Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Happy Holidays! Boas Festes!
US Ambassador Marianne Myles visits my "Cultural Literacy" class!
Handing out condoms on World Aids Day.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Happy Thanksgiving!
No matter where you are spending this holiday, I hope you are surrounded by good friends and good food. Here in CV, I will feast on imported turkeys and cranberry sauce with other US Embassy staff. (No pumpkin pie, unfortunately, but we WILL have coconut ice-cream!)
This past weekend, I joined a group of people who commemorated Breast Cancer Awareness Day (thus the pink shirts in the photo above) by hiking from Praia to Rui Vaz (in the interior of the island). We had a great time. Definitely made me feel thankful for my health and solidarity with others!
As Christmas approaches, I am again reminded of just how far away I am. I will miss the cooler temps, snow-covered pine trees, cross-country ski outings, and family gatherings in Colorado (although SKYPE has certainly helped us stay in touch!).
For anyone who feels inclined to send a holiday card or small care-package (hint! hint!), below is my mailing (pouch) address and “wish list”:
Daniel Lopez
C/o US Embassy/Praia
2460 Praia Place
Dulles, VA 20189
· Red licorice
· Peanut M & M’s
· Mints
· Tea
· Parmesan cheese
· Trail mix
· Granola bars
· Photos
· Magazines
· Novels
This past weekend, I joined a group of people who commemorated Breast Cancer Awareness Day (thus the pink shirts in the photo above) by hiking from Praia to Rui Vaz (in the interior of the island). We had a great time. Definitely made me feel thankful for my health and solidarity with others!
As Christmas approaches, I am again reminded of just how far away I am. I will miss the cooler temps, snow-covered pine trees, cross-country ski outings, and family gatherings in Colorado (although SKYPE has certainly helped us stay in touch!).
For anyone who feels inclined to send a holiday card or small care-package (hint! hint!), below is my mailing (pouch) address and “wish list”:
Daniel Lopez
C/o US Embassy/Praia
2460 Praia Place
Dulles, VA 20189
· Red licorice
· Peanut M & M’s
· Mints
· Tea
· Parmesan cheese
· Trail mix
· Granola bars
· Photos
· Magazines
· Novels
Much Love,
Daniel
Friday, November 6, 2009
Dengue Fever!!
NEWSFLASH: Schools and government services were cancelled yesterday and a major campaign has been undertaken in Praia to eradicate the risk factors for Dengue (standing water, trash, etc). The air in the city was hazy due to the burning of garbage on almost every street corner. I spent most of the day inside my apartment. Many of my colleagues have gotten sick. A sad day in Island Paradise...
FROM INTERNATIONAL SOS (courtesy of Alexis Kort):
"Dengue fever has been reported for the first time in Cape Verde. The islands of Brava, Fogo, Maio, and Santiago have recorded over 3,000 suspected cases. Laboratory testing on initial samples have confirmed the presence of Dengue serotype 3. Concurrently pandemic flu (H1N1) 2009 has been circulating. Symptoms can be similar to those of dengue.
A team has been sent to investigate further, and measures to control mosquito breeding have been undertaken. The Disease Dengue or "break-bone" fever is a viral disease found in tropical and sub-tropical areas. It is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This insect bites during the day and is often found in and around human habitation. Symptoms of dengue include high fever, severe headache, and joint and muscle pain. A rash often follows these symptoms. The acute illness can last up to ten days, and complete recovery can take two to four weeks.
Occasionally, a potentially fatal form of dengue called dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) occurs. DHF usually occurs in patients who have previously been infected with one strain of dengue fever, then contract a different strain of the disease. There is no vaccine against dengue fever. Preventing mosquito bites is the only way to prevent the disease."
FROM INTERNATIONAL SOS (courtesy of Alexis Kort):
"Dengue fever has been reported for the first time in Cape Verde. The islands of Brava, Fogo, Maio, and Santiago have recorded over 3,000 suspected cases. Laboratory testing on initial samples have confirmed the presence of Dengue serotype 3. Concurrently pandemic flu (H1N1) 2009 has been circulating. Symptoms can be similar to those of dengue.
A team has been sent to investigate further, and measures to control mosquito breeding have been undertaken. The Disease Dengue or "break-bone" fever is a viral disease found in tropical and sub-tropical areas. It is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito. This insect bites during the day and is often found in and around human habitation. Symptoms of dengue include high fever, severe headache, and joint and muscle pain. A rash often follows these symptoms. The acute illness can last up to ten days, and complete recovery can take two to four weeks.
Occasionally, a potentially fatal form of dengue called dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF) occurs. DHF usually occurs in patients who have previously been infected with one strain of dengue fever, then contract a different strain of the disease. There is no vaccine against dengue fever. Preventing mosquito bites is the only way to prevent the disease."
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Halloween Photos
The US Embassy hosted a Halloween party for local children...Here are some photos from the event!
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Almost Famous
For those of you who can read Portuguese, here is a link to an article that was written about me on the University of Cape Verde (UNI-CV) website...
http://www.unicv.edu.cv/ltimas/professor-do-english-language-fellow-j-se-encontra-na-uni-cv.html
(For those of you who can't, the article talks mostly about my background and why I am here.)
Happy Halloween!
Daniel
http://www.unicv.edu.cv/ltimas/professor-do-english-language-fellow-j-se-encontra-na-uni-cv.html
(For those of you who can't, the article talks mostly about my background and why I am here.)
Happy Halloween!
Daniel
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Month #1
Hard to believe that I have been in this country for more than a month already…
Now that I have stocked my refrigerator (mostly with items from Portugal or Brazil since Cape Verde is forced to import most of its food), met my neighbors (a family from Italy lives across the hall), and familiarized myself with the city (I tend to walk everywhere, despite the scorching heat), it is time to get to work…
Classes at the university start tomorrow. I will be teaching two sections of a course entitled “Cultural Literacy” to undergraduate students in the English Department. They have a choice between Teaching, Tourism or Translation – and it my job to help them bridge the cultural gap in whichever of these professions they decide to pursue.
The University of Cape Verde (UNI-CV) was founded only 3 years ago. Being a very young institution (much like the country itself which gained its independence in 1978), it is still in the process of developing its fundamental mission and curriculum. As an advisor “on loan” from the US Embassy, I hope to become an integral part of their efforts during the next 9 months. Being the first long-term US State Department Educational Consultant in Cape Verde, I expect it will take some time to clarify expectations and find my niche. My role is constantly evolving. In general, though, I am very impressed with the enthusiasm and youthful energy of the people in charge (most of the Vice-Rectors at the university are in their late twenties or early thirties). Their dedication is quite commendable. It remains to be seen, though, what it will take to fulfill their vision.
Besides UNI-CV, I will be collaborating with the Ministry of Education and Peace Corps on several in-service training projects for Secondary School teachers and volunteers. This will require me to conduct workshops on a few of the other islands, where the differences are supposedly quite stark, both geographically and culturally. (Santiago is considered the most “African” of the islands, and its capital, Praia, is very cosmopolitan. It is also the driest. Fogo and Brava are volcanic. Sal is a completely flat windsurfers paradise, attracting the majority of international tourists. Santo Antao offers hikers a landscape of rugged peaks. Boavista has idyllic beaches and scuba diving. Sao Vicente, and its largest city, Mindelo, is said to be a combination of Mediterranean and Caribbean flavors, with its popular “morna” music and a world-famous Carnival celebration in March.)
Weekends tend to be very mellow. Shopping at the market; Portuguese and Kriolu language classes; swimming at the US Embassy pool; walking along the one clean beach in the city; free concerts of Senegalese musicians at the French Cultural Center or flamenco dancers at the Spanish Embassy; or an occasional dinner at one of Praia’s wonderful seafood restaurants. Every other week, the tight knit ex-pat community holds a wine & cheese reception where I have met many interesting people from around the world, all of whom are here for a variety of random reasons (diplomatic missions, non-profit organizations, business ventures – including an organic farmer from Germany and a British coffee shop owner). Once the weather cools, I might join a local hiking group which offers daytrips to explore the surrounding countryside. And I have decided to spend Christmas in Las Palmas, Canary Islands (with a layover in Lisbon) – where I can speak/understand the language again and get a small dose of Spanish hospitality.
That’s all for now. I hope I have given you some idea of my reality here in Cape Verde. Even though I am thousands of miles away, living on a remote island chain in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, life is pretty normal. I have my daily routine, cook and clean for myself (many of you will be pleased – maybe surprised? - to know that I gave up the daily maid service!), and watch CNN to find out what’s going on in the US (I’ve been following the Colorado “balloon boy” saga – try explaining that one to Cape Verdean students!). The pace here is definitely slower than what I’m used to, but that’s one of the main reasons I decided to come. Considering how fast the last month has flown by, I know that July will be here before I know it, so I might as well take advantage of every moment, no?
May things in your corner of the world be going just as well.
All my best,
Daniel
Now that I have stocked my refrigerator (mostly with items from Portugal or Brazil since Cape Verde is forced to import most of its food), met my neighbors (a family from Italy lives across the hall), and familiarized myself with the city (I tend to walk everywhere, despite the scorching heat), it is time to get to work…
Classes at the university start tomorrow. I will be teaching two sections of a course entitled “Cultural Literacy” to undergraduate students in the English Department. They have a choice between Teaching, Tourism or Translation – and it my job to help them bridge the cultural gap in whichever of these professions they decide to pursue.
The University of Cape Verde (UNI-CV) was founded only 3 years ago. Being a very young institution (much like the country itself which gained its independence in 1978), it is still in the process of developing its fundamental mission and curriculum. As an advisor “on loan” from the US Embassy, I hope to become an integral part of their efforts during the next 9 months. Being the first long-term US State Department Educational Consultant in Cape Verde, I expect it will take some time to clarify expectations and find my niche. My role is constantly evolving. In general, though, I am very impressed with the enthusiasm and youthful energy of the people in charge (most of the Vice-Rectors at the university are in their late twenties or early thirties). Their dedication is quite commendable. It remains to be seen, though, what it will take to fulfill their vision.
Besides UNI-CV, I will be collaborating with the Ministry of Education and Peace Corps on several in-service training projects for Secondary School teachers and volunteers. This will require me to conduct workshops on a few of the other islands, where the differences are supposedly quite stark, both geographically and culturally. (Santiago is considered the most “African” of the islands, and its capital, Praia, is very cosmopolitan. It is also the driest. Fogo and Brava are volcanic. Sal is a completely flat windsurfers paradise, attracting the majority of international tourists. Santo Antao offers hikers a landscape of rugged peaks. Boavista has idyllic beaches and scuba diving. Sao Vicente, and its largest city, Mindelo, is said to be a combination of Mediterranean and Caribbean flavors, with its popular “morna” music and a world-famous Carnival celebration in March.)
Weekends tend to be very mellow. Shopping at the market; Portuguese and Kriolu language classes; swimming at the US Embassy pool; walking along the one clean beach in the city; free concerts of Senegalese musicians at the French Cultural Center or flamenco dancers at the Spanish Embassy; or an occasional dinner at one of Praia’s wonderful seafood restaurants. Every other week, the tight knit ex-pat community holds a wine & cheese reception where I have met many interesting people from around the world, all of whom are here for a variety of random reasons (diplomatic missions, non-profit organizations, business ventures – including an organic farmer from Germany and a British coffee shop owner). Once the weather cools, I might join a local hiking group which offers daytrips to explore the surrounding countryside. And I have decided to spend Christmas in Las Palmas, Canary Islands (with a layover in Lisbon) – where I can speak/understand the language again and get a small dose of Spanish hospitality.
That’s all for now. I hope I have given you some idea of my reality here in Cape Verde. Even though I am thousands of miles away, living on a remote island chain in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, life is pretty normal. I have my daily routine, cook and clean for myself (many of you will be pleased – maybe surprised? - to know that I gave up the daily maid service!), and watch CNN to find out what’s going on in the US (I’ve been following the Colorado “balloon boy” saga – try explaining that one to Cape Verdean students!). The pace here is definitely slower than what I’m used to, but that’s one of the main reasons I decided to come. Considering how fast the last month has flown by, I know that July will be here before I know it, so I might as well take advantage of every moment, no?
May things in your corner of the world be going just as well.
All my best,
Daniel
Monday, October 5, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Getting Settled - Week #1
So, I moved into my apartment over the weekend. It's the "suite" on the top floor of a six-story building (with no elevator), so I will definitely get in better shape this year. ha! Views of the ocean in every direction. Small kitchen, 2 bedrooms, living room, bathroom (with hot water). Air-conditioning, thank goodness. Daily maid service. A block away from the US Ambassador's residence and the Embassy pool. Nice neighbors too (from Itlay!).
It might sound like paradise, but every day there are small reminders that I am in the developing world (power outages, garbage, street children). But compared to Tanzania (where I spent a year working for Global Volunteers), this is definitely "Africa lite".
Still trying to figure out my work projects. I have met with everyone from Peace Corps to the Ministry of Education, and they all want me to be their slave...So I need to lay out some priorities. For now, I will teach one course (Cultural Literacy) at the university and consult with PC/MOE on a regular basis. Will probably end up doing some PC training and workshops for secondary school teachers on other islands at some point.
I did meet with the UNI-CV Vice-Rector and US Embassy folks last week to discuss the possibility of establishing a Foreign Student Advising center at the university. We also want to set up an "American Corner" and offer TOEFL classes. Hopefully, we will have some Fulbright presence in Cape Verde eventually. Perhaps, as things move along, I'll need some "special consultants"? I'll let you know, ok? ha!
I've posted a few photos - Enjoy! - More to come soon, I promise!
Daniel
It might sound like paradise, but every day there are small reminders that I am in the developing world (power outages, garbage, street children). But compared to Tanzania (where I spent a year working for Global Volunteers), this is definitely "Africa lite".
Still trying to figure out my work projects. I have met with everyone from Peace Corps to the Ministry of Education, and they all want me to be their slave...So I need to lay out some priorities. For now, I will teach one course (Cultural Literacy) at the university and consult with PC/MOE on a regular basis. Will probably end up doing some PC training and workshops for secondary school teachers on other islands at some point.
I did meet with the UNI-CV Vice-Rector and US Embassy folks last week to discuss the possibility of establishing a Foreign Student Advising center at the university. We also want to set up an "American Corner" and offer TOEFL classes. Hopefully, we will have some Fulbright presence in Cape Verde eventually. Perhaps, as things move along, I'll need some "special consultants"? I'll let you know, ok? ha!
I've posted a few photos - Enjoy! - More to come soon, I promise!
Daniel
Monday, September 21, 2009
Arrival
HI!
Just wanted you all to know that I arrived safely to Cape Verde...After more than 40 hours of travel!
The hardest part of the trip was in Denver, believe it or not. I had too much weight, and they were going to charge me $400, but I ended up putting some stuff in a box and only paying a $250 "extra bag" fee. I barely made my flight to DC with all forms I had to fill out. No problem on the Senegal leg, thank goodness. The South African Airway flight was half full, and I had a seat to myself. Watched the movie "Angels and Demons". Was met by the Embassy expediter and taken to my boss' house in Dakar for a few hours of rest before my ongoing flight to Praia.
Upon arrival to this charming island, I was given an extremely warm welcome by the folks at the US Embassy and Peace Corps. First impressions: very friendly people, beautiful coastline, HOT (but with island breezes), Mediterranean in character, lots of new construction, much greener than I expected (due to it being the end of rainy season). It definitely does not feel like Africa - much more of a combination between Portugal, Brazil, and the Caribbean.
I'm currently staying at a hotel because my apartment isn't ready yet. Over the weekend, I attended a reception to celebrate one of Cape Verde's towns being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also traveled to the interior of the country (in the Ambassador's private car!) for a Peace Corps swearing-in ceremony.
Today I have meetings at the Embassy to discuss safety & security and my future work projects. I will also investigate the possibility of buying a scooter to get around. My curriculum development/teacher training work at the university will hopefully start next week. In the meantime, I plan to keep busy moving into my new apartment and learning a few essential phrases in Portuguese & Creole.
I'm still a bit jet-lagged, but happy to be here finally.
I'll post another entry soon (with photos!),
Daniel
Just wanted you all to know that I arrived safely to Cape Verde...After more than 40 hours of travel!
The hardest part of the trip was in Denver, believe it or not. I had too much weight, and they were going to charge me $400, but I ended up putting some stuff in a box and only paying a $250 "extra bag" fee. I barely made my flight to DC with all forms I had to fill out. No problem on the Senegal leg, thank goodness. The South African Airway flight was half full, and I had a seat to myself. Watched the movie "Angels and Demons". Was met by the Embassy expediter and taken to my boss' house in Dakar for a few hours of rest before my ongoing flight to Praia.
Upon arrival to this charming island, I was given an extremely warm welcome by the folks at the US Embassy and Peace Corps. First impressions: very friendly people, beautiful coastline, HOT (but with island breezes), Mediterranean in character, lots of new construction, much greener than I expected (due to it being the end of rainy season). It definitely does not feel like Africa - much more of a combination between Portugal, Brazil, and the Caribbean.
I'm currently staying at a hotel because my apartment isn't ready yet. Over the weekend, I attended a reception to celebrate one of Cape Verde's towns being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also traveled to the interior of the country (in the Ambassador's private car!) for a Peace Corps swearing-in ceremony.
Today I have meetings at the Embassy to discuss safety & security and my future work projects. I will also investigate the possibility of buying a scooter to get around. My curriculum development/teacher training work at the university will hopefully start next week. In the meantime, I plan to keep busy moving into my new apartment and learning a few essential phrases in Portuguese & Creole.
I'm still a bit jet-lagged, but happy to be here finally.
I'll post another entry soon (with photos!),
Daniel
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Cape Verde Article
For anyone who might be interested in reading more about Cape Verde, the article below appeared in the July 2009 issue of Conde Naste Traveler magazine:
www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/500992
Back to packing!
Daniel
www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/500992
Back to packing!
Daniel
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Contact Information
Bom Dia, Amigos!
(That is the extent of my Portuguese, unfortunately, which will hopefully get better very soon. ha!)
As you know, I will be spending the next 10 months as a US State Department consultant in the Cape Verde Islands, off the coast of West Africa. Leaving Denver on September 16th. (Flying through Dakar, Senegal.)
Below is my contact information:
1. Mailing Address (US Embassy pouch - only domestic postage required for letters, NO packages allowed):
Daniel Lopez
c/o US Embassy/Praia
2460 Praia Place
Dulles, VA 20189
2. SKYPE ID: globaldaniel68
Please let me know if you use SKYPE, so that I can add you to my address book! This is the best (and cheapest) way to talk in person. FYI - Cape Verde is 5 hours ahead of the East Coast, 7 ahead of Colorado time.
Please keep in touch and stay tuned for updates!
(One interesting website I have already found, thanks to Shai, is: http://www.capeverdejewishheritage.org/.)
Hasta Luego/Ate Logo,
Daniel
(That is the extent of my Portuguese, unfortunately, which will hopefully get better very soon. ha!)
As you know, I will be spending the next 10 months as a US State Department consultant in the Cape Verde Islands, off the coast of West Africa. Leaving Denver on September 16th. (Flying through Dakar, Senegal.)
Below is my contact information:
1. Mailing Address (US Embassy pouch - only domestic postage required for letters, NO packages allowed):
Daniel Lopez
c/o US Embassy/Praia
2460 Praia Place
Dulles, VA 20189
2. SKYPE ID: globaldaniel68
Please let me know if you use SKYPE, so that I can add you to my address book! This is the best (and cheapest) way to talk in person. FYI - Cape Verde is 5 hours ahead of the East Coast, 7 ahead of Colorado time.
Please keep in touch and stay tuned for updates!
(One interesting website I have already found, thanks to Shai, is: http://www.capeverdejewishheritage.org/.)
Hasta Luego/Ate Logo,
Daniel
Beckoned Again By Far Away Lands!
I know, I know...I said I would NEVER go abroad again! But, honestly, who was I kidding?? ha!
OK, here's the latest: I have been offered a 10-month contract by the US State Department in Cape Verde, starting in late September!!
While there, I will be training Peace Corps volunteers and university students on teaching techniques and tourism development. Should be an interesting experience.
So, once I return from my summer gig in El Salvador (August 13), I will put on my Cesaria Evora CD's (she a famous Cape Verdean singer) and start the process of packing up again! Call me crazy, but those island breezes are calling out to me! (And truthfully, the job prospects here in Colorado haven't been all that promising, given today's economic climate.)
More details to come, so stay tuned!
Lots of love,
Daniel
P.S. For those of you who have NO idea where Cape Verde is (don't be ashamed, I didn't either!), here is some more information from the Peace Corps website:
The Cape Verde archipelago is located approximately 375 miles off the coast of West Africa. It is composed of nine inhabited islands and eight islets. The islands have a combined size of just over 4,000 square kilometers (roughly the size of Rhode Island ). Of volcanic origin, the spectacular islands, which boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, vary widely in terrain. Cape Verde was a former Portuguese colony, and retains much influence from that European nation (trade, language, religion, food, customs, etc). In 1988, Peace Corps sent its first group of Volunteers to Cape Verde. Since then there have been over 300 Volunteers who have served in Cape Verde. Peace Corps Volunteers have served on all nine inhabited islands; presently, 46 Volunteers serve on all islands except Brava and Boavista. Over the past fifteen years the Peace Corps program in Cape Verde has grown in the number of Volunteers serving and its scope of intervention. To help the local government address its myriad development needs, the program has adapted its focus and objectives to keep in step with the country's development initiatives. Volunteers work closely with educational institutions, local government offices and nongovernmental agencies (NGOs) assisting communities in identifying their needs and resources and developing projects that help communities best use local resources to meet their needs.
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