Time flies

It doesn’t seem fair does it. Time flies, and it seems to go by even quicker as you get older. In the last month I had my birthday, and then its Christmas again. Another new years and it’s been 8 years since the millennium. Remember that. I had such a good time that new years!

My dad came to visit me, and my mom has come twice now. She is actually here as we speak. Work has gone well, and I have managed to get through a lot of it. For now at least the artisan’s project is over. It was a good process working with artisans and their products are really good. I have to say that there are still some doubts on their part, but you know, they like the idea. Making a shop that matches the quality and concept of the products has caught on in a good way. The main worry seems to be the group itself and the framework of the shops operation. This is a point, I mean; they don’t all know each other yet. So we have to see about this point. For now, if the project gets financing it should be operational by the next tourist season, and if that happens this issue should be resolved.

Sendero de Chile has also gone well. I did a bunch of questionnaires and two workshops. In the end it was quite a lot of work, but interesting to see how this kind of project is implemented. For a start its huge. What an idea! 5000km of trekking trails from the north of Chile to Cape Horn. It’s a really good idea, and people know it. What needs to be figured out though is how to get it operation. Same problem as the artisans! How can you make the trail self sustaining, and how can it be made so that it represents a great opportunity for the localities through which it passes. Important issues to be resolved. There is a model, and in the next phase we have to see how that can be made operational in the region. For now we have a fairly broad stakeholder analysis.

Capital Semilla rolls on. I have seen all of them now, its quite fun to see them making their investments. It looks pretty good! I am working with a local consultant in this one. She is helping me out with the different entrepreneurs from Porvenir, because I decided I just couldn’t do all of them by myself. Good decision I think. The first week of January I should be off to Puerto Williams to see popi and pati.

But I also want to see Jaqueline. The tourism association is still meeting up and its and I think its about time that I go and see some people over there. For all of those that don’t know, I could not get the support of Enviu in Holland to apply for the fund I was talking about. It’s a shame really and I have to say that it left me a bit disillusioned. I understand their point of view. I really do. But anyway, Jaqueline is doing quite well and is busy. She has been doing English classes, and she is looking into the possibility of creating new positions which she says there is demand for. I admit, I have been pretty slack in the area of foundation for the last month and Alexandra Visser I beg for you apologies, please do not be offended. I want everyone to know that I really appreciate the applications, but I just can’t do everything at once. Id really love to…. And maybe I could grow some extra arms, and duplicate myself…..but I don’t see that happening too soon.

Anyway lads and ladettes, it’s the New Year and I wish all of you a great new year. Missing all of you at once, and hope to see you soon! Ah yes, I saw Lorenza the other day, she is here in Punta Arenas. I want to meet up with her in the next couple of days. I have also been in touch with Seppe whom is happily working away in Cusco and might come down here for a laugh. I´d like that!

Cheers!