Living in Honduras offers many opportunities to see
beautiful scenery and experience new adventures. It is hard, sometimes, to
think of what I am doing certain moments as work. This last week was filled
with such moments.
On Wednesday, I flew to Belize City to attend a
conference on Aquaponics (raising fish and vegetables together). The conference
featured Nelson and Pade Aquaponics founders and was something I had hoped to
attend for some years. Having it in Belize City was a real opportunity.
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| Holding the post up while Jimmi does the work - I did carry the gravel and dirt ... just so you know |
The short flight to Belize was in a twelve-seater plane.
Flying in small planes is so much more fun than large ones. We were able to
watch all the dials and maps on the pilot console and, because we flew so much
lower, able to see the gorgeous reefs, islands and empty shorelines clearly. A
bank of cumulus clouds made the trip more exciting as we dodged through the
openings.
Belize is a British colony and features Her Majesty's
picture on their currency. I felt right at home. The difference in culture
between the two countries is really amazing. Language is, of course different
with a mixture of English, Garifuna, Creole and Caribbean dialect instead of
Spanish. The food is different as well - a mixture of English, Indian, African
and some Spanish. Many more spices and flavours are part of the diet. For a
Prairie boy, mashed potatoes was a wonderful treat.
The conference was enjoyable although not as informative
as I had hoped. Our focus in Honduras is finding simple ways for the poor to
grow food, address nutritional concerns and find new sources of income. They
don't need large systems with a heavy reliance on technical equipment and large
sources of energy.
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| A ferro-cement tank being built by my friend Glen - I helped with design ideas and taking him to see some already-made tanks (so ... get part of the credit ... enough to post a photo anyways) |
It is very difficult for people who have not lived any
length of time outside of their culture to appreciate the need for food systems
that are small, simple but utilize good science and a modicum of technology.
Our culture is a mono-culture based way of thinking - in agriculture, in
business and, often, in religion. To switch to a poly-culture, integrated and
multi-use way of thinking is a struggle.
Fortunately, I was able to spend a day with Jimmi and
Sandra, a couple who have a small aquaponics system in Belize and who are
looking at ways to make it more integrated and multi-faceted. We discussed many
ideas and how to implement them - both in Belize and here in Honduras. Jimmi
has several years experience and has learned what must be done and what can be
left undone. As well, because we have talked for some time, he is interested in
using his waste streams to better effect. Despite the efficiency of his system,
he has room to easily double or triple his income by utilizing the waste
streams of plant material, fish carcasses, fish manure and space management.
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| Karen showing her purse (lined with a zipper top) |
We spent a couple of hours making some wicking beds where
Jimmi will try growing alternative crops. That was enjoyable although, at 2.00
p.m. in the greenhouse rather warm.
The flight back was as enjoyable as the first flight. It
was nice to be home in good time to have a few hours of Sunday rest.
Karen finished her first crocheted purse. I am so
impressed with the way in which students are learning how to crochet and the
way in which Yeni, Ana and Maricella are teaching them.
TTYL
BB
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