TESTIMONIALS
Richard Harkrader, Board of Directors, Sister Communities of San Ramón, Nicaragua (July, 2004)
Our tourism economic development project is taking off! The Finca
is stunning and we are now at the end of a long road of investing and
building. We have the right people working in San Ramon and at the Finca.
It is really wonderful to see how they have grown from shy campesinos
with low expectations of their working lives to enthusiastic promoters
and skilled workers. They are VERY proud of themselves and the Finca.
Barrett Williams, Raleigh Charter High School student:
"My trip to San Ramón, Nicaragua has changed my life. Not
only did it improve my Spanish by placing me in unique situations with
Spanish-speaking locals, but it taught me valuable lessons I will never
forget. I saw first-hand the effects of poverty on the people and the
land. Because of this exposure, I began to pay attention to what I can
do back home to improve the global economy. I would strongly recommend
this trip to others; I am confident it will change their lives as well."
(Full
itinerary)
By
Ernesto Morales, San Ramón, Nicaragua:
"When I first started working at Finca Esperanza Verde, I was like
other farmers around here in my lack of appreciation for the natural world.
I would whack into trees with my machete as I walked along to pass the
time just like all the rest. Now I have changed. The tourists and natural
scientists who have come to San Ramón have shown so much respect
and fascination for the natural world I used to take for granted, that
now I, too, value the wildlife and plants around me. It is like a new
world before my eyes. And the income I make as a naturalist guide, which
I have been trained to be thanks to this project, helps my family have
a better life."
| By John Connors: "We had a great trip to San Ramón and Nicaragua.The Nicas were most hospitable as always...they outdid themselves - giving us gifts! The Finca was beautiful, although the weather was unsettled throughout (each night it would get blustery and rain, then burn off by 9-10 am). Our group enjoyed the folk music, the nacatamales and all. We saw a number of great birds including a new species for Nicaragua, seen at the Finca, Streaked Xenops, as well as a great bird called a Pheasant Cuckoo that Ernesto found near the Cascada. We located Red-eyed Tree Frogs, and found both species of Sloth, 2-toed and 3-toed, at the Finca - Very Unusual! We also saw a pair of Resplendent Quetzals at Selva Negra, along with the 3-Wattled Bellbird and Long-tailed Manakin. The Trifecta of Central American birding. WOW! Alejandra was a great addition...she was impressed with the Finca, and shared a great deal about Nica culture with us. Chris was a good interpreter, and the Finca staff, and homestay visits were terrific. Yelba continues to do a great job." |
|
By Mike Sheffer:
"My trip the San Ramón, Nicaragua was most rewarding. It was
amazing to experience the results of the hard work of the good people
of the Sister Communities of San Ramón, Nicaragua. A new school, clean water distribution
system, baseball stadium, a full time librarian and an award winning Ecco
lodge made quite an impressive list. But the most satisfying part was
witnessing the pride the San Ramón community. I had a terrific
time too enjoying the natural beauty, tasting different fruit (granadia
is awesome) and making new friends."
By Alicia Robb, Foundation for Sustainable Development:
"We had the most amazing time at the lodge, thank you! I am going
to send all three of my internship groups there this summer... thanks
for creating a paradise!"
By Ken Knight:
"I have made 3 ecotour trips to San Ramón, and each time
I am powerfully affected and changed for the better by the experience."