased levels of violence leading the U.S. to issue travel warnings for a few states in the nation of Mexico. Our website currently states that the states where our service programs are located are not included in the travel warning - which is still true. We hope this post will serve as a reminder to those considering a program in Mexico this year or in 2012, and we would also like to share some "common sense" tips shared by the Dept. of State today.

Below is a portion of the updated travel & safety information issued today, regarding Mexico:

Millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year, including more than 150,000 who cross the border every day for study, tourism or business and at least one million U.S. citizens who live in Mexico. The Mexican government makes a considerable effort to protect U.S. citizens and other visitors to major tourist destinations. Resort areas and tourist destinations in Mexico generally do not see the levels of drug-related violence and crime reported in the border region and in areas along major trafficking routes. Nevertheless, crime and violence are serious problems and can occur anywhere. While most victims of violence are Mexican citizens associated with criminal activity, the security situation poses serious risks for U.S. citizens as well.

It is imperative that you understand the risks involved in travel to Mexico and how best to avoid dangerous situations. Common-sense precautions such as visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where criminal activity might occur, can help ensure that travel to Mexico is safe and enjoyable.

Former Volunteer Posts AMAZING YouTube Videos!!

We at Global Volunteers are privileged to work with so many wonderful volunteers, partners, and supporters each and every day.

Last week, one particular volunteer, Graham, truly knocked our socks off when he shared a 9-part video series he had created about Global Volunteers and posted on YouTube!! These videos feature the travels and experiences of numerous Global Volunteers (particularly one tight-knit group from New Jersey) and we welcome you to take a look at these exceptional videos by using the link below.


Thank you, Graham!! And for the rest of you... ENJOY!!


Global Volunteer Retrospective Video (End): http://www.youtube.com/user/endlessmug#p/u/53/1YT9erIK0k4