Volunteering Projects in the Shiwakucha Community

They call it a jungle for a reason - every inch of soil has something blossoming on it, exotic fruit on every tree, and a harmony of forest sounds that helps you fall asleep at night.

This post follows my intro to this volunteer destination here.

Volunteering in the Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador

"Agh... una persona por favor!" I laugh out-loud as the children jump all over me during this school break session.

Really, no Spanish or Quichua needed. I emotionally bonded to the Shiwakucha community here during this amazing volunteer experience in the heart of the Amazon rain forest of Ecuador. 

Why go here? Authentic jungle experience, immersion in native lifestyle and volunteering that is more fun than work. 

Swans Make a Heart in Marine Park

"Man... I forgot the bread!" I said to my friend Ben as two swans emerged from the water to us... "You know it's not natural to their diet, it will not digest!" frowned Ben in reply.



Here in the Marine Park Nature Trail in Brooklyn New York - the two swans here are pretty much domesticated, they walk right up to you and expect lunch. Is it wrong to feed them? Most probably, but the temptation to have that "connection" with such a majestic animal is irresistible.

Tibetan Influence in Nepal

I did not expect to see this, but Nepal is like little Tibet now. The story goes that Tibetan refugees fled to Nepal, India and Bhutan (its Himalayan neighbors) when China started making trouble for them starting the middle of the 20th century.



Before this, Buddhism was not as wide-spread in Nepal; and where it did exist it consisted mainly of Indian Vajrayana and south-east Asia Theravada traditions. But now Tibetan Vajrayana Buddhism is very much suffused into the local culture.

A Week Near the Bouddha Stuppa

Another reason to consider volun-tourism in Nepal (and probably elsewhere too for that matter) is that you are stationed in a rural area, providing a rare opportunity to experience the country's traditional culture and life not typically seen by tourists.