Life After the Bahamas...

So it's been a couple of days since we've exchanged the sunny skies of the Bahamas for the snowy clouds of Maryland, and all I can say is that I miss it. A lot. I miss the people and their hospitality. I miss the "hailing" when we're driving. And I miss being in such a beautiful place. But I'm glad to be back in the US, for one, because I love sharing with people all my knew found knowledge about the environment. I just purchased my books for the semester (aka the University just robbed me) and while I was buying notebooks, I decided to purchase the "eco easy" kind. To me, this is a sure sign that this AWB trip focusing on ecological sustainability has changed me. If anyone knew me before the Bahamas, they would know how cheap I am, and how I would never pay $3.49 for a pack of looseleaf paper when there was a pack of the same paper for $0.99 right next to it. But today I did that. Although I spent a little more than I might of in the past, that's alright to me, because I know that little things like that will help to keep our environment going strong.

only the beginning!

By: Amy and Kevin

Being our last day here in the Bahamas, we all had a chance to look back and truly see the impact we have had upon this country AND the impact this country has had upon us.
This great trip ended exactly where it started. We revisited South Beach (the local hangout that we cleaned up earlier this week) and worked alongside students from the College of the Bahamas.
Its important to note that a Bahamian reader wrote earlier to a local newspaper that he found it appalling that foreigners (us) had to come in to clean THEIR beaches. Although doesn't seem like a very positive reaction...it still stirred a change. We don't know if the readers took in what this man wrote, or suddenly grew an environmental conscience...but as we approached south beach, we noticed it was cleaner than before. Hopefully our work has inspired the people here to continue caring for the land around them. Additionally, we hope that everyone will see how sincerely we care, and will continue to keep in contact with us...a future trip would be great!

After our last session of service ( :( ), we all went snorkeling and/or para-sailing. We all realized how important this trip was to us as we both enjoyed the activity we were doing AND enjoyed the nature and environment that surrounded us.

Overall, this trip has benefited EVERYONE involved in it. We hope our efforts will start initiatives here in the Bahamas, and we hope that what we have learned here will be a force for change in our areas.

A Day of Rest

by Hema and Anna
Our day began before daybreak, getting up at 5:30 to catch a flight out of Andros. We had planned to travel to the airport and say good-bye to our guide and good friend Rivean, but he never arrive (we later found out his car broke down) so it was a crazy morning. We made the flight and arrived in Nassau around 8, after a 10 minute flight.
After checking-in to the Towne Hotel, we went to the American Embassy for a presentation with the Public Affairs officials. We learned the role the embassy plays in the Bahamas and how the local and American government work together to create a safe community for both Bahamians and Americans. Though we were impressed by their initiatives for the Bahamian community (Read and Lead program and breast cancer research), we found that the officials did not seem to fully understand the Bahamian values and thought it may be helpful for them to spend more time learning from the community. We also compared AUTEC to the embassy and all agreed that there was a much different tone in each facility. AUTEC seemed very removed from the Bahamas, only employing locals as service staff and shipping in all supplies from America (as the Bahamians had requested to protect their economy) while the embassy was more active in the community, employing Bahamians in equivalent positions and seeing value in the local government's power.
We spent the rest of the day at the free beach and authentic straw market on Paradise Island, exploring the tourist side of the island.
For dinner, we went to Arawalk Cay, a local hang-out with lots of fish fry and Bahamian food. Everything was on island time, with slow and relaxed service.
During reflection, we discussed the highlights of the trip and recommendations for the future. We all hope to continue relations with the College of Bahamas and to find ways to strengthen the Maryland-Bahamas relationship.
Tomorrow, we're excited to meet with College of Bahamas students to see the effects of our last clean-up at South Beach (did the locals leave it clean?) and to work on further cleaning up the area.

The Garden of Andros, oh how we ador thee.

Day 10- January 23, 2008, 9:11 am
By Craig & Lizeth

Wow, the environmental sustainability trip to Nassau and Andros has been the model of an immersion experience steep in learning opportunities. We have been saturated with the inland culture and Bahamamin rituals. Out environmental work introduced the students to a rigorous physical experience along with exposure to the emotional connection country natives have for their unique land scape.

A true immersion experience allows for deep and complementing experiences day in and day out over time with the ability to see, reflect and making meaning of the daily activities that position the participants to identify the difference being made through their efforts. This happened as we saw the trail system to each of the blue holes become more clear, distinct and usable. Our work will allow for the Bohemians to take full advantage of the environmental wonder called Blue Holes.

We have been stretched to think more complexly as a result of being in dialog with leaders many social service agencies, political leaders, government representatives, high school and college students along with many citizens passionate about their neighborhoods, towns and country as a whole.

As a result of our experience Maryland student have shared stories of deeper understanding of the issues facing the environment in Nassau, Andros and the country. They have challenged one another to talk more critically about why they believe and what is it that they believe about environmental issues. This trip has positioned our students to touch points of passion with in themselves about their world and the interconnection they have to a greater society. So many times we have heard comments about individual actions having a ripple effect to and for the great community.

Now the true test of our experience will be how our behavior and action becomes more in line with the evolving environmental values shared by the students and staff that lived and experienced together over the past 11 days.

Day 7 -January 20, 2009 9:46 pm
By Kat and Michelle

The day started off without a bump in the road, figuratively speaking. There are a ton of bumps on the road to the service site. We worked on the trails again around Captain Bill’s (Tingum) blue hole which entailed clearing an already made path and leveling. We ended around 11:30am for lunch so that we could make our way down to the Andros High School. Unfortunately, we missed most of Obama’s inauguration speech but when we arrived at the school they had the end playing on the T.V. with speakers outside so a good amount of the students could watch. It was amazing to see how deeply involved the students were in Obama’s words…he gives hope to more than just the U.S. citizens. Then we had the chance to speak to the entire senior Chemistry lab class of seventeen students. It was interesting to see a high school class, especially a foreign one, being so far removed from high school. There was a sharp contrast to what we see in college; students quietly taking notes versus rowdy behavior. Nonetheless, they did listen and participate in our presentation. It was sad to see that they did not have much interest in the environment and their natural surroundings. Their main concerns and interests revolved around crabbing and the Andros crab feast, not about what they could do to prevent an overload of environmental issues later in life (which is completely normal at their ages and since it is not yet a deep concern in the Androsian community). We also noticed the sharp difference in the gender ratio. There were many more girls than there were boy students. One girl mentioned that her brother dropped out of school so that he could get into the bone fishing industry to help with the family income, a job that does not require a high school diploma. Another girl, however, talked with much enthusiasm about her future and her dream to be a teacher. It gave us a great perspective about the Bahamian lifestyle and the differences between the U.S. and the Bahamian islands. There are not that many job opportunities here in Andros just like in the U.S. but it is by far more severe.
During reflection a few interesting points were brought up. The U.S. is not at the forefront when it comes to environment. Although the U.S. is not as bad as China, it is near the top despite its reputation for being modern. Efforts are being made to help the environment such as, bike lanes on college campuses, We Bike (?) programs in cities, and increased awareness. More initiatives can be taken. Anna mentioned that gas prices should be raised to decrease the amount of driving and increase the use of other modes of transportation. Another suggestion was to extend the recycling competition to more universities.
In all it was inspiring and fun day topped off with cherries and ice cream. SLASH TABOO!


Day 6- January 19, 2009 10:52 pm
By Philemon and Kristina

Today we cleared pathways around a blue hole to allow for both natives and tourists to make a round trip around it so as to better appreciate the beauty of the blue hole in its entirety. Knowing that we fellow AWB members took a part in this process gives much satisfaction as our work not only invites tourists to this region but also awareness of the marvels of nature. This was the reason we are here, and it was just a great experience to see our purpose actually happening. In talking to one of the kids walking around the trail, they were so excited to be at the blue hole enjoying the environment and what the island of Andros has to offer. A few days back Raakhee and Kristina led a group reflection in which we discussed the difference between what was considered service and what was not, which brought about much debate. There were those that defined service as any that did not have tangible rewards and those who defined service as any that was expected and obligated by society. In all, despite our differences of opinion, all came to the consensus to agree to disagree and recognize that our work in the Bahamas is to bring awareness to the Bahamian population of their environmental issues.

Last night before our camp fire there was the discussion of the political structure of the Bahamas and the processes by which policies were enacted. As it turns out, the Bahamas has its fair share of political trouble being that it is such a young country. Since its independence, it has been through only three prime ministers. Proposed policies in general take quite some time before they become the accepted policies of the land – not all are in the best interest of the country’s prosperity. From what some of us got from the discussion, it seems as thought the local governments see to the actual governing making for the voting public to be heavily involved in the political process – 80 percent.

Tomorrow we are planning on visiting the local high school students and talking to them about the environment and what roles they’ve been playing in the whole process of ecological sustainability. It will be interesting to see what plans they have in place and what they have been doing up to this part. It’s easy to come into other’s country and take over their systems, but it is really crucial to understand what is at stake for the future and how the culture interacts with each together. We’ve definitely gotten to see the culture and how it operates, it’ll be fun to see the emerging plans of the country and what they plan to do with their youth—since they will be the ones to keep up these parks and site

Day 5- January 18, 2009 11.45pm
By Stephen Rogers

Today was a rather easy day compared to yesterday. My roommates and I all got a few extra minutes of sleep before eating breakfast, making lunch, and boarding the van—all in one hurried moment. Craig, Kristina, Hema, and I all felt like Hee-men as we lifted and moved ginormous (I know- it’s not in the dictionary) rocks and arranged them in a way so that no one would crack an ankle. Craig was the visionary who figured the best way to lay out the rocks and create a defined boundary for the trail. Kristina hacked her first tree on our last day at the Hub Cap Blue Hole. She beamed with pride as she and Hema held the tree for the victory pose and I snapped away. To our terror, Hema accidentally touched some poisonwood without gloves and had to climb down the rocks to wash her hands in the blue hole, only holding on to an old tree branch, barely falling in—a sigh of relief…

There area few highlights for the day. The first was when we visited the conservancy and finally got to reconnect to the outside world and email our folks back at home. Many of us haven’t talked to our friends and family since we left for this great adventure. Our lodging accommodations haven’t allowed us to at least call, text, or email anyone. Internet at last, I said to myself. I couldn’t have been happier to see the “mail.umd” page! The second highlight was jumping off the platform Raveen built, plunging into Captain Bill’s Blue Hole—13 feet down! I wanted adventure when I signed up for this trip so I got over my fear quickly and jumped in screaming, “I love Andros!!”. LOL. What a blast…

After eating a great meal and watching the Ravens game (we lost), we rapped it up at the bon-fire, eating smores, and asking Raveen lots of questions about the government of Andros and the Bahamas in general. He happily answered all of our questions until 11pm. Then we were guided by the night stars back to our rooms to get a nights rest. Another laborious, but eventful day awaits us tomorrow morning…

Disconnected from the World...and Lovin it!

Day 5
January 18, 2009
By: Raakhee

Hey all!

We have thoroughly been enjoying our stay in Andros thus far and are excited we still have a few days ahead of us! I have to say that Kristina (the other trip leader) and I could not have selected a better group of participants! Especially with not much else to do on the island but talk and hang out with one another after our service work each day, we really are getting to know each other very well and become a true family! As you may have noticed by the lack of daily posts recently, we don't have much connection to the outside world...we took a special trip to the Bahamas National Trust office near our ferry entrance to bring you this update of our blog posts to keep all you followers posted.

The previous post is a compilation of blog posts for the past few days that we have been typing up and saving. Anytime we have a chance to access the internet, we will be updating a compilation of posts, in case any of you are worried :)

This morning we finished up the trail we started yesterday (chopping trees down and leveling the trail) and are about to go to a blue hole where there is a 13-ft jump for some recreational swimming. We are way excited!!

We'll keep you updated on today and the rest of our stay in Andros when we get the chance; the next update may come on Thursday when we arrive back in Nassau.

-Raakhee

The Trail BlazersJourney to Andro

Day 4: January 17, 2009 6:30 pm

Machete Madness

By Kristine & Hema

We fell in love with the beauty of the blue holes as we did our first day of service with the Bahamas National Trust. We worked with a most amazing and knowledgeable employee from the Trust, Reveen, to clear and level a pathway through the foliage surrounding the blue holes. There is great hope that the land will be turned into a national park as to preserve the environment.

Although rewarding, today’s work was physically exhausting; chopping down trees with machetes and moving large rocks to level the pathways after they were cleared out. As we worked, Raveen taught us about the different plant species that can be found in Andros – especially poison wood, a relative of poison ivy, which we all fear we have touched and expect to break out in rashes by morning.

We all hope that by cleaning up the island of Andros and working in the natural environment we can inspire those native to the Bahamas to get more involved with the preservation of their environment within their own community.

Last night we all talked about what service meant to us which was a great way for us to learn about one another while talking about our passions for service. We had the opportunity to express our different views on the meaning of service. It was great to hear our various stances on this issue.

Overall, this trip has been a great experience. Every day that we are here, we learn something new about ourselves and about one another. This bond helps bring us closer together and strengthen the friendship that continues to grow.

Beautiful

Andros

Has

Always

Made

A

Statement!

Day 4: January 17, 2009 6:02 pm

Chop This Way

By Kristina

Wow, what a day. Today we began our service project. There are this areas of water, nature’s swimming pools, that are beyond gorgeous, but hidden to the general population (not many know where they are). Our project is around the idea of making pathways to these blue holes as the first step of making these areas into a park area. Although many people may not see this as an important task, it really is. Getting people of the Bahamas to recognize their beautiful country and the land they’ve been blessed with is a huge step in getting people to care about their environment.

Even more than today, I had a blast last night during our reflection. Raakhee and I (the two trip leaders) lead the group in activities such as a service barometer, the “starfish story,” and just a general discussion on what service learning really is. Everyone opened up and it was great. People had different ideas of what service learning really is and it was awesome to hear the different ideas about what service is. We did a service barometer where everyone would stand on a side of the room dependent upon whether or not they thought the act was service. Some acts we discussed were voting, being drafted to the military, helping your younger sister with her homework, donating money, or volunteering at events like Maryland Day (where a population at need isn’t necessarily being helped). We discussed the ideas of deep routed issues and whether or not they’re what makes service service.

I realized last night that one of the reasons I’m so in love with the Alternative Break program is because you’re able to take a group of 15 college students, take them our of the Terrapin Bubble and bring them together on a common interest such as community service learning, and that’s when you really get the minds going. We can have constructive discussions about our different ideas and opinions and that’s when you really get to know each other. In my three years here at the University of Maryland, I have seldom found any other opportunity where this is true. Just being here in the Bahamas is a reminder of all of this to me and I’m just really glad that this has been an opportunity that I’ve gotten the chance to experience.

Day 3: January 16, 2009 9:45 pm

By: Amy and Chinwe (The Big Island)

Today was extremely long yet very very eventful. At 6 a.m. we all woke up to catch the ferry at 8 o’clock. We arrived in Andros around 10:30 and were amazed how paradise-like everything seemed to be.

Although it was simply a two and a half hour ferry ride, we learned more about the Bahamian community issues and about ourselves. First off, we all got to know more about each other’s backgrounds and realized although we were all from different places, we all have a common interest in helping others. This was extremely uplifting since it shows that all people, no matter how different, could come together and work cooperatively for a common goal.

Pertaining to the issues of Bahamian community, we also realized the disadvantages of living in an archipelago. If there were ever an emergency on Andros, all victims would have to be taken directly to Nassau (since there are no major hospitals or clinics on the island). This would take 2 and a half hours on choppy sea waters, or force you to dish out major cash to take a small plane ride. Keep in mind, the two run on different schedules, and neither option is very wallet friendly.

In the afternoon we cleaned up a little portion of the local beach at the island of Andros. We realized that the island itself it is not hostile towards visitors but still focus on providing for themselves (in contrast to Nassau which depends on tourism). While cleaning the local beach at Andros we realized that if residents of Andros saw us cleaning the local beach it will encourage them to do so as well.

After having a homemade dinner we discussed our weekly plan towards our community service in Bahamas. We are very excited and looking forward to what’s coming ahead!

Day 2: January 15th

Hello Friends!

Coming from Kevin and Michelle..Today was perfect! Craig, Hema, Anna, and I (michelle) went for a 30 minute jog around Nassau with the beach breeze cooling us off (jealous?). After showers and a wonderful continental breakfast we met with the Rockhurst college group (a very animated group from Kansas City) and headed toward the local "South Beach" area. Here we met with the Director of Enviornmental Protection in the city of Nassau. She told us about how people frequented the beach on Sundays to swim and socialize. Afterwards, because it is no longer governmental property, they leave all their trash behind where the school kids later come to play in the broken glass and trash. For two hours or so we were able to fill an entire trash truck with the stuff we picked up, got the media to love us (we're famous...our pictures will be in the papers), admired the beautiful blue water and got our shoes muddy when it started to rain. (Thanks for the shoes mom!)

After a quick lunch at subway, we visited the College of Bahamas, where we got a tour of the campus and a dynamic view of typical thursday Bahamian college life. This was a blast and kind of made us jealous (there are no palm trees in the great state of Maryland). Later, Emerson (the crazy driver) brought us to the Atlantis, the tourist area that everyone thinks of when they think of the Bahamas. After walking through the popular aquarium and pool areas we quickly noticed the difference between the tourists towns and the local areas. Although the Bahamas are the richest islands in the Carribean, the local areas are very rundown. Despite these conditions, Bahamians are far more friendly than most US citizens. Saying "hi" just to say hi is common and genuine.

Although we are on a strict food budget we enjoyed a fantastic dinner of salads and chicken fingers at the Hilton. After two hours of laughing and talking, I think we speak for all 15 of us when I say it was a great 2 hours of bonding for the group. Things are going great and we're all VERY excited about Andros tomorrow. Judging by what the Rockhurst kids told us during all the activities the beaches are incredible, the work is hard but rewarding, and the people are extremely hospitable.

SO! Thanks for the love and support you all have given us because we're having the time of our lives. LOVE, KEVIN AND MICHELLE

ps... mom and dad? can I come back next year?