Archive for the ‘Environment’ Category
11/09/2009
Small Island on Lake Titicaca Peru faces Tourism Issues.
Jose Mamani & Family circa 1997
Amantani is a small remote island on Lake Titicaca, Peru. It can be reached by a four-hour passenger boat ride from Puno. It’s an island facing growth and tourism issues.
During my first trip to Amantani in 1997, I fell in love with the place. There were no cars nor roads, virtually no electricity, and only a few dogs, cats, and few horses, and three thousand people which made for a serene place. What struck me then, was the way the islanders worked together to make the community function. Most of that is still true, but unplanned tourism is threatening how the islanders work and live together as a community.
Tourism has had an impact, both good and bad. My last visit to Amantani was two weeks ago, which was part, fact finding mission to discover what’s going on, and part reconnaissance for Mountain Spirit Institute’s intercultural experiential education semester programs. Although I had just been there three weeks prior, with a small group of Mountain Spirit students, I returned because I needed to update my perspective about the island. (more…)
Tags:Amantani Island, Kantuta Lodge, Sustainable Travel Insternational
Posted in Conservation, Environment, MSI News, Peru, Sustainable Living/Communities, Sustainable Travel, Traveling, Uncategorized | 6 Comments »
26/08/2009
Inca ruins get 'The Treatment'
By Amanda Richards
Peruvian authorities in charge of archaeological sites seem to have a voracious appetite to ‘rebuild’ the Inca ruins. They seem to think that the ruins need to be ‘reconstructed’ in order for them to become worth something more – ‘puesta en valor’ as the signs tell us. The ruins in themselves are just not enough.
As we explored the ruins,we realized just how much had been ‘reconstructed’ and continues to be. At Macchu Pichu for example, you can’t even see the ‘most beautiful wall in the world’ (as described by Hiram Bingham) as it is currently under ‘reconstruction’ and the area is only open to workers carrying bags of cement. It felt strange to watch the ‘ruins’ being rebuilt and made to look ‘tidy and new’.
Building a 'new' Inca wall
Peter Frost raises this issue in his book ‘ Exploring Cusco’ hoping to ignite some discussion as he argues that there has never been a debate in Peru about this. No one has ever questioned the authorities. And so the rebuilding of the old ruins – ‘The Treatment’ as Frost describes it, continues unimpeded.
I have to admit that on one hand there is something nice about seeing the ruins ‘new and rebuilt’ like the beautiful, big terraces at Moray for example. However, I agree with Frost that this theme park approach takes away the ‘mystery, allure and enchantment’ that only our own imaginations can add to the experience of being there at these intriguing and mystical ruins.
Posted in Archeology, Books, Conservation, Environment, Peru, Quotes, South America, Sustainable Travel | 4 Comments »
24/08/2009
Getting the lowdown from Anna Sequieros on washing
By Randall Richards
S. Smith was recently a participant on our Peru Cultural Immersion program. He did an excellent job of stretching his comfort zones, and on many occasions really sought out learnings. For someone who had never been to South America, he was a great traveler, and even got to work washing some of his clothes. T. Young also got in on the act, as did I, and we had an official clothes washing session. I’m fairly used to washing my own clothes in a basin, and hanging them to dry, but wasn’t sure about my compadres. Our host, Anna gave us some pointers regardless of our experience and comfort levels.
Abran with his kite
Abran, who was a bit shy at the time this photo was taken at right, also has a simple approach. He made a kite out of local reeds and some plastic. Granted, if he had the chance, he might prefer a store-bought kite that has Spiderman or some colors, but because of necessity, I think Abran is more ingenious than his counterparts in the USA.
(He later warmed up in front of the camera a few days later). See a previous (our first) video post, where Abran gave us wave.
Tags:home-made kites, Simplicity, washing clothes
Posted in Conservation, Environment, Experiential Education, Holistic Living, Peru, South America, Sustainable Living/Communities, Traveling | Leave a Comment »
24/08/2009
Buy this product!
By Randall Richards
We have been using the Pristine Water Bottle with filter in Peru for about two months now, and we’re ready to endorse this product with no reservations. We have cut our plastic bottle footprint by 95%. We still buy the occasional bottle water con gas, as a treat, but even then we’re about ready to stop that practice.
Another benefit of using this product is, I’ve never had a healthier stay in Peru. I have heard of bottled water sometimes having tampered caps, and this is the first time I’ve not had some sort of stomach upset. I am pulling water right out of the tap here in Cusco, and it’s working well.
Although I like the Katadyn external water filter that I’ve had for years, which works well for high altitude and fail-safe longer trips, I have to say their water bottle filter is too heavy and takes up too much room (within the bottle for any water) for my liking.
This thing works. SteriPen Classic
Another product we’re using, which although is new for us, but is working well, is the SteriPen UV water purifier. It too has been easy to use and working without a hitch, also to purify drinking water from the tap. We recommend the Classic model as it takes standard Lithium or NiMH batteries.
Buy these products, cut out the plastic bottles, whether in South America or anywhere in the world.
Tags:clean water, Environment, garbage, Mountain Spirit, Peru, Plastic water bottle, Pristine Water bottle and filter, reduce, reduce plastic bottles, staying healthy in south America, SteriPen Classic, Sustainability, UV for water Purifying, Water Filters, water purification
Posted in Conservation, Environment, Health, Peru, Sustainable Living/Communities, Traveling | 1 Comment »
20/08/2009
Building block of life found on comet
By Steve Gorman
Composite Image of Comet Wild 2 by Stardust's Camera
The amino acid glycine, a fundamental building block of proteins, has been found in a comet for the first time, bolstering the theory that raw ingredients of life arrived on Earth from outer space, scientists said on Monday.
Microscopic traces of glycine were discovered in a sample of particles retrieved from the tail of comet Wild 2 by the NASA spacecraft Stardust deep in the solar system some 242 million miles (390 million km) from Earth, in January 2004.
Read the rest of this Reuters story
Tags:Amino acid on comet, Comet Wild 2, extraterrestial life, glycine, life in outer space
Posted in Environment | Leave a Comment »
17/08/2009
By Amanda Richards
Eva and I met while we were both studying at Copenhagen University about 5 years ago. We were both sad when we said our good-byes because neither of us had any idea when we would see each other again as she was heading home to Germany and I was returning to Australia. Yet, now here we are in South America!
Eva is traveling with Sebastien and they arrived here in Peru intent on cycling and hoping to explore `a strange new world, its countryside, people, cultures and languages for 2.5 months…´ Their adventures began in Lima and they first headed down south to Nazca (a desert area) and then up to Cusco.
On the way to Nazca
They have both been surprised at just how many other cyclists there are on the road – their expectation was that they would be almost the only ones on this big adventure!
After the chaos of Cairo (where they are both currently working) they are particularly enjoying the times when they are higher up in the mountains (sometimes above 4,000m) where there are fewer people.
Up up up and down down down
Eva and Sebastien are at Machu Picchu today and will continue with their cycle tour when they return to Cusco tomorrow. Once again Eva and I will sadly say our good-byes and who knows when or where we will meet again. Somewhere fun!
Tags:Copenhagen University, Cycling through Peru, Eva and Sebastien, Machu Picchu, Mountain Spirit, Peru, Peru by Bicycle, Travel by Bike
Posted in Animals, Archeology, Books, Environment, Experiential Education, Health, Inspirational People, Mountain People, Peru, Power of Place, South America, Traveling | Leave a Comment »
16/07/2009
By Amanda Richards
Machu Picchu
The Mountain Spirit Peru 2009 cultural immersion trip is already into Day 4 of the exciting program. The group of 7 clients with Randy Richards and Guillermo Seminario as their facilitators, are currently at Ollantaytambo, staying with Anna Sequiros and her family. Today is a day to learn more about local customs, sustainable agriculture, women’s issues and visit the local school. The group will also help prepare their own meal, which for some will include preparing and eating guinea pig – a national dish of Peru. Tomorrow they will set off for Machu Picchu and discover more about the richness of the Inca Empire. An excellent book to learn more about the ruins is by Peter Frost, ‘Exploring Cusco’.
I am here in Cusco, my fourth day in Peru. Randy has always spoken so fondly of the Peruvian people and I am experiencing what he means.The people are so open and gentle and kind, its a delight to be here. The group will be back in Cusco on Saturday and we will spend some time with the very special Chimu Inkas – Guillermo, Mario and Wach
i.
Posted in Books, Conservation, Environment, Experiential Education, Fair Trade, Holistic Living, Peru, Power of Place, South America | Leave a Comment »
06/07/2009
Commencement Address to the Class of 2009
University of Portland, May 3rd, 2009
By Paul Hawken
Help Wanted: Good Custodians
When I was invited to give this speech, I was asked if I could give a simple short talk that was “direct, naked, taut, honest, passionate, lean, shivering, startling, and graceful.” Boy, no pressure there.
But let’s begin with the startling part. Hey, Class of 2009: you are going to have to figure out what it means to be a human being on earth at a time when every living system is declining, and the rate of decline is accelerating. Kind of a mind-boggling situation – but not one peer-reviewed paper published in the last thirty years can refute that statement.
Basically, the earth needs a new operating system, you are the programmers, and we need it within a few decades. (more…)
Tags:2009, Commencement Address, May 3rd, Paul Hawken, University of Portland
Posted in Climate Change, Conservation, Environment, Health, Holistic Living, Sustainable Living/Communities | Leave a Comment »
05/07/2009
Reconnecting with a Mentor
By R. Richards, MSI Founder
Screen Shot of "American Bedouin"
According to an excellent 2007 Aljazeera Feature video, Erga Rehns has been living the life of a Bedouin in the desert with the Bedouin tribes of Wadi Rum for seven years. I’m not sure if she still does though. I’ll have to do more research in order to contact her again. The last, (and first) time I saw her in person was in 1981, when we first met at her little art studio and home in Obidos, Portugal.
Some people are lucky enough to be a primed for a turning point in their young lives, and come across just the right person at the right time that poses questions, and challenges one’s view of the world – who plants the seed for a paradigm shift. Most people aren’t’ aware they’re ready for that change, until years later, when they realize the shift was primed by those mentors. (more…)
Tags:Aljazeera, Alta Utah, American Bedouin, Chiusa Italy, Dexter Randall Richards, ecospiritual psychology, Erga Rehns, Ex Patriots, Experiential Education, Holistic Living, Jeanne Pickett, Klausen, Living abroad, Luciano Cappella, Martin Strolz, Materialism, Mentors, Mountain Spirit, Mountaineering, mtnspirit.org, New Hampshire, New Zealand, Obidos Portugal, Peru, Simplicity, Spiritual, Strolz GmBH, Strolz Ski Boots, Sud Tirol, Sunapee, Sustainability, Travel, Utah
Posted in Conservation, Environment, Film/DVD, Holistic Living, Inner Work, Inspirational People, Leadership, Power of Place, Spiritual, Sustainable Living/Communities, Traveling | 10 Comments »
27/06/2009
Decisions, Decisions – Motorhomes or Going Light
" Capt'n Fast und Light"
Huge motorhomes rumbling down the Motorways and Interstates are proof that humans have entirely too many non-renewable resources at their disposal. What it takes to move these beasts of burden one kilometer in energy could light the two lightbulbs in my yurt for a week. OK, I actually owned a motorhome when living in Sedona Arizona, as an alternative to apartment living. We’d drive out into the desert at night and base there, while I led trips for Sedona Adventures. And yes, we drove it to Washington state, fully loaded for the Outward Bound summer season. If a motorhome is one’s main residence, it may be “going lighter” on the planet, (I think) – Maybe lighter than owning a MacMansion. If, however, it’s one’s vacation mode of travel, please read on. (more…)
Tags:12 volt showers, Captain Vancouver, Conservation, desert living, Dexter Randall Richards, ecospiritual psychology, Experiential Education, fuel ecomony, going light, Holistic Living, hot showers, Motorhomes, Mountain Spirit, Mountaineering, mtnspirit.org, Natural resources, New Hampshire, New Zealand, Outward Bound, Peru, pulling boats, Spiritual, Sunapee, Sustainability, Utah, vans
Posted in Conservation, Environment, Sustainable Living/Communities, Traveling | Leave a Comment »
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