Arrival message from Giovanni

Yeiiii!!! We just got to Huehue from Mexico City Airport. I met all 11 students and they all arrived without much trouble. We are sorry that Nicole Mashaal was not able to join us. I got word from her mom that she is bruised but fine and that her boyfriend is a quite a bit more beat up, but will recover in time. After arriving and waiting for all to gather we got on abus to Cuernavaca, The city of eternal spring and from there we got into taxis to Huehue. We got here just as the...

We have arrived

We just got to Huehue from Mexico City Airport. I met all 11 students and they all arrived without much trouble. We are sorry that Nicole Mashaal was not able to join us. I got word from her mom that she is bruised but fine and that her boyfriend is a quite a bit more beat up, but will recover in time.

What did I learn? Comments from participants.....

This course has affected my understanding of leadership by allowing me to realize that a leader is not just one person. Leadership is a partnership among a diverse group of people. My new understanding of consensus has allowed me to see the benefits of group decision-making. It moves away from the pyramid structure of authoritarian rule and allows for group participation. In this course I have learned so much about myself as a leader. I have learned that sharing power doesn�t...

Travel

Our respective voyages home ranged from the routine to the rediculous. Rob got quite familiar with the Atlanta Airport I'm told. Danielle and Julliette made new friends in Mexico City. I believe most of the rest of us arrived home in good time, with various adventures. Here is Ashley making the best of a delay in the Mexico City Airport.

Our Last Saturday at Huehue

It is our last full day at Huehue. We began the day with an early morning hike on the mountain just behind Huehue. Beatiful sunrise! Then one of the community members made us a waffle breakfast. We had our graduation ceremony this afternoon (everyone passed) and then we had a closing ceremony which was emotional. This is a great group. We are watching the weather in the States right now, wondering if we are going to get home tomorrow. It looks like most of the flights will be able...

Friday Afternoon

Well, the week is over. The students worked very hard building and painting and creating a mosaic for the community. The bus stop was their big project. Here are some "before and after" pictures. ...

The work has begun!

The students met with community members to discuss potential projects they might do while they are here. The meeting was run by the students using the participatory principles they have been learning, and..... they reached concensus quite easily! The work began on Tuesday and a new bus stop is rapidly growing at the entrance to the Huehue community. Everyone is working quite hard. They are learning that the need for participatory decision making dosen't end once the project is selected....

Group Photo

I got a request for a group photo with names, so that you know who your favorite Living Routes student is talking about when they tell you what is going on here. So here it is.... This is the gang.... back row from left to right (Duncan, Thomas, Janine, Mariah, Rob, Ahley, Jana) and the...

From a Student

Tonight is the big night. We have spent the past two weeks in the classroom learning consensus theory, interviewing community members, and reaching consensus in our own meetings towards the goal of designing a feasible and useful community service project. Tonight we will present our idea to the community in hopes that they will approve, allowing us to get to work. Our time has flown. Everyday has been filled with activities, including several exciting field trips and eventful weekends....

We're back

Yahoo. The weblog has been done for a few days but we are back. It is Monday afternoon here at Huehue. The students are preparing for a big presentation to the community members this evening. They are working hard on their agenda and presentation. This past weekend was relaxing. Many of the students helped the community to clear brush behind the village that would be a fire hazzard if not removed. They worked very hard. Some went to hear music on Saturday night. Some went dancing....

incredible !!!

thanks so much for these pics, it's great to be able see this even second hand !

To Xochicalco

Today we took a bus ride to a pyramid built by the Toltecs. We were privilaged to go with a group of Italian visitors who were learning about traditional healing practices. They are doctors, psychologists, journalists etc. and were called the "eagles." Xochicalco is a big place with lots of structures.

Apologies

I apologize to those of you checking the web log every day. I didn't post the pictures the past few days. I have heard from many parents and friends about the value of seeing the pictures of your favorite Living Routes student and some of the things they are doing. I'm really happy to be able to provide these. I am also sending individual photos of students upon request (just write me at jgerber@psis.umass.edu). I...

Sunday

Today, most of us went to Tepoztlan to the big open air market. Lots of color, sights, smells and crafts etc. for sale. Here is a photo... And another...

Our day "off"

It is saturday at Huehue. Several of us got up early to hike to the top of a nearby peak. It was a beautiful walk. A few folks asked to see what I look like! Well thank you. Here is Giovanni, one of the instructors, and myself standing in front of a field of cactus (used as a vegetable). Giovanni is the handsome guy on the right.

Long and wonderful day

The day began for several students before the rest of us got up. The adventurers climbed the hill behind Huehue to watch the sun rise and look down on Huehue from above. Click on more for more photos here.

More from Huehue

Today we had a lesson in the practical management of meetings from Bea (with the help of Ashley). Click on more for more photos.

Today's adventures

We began the day with our chores. Here is Chelsea, one of our tireless students becoming familiar with the working end of a broom in our classroom. Click on more for more photos.

First Full Day

Our first full day at Huehue was one of getting to know the place and each other. Great day. We are settling in. Here are a few photos of the ecovillage!

Arrival Photos

Here are a few of the students when we first arrived at Huehue. Watch for more pictures tomorrow! We had a wonderful meal and off to bed.

We are here!

For everyone back home, I just wanted to let you know that the Living Routes class has arrived safely at Huehuecoyotyl, after a very long day. All the student are well and hungry. They are getting settled into their rooms and we will be eating a late meal soon. I'll try to get some photo's of our arrival up on the weblog later tonight. John Gerber

Introduction

Welcome to the Huehue Class Web Log. Please invite friends and family to view this page by going to... http://www.livingroutes.com/weblogs/weblog.php ...and clicking on the Huehue link.

(This weblog is in chronological order)

Living Routes: Huehuecoyotl 2005 January

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