Walk and talk

Inner Journey

The first full day was... Exhausting. My feet have never hurt so bad in my life. It was the day for tours, four to be exact. It didn't help that none of us know how to properly understand the route or the timing for the street car. Which led to much frustration and wasted time. The tours that we participated in were very educational and great to listen too. The only thing I disliked was the lack of moving around. When I think of a tour, I think of visuals and little clip its of information about what we are seeing. Some parts of the tours I found a tad boring just because there was so much repetition about what they all talked about. Digging deeper, yesterday made me realize why I want to become a social worker. The high level of homelessness down here is outrageous. I felt sad and didn't know what I could do to help. It is hard at times down here to be able to tell the difference between someone who lives on the streets and someone who uses the streets to hustle. Something I noticed about the homeless down here is that, the majority of them have dogs. Like how can you be homeless and take care/feed your dog if you have a hard time feeding yourself ? Not judging just observing. I felt saddened for the number of handicap homeless people who were either mentally or physically unstable. As a social worker it would be my duty to reach out to these individuals and give them the information they need, whether that is information about local shelters, or information about job fairs I feel that I could play my part in that way.

On a more positive note I have really felt like I am connecting with my classmates and forming friendships. It is refreshing to be forming new and different relationships and getting to know one another on a different level. Not everyone travels with what once were strangers, but can now call them friends. I still miss home, and more personally my boyfriend (cheesy, I know but true). This winter break has been different than most. Usually I have little to do, and a lot of time to relax. This break/ trip has been busy and kept me on my toes which is a nice change of pace.


                          

Something that I thought I would share is my new appreciation for art. While touring yesterday I learned a lot about the stories of the galleries and the meaning behind some of the pieces which I found very interesting. My favorite gallery was the Kako gallery. It was what I would call a shot gun gallery. Very long and narrow which lead to unique design. I got further into the gallery and saw a court yard behind the check out desk and asked it I could go back their and look, and the lady working allowed me to. Turns out it is a court yard to the apartments above the gallery. The court yard was over looked by balconies which were made out of the most beautiful iron designs. I was in awh and immediately fell in love. I knew that if I was ever to live in this city it would have to be in a place like that! The last thing that really stood out to me was the street performer artists. There was a particular group that's talent radiated over the city. They had so much energy it made me feel relaxed and joyful to be here, I even bought one of their cd's. Overall the day was crazy good, I took a lot of information in and was able to spend time with some great people. The first day was a success and made me appreciate for what I have.

     This is the Street music I spoke about, I could have sat and listened to them all day, very talented!

Two of the greatest people I have met (Robert & Amy)