5280’s International Humanitarian Trip
by Lorine Parks
For hands-on service and a cultural experience, the newest hot ticket is Merida, Mexico, District 5280’s International Humanitarian Trip, slated for January 25-30, 2017.
California Rotarians will partner with Mexico’s District 4195, “Distrito 4195 de Rotary International,” which consists of Campeche, Chiapas, Oaxaca, Tabasco, Quintana Roo, and the Yucatán. These states comprise Mexico’s “South,” and while they have 20% of the population, they have 75% of the indigenous population.
This is the most culturally and biologically diverse region, and the most impoverished. The Yucatan is relatively underdeveloped, compared to the rest of the country. Lowest indicators are in literacy, life expectancy and income levels.
It’s back to basics, said Melody St. John, of the Hollywood Club and the District’s co-Chair for the trip. She explained that seven work projects had been chosen, out of some thirty that got serious consideration. As an example, participants will bring kitchen and playground equipment to a school for special needs, hosted by the Rotaria Club of Tizimin. Local clubs contribute a set amount, and our District 5280 provides the rest.
Interesting fact: since pre-historic times, there have been no rivers or lakes on the surface of Yucatán, though it covers 14, 868 square miles. The people of this state rely on underground waterways and cenotes, which are natural wells. This state also includes the white sand beaches of Cancun and Tulum, where vacationers can swim in fresh water pools that bubble up in the salty ocean bays.
After-tours include an expedition to see the Mayan archeology of Uxmal and Chichen Itza, exploring pyramids and ball courts while being headquartered in the luxurious Fiesta Americana Hotel in Merida. For this presentation, Melody wore a black cotton blouse embroidered in gold and silver roses which she bought there. It is typical of the handicrafts of the region.
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