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Hard to believe that 5 weeks have gone by and I am now starting my last week here. As so often happens time seems to move slowly and then suddenly in a rush it's almost gone. The photography project continued at the Centre. The numbers are starting to build and I am really enjoying the involvement. At the end of the day I called into Cafe Brujula as I usually do for a coffee. After I got home I realised that my phone was missing but could remember having it at the cafe. Headed back into town, not feeling very confident about getting it back. However as soon as I entered the cafe one of the young waiters handed my phone to me. I couldn't believe it. But then I really had to persuade him to take the reward I was trying to give him. His honesty deserved it and eventually accepted it. After dinner I headed off to the mezcal festival with a few of the other volunteers. 40 pesos to enter and then taste as much mezcal as you like from about 60 or more different producers. With a band on stage pumping out some good Latino music and many of the crowd up and dancing it was a fun night. The Guelaguetza festival is still in full swing and there are nightly shows and exhibitions throughout town. Each night a different region of Oaxaca puts on a dance exhibition and follows it up with a music performance a few hours later. They are always full of colour and vibrancy. And as usual the zocalo always has something happening. Currently there are a lot more stalls in the zocalo making it a little difficult to move around at times. Thursday was my last day at the Centre. Late morning I was asked to go into the dining room and then all the staff and other volunteers followed. Martha the Director was there and they made a presentation to me as a way of thanks for my involvement in the photography project. A delicious cake to be shared and a personalised "Diploma" to recognise my efforts. It was totally unexpected and I must admit I felt very humble. After all I had simply done what I went there to do - offer my services in whatever way they were required. All up we photographed 507 children - 2028 photos in total. I must admit I'm pretty chuffed with the result that we achieved. It was way beyond anyone's expectations. Well it's now Friday and this pretty well marks the half way point of my trip. It's also my last day in Oaxaca. So, what I have learned from my 6 weeks here? It's been confirmed that Oaxaca is the same enchanting place that I became attached to last year. History, culture, fun, vibrancy, laid back, arts, good food, music, cold beer are all here. And then there is the people, so welcoming, and particularly the children I came into contact with every day. Despite the poverty they come from they are so happy. Always smiling and laughing. When they arrive in the morning and give you a hug for no other reason than you are there, it puts many aspects of your normal life into perspective. And they are clever. 8 year olds who can clean up an adult in a game of checkers, 11 year olds who are extremely good chess players, 9 year olds doing long multiplication where the answer is in the millions whilst adults with calculators check that the answer is right (of course it is!). All they need is the chance to develop these skills. Last night as I walked around the zocalo I came across a 13 year old girl from the centre. It was about 9pm and she was there selling items, as so many of them do when school is over for the day. She knew it would be the last time she saw me. She came up and gave me a hug and simply said she was going to miss me. And I felt exactly the same way.
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Sue and Warren How inspiring Doug. What a wonderful experience your adventure appears to have been. Looking forward to hearing what is in store for you next. Safe travels.
Aly Sounds like you have had an amazing time I'm guessing quite different from what you were expecting and your photos have been incredible. Enjoy the rest of your travels.
Maria Wow, what a rewarding experience! To give of yourself and to receive so much in return without expecting it is the biggest blessing in volunteering. I can't imagine it will be the last time the people of Oaxaca see you, that's for sure. Well done on your photography project too!