HOYcommunity

Felices Dias y Nuevo Año 2012!

2011-12-23T14:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-21T09:38:00.000-08:00

CASA HOY PROUDLY ANNOUNCES PARTNERSHIP WITH IVHQ!

2011-08-31T10:25:00.000-07:00

This fall Casa HOY welcomes its first IVHQ-Mexico volunteers since beginning its partnership with the international volunteer agency IVHQ, which operates in 18 different countries, helping thousands of volunteers connect with local organizations and programs.

For more info, please read on….

Casa HOY—based in sunny, quiet Cuernavaca—has teamed up with IVHQ, an international volunteer agency, expanding on HOY's 10-year journey of offering give-and-get travel to individuals and groups.

Casa HOY is IVHQ’s exclusive partner in Mexico and will continue to organize and carry out community service trips for people who are looking for a different type of travel experience.

Through IVHQ, participants will have the opportunity to work with the great network of NGOs and activists that Casa HOY has built up in Cuernavaca and Morelos State. Volunteers can focus on one of four categories:

* Teaching: primarily focused on teaching English, although volunteers can also expect to help with other school subjects. Having the ability to speak English provides Mexicans with an advantage in finding work and building a future career.

* Environment: an opportunity to jump into the thick of Cuernavaca’s diverse environmental scene. Volunteers have direct contact with local projects to raise public awareness and get practical results

* Computer Training: a Cuernavaca-based computer lab on wheels. Every weekday afternoon the lab sets up in selected disadvantaged neighborhoods to provide via an easy-to-follow lesson plan computer related opportunities that otherwise do not exist.

* Childcare: individual and group interaction with children from low-income homes and communities. Volunteers aid local staff in improving the educational, emotional and sanitary conditions in which the children live.

Please come join us in Cuernavaca and spread the word to family and friends.

CUERNAVACA: HEADQUARTERS FOR CITIZEN ACTION

2011-04-07T08:05:00.000-07:00

Bad news may come pouring out of Mexico, but Casa HOY is here to tell you the inspirational part—the part that is not covered in much of the foreign or even domestic press.

This past Wednesday, April 6, transforming their grief and frustration, ordinary Mexican citizens used their voice to protest the violence across the country provoked by a “war” imposed on the people by its own government. “Ya basta” and “No mas sangre” were the demands of the day.

Inspired by personal loss, Mexican poet and journalist Javier Sicilia called on his compatriots to demonstrate publicly their inconformity with Mexico’s and the U.S.’s “war” on drugs as the two countries overlook the causes of the problem and the devastating effects on the citizenry of an erroneous policy that caters to high-level interests. Too many innocents have perished, trapped between the crossfire of political criminals and organized criminals.

20,000 marched in Cuernavaca alone. In other cities across the country, including the nation’s capital, thousands more joined the coordinated protest.

Mexicans are taking the route of pacific protest to pressure the powers that be to represent their people and hear their demands.

In the words of the anthropologist Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

PARTICIPATORY EXPERIENCES 2011 (UPDATED!)

2011-02-09T09:06:00.000-08:00

Abril 15-17: Construccion de casa (Guanajuato)

Unete a un grupo de viajeros-voluntarios de Casa HOY, y pasa un dia y medio de actividades culturales en la ciudad de Guanajuato, y el fin de semana, participa en la construccion de una casa para una familia de bajos recursos, dirigida por una organizacion internacional, en la ciudad de Leon. Perfecta combinacion de turismo alternativo y accion social!

Dia 1: Miercoles: Salida DF-Guanajuato
Dia 2: Jueves: dia completo en Guanajuato
Dia 3: Viernes: construccion de casa
Dia 4: Sabado: construccion de casa
Dia 5: Domingo construccion / fin de actividades

Acompañante-guia de Casa HOY con grupo durante toda la experiencia
Logistica de trabajo voluntario
Actividades culturales guiadas

Gran experiencia individual, con amigos o colegas de la misma empresa!

Interesados comunicarse a la brevedad!!! a:
casahoymexico@gmail.com

May 28 - June 4: Women and gender issues (Morelos)

Stay at Casa HOY and get to know the work of Mexican women activists and their everyday struggles in society, visiting local NGOs, urban community projects, and other groups fighting in different fields. We'll also meet with a group of indigenous women and their families in a rural setting.

A great week of social activism, responsible tourism, and cultural immersion!

For fees, and more details please write to hoycommunity@gmail.com
Casa HOY team.

June 25 -July 2: Urban planning (Mexico City)

Come observe and experience the efforts of Mexico City's local government in transforming the most populated metropolis in the world into an environmentally-friendly and sustainable city of 20+ million!

-Stay at an eco-friendly hostel
...-Specific talks with experts
-Visits to public parks, green buildings, urban street art, community gardens, and more.
-We will ride the Metro, Metrobus, light rail, electric buses, taxi bikes, and city rental bicycles!

Sample itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival-welcome dinner
Day 2: Orientation / Bike ride Condesa and Roma neighborhoods
Day 3: Subway system / visit to Plaza de las Tres Culturas
Day 4: Green projects / visit to Latin America's tallest green building and Parque Bicentenario (ex-Refineria) / visit to project of urban green roofs
Day 5: Urban culture & sustainability / inner freeway system, street art, and Museum of Anthropology
Day 6: Metro bus system / Visit to UNAM campus
Day 7: City infrastructure: water, energy, air
Day 8: Recap / departure

A great experience for students, professionals, activists, and urban adventurers!

For costs and to fill out a registration form, please
write an e-mail to hoycommunity@gmail.com

Julio 15 Aniversario HOY 10 años! (DF-Cuernavaca)

July 20 to 5 August: Summer camp (Cuernavaca)

Come to Cuernavaca (the City of Eternal Spring) this coming July, and spend one, two or three weeks at a summer camp for low-income children and youth, teaching English, arts and crafts, playing sports, and more!

Dates: July 20 to August 5, 2011
Hours of volunteering: Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Requirements: basic Spanish or a willingness to learn, be outgoing, some experience teaching, able to handle groups, creative, self-motivated, like interaction with children and youth

Casa HOY provides lodging and volunteer arrangements for a summer-special fee!

The fee includes:
> Pick up and drop-off at Cuernavaca’s Casino de la Selva bus station
> Orientation on volunteering, Mexican culture and safety tips
> Hostel-type shared lodging and bathroom
> Breakfast and snacks
> Local transportation related to volunteer work
> Access to a Casa HOY staff person during working hours
> 1 guided cultural/recreational activity per week
> Goodbye lunch with Casa HOY family!

NOT included:
> Airfare to and from Mexico City

> Bus fare Mexico City-Cuernavaca

> Other meals than those specified

> Other local transportation not related to volunteer work

> Personal expenses

For fees and to receive a registration form, please contact

Casa HOY at hoycommunity@gmail.com

Agosto 7-13: Experiencia Participativa en Nueva York

VIAJE PARTICIPATIVO A NUEVA YORK!!
Una semana de cooperacion internacional, inmersion cultural, accion social, turismo y mas!
Detalles y costos pronto.
Apuntate al evento!
o manda un e-mail con tus datos a: casahoymexico@gmail.com

September 10-November 12: Afterschool program (Cuernavaca)

Details TBA

September 23-25: House building (Queretaro)

Details TBA

November: Ravine cleanup in San Anton (Cuernavaca)

Details TBA

November: Project at eco-village (Tepoztlan)

Details TBA

November 22-27: Thanksgiving week of service (Morelos or Oaxaca)

Details TBA

December: Alternative medicine (Morelos)

Details TBA

December: Sea turtles project (Pacific coast)

Details TBA

* For exact dates, places, and fees per person please write to hoycommunity@gmail.com

Travel and Change the World!

Best wishes!....

2010-12-06T08:38:00.000-08:00

Dear friends all over the world:
Our best wishes for Christmas and the new year!

Estimados amig@s en todo el mundo:
Los mejores deseos para Navidad y el nuevo año!

From Katy, Gerardo and the Casa HOY team
De Katy, Gerardo y el equipo Casa HOY

PLEASE SUPPORT HOY THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

2010-11-08T10:59:00.000-08:00

Your tax-deductible donations to Por un mejor HOY support operations in Mexico.

For example,
$10 will buy 6 pairs of flip-flops for children

$25 will buy boxes of crayons and notebooks for 10 little girls at Niñas de Eugenia or Casa Perlas

$30 will pay for a one-day rental of a truck in Cuentepec to haul clay from the fields to town

$50 will pay for 1 day's food basket for a group of volunteers in a rural community

$75 will cover the cost of 10 soccer balls or basketballs to donate to the energetic teens at CAM

$100 will buy 1 anti-snakebite shot and the first-aid kit that we always carry and then donate to rural communities

The newly formed Mexican business Casa HOY carries out HOY's mission of offering life-altering experiences to travelers who volunteer their time in Mexico. Participants work at a variety of projects, institutions and communities.

Por un mejor HOY is a New York 501(c)3 nonprofit. Your donation is channeled to operations in Cuernavaca, Mexico, which include maintenance of the hostel where volunteers are housed, supplies for volunteer activities and basic necessities at volunteer workplaces both in the city of Cuernavaca and in villages in the state of Morelos.

Donations may be made through PayPal by clicking the button below.

Or, if you prefer to send a check (payable to "Por un mejor HOY"), it may be mailed to the following address:

Por un mejor HOY
c/o Rebecca Barnhart
535 North Griffith Park Drive
Burbank, CA 91506
Thank you. Peace, health and prosperity in 2011!

ACCION Y RESPONSABILIDAD SOCIAL CORPORATIVA

2010-10-12T13:06:00.000-07:00

¿Qué le parecería otorgarles una experiencia de labor social, cohesión de grupo, esparcimiento, y superación personal, a los empleados de su compañía?

Casa HOY, una empresa familiar social y ecológicamente responsable en Cuernavaca, Morelos, ofrece un fin de semana de acción social y motivación corporativa:
>Labor social y de voluntariado con niños y jóvenes con diferentes necesidades
>Sensibilización a problemáticas sociales y cómo emprender acciones
>Dinámicas de construcción de equipos o “team building” (juegos, ejercicios, talleres)
>Actividades de esparcimiento (paseos y salidas)

Ejemplo de Itinerario:
Viernes por la tarde: Llegada del grupo, presentación-orientación y dinámicas de equipo, cena de bienvenida.
Sábado: Día completo de labor social, con dinámicas de equipo y actividad de esparcimiento en la tarde.
Domingo: Medio día de labor social con actividades recreativas, reflexión final y comida de despedida.

Costos:
$3,000 pesos por persona (descuentos a grupos de más de 10 personas)
INCLUYE: alojamiento básico, comidas, transporte local, actividades sociales y recreativas, diploma de participación y CD con fotos de la experiencia.
NO INCLUYE: Transporte de llegada y salida de Cuernavaca, comidas y bebidas extra, gastos personales.

Por favor contacte:
Casa HOY
Gerardo Jaime/Katy Barnhart
casahoymexico@gmail.com
(777) 176-7868
¡Gracias!

Casa HOY is now officially a Mexican family enterprise!

2010-09-19T11:28:00.000-07:00

Hi everybody!

We are glad to announce that Casa HOY is now officially a Mexican family enterprise!

offering the following services:

Hostel-type lodging for groups of traveler-volunteers
Community service programs, urban and rural
Themed experiences focusing on:
Community Service
One or two weeks pitching in at an assortment of Cuernavaca-area projects that serve children and adults with different needs.
Issue-Specific
Talks, visits, and interaction with activists working on different social issues: ecology, human rights, LGBT and gender, etc.
Cultural Immersion
Themed educational experiences: alternative healing, pre-Hispanic Mexico, Spanish-language studies, etc.

Please visit our new websites:
www.hoycommunity.net
www.wix.com/casaHOY/Home_Casa For available dates, specific programs, fees, and reservations, please contact us:
hoycommunity@gmail.com
Gracias y saludos!

Team Casa HOY

Casa HOY's first Summer program for families!

2010-08-23T08:22:00.000-07:00

The Rowe family, a party of four from British Columbia, Canada, came to participate in the inagural Casa HOY trip for families!

The Rowes visited several of HOY’s favorite volunteer sites, including CAM (a youth outreach and foster center), Don Bosco (a school for low-income children that focuses on arts and language programs), Niñas de Eugenia (a girls’ orphanage), and Huerta de Vinci (a biorganic garden and learning center). The family spent most of its time with the children at Don Bosco working with their summer camp program.

Besides volunteer work, the family had plenty of free time to explore the city of Cuernavaca, visiting museums and enjoying family dinners in the quaint, funky cafes downtown. They also had a chance to visit Tepoztlán, a “magic town" an hour away from Cuernavaca, eat some enchiladas and work on their Spanish skills.

Our last Spring participant...and ready for the Summer!

2010-07-01T10:05:00.000-07:00

Michael Hink, a traveler-volunteer from Germany, was our last guest this spring. An enthusiastic person and an avid traveler, he was on a 2-month journey through Mexico, visiting several places and writing about his experiences for a newspaper back home in Europe.

Staying at Casa HOY, Michael volunteered his time at four different projects that included work with kids and the elderly.

Now we're ready our summertime visitors. Please come join us!

To our future visitors: update on safety in Cuernavaca

2010-07-01T08:12:00.000-07:00

Despite all the bad news about drug-related violence you hear abroad, we’re hear to tell you that Mexico is by and large still a safe, noble, friendly and wonderful destination—especially if you have a host Mexican friend or family who gives you insider information (like Casa HOY)!

Hearing the news from afar only gives you part(s) of the whole story. Let’s face it—a lot of what is “newsworthy” is negative. But, here’s the question: Would you deny yourself a visit to New York City or Los Angeles after hearing news of a failed homemade bomb attempt in Times Square or a gang-related shooting in an LA 'hood?

So, what’s really happening in Cuernavaca?

Due to the involvement of the Mexican military in a so-called war on drugs, you will now see in cities like Cuernavaca a greater army presence and police activity randomly patrolling the streets and stopping traffic, especially at checkpoints for stolen vehicles, weapons, etc.

Cuernavaca is far from a dangerous city where you are afraid to step out of your door,or walk down the street or hail a cab at the corner. This year, we have so far had three groups and one individual (i.e., more than 30 individuals) participating with Casa HOY in Cuernavaca and in smaller towns in the state of Morelos. No bad experiences, no scary situations, nothing out of the ordinary to report.

Nevertheless, there have been a handful of sensational events in the area and subsequent news reports about casualties in vendetta-type operations among gang members of the drug cartel operating in the state. It may appear to an outsider to be an increase in personal risk and random violence, but in reality it is targeted violence against and among gangs, police or politicians involved in drug trafficking.

We live here 24/7, and we have never felt unsafe or threatened. Of course, as experienced travelers ourselves, we always take extra precautions (e.g., have a cell phone available, HOY staff available 24 hours, have a curfew) with our traveler-volunteers when on the streets, using public transportation and going out at night. We take care of our visitors and take into consideration risks associated with setting, time, circumstances, etc. We know Mexico, we know Cuernavaca. We are aware of Mexico’s problems as well as its strengths. And, as our recent participants and our quiet daily life prove, we have quite a peaceful daily life!

Gerardo and Katy

P.S. If one day we really believe Cuernavaca is dangerous for visitors, we will be the first to let you know!

LMU Alternative Spring Break 2010!

2010-04-06T10:25:00.000-07:00

12 students from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, came to work and "convivir" with the indigenous women potters of Cuentepec, Morelos. It was a great week of cultural immersion, community service and sightseeing in the area.

Good luck everybody, Carpe Diem and see you next year!

12 estudiantes de la Universidad Loyola Marymount de Los Angeles, vinieron a México a cooperar y convivir con la mujeres indígenas artesanas de Cuentepec, Morelos. Fue una increíble semana de inmersión cultural, servicio comunitario y paseos en el área.

¡Buena suerte a tod@s, Carpe Diem,
y nos vemos el próximo año!

Florida State U visiting Casa HOY!

2010-03-11T10:00:00.001-08:00

Casa HOY is glad to have 9 students from Florida State University this week, as part of their Alternative Spring Break program. It's been a fun week of volunteer work, cultural immersion and international cooperation!

Students from FSU
ready to plant some trees!

planet green!

our intern Sarah
hands on dirt!

Last volunteer week of the year at Casa HOY!

2009-12-11T09:48:00.000-08:00

Last volunteer week of the year at Casa HOY!

House for girls in Tepoztlan

Saving the ravine, Amatlan de Quetzalcoatl

See you all in 2010! Come visit!

2010: HOY ANNOUNCES PARTICIPATORY EXPERIENCES FOR GROUPS!

2009-08-24T10:02:00.000-07:00

An interactive/cooperative/educational experience in the state of Morelos, Mexico

Option 1: A week at Casa HOY

Daily volunteer activities at a foster home for youth, a food bank,
a community recycling center, and other sites (emphasizing both
hands-on and human interaction)
Talks on Mexican culture, social activism, local & global issues
Optional 1-hour daily Spanish classes/conversation
Visits to lesser-known local attractions
Team-building dynamics
Meetings with local activists, artisans, students
Excursions to nearby towns, ruins, natural areas

For groups of 6-8 people
Cost per individual per week: US$250-$350
(depending on number of activities, talks, meals, etc.)
Basic service includes:

hostel-type lodging
breakfast
local transportation
talks and Spanish hour
all dynamics and arrangements for volunteer service
one guided tour
wireless Internet

Option 2: A week living and working in a rural community
For groups of 8-15 people
Cost per individual per week: US$500

basic lodging
all meals
local transportation
all dynamics, activities, and arrangements for volunteer service

*A great life experience abroad for college students, youth clubs & networks,
church groups, socially responsible companies, and other groups
Winter, spring, and summer breaks

Please contact us 3-6 months in advance
to begin the registration process
and schedule a week or two in 2010 at:
hoycommunity@gmail.com
Gracias y saludos!
Team Casa HOY
www.hoycommunity.org

End of Summer at Casa HOY / Fin del verano en Casa HOY

2009-08-20T09:01:00.000-07:00

Another Summer has ended at Casa HOY....but not without great memories....
Our last 3 participants from Canada, Australia, and the States enjoyed their respective weeks of volunteer work, specially visiting the girls from Casa Perlas, a foster home for former street kids or minors with parents in prison. There, HOY´s participants gave informal English classes, origami and bracelet-making workshops, swam and played games with the energetic and always smiling girls. Casa HOY will receive more visitors at the end of the year...more news coming in the Fall!

Otro verano terminó en Casa HOY....pero no sin dejar buenos recuerdos...
Nuestros 3 últimos visitantes de Canada, Australia, y los Estados Unidos disfrutaron sus respectivas semanas de trabajo voluntario, especialmente visitando a las niñas de la Casa Perlas, un albergue para antigüos niñas de la calle, o menores con padres en la prisión. Ahí, los participantes de HOY dieron clases de inglés informal, al igual que talleres de origami y como hacer pulseras, también nadaron y jugaron con las siempre energéticas y sonrientes niñas.
Casa HOY recibirá más visitantes al final del año...más noticias pronto!

Summer 2009.1 / Verano 2009.1

2009-07-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

Casa HOY has gotten a facelift just in time to start the summer volunteer season! Lindsay and Silas (from the US), and Laura (our first Australian participant!), inaugurated the summer offering a helping hand at a local food bank, at CAM center for teens, at a community recycling center, and at Niñas de Eugenia, where Laura and the litte girls enjoyed each other's company.
Casa HOY fue remodelada justo a tiempo para el comienzo de las vacaciones de verano, y la llegada de nuevos voluntarios: Lindsay y Silas (de Estados Unidos), y Laura (nuestra primera participante de Australia!). Ellos colaboraron con el banco de alimentos, los jovenes del centro Cam, un centro de reciclaje, y la casa hogar Niñas de Eugenia.

In other news, Por un mejor HOY is now featured in the Lonely Planet guide to Mexico! Look for the latest edition with a typical Mexican skeleton on the cover page!
En otras noticias, Por un mejor HOY aparece por segundo año consecutivo en la guia Lonenely Planet de Mexico! Busquen la ultima edicion con una calaca mexicana en la portada!

For more news, pictures, and postings visit us also on Facebook under "Casa HOY."
Para mas noticias, fotos y anuncios, visitanos en Facebook bajo "Casa HOY".
www.facebook.com/hoycommunity

IT'S OK TO TRAVEL TO MEXICO...VISIT CASA HOY THIS SUMMER!

2009-05-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

IT'S OK TO TRAVEL TO MEXICO AGAIN!
(link to Centers of Disease Control and Prevention)

COME TO CASA HOY THIS SUMMER!
FOR A ONE- OR TWO-WEEK PARTICIPATORY EXPERIENCE

> SUMMER DATES:
JUNE 21-27 / JUNE 28-JULY4
JULY 12-18 / 19-25
AUGUST 2-8, 9-15

> POST-FLU-SCARE SPECIAL RATE! US$250/week; students w/valid ID, US$200. To see what's included, please click here.

> ESPAÑOL EN PRACTICA! (Innovative Spanish immersion experience with no classroom, books, or grammar! Send inquiries for more info.)
WEEKS: July 5-11 / November 22-28, 2009 (beginners) and July 19-25 / November 29-December 5, 2009 (intermediate/advanced)
*program organized independently by Gerardo Jaime, Spanish Teacher and Casa HOY director. Cost: $350 per week.

> DECEMBER TRADITIONAL HEALING EXPERIENCE: dates and cost TBA soon. (Send inquiry to get on the email list.)

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN ANY OF THE ABOVE WEEKS, PLEASE RESERVE 3-4 WEEKS IN ADVANCE: hoycommunity@gmail.com

FOR MORE INFO PLEASE VISIT OUR WEBSITE OR BLOG: www.hoycommunity.org / www.hoycommunity.blogspot.com

> AND FROM OUR FRIENDS OF THE NONPROFIT "DOS TRADICIONES": SUMMER ETHNOMUSICOLOGY PROGRAM (JULY 12-25). Focus on Huasteca and Calentana styles. Ideal for musicians and music lovers alike! More info click here.

HOPE EVERYBODY IS WELL!

Gerardo Jaime
Director Casa HOY

Recapping the Spring / Recuento de la primavera

2009-05-06T07:48:00.001-07:00

Two universities kept our spring break month busy. Loyola Marymount University came from California to spend a week in the state of Hidalgo (March 7-14) and Elon University came from North Carolina to spent a week in Cuernavaca (March 22-28). Both groups enjoyed being in Mexico for an alternative spring break filled with volunteering, cultural immersion and fun.

Cultural activities were provided by HOY intern, Nathaniel, from sampling of Mexican cuisine such as chapulines (fried grasshoppers), to salsa dancing at a local cafe.

The mandatory swine flu vacation has provided us with a chance to spruce up around the house. Casa HOY now has a fresh new coat of yellow paint and water-proofed roofs – ready for the rainy season to begin!

Un repaso de la primavera…

Nuestro "spring break" estuvo muy movido con dos universidades de Estados Unidos. Loyola Marymount University vino de California para pasar una semana en el estado de Hidalgo (Marzo 7-14) y Elon University vino de Carolina del Norte por una semana a Cuernavaca (Marzo 22-28). Los dos grupos disfrutaron de una experiencia llena de trabajo voluntario, inmersión cultural, y vivencias significativas.

Las actividades culturales llevadas por Nathaniel, nuestro asistente voluntario, incluyeron desde comer chapulines y churros rellenos, hasta baile de salsa y una excursión al pueblo mágico de Tepoztlán.

En los días de asueto impuestos por la alerta de la influenza, Casa HOY ha tenido una remodelación extensa, desde pintura para las lluvias hasta nuevos alegres colores exteriores e interiores.

Casa HOY Mexico: Update 1 on Flu

2009-04-29T08:18:00.000-07:00

Dear friends:

As you may wonder, we are fine health-wise. Amelia is out of school until May 6 or further notice, and we continue to work out of the house, as usual. The only major change really is that we regularly check the news for updates on the flu outbreak.

We are taking certain precautions, such as washing hands even more frequently, forgoing the normally requisite handshakes and kisses as greetings and goodbyes, and avoiding congregations of people (within reason).

We have had last-minute cancellations of traveler-volunteers who were to visit Casa HOY in May. As you probably already guessed, 2009 is turning into a rough year (global economic crisis, headlines outside Mexico about narco violence, and now the new flu) for us in terms of the number of international visitors coming to Mexico to carry out participatory travel, as well as tourism in general. On the other hand, trying times tend to breed creative thinking. HOY will refocus and rethink on ways to keep serving communities in need locally and abroad.

We’ll keep you posted with more news.
Gerardo and Katy

Cinco de Mayo Party Tips

2009-04-13T11:41:00.001-07:00

It’s getting to be that time of the year again—time to dust off your sombreros and invest in piñatas to celebrate Mexico’s win over France in 1862 (any excuse to drink Jose Cuervo and indulge on Tex-Mex enchiladas). Here are HOY’s tips for having an awesome Mexican fiesta!

Drinks/Bebidas: Pitchers of margaritas: http://www.expertvillage.com/video/27283_bar-tending-margaritas.htm; Mexican beer

Appetizers/Antojitos: tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctnU44S50Po, http://www.allrecipes.com/Recipe/LuvAnns-Guacamole/Detail.aspx; other delicias

Main dishes/Platos principales: enchiladas: http://www.elise.com/recipes/archives/000055enchiladas.php; tacos, burritos, taco salad: http://www.allrecipes.com/Recipe/Taco-Salad-III/Detail.aspx

Desserts/Postres: Kahlua brownies: http://www.cooktobang.com/recipes/sweet-temptations/bang-til-youre-blue-a-kahlua-brownies/; pastel de tres leches, flan, arroz con leche

Movies/Películas: Frida, A Day Without a Mexican, La Ley de Herodes, Y Tu Mamá También, Motorcycle Diaries, Volver, Amores perros, Como Agua Para Chocolate, La Mala Educación, Rudo y Cursi

Music/Música: Café Tacuba, Juanes, Jarabe de Palo, Manu Chao, Putumayo – Latin & Caribbean Collections, Buena Vista Social Club, Ozomatli, Control Machete, Molotov, La Maldita Vecindad

Invitations/Invitaciones: Create your own invite: http://www.evite.com/app/invitations/gallery/templates.do?theme=cinco_de_mayo&pg=1&eventID=&inviteID=&src=

HOY Music

2009-03-17T12:45:00.001-07:00

Alternative Spring Break in Zacatempa / Spring Break Alternativo en Zacatempa

2009-03-17T12:07:00.001-07:00

This year, HOY's alternative spring break trip took place in the community of Zacatempa, Hidalgo. Thirteen participants from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles came to help out in the tiny community nestled in the Sierra de Hidalgo, three hours from Tianguistengo, the municipal capital.

Members of the group (Loyola Marymount University) spent the week painting the local school, giving a dental hygiene workshop for the kids, painting lines on the basketball court, and making soccer goals out of scrap wood.

Back in Mexico City to catch the plane, the group had time to visit the city's main square (Zocalo) and cathedral (the oldest and largest in the Americas).

Este año, HOY llevó al grupo de Spring Break Alternativo a la comunidad de Zacatempa, Hidalgo. Trece voluntarios de Loyola Marymount University en Los Angeles trabajaron en esta comunidad localizada en las montañas de la Sierra de Hidalgo, a tres horas de la cabezera municipal Tianguistengo.

Se pintaron la escuela primaria y las lineas de la cancha de backet, se hizo un taller de hygiene dental para los ninos, y unas porterias de futbol con desechos de madera. En DF, antes de la partida, el grupo visitó el Zócalo e hizo un recorrido de la Catedral Metropolitana, la mas grande y antigua en las Americas.

Your Safety in Cuernavaca

2009-03-04T18:10:00.000-08:00

An Open Letter to the HOY Community:

We are aware that there has been a lot of bad press about Mexico lately. The escalation of the drug war in Mexico has even prompted the U.S. State Department and many universities to issue warnings to those considering travel in Mexico.

If your only impression of Mexico comes from watching the news, the country’s associations have likely changed from sunbathing and margaritas to widespread and random violence.

First, let us make it clear that many areas of Mexico are safe and quiet, a far cry from the headlines you read. Cuernavaca—which boasts more than 20 language schools for foreigners, aside from HOY’s homebase for participatory trips—is among these low-key cities exceedingly safe for foreign travelers.

Although some news reports may paint the entire country as a war zone, the drug war that is fueling the violence reported in the U.S., is concentrated in specific areas. These are mainly border cities where the cartels are fighting over turf and routes and a few cities along the Pacific coast. There have also been sporadic murders of government and police officials in different parts of the country, and some armed assaults on foreigners driving through Baja on solitary stretches of main roads.

Fortunately, Cuernavaca is far removed from the violence in the north and other “hot” spots. Coming here as a traveler-volunteer or a language student (i.e., not as a drug trafficker, cop, or bureaucrat), your greatest threat is the “tourist tax”—being charged $4 by a taxi driver for what should be a $2 ride.

In Mexico City, as in any major city in the U.S. or around the world, urban crime is a concern. There are parts of the city best avoided, pickpocketing on the metro does occur, and taxis should be called for ahead of time or picked up at authorized taxi stands rather than hailed on the street. For traveler-volunteers who wish to spend time in Mexico City, a city we love for its variety and cultural riches, we can share plenty of recommendations for itineraries, as well as safety tips.

We appreciate your concerns and understand how hard it is to judge the true state of a situation from so far away and with little information. Without a context, how can one truly judge something? This is where we come in. HOY is here to answer your questions and allay your fears. After all, what are friends for?

Katy Barnhart & Gerardo Jaime

For more non-alarmist information:
The U.S. State Department’s travel alert is available at www.travel.state.gov > international travel > Mexico.
About.com response to “Is it safe to travel to Mexico?”
http://seniortravel.about.com/od/travelsafety/f/MexicoSafety.htm
http://gomexico.about.com/od/healthandsafety/f/is_mexico_safe.htm
A typical visit to Mexico City
http://www.peoplesguide.com/1pages/best/mexico/m.c./jim-j/mx-city-safe.html

5 Simple Recommendations While Traveling in Mexico:

1. Don’t use, buy, or sell illegal drugs! (As a foreigner, even peeing in the street could get you in big trouble with Mexican police!)
2. Always carry with you a photocopy of your passport.
3. Avoid using ATMs in solitary places and at night. Avoid carrying large sums of money and bank/credit cards with you on a daily basis. Leave them at the hotel in a safe.
4. In big cities, when possible, use public transportation rather than taxis. Ask locals for “taxis seguros” (safe taxis), nearby taxi stands, and telephone numbers to call them for service.
5. Don’t accept drinks from strangers and don’t drink to excess. You need to be alert if necessary.

2009-02-28T11:15:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Casa HOY!

HOY on slides!

2009-01-12T18:52:00.000-08:00

DONATE TO CASA HOY CUERNAVACA!

2008-11-24T09:23:00.000-08:00

To all our friends:

Casa HOY, meeting point between international volunteers and local projects, is looking for donations to support this hostel-community center in the city of Cuernavaca, Morelos State, Mexico.

Any institutional or private monetary donations of US$25, US$50 or US$100 would be greatly appreciated. Donor’s benefits (donation of $100 or more):

• Discount and priority access to lodging at Casa HOY
• Discounts on other services and activities of Casa HOY

Casa HOY:

• Hostel for international travelers and volunteers
• Liaison center for participants and local projects
• Community center open to projects, workshops, and classes
• Research and information center on participatory/alternative trips
• Future info center on children’s rights

Please make your donation payable to
"Por un mejor HOY"
and send to the address below:

Por un mejor HOY, Inc.
c/o Rebecca Barnhart
682 Irolo Street, #702
Los Angeles, CA 90005

or use our PayPal button!

To receive more information about Casa HOY, please contact:
Gerardo Jaime / Katy Barnhart
Tel. Cuernavaca, Mexico: (52) (777) 176-7868
E-mail: info@hoycommunity.org

Gerardo and Katy are founders of Por un mejor HOY, a 501(c)3 nonprofit, incorporated in the state of New York, United States, in 2004.

www.hoycommunity.org.

Travel & Cooperation for a Global Community

Thank you! Gerardo Jaime & Katy Barnhart

Video: children with special needs and volunteers bowling

2008-10-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

Wrapping up the summer with Casa HOY - Fin del verano en Casa HOY

2008-08-13T16:10:00.000-07:00

Casa HOY had another fun summer. Our projects included long-term favorites Niñas de Eugenia, CAM and Casa Atzingo as well as a few new projects including an animal shelter (APAC), a food bank (BAC), and a recycling center in Cuernavaca´s old barrio of San Anton. Volunteers enjoyed the variety of projects as well as Casa HOY's new location, which boasts a refreshing pool and a spectacular view of the city and surrounding mountains. HOY extended its online presence with new accounts on Facebook and MySpace. Look at the links below!

Casa HOY tuvo otro verano rico en experiencias para viajeros y gente local. Nuestras visitas incluyeron lugares favoritos como Niñas de Eugenia, CAM y Casa Atzingo y algunos proyectos nuevos como un centro de atención a animales (APAC), un banco de alimentos (BAC) y un centro comunitario de reciclaje en el barrio de San Antón. Los voluntarios disfrutaron de los proyectos y la

nueva ubicación de Casa HOY, que cuenta con alberca y una vista espectacular de la ciudad y montañas circundantes. Casa HOY extendió su presencia en la red con nuevos sitios en Facebook y MySpace. !enlaces abajo!

Pick your poison/Escoge tu adicción:

Facebook: friend Patas de Perro
& join the group "Por un mejor HOY"

MySpace: www.myspace.com/hoycommunity

Travel blogs: www.travelpod.com/members/porunmejorhoy
www.porunmejorhoy.travellerspoint.com

CASA HOY: NEW LOCATION/NUEVA UBICACION

2008-06-16T09:23:00.000-07:00

New address/Nueva dirección:

Río Mexapa 130
Colonia Hacienda Tetela
62160 Cuernavaca, Morelos

Same telephone number/Mismo teléfono:

(777) 176-7868

Improved setting, featuring a pool in a quiet neighborhood! How can you resist? Come visit us.

¡Ahora con mejores instalaciones, incluída alberca en zona tranquila! Vengan a visitarnos.

Global Youth Network Team Visits Cuernavaca for Second Year! / ¡Segundo Año que Global Youth Network Visita Cuernavaca!

2008-05-21T08:16:00.000-07:00

Twelve enthusiastic college students from Canada spent a week working at various projects in the Cuernavaca area, then moving on to other regions of Mexico during a month-long community service trip. Through Por un mejor HOY, the group principally lent many hands in the ongoing cleanup of a ravine headed by Casa Atzingo, where the group was also housed. Other days the team headed to Temixco to visit, play with, and offer encouragement to at-risk teens at CAM and to Tepoztlan to help in the construction of the alternative elementary school Terramar, due to open its doors this coming school year. Thanks to all who collaborated for such a successful week!

Doce entusiastas estudiantes de universidad canadienses pasaron una semana trabajando en varios proyectos en la zona de Cuernavaca, antes de seguir su viaje de un mes de servicio comunitario en otras regiones de México. Con la ayuda de Por un mejor HOY, el grupo echó la mano principalmente en el proyecto de largo plazo de limpieza de barranca a cargo de Casa Atzingo, donde también se hospedaron los chavos. Otros días el grupo fue a Temixco a visitar, jugar y dar ánimos a jóvenes de alto riesgo en el centro CAM y a Tepoztlán a ayudar en la construcción de la escuela alternativa Terramar que abre sus puertas este año escolar. ¡Gracias a todos que colaboraron en hacer esta una semana muy existosa!

Alternative Spring Break in Tonchintlán / Spring Break Alternativo en Tonchintlán

2008-03-19T10:47:00.000-07:00

This year, HOY's alternative spring break trip took place in the community of Tonchintlán, Hidalgo. Thirteen participants from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles came to help out in the tiny indigenous community nestled in the Sierra Madre. Members of the group spent the week painting school buildings, organizing the infirmary, giving English and health workshops to the kids, whose native language is Nahuatl, and playing games with school students (duck-duck-goose was wildly popular). Many thanks to the entire community and especially to Ray, who lent the LMU-HOY group his house and temazcal (indigenous sauna-bath). Back in DF to catch the plane, the group had time to visit sites around Mexico City's main square (Zocalo).

Este año, HOY llevó el grupo de spring break alternativo a la comunidad de Tonchintlán, Hidalgo. Trece voluntarios de Loyola Marymount University en Los Angeles trabajaron en esta comunidad indígena localizada en las montañas de la Sierra Madre Oriental. Se pintaron los edificios de la escuela primaria, la clínica, y la delegación. Se dieron igualmente talleres de salud e inglés a los niños (quienes hablan Nahuatl). Mil gracias a toda la comunidad y en particular a Ray, quien nos prestó su casa como alojamiento y el uso del temazcal. En DF, antes de la partida, el grupo visitó el Zócalo y sus alrededores.

Happy 2008! & news / Feliz año! & noticias

2008-01-02T13:18:00.000-08:00

HOY founders Gerardo and Katy put their new used minivan "Rolando" at HOY's disposal for volunteer-related needs. Whenever needed, Rolando is available for Casa HOY: in its trips to the supermarket, visits to new projects, pickup/dropoff of participants at the Mexico City-bound bus station, and the like.

Los fundadores de HOY Katy y Gerardo han puesto su mini-van Rolando al servicio de HOY y el transporte de voluntarios. Cuando sea necesitado, Rolando ayudará con las operaciones diarias de Casa HOY, como compras, búsqueda de nuevos proyectos, y dejada y recogida de participantes en la estación de autobuses para la Ciudad de México.

Casa HOY had a few year-end visitors come to share goodwill and skills with children and youngsters at different locations. One volunteer from Japan was very popular among the kids, teaching them the art of origami ... and dancing hip-hop for them!

Para el fin de año, llegaron algunos visitantes a Casa HOY para compartir buena voluntad y sus aptitudes con niños y jóvenes de varios proyectos. Un voluntario Japonés fue muy popular entre los chicos, al enseñarles el arte en papel origami....y bailar hip-hop con ellos!

From December 16 to 22, HOY conducted its first Traditional Healing participatory experience. Participants at Casa HOY visited the ruins of Xochicalco and experienced a temazcal (indigenous sweatlodge). They also learned about kinam, an ancient yoga-type body and mind discipline found in pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican cultures, local massage techniques, and medicinal plants, as well as enjoying the warm weather and the natural beauty of places such as Xochitepec. We'll schedule a similar experience for 2008!

Del 16 al 22 de diciembre, HOY presentó su primer experiencia participativa en Sanación Tradicional. Los participantes visitaron las ruinas de Xochicalco, y aprendieron sobre Kinam, una disciplina de cuerpo y mente similar al yoga y encontrada en las culturas prehispánicas del México antiguo. Tambien ellos tuvieron la experiencia del temazcal, técnicas de masaje locales, y la belleza natural de balnearios de la región de Xochitepec. Se planea una experiencia similar este año!

End of Summer at Casa HOY / Fin de verano en Casa HOY

2007-08-21T15:42:00.000-07:00

Casa HOY’s first summer was a great success! Twenty-five enthusiastic people (Canada, U.S., Croatia, Italy) visited us from May to mid-August, to volunteer and work with street kids, youth at risk, orphans, schools for the blind, and a garbage clean-up project in one of Cuernavaca's ravines. This participatory experience allowed the travelers to interact and cooperate with ordinary yet incredible Mexicans in their everyday lives. Cultural sightseeing and fun times weren't prohibited either!
Thank you travelers, gracias everybody!

!El primer verano en Casa HOY fue un gran éxito!. 25 entusiastas jóvenes ( Canada, EU, Croacia, Italia) nos visitaron de mayo a la mitad de agosto, para trabajar como voluntarios con niños de la calle, jóvenes con problemas familiares, huérfanos, escuelas para ciegos, y un proyecto de limpieza de basura en una de las barrancas de Cuernavaca. Esta experiencia participativa permitió a los viajeros interactuar y cooperar con mexicanos ordinarios (pero extraordinarios!) en sus vidas cotidianas. Paseos culturales y diversión !tampoco estaban prohibidos!
Gracias a todos viajeros!

June visitors / Visitantes en junio

2007-06-28T16:45:00.000-07:00

During the month of June, Casa HOY participants were busy volunteering at several locations in Cuernavaca. Volunteers Mav, Ana, Peter, and Janet continued the project of cleaning the barranca at Casa Atzingo and teaching/playing with the chavos at CAM, but they also started a new project at a school for blind and deaf children near Parque Chapultepec. There, volunteers painted a classroom and also helped students with their work, giving both volunteers and the students a chance to practice their Spanish and English skills. During free time, volunteers went to Tepoztlan, a funky town with a pre-Hispanic pyramid atop one of the many unique rock formations in the area, and the Teopanzolco archaeological ruins inside Cuernavaca.

Durante el mes de Junio, los participantes de Casa HOY estuvieron muy ocupados como voluntarios en diversos lugares en Cuernavaca. Los voluntarios Mav, Ana, Pedro y Janet continuaron el proyecto de limpiar la barranca de casa Atzingo y enseñaron/jugaron con los chavos de CAM, pero también se empezó un proyecto nuevo en una escuela para los ciegos y sordos cerca del parque Chapultepec. Allá, los voluntarios pintaron un salón de clase y ayudaron a los estudiantes a completar su tarea, que permitió a ambos grupos practicar su inglés y español. Durante el tiempo libre, los voluntarios fueron a Tepoztlán, un pueblo colonial con un templo prehispanico en la cima de una de las formaciones de rocas únicas en la región y las ruinas arqueológicas de Teopanzolco en la ciudad.

Helping out Don Felix and his community project / Ayudando a Don Felix y su proyecto comunitario

2007-05-09T07:15:00.000-07:00

On May 6, Casa HOY's participants visited the community of Tehuixtla (50 km. south of Cuernavaca), where they helped clear out rocks from an empty field where a basketball court and a childrens' recreational area will be built.
They also met with Don Felix Serdan, an 88-year-old peasant ex-revolutionary, now social activist fullfiling his longtime dream of building a rural cultural center for the people of his town. Don Felix told his amazing story, while participants learned about aspects of Mexican history and societal struggles in the last decades.

El dia 6 de mayo, los participantes de la Casa HOY visitaron la comunidad de Tehuixtla (50 km. al sur de Cuernavaca), donde ayudaron en la recolocacion de piedras, para la futura construccion de una cancha de basquetbol y un espacio de recreacion infantil.
Tambien conocieron a Don Felix Serdan, un ex-revolucionario de 88 anios de edad, ahora un activista social, realizando su largo sueno de construir un centro cultural rural para la gente de su pueblo. Don Felix conto su sorprendente historia, mientras que los participantes aprendieron mas sobre la historia de Mexico y las luchas sociales de las ultimas decadas.

Saving the ravine! / Salvando la barranca!

2007-05-04T18:23:00.000-07:00

Welcome to HOY's blog!

Today, May 4, 10 young Canadian travelers
(Global Youth Network) staying at Casa HOY, "officially" began the eco-project of the ravine cleaning at Casa Atzingo, in Cuernavaca. The day included picking up garbage along paths and near the creek down below, carrying garbage bags to the top of the ravine, and the beginning of an art project made of objets de garbage at the entrance of the ravine.

Bienvenidos al blog de HOY!

Este dia, 4 de mayo, 10 jovenes canadienses viajeros (Global Youth Network) quedandose en Casa HOY, "oficialmente" arrancaron el proyecto ecologico de limpieza de barranca de la
Casa Atzingo en Cuernavaca. La jornada incluyo recoger basura en los senderos y cerca del rio abajo, llevar bolsas de basura a la cima de la barranca, y el comienzo de un proyecto de arte hecho con objetos-basura en la entrada del lugar.