Archives: CLUB BALAM & LES GIRLS CLUB
June 27, 2009
VIDEO CERRILLO
Hola a todos, tuvimos una experiencia de como podemos convivir con las demas personas y tomar en cuenta su inteligencia de lo que podemos hacer cada uno de nosotros.
Ojala que les guste.
Yolanda
JUANI ENAGUA
Hola todas,
Esta foto fue tomada cuando fuimos a ver los tejedores del Barrio Tlaxcala. Espero que les gusta porque tambien me di cuenta como se hacia el enaugua, que utilices como tela para las faldas de las mujeres indigenas, y que mi mama todavia pone.
Abrazos y saludos para ustedes, cuidanse.
Juani
Tamales Maruch 3
Son ollas de tamales cocidas, que es la primera vez que pude conocer las quién hacen tamales que ha sido su trabajo diario. Espero que les gusten. 2009. Maruch.
Saludos
Foto de pies con sandalia
Hola como pueden ver aquí esta foto es pies con sandalias de modelo, ya que cada vez más modelos. 2009. Maruch.
June 06, 2009
Lavando pelo en arroyo
Esta foto es la 2a. Serie de Creencias de Chamula. 2000. Maruch Santiz Gomez
Caballo
Hola esta foto es unos de Judas y tambien lo tome por que me gusto y por que esa foto ablaba de tmx me despido mandarndoles muchos besos y abrasos.
eliza en el museo....
Puezz......... fuimos a una kaza mui antigua kon fotos de personas grandes de saancristobal y tambien fotos de sancristobal aze muchisimos anos... (claro antes de que io naciera) jejejeje y una amiga de mi eskuela fue con migo y la pasamoz mui bien super divertido..............
Ajo y epazote
Esta foto es la serie de plantas medicianeles, que pude investigar a esta serie de plantas, con el apoyo de FONCA Nacional. 2004. Maruch Santiz
Judas
Hola esta fota es cuando estamaos en el dia de los Judas y yo tome esta foto por que me gusto mucho mi nombre es Johana.
EL TEATRO
Hola new york esta foto es muy bonita para mi me parese que es muy padre por la forma en que esta y los colores es un teatro muy bonito ademas que es muy antiguo y me fasino se que les va a gustar
LEYDALI
Judas
ola ola, nueva york, espero que esten muy pero muy bien..... y espero que les guste esta foto como ami.. jejejejeje bueno les mando muchos saludos y muchos besos... xD =) espero que se esten kuidando mucho... laz kieroo muchzimo espero volver a verlazz prontoo00 se kuidan bye bye... =)
los judas y yo
hola new york esta fue mi foto favorita, de cuando fuimos a lo del dia de judas que es una tradicion aqui en san cristobal espero y les guste tanto como a mi hasta pronto amigas
leydali
June 05, 2009
Hello Club Balam
I have arrived in San Cristobal to meet you in your computer class with Jack on Saturday. I used the self timer on my digital camera to take my portrait next to the Chamulan cross. I choose this symbol because it is associated with Chiapas, and you would know I was here.
With me, I have a small video camera so you can record interviews with people who live in the different neighborhoods. Each one has a speciality and I am anxious to learn what these are.
We will begin our new project, called "GEO GIRLS" tomorrow after computer class.
See you soon! Abrazos, Lou
May 28, 2009
BOTANICAL GARDEN PROJECT
Finally, the first tree was planted by a member of the city government, who is a native Maya. Everyone was pleased with our work and we are happy to see that we made a difference! Thanks for all your help LES NY for making our dreams come true!
BOTANICAL GARDEN PROJECT
At the end of the long hard work, Anita Smart, who helped organize the project, explains passionately to all the importance of doing this community endeavor! Thanks Anita! It was fun! And we made lots of new friends! "The planet is life!"
BOTANICAL GARDEN PROJECT
Back to work! We used old tires thrown around to hold in the terraces!
BOTANICAL GARDEN PROJECT
Well the High School Students of the American School in London didn't get here mostly until the second day! We're taking a break! Some of us especially liked the boys from there!
MAP PROJECT
Margaret is looking over the details on the old fanciful map of San Cristobal, thinking how we could renew the map and do it better!
MAP PROJECT
Meanwhile, while the American School of London students get here, we wanted to show you an old map of San Cristobal we found that we'd like to do over again in the future. We are on the steps of San Cristobalito mountain looking at all of our neighborhoods from above!
BOTANICAL GARDEN PROJECT
This is team work. We're waiting for the American School of London students to arrive and help out!
BOTANICAL GARDEN PROJECT
Here's Elizabeth picking up an old tossed shoe!
BOTANICAL GARDEN PROJECT
Hi Girls!
We are happy to be back blogging after the flu epidemic shut us down! Here are Juani and Yolanda arriving back in April to help clean up San Cristobalito mountain and to help plant a new garden for all the city to enjoy...........
March 28, 2009
OBSERVATORIO MAGICO
En esta foto tomada por Juani, aqui esta el observatorio magico que construyeron los mayas en Palenque hace mas de mil años. Ellos supieron muchas cosas sobre la astronomía y pudieron calcular el futuro. Deberiamos aprender mas de ellos. Esperamos en el futuro volver a ver a ustedes. Muchas gracias por todo otra vez.
In this foto, taken by Juani, this is the magical observatory constructed by the Mayas in Palenque more than 1,000 years ago. They knew so many things about astronomy and they could calculate the future. We should learn more from them. We hope in the future to see you all again. Thanks for everything once again!
ARBOL DE LAS NIÑAS
Le llamamos este arbol el arbol de las niñas por ser un arbol de la vida llena de la alegria de todas.
We call this tree the girl´s tree because it is a tree of life filled with all our happiness.
PALENQUE MAGICO
En el viaje aparecieron cosas magicas como esta foto de la entrada del museo de Palenque. Gracias por dejarnos ver Chiapas magica con ustedes.
During the trip, magical things appeared like in this photo of the entrance to the Palenque museum. Thanks for allowing us to see magical Chiapas with you.
CLUB BALAM
Aqui estamos nuestra representacion del CLUB BALAM en Palenque, disfrutandolo tanto! Siempre estaremos agradecidos por el tiempo que compartieron con nosotras.
Here are our representatives of Club Balam in Palenque, having a wonderful time. We will always be thankful to you for the time shared together.
JUANI Y ALONSO
Hola,
Me gustó tanto el viaje porque aprendí muchismo sobre mi tierra y cada uno de sus historias. Me gusto mucho las platicas de Alonso. Nunca se me olvidaran las cosas. Gracias por todo!
Hi,
I loved the journey because I learned so much about my own land and its history. I loved Alonso´s talks. I will never forget anything. Thanks for everything!
MECHE y FATIMA
Hola,
Me gusto mas esa foto porque estamos las dos. Me dio muchisimo gusto conocer a las niñas de NY. Que vengan pronto otra vez!
Hi,
I like this photo because the two of us are together. I loved meeting you all. Come back soon!
LEIDALI Y JENNY
Hola,
Te extrañamos mucho! Tuvimos un viaje que nunca olvidaremos estar con ustedes. Fue tan divertido. Ojala nos volveremos a ver.
Hi,
We miss you so much! We will never forget the great trip we had with you. It was so much fun. We hope to see you again!
YOLANDA
Hola Girls de NY,
Muchas gracias por darme la oportunidad de viajar con ustedes a la selva de Chiapas. Imaginase que yo nunca habia subido un autobus de esa clase jamas en mi vida. El viaje fue brillante! Ojala vengan otra vez!
Hi NY Girls,
Thanks for giving me the opportunity to travel with you to the Chiapas jungle. Imagine that I had never been on any bus like this before! The trip was brilliant. I hope you come again!
March 18, 2009
Lou and Renee
This is a picture I took in front of the school but, it's the
other way. It is not really showing the school because
it's on the opposite side of school. You probably
know Lou and Renee. I loved how they were
posing so, I quickly took a picture of them. They
are my photography teachers.
weird T-shirts store
This picture is taken in front of a T-shirt store.
It's saying the man on the right is Estoy Con Stupido.
Shiny Light
This is a picture of a light. The light is wrapped around with
paper that has flower patterns and it is shining on the
papers and it's really pretty. Do you think is pretty?
Wow Ohh So Tall
Hey how are you guys doing down in Club Balam!
I heard you guys don't have tall buildings in San Cristobal
so I decided to show you a picture of one thats in
New York City! Can you show me one of your tallest
buildings in your neighborhood?
My School
Hola!!!!!
This is Yangzom. I took this picture of my school
because I wanted to show how a school in N.Y.C looks like.
The school is pretty big because there are three schools in the
same building. Two of them are elementary schools and there
is a middle school on the third floor. I am on the third floor.
I would love to see a picture of your school if you
can take one. I thought you would want to know how a
school in N.Y.C looks. Do you have questions about
schools in N.Y.C? If you do, I would love to answer.
BYE!!!!! wright us back.
Escosphere
I took this picture in a store. The store only sells recycled things. I think that's cool. Oh, by the way this is a escosphere. I think it is interesting. Can you take pictures of interesting things in your neighborhood?
Me in the Basement
This is me in the basement of Girls Club Cafe, and I took the
picture Myself. We were in photography class at that time.
Do you have a basement?
Lined Pizza
This picture is called "lined Pizza" because it has a
lot of diagonal lines in it. It was taken outside of a pizza store.
Can you guys take some picture of your neighborhood?
"POSE!"
Hi, Club Balam! Justine writing! Joanne took this picture
with all of us in it. Yangzom and I weren't smiling because
we thought it would be nice to be serious once in a while.
But Emily and Shi as usual were smiling and being
themselves. Can you guys take a group picture together?
Adorable "Babies"
Hi Club Balam, It's Emily. This is a picture of two fake babies.
This picture was taken outside of a store.
The babies are inside a window and are adorable.
One of the babies is wearing pajamas that says "Daddy".
Reflection
Hi Club Balam, Joanne here, this is a picture of me in front of a clothes store,
and someone else is taking the picture. In this picture I'm looking
down at my camera, and the glass reflected me. it's cool.^_^
recycle nature
Hello again.
This picture is called "Recycle Nature"
Everything is made of newspaper. The rose and the vase.
And if you zoom in on the rose, there is the word "Spanish" on it.
I'm wondering. Do you guys recycle over there?
justine & me
hello club Balam! I'm Shi
This picture is showing me and my friend Justine in front of our school.
OUR GIRLS BRIDGE THE GAP!
The Lower Eastside Girls Club has been visiting the highlands of Chiapas, Mexico for 10 years.
Having never been to the lowlands, this year we finally went!
We hope that you will enjoy the many photos that were posted from our trip.
March 12, 2009
March 11, 2009
March 05, 2009
Sierra-The Adventure Begins
Thursday, February 12. 2009, was the day we began our journey to Mexico. Leaving New York behind, I knew the excitement was yet to come. Traveling from one country to another peaked my imagination thinking of how different New York would be from Mexico. I was excited to travel to another country and to experience another part of the world. At Newark Airport we were ready for our designated destination; passports in hand and luggage by our side. Then a mishap occurred. There was confusion with my ticket! They put me on standby, which made me a wreck. A morning that started off amazing led into a morning filled with emotion. Watching the girls board the plane ready to start their journey heightened my sadness of not being able to join them. Lizbeth was the last to get on and she looked back at me begging me to board with the group.
Being on standby was a nerve-wracking wait. With Luna by my side, I was anxious to know if I would have to stay in New York or start my journey to Mexico the following day. I was sitting watching the many strangers board the plane, counting down the 16 spots left. I was hesitant to even watch people take up the last spots. With my fingers crossed, I was praying that no one else would board the plane. Five minutes passed and two people boarded. In the next 10 minutes there were a group of five people who boarded the plane. The spots were filling up! My hope was yet to be dried out. With Luna and her positive energy and the amazing ticket agent Mariluz who helped keep our hope alive, we still sat and waited. Within the next eight minutes, there were only a few open seats left on the plane. Finally with Mariluz’s help I was able to board the plane with my girls and start the journey of our lives for a once in a lifetime experience.
Gissaury-Palenque
Today is only the first day I have been in Mexico and honestly it feels like I’ve lived here for ages. When I was in the van arriving last night, I was just only realizing the enormity of this trip, as I looked out the window and admired the starlit sky. And now, after having spent one entire day here, I think this trip to Mexico is even more amazing than I thought was possible.
We started our first day in a resort called the Chan Kah. It’s a place that once you’ve spent a few hours there you don’t ever want to leave. The paths, the rooms and especially the wildlife are simply amazing. I mean how awesome is it to wake up and see bridges and beautiful flowers in the morning, not to mention the monkeys. Yes, there are real live monkeys outside your window.
After we had breakfast at a nearby restaurant, we headed straight for the Palenque ruins. At the entrance, the first things you see are vendors selling bright, beautiful, colorful merchandise depicting the ruins. They were nothing compared to what we were soon to see. The ruins were something that I think everyone in the world should have a chance to see. It wouldn’t be the same to be told about it or see pictures. To actually be visiting and climbing something that was built about two thousand years ago was mind blowing. We walked through the dimly lit passages and we learned some of the history behind the structures we were in. We climbed the steep steps and the view from the top was amazing. I thought my camera would run out of memory space before I was through trying to capture it all.
But that was only the first part of my incredible first day in Mexico. After we returned to the hotel tired, but still smiling, we cooled down by going down to the pool. It is even better than the types of pools you see in brochures. Endrina, Fatima, Sierra, Lizbeth and I swam, goofed around and relaxed.
Later on, we were getting ready to leave to eat dinner and we heard this strange noise all over the resort grounds. It was a cross between what a screeching dinosaur and a howling wolf would sound like. It turned out to be the sound of a howler monkey. We actually saw five monkeys in the trees right above us! Where in New York would you be able to do this?
Right after this the girls and I went to dinner. The food and the place were great. Then it was bedtime. Of course we all stayed up talking about our wonderful first day in Palenque, Mexico.
Fatima-Anita and Manuel's Agricultural Reserve
Hi my name is Fatima I am here in Palenque, Mexico. Today we went to Anita and Manuel’s Ecological and Agricultural Reserve to explore their way of living. Anita was born in Brazil, but was raised in the United States. During her high school years, she felt like she didn’t belong there so she decided to travel the world. She has lived in 28 homes in 13 different cities and in 5 countries, but has traveled far beyond that. She eventually came across Mexico and from there she landed in the jungle after she met Manuel. Manuel has lived in Mexico for 30 years and Anita has lived in Mexico for 22 years. They built their home from bottom to top using recycled materials. Their floors are made from broken tile they found at a construction site. They now own a centerpiece of forest. Aside from the jungle vegetation, they planted many different kinds of plants, from banana trees, pineapples, tangerines, lemongrass and other medicinal herbs. They also built an outhouse that supplies fertilizer and they have a solar power system that provides energy to their house. They dug a tunnel deep down into the ground of their home, building a well that gives them clean water. Another thing that was fascinating was the bamboo tree. The bamboo can grow 14 inches a day, during the rainy season. The bamboo can grow through whatever form or mold you plant it in, which is such an exciting thing. I mean imagine growing a bamboo tree in your house and how beautiful and tall it could be. It’s just a dream come true. Anita and Manuel built homes so that volunteers who come have a place stay when they help with the farm. Anita also told me that they live off $300 US dollars a month because almost everything they need they pull from their land. They really inspired me because I’d never thought that an average person could get up one day and say I don’t want to live this way anymore. They found a place in the jungle to build a home with all these environmental systems that keeps our world stable and healthy. Anita & Manuel inspired to me live a healthier life by doing what I think is right. If Anita had just stayed back home and ignored her feelings she wouldn’t have achieved such great things. It’s amazing to see these two wonderful people live their lives in such a good way.
Endrina-Can You Say Amazing?
I started my day by waking up at what I believed was 9am, but it was actually 8am. We forgot to factor in the time difference. When I woke up I did not want to get up and my back was in pain from our long trip. Everything was wrong with me this morning. My ears still had not popped, so I was deaf for half the day. Since we had extra time we decided to explore the hotel. We are staying at Chan Kah, which is a beautiful resort with two pools, a game room, and an amazing view. The hotel is like a maze. Did I mention that Chan Kah is in the middle of the jungle? That is amazing! Today we saw monkeys right outside our room and it was crazy just thinking that I saw a monkey that close up and wild. It was literally right above my head.
After breakfast we went for a short trip to the ancient Mayan ruins and it was one of the most amazing views I have ever seen. The other was looking at the top of a mountain from the airplane.
The ruins were extraordinary. It is incredible to see what the Maya were able to accomplish. It was fun climbing up the many massive structures. The view from the top was indescribable and just looking at it made me ecstatic. It was stupendous and amazing. You could look above everything and see all the smaller structures from the top. That was not was not the end of our excitement. Going down was scary because the stairs were steep and narrow. After leaving the ruins walked for what felt like an hour, but it was well worth it. We got to see this amazing waterfall from two different views; from the top which looked incredible and from the bottom where you could see the water entering the river. Crossing the river was an unforgettable experience because we had to walk across a rickety drawstring bridge right next to the waterfall. When we first got on it we started jumping and it would shake, which was scary. We also saw a humongous tree coming while walking through the jungle near the ruins. One of the trees was being eaten by a vine and apparently was just a skeleton of the tree.
March 04, 2009
Lizbeth-Bonampak
It is AMAZING!!! The scenery, the ambience, the people, everything is so new to me. We started our day in Bonampak where we saw ancient murals. They were so beautiful, I wanted to touch them so badly, but they all had “Do Not Touch” signs with a rope perimeter around them.
After that we were really hungry and we went to this place called TOPCHECK where we met a family of Lacandon Indians who were dressed in white long dress like robes. They had long hair and bangs, even the boys! Even though it was beautiful with so much plant life and animals, it made me feel sad to think about the way the people live their lives in this small town. Their houses really looked like shacks put together by a couple of sticks and some strong wood that looked like it would last as long as it didn’t rain. Maybe I felt that way because I live in NYC and you don’t see things like that very often. They make a living off of whoever comes and eats at their little restaurant. They didn’t seem to have a lot of expenses and I’m sure that their way of life is perfectly fine and that they are all happy because that’s just the way it is Mexico. The food was really simple and good. We had black beans with tortillas and some type of salty creamy cheese that I didn’t like because I don’t like salty things in general. But everyone else seemed to be happy so that was good. The simple meal got me thinking about what our meals are like and the way we treat them. I know it sounds weird but I can’t help notice all these tiny differences around me and people’s reactions, as well as there gestures.
Overall, it was really interesting. All this internal comparing and contrasting I kept doing in my head. I felt like an observer out on some expedition. It was weird but I concluded this; it’s another country, another system, another government, another way of life. The people don’t seem to mind it because it’s how they live. I guess in a way it makes me appreciate everything I have at home and our way of living. Still it would be nice if the world changed a bit for the better, even if it takes a century or two or maybe even three! As long as everyone has the same opportunities, it’ll probably work out.
And so our journey exploring the Mayan culture and jungles of Mexico continues. We are reliving the past as we examine ancient ruins and the fossils left behind. We uncover the story of an ancient past that helps us understand the way our world has evolved over time through the usage of language, arts, communication, and technology.
Ingrid-Yaxchilan & Usumacinta River
Ingrid-Yaxchilán & Usumacinta River
The Lower Eastside Girl's Club, Club Balam (our sister program in Chiapas) and some very important people, spent our Monday doing the usual: taking a boat trip down the Usumacinta River to explore the ruins at Yaxchilán. We began the day by waking up in our hut-looking cabins to the sounds of the howler monkeys, laughing Geckos and construction men working on the cabin next to us. After our breakfast, we gathered our things and walked to the river. The Usumacinta River is one of the last free rivers; it separates Mexico from Guatemala. We were then put into groups with one of the Club Balam girls. Once everyone settled down, we traveled on our colorful wooden boats down to the ancient city.
Right as we reached our destination of Yaxchilán, we passed a land mound in the river. Some Archaeologists said that there used to be a bridge connecting Mexico to Guatemala. However it is not for certain, but it was surely used as a marker to the site. As we got off our boats, we made our way up slanted steps into the jungle. Our guide, Alonso Mendez, who is an expert on the Mayan Civilization, led us into the site. It was lush, green and full of life. There are 120 structures on the site. It is also a place full of biodiversity; there are howler monkeys, spider monkeys and macaws, just to name a few.
Alonso led us to Temple 19, the oldest structure that has been found. To get into the site, there is a walkway through the temple into the plaza. However, the walkway was pitch-black and full of bats; you could not see who or what was in front of you. As we stepped out into the daylight, we were welcomed by the rich calls of the howler monkeys. All around us lay ancient ruins and lush trees. I always tend to feel that the ruins come natural, along with the earth. It's surreal to think that humans implanted each and every stone. After all the years, there seems to have grown a relationship amongst the stones and the jungle.
It was amazing being at the site because you can't help but think about the Mayas walking the same ground that we are walking. The entire tour was enriching and knowledgeable; we got to explore the area and get lost. At the end, we sat down and ate our lunch of ham sandwiches, bananas and nectar drinks. We went down to our boats and on the way back, I fell asleep and woke up on the beach of Guatemala. Everybody shuffled out unto the beach, collecting seashells and rocks. The rest of day was spent traveling back to Chan Kha. What a day, what a day!
Fatima-Chamula
Chamula was an eye opening experience for me because it reminded me of how poor people could be. It upset me to see people live in such horrible conditions. Seeing the kids near the graveyard playing around and seeing another group of girls mourning, it just really saddens me. I felt like we didn’t belong there. I felt as if we were invading a space that shouldn’t be entered. I wanted to help so badly, but what could I do? I remember seeing this little boy, about 6 years old, with no shoes and he seemed like he was really hungry so Lizbeth and I gave him two pieces of bread. I felt bad because there were so many other children who also wanted food. There was this one image that will never leave my head. This young family who had a baby looked at me, and it just made me think. When we started walking away and I just started crying and I couldn’t stop.
We left that part of town and went to the Carnival celebration, which was pretty fun. Our guide Chip Morris, then took us to the Church and told us about the way people worshiped many different Saints. The Church was very old fashioned and it didn’t have a Priest because the people of the town own the Church.
At Carnival, there were these people dressed in colorful uniforms symbolizing the powerful monkey inside of them. They had firecrackers and drummers. People were just watching and having a good time.
Gissaury-Jewelry Out of Leaves
First thing’s first: don’t drink the water!! It is unbelievable how two days before leaving back to New York Sierra, Ingrid, Renée and I got really sick. It was the only day of this entire trip I felt like going back home.
Incredibly, the next day we all felt better. It was awesome to feel the light of day on my face after 24 hours of being stuck in a room. If you want to know how it felt, I suggest you watch the movie Quarantine.
The first place we went to was a beautiful garden space called San Juan de Dios. It had a panoramic view of misty Mexican Mountains. There, we met a man named Jorge and a young woman named Brenda, who are artisans that make jewelry out of leaves. Actual leaves! They would mold them and then cover them with something that looks like clear nail polish. The result was “sensual, erotic” masterpieces.
After our journey to the exhibit, we walked through many places in the city. Passing through the market for our last time was amazing. It is definitely one of our favorite places in San Cristobal. Adding magic to our trip, we walked through the square which was busy and beautiful as usual. We got to experience the real love of the city. It’s funny you always see the beauty of the trip on the last day of the expedition.
Sierra-San Cristobal Indian Crafts Market
What a wonderful place to shop!!! The Indian Crafts Market has been one of the best places we have come across through our time in San Cristobal. You can find anything and everything there from jewelry, to clothes, to scarves and bags, to dream catchers and small stuffed animals. Different from shopping in New York City, this market has given me the joy of shopping and not the feeling that I need to shop.
My experience in the market was amazing. Watching the diversity and collection of people’s hard work inspired me to pick up a few things. The merchants were incredible and very helpful. It’s a bit hard to communicate when you don’t speak the language but they were very patient. The beauty and atmosphere of the market brought happiness to my trip.
I came to San Cristobal with just my luggage in my hands. Now I’m leaving with bags of treasures, souvenirs, and many memories.
Lizbeth-San Andreas
Today we went to San Andreas. It was a very busy town full of people. The market was very big and crowded, so we could hardly get through. One of our crewmembers was taking a picture and some random guy got upset. If we were pointing the camera at his face it’s understandable that he would be annoyed, but our crewmember was taking a general picture of the entire market.
Anyway other than that, it was a very hectic experience. In the midst of it all, I noticed the fashion. The base always seems to be black with flowers that were turquoise, purple, and blue. The material is so thick and hard that I wondered if they ever get rashes. It seems very durable though. It was also very cold and windy which made me remember about how cold it could get back home in the States. I was glad that I was in Mexico suffering a little bit instead of becoming a human icicle at 34 degrees back home.
Then we went to different churches and watched a ceremony. It was very nice and spiritual. I felt warm inside and since I’m Catholic, I actually prayed.
March 03, 2009
Girls Club Member Gissaury
Hola, Hi, Bonjour!! My name is Gissaury and I am 15 years old. I live in New York and well, I like art, photography and trying new things. When I grow up I want to feel happy with myself, no matter what career I decide to follow; be it writer, or maybe artist. I simply want to live as much as possible.
Hola, hi, bonjour! Me llamo Gissaury Castillo y tengo 15 años. Vivo en Nueva York y bueno, me gusta el arte, la fotografía y intentar cosas nuevas. Cuando cresca, quiero sentirme feliz conmigo misma, no importa que carrera yo decida perseguir; sea escritora oh talvez artista. Simplemente quiero vivir lo mas posible
Girls Club Member Ingrid
Hello. My name is Ingrid and I am 17 years old. I was born in New York, but my parents are from Bogota, Colombia. I finished high school, ( “La Prepa” in Mexico) and now I am going to go to college. I like art, feminism and activism. I want to do many things with my life, like teach art and work in museums.
Hola. Me llamo Ingrid y tengo 17 años. Nací en Nueva York, pero mis padres son de Bogotá, Colombia. Ya terminé el bachillerato (la prepa en México), entonces ahora voy a la universidad. Me gusta el arte, el feminismo y el activismo. Quiero hacer muchas cosas con mi vida, como enseñar el arte y trabajar en museos.
Girls Club Member Sierra
Hello! My name is Sierra. I am 16 years old. I want to be a fashion merchandiser in the future.
Hola! Mi nombre es Sierra. Yo tengo 16 años. Yo quiero ser moda de merchandiser en el futuro.
Girls Club Member Lizbeth
I am 17 years old. When I grow up I want to be a great architect.
Tengo 17 años. De grande quiero ser una gran arquitecta.
Girls Club Member Fatima
I am 15 years old. I want to be a photographer when I grow up. I like to travel.
Tengo 15 años. Quiero hacer fotógrafa cuando sea grande. Me gusta viajar.
Girls Club Member Endrina
Hi my name is Endrina, i am 17 year old. When i grow up i want to travel a lot.
Hola me llamo Endrina Gonzalez, tengo 17 años. Cuando sea grade quiero viajar mucho.
February 26, 2009
LILIANA
Hola! Yo me llamo Liliana Elizabeth Hernández Gómez y tengo 19 años. Soy la hermana de Leydali y Meche. De grande quiero ser una psicologa para poder escuchar a la gente y apoyarla cuando lo necesite. También me gustaria ser biologa marina para poder conocer todo tipos de animales para saber mas de ellos y sobre su especie.
YOLI
Hola! Me llamo Yolanda pero también se dice Yoli. Tengo 14 años y mi hermana es Juani. Cuando sea grande quiero ser Administrative Assistant. Gracias niñas de NY por compartir con nosotras acá todo!
JUANI
Hola! Me llamo Juani y ya voy a tener 16 años. Estoy muy muy agradecida a LES Girls Cllub porque me llevaron a conocer a mi tierra de Chiapas. Hasta ahorita nunca tuve la oportunidad de visitar las ruinas importantes de Palenque, Bonampak y Yaxchilan. Fue grandiosa y el sueño de mi vida también estar y compartir todo con ustedes. Muchisisisimas gracias! Cuando soy mayor quiero ser Photographer and Teacher.
JUANA
Hola! Me llamo Juana y tengo 38 años. Soy una de las maestras de Club Balam en Chiapas. Yo quiero seguir tomando fotos.
MARIA MERCEDES
Hola! Yo me llamo Maria Mercedes. Tengo 9 años y mi mama es la maestra y fotógrafa Maruch. Mi sueño es ser pintora y colorear todas las cosas, que mi color favorito es el color rosa y morado. Pero más que eso quiero ser fotógrafa como mi mamá y hacer impresiones a color o a blanco y negro y tomar fotos más bonitas que hay aquí. También me gustaría ser maestra de clase para enseñar a los niños.
MARUCH
Hola New York! Me llamo Maruch y soy fotógrafa y maestra de Club Balam! Ahora me gustaria aprender la computación! Gracias por todo lo que han hecho por nosotras.
LEONARDO
Hola! Me llamo Leonardo y soy el unico hombrecito del Club Balam, pero no le hace. Mi mama Maruch es fotógrafa y una de las maestras. Me encanta también tomar fotos!
MECHE
Hola! Me llamo Meche que es corto para Mercedes. Soy la hermanita de Leydali. Tengo 13 años. Quiero ser como las niñas de New York! Gracias por todo, LES GIRLS por su visita y por llevarme de viaje a conocer a mi bello estado de Chiapas!
LEYDALI
Hola! Mi nombre es Leydali de Los Angeles Hernández Gómez y tengo 14 años y me gusta un dia ser una diseñadora de modas y estilista. Cuando yo acabo de estudiar esto quiero abrir un salón de belleza pero quiero que sea grande para poder atender a mucha gente: cortar el pelo, pintarlo, y también hacer mi propio salón donde yo diseñe la ropa y la vendo a gente muy importante y además de eso, me gustaria ser escritora, puesto que me encanta escribir y eso es mi pasión.
ELIZABETH
Hola! Me llamo Elizabeth Payro y tengo 13 años. Cuando sea grande quero ser un Chef de Todo!
Isabela
Hola! Me llamo Isabela y tengo 8 años. Me gusta ser maestra para enseñar a los niños. Yo estudio en la primaria Maria Castellanos Molina y estudio muchas cosas. He conocido amigas. Se llaman Reina, Perla, Galilea, Cludia, Maria y Erica.
February 10, 2009
YANGZOM, GIRLS CLUB PHOTOGRAPHER
Hello!! My name is Yangzom. I am 14 years old. I am in the 7th grade. I am so happy to be your friend. I enjoy meeting new people and friends. My picture was taken in the basement of the Girls Club. I was standing in front of the white wall that we project our photos on. I like to have fun playing with friends. Mostly, I enjoy playing sports. I would like to go to Mexico one day to enjoy playing soccer with you girls. I hope to meet you in real person.
Love yangzom
SHI, GIRLS CLUB PHOTOGRAPHER3
This is me in the girls club café with my friends Joanne and Emily.
SHI, GIRLS CLUB PHOTOGRAPHER
Hola! Me llamo Shi. Que tal. Hello my name is Shi. What’s up? I’m 13 yrs old. I’m in the seventh grade. I live in the Lower Eastside. I have one brother (a very annoying one). I don’t have any pets. I always wanted to have a puppy for my birthday present but it will never come true. This is me in photography class.
JUSTINE, GIRLS CLUB PHOTOGRAPHER
Hi! My name is Justine. I’m a 13 year old and in the 7th grade. I’ve lived in New York my whole life. I’ve always wanted a dog but instead I got a little sister. I love to smile, I’m funny and so easy to get along with. I wish to visit Mexico one day because I love to travel, too.
EMILY, GIRLS CLUB PHOTOGRAPHER
Hi! My name is Emily. I’m 12 years old. I’m in the 7th grade. I live in the Lower Eastside. I have an older brother. I have a turtle. I always wanted a dog, a cat and a bunny. This picture was taken in the park. I was jumping off a slide. Another girl took this picture. We were doing a slow shutter and flash assignment.
JOANNE, GIRLS CLUB PHOTOGRAPHER3
This photo is of me wearing sunglasses. That’s not really me but I like to be different sometimes.
JOANNE, GIRLS CLUB PHOTOGRAPHER2
This photo of me with a heart was taken in the Girls Club
JOANNE, GIRLS CLUB PHOTOGRAPHER
Hola’ my name is Joanne. I’m 13 years old and I'm in 7th grade. I live in New York. I like to go to parks and play with my friends. I’m tall and I smile a lot and I also have fun too. I don’t have any sisters and brothers and I don’t want to have any because my friends do and they said it's annoying. The photo in the playground was me pretending to be a cat.
GIRLS CLUB WEDNESDAY PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS
Hello Club Balam! Our new Girls Club photographers are excited to introduce themselves to you.
They have enjoyed your photos and writings on the blog and now want to share their New York City lives with you. Please send back photos and writings soon.
The girls want to hear from all of you!
August 16, 2008
FIESTA
Leidali finalmente con su pinata! Feliz cumpleanos!
Leidali finally with her pinata. Happy Birthday!
FIESTA
Las faltantes, Yohana, Meche y la cumpleanera, Leidali, en fin no pudieron venir a causa de respeto por su mama y tia fallecida.
The ones who couldn't come, Yohana, Meche and the birthday girl, Leidali, because in the end their grandmother wouldn't let out of respect for their lost mother and aunt.
FIESTA
Traemos a las faltantes, Yohana, Meche y la cumpleanera, Leidali, pastel, pinata y regalos de la fiesta.
We brought Yohana, Meche and the birthday girl, Leidali, the pinata, cake and gifts from the party!
FIESTA
Por voto de mayoria decidimos comer la mitad del pastel de Leidali y traerse el resto!
By majority vote we decide to eat half of Leidali's cake and bring her the rest!
FIESTA
Hacen sombreritos de los conos de la pinata.
Some kids made hats from the pinata cones!
FIESTA
Siguen intentando quebrar la pinata. Dale, dale, dale!
Keep trying to break the pinata. Hit, hit, hit to no avail!
FIESTA
Decidimos quebrar la pinata chiquita y regalar la grande a Leidali luego.
We decided to break the small pinata and give the bigger one to Leidali later.
FIESTA
La fiesta sigue por voto de mayoria, aunque en fin no pudo llegar la cumpleanera!
The party goes on even though the birthday girl finally couldn't come!
FIESTA
Todo listo para la fiesta pero estamos esperando a la cumpleanera, ademas Meche y Yohana.
All's ready for the party but we're waiting for the birthday girl, and Meche and Yohana.
FIESTA
Hola Ninas!
Mercedes, la hija de Maruch, prepara adornos para la fiesta con motivo del cumpleanos de Leidali.
Mercedes, the daughter of Maruch, makes decorations for Leidali's 14th birthday party.
July 30, 2008
ARTESANA MARTA por Liedali y Yohana
La Chamula Marta vende sus artesanias afuera de la tienda de Na Bolom. Dice que lleva 30 anos elaborando artesanias, sembrando milpa en el campo y cargando lena.
The Chamula Marta sells crafts outside the gift shop of Na Bolom. She says she's been doing it for 30 years when she can as she also grows corn and carries wood back home.
MANUEL DIAZ LOPEZ por YOLANDA
Manuel Diaz Lopez, de 16 anos, vende artesania, libros y otras cosas en la tienda de Na Bolom. Apenas lleva dos meses en el puesto. Dice que es soltero y tiene un buen trabajo. En la foto tomada por Yolanda esta Meche!
Manuel Diaz Lopez, 16, sells crafts, books and other things in the Na Bolom gift shop. He's only been working there for two months but says it is fun work. He's single. In the photo taken by Yolanda is Meche!
YOLANDA por MECHE
Meche toma una foto de Yolanda antes de entrevistar el encargado de la tienda en Na Bolom.
Meche takes a picture of Yolanda just before they interview the salesperson of the Na Bolom gift shop.
MARGARET, LEIDALI, POLLY por YOLANDA
Yolanda captura una gran foto de las dos voluntarias Margaret y Polly con Leidali por medio.
Yolanda takes a great photo of the two volunteers Margaret and Polly with Leidali in between!
YOHANA by POLLY
Johana climbs a tower of chairs to take notes.
Johana sube una torre de sillas para hacer notas.
GIRLS by POLLY
Meche y Yohana empiezan su trabajo a documentar los trabajadores del jardin del jaguar y la vida ahi en frente de la casa principal de Na Bolom
Meche y Yohana begin their work documenting the workers in the Jaguar Garden and the life there, across from the main house of Na Bolom.
FANNY and MARUCH by JUANA
Juana toma una foto de Maruch entrevistando a Fanny Stoquet, de Suiza, la gerente de reservaciones de Na Bolom, del hotel, restaurant y tours. Dice que le gusta mucho porque convive con extranjeros, mexicanos y indigenas y se esta poniendo su granito de arena para preservar la cultura de Chiapas. Muchas gracias Fanny por todo tu apoyo en conseguirnos refrigerio!
Juana takes a photo of Maruch interviewing Fanny Stoquet of Switzerland, while she works as head of reservations for the hotel, restaurant and tours of Na Bolom. Fanny says she likes the work very much because she is surrounded by foreigners, Mexicans and indigenous Maya and she is giving her grain of sand to preserve the culture of Chiapas. And, Thanks Fanny also for your support in getting us snacks!
MARIA CLEOFAS DIAZ por LA MAESTRA JUANA
Maria Cleofas de 21 anos es de Pichucalco, y tiene la suerte de llevar las flores del jardin a los cuartos de Na Bolom.
Maria Cleofas, 21, is from Pichucalco, and she has the good fortune to be bringing flowers from the garden to adorn the rooms of Na Bolom.
FIDELIA PEREZ GOMEZ POR LA MAESTRA JUANA
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Sea lo que haga, Fidelia esta contenta!
No matter what she does, Fidelia is happy!
FIDELIA PEREZ GOMEZ POR LA MAESTRA MARUCH
Fidelia tiene tres hijos y le gusta trabajar aunque gane el salario minimo.
Fidelia has three children and she likes to work, even if for minimum wage.
FIDELIA PEREZ GOMEZ POR LA MAESTRA JUANA
Fidelia Perez lleva 25 anos trabajando en Na Bolom como camarista.
Fidelia Perez has been working as a maid in Na Bolom for 25 years!
FELICIANA PEREZ MORALES POR LA MAESTRA JUANA
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Luego de atender las camas, se pone guantes para limpiar banos.
After making beds, she puts on gloves to clean bathrooms.
FELICIANA PEREZ MORALES POR LA MAESTRA JUANA
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Aca atiende una cama en la casa de huespedes de Na Bolom.
Here she makes a bed in the guest house of Na Bolom.
FELICIANA PEREZ MORALES POR LA MAESTRA JUANA
La camarista, Feliciana Perez Morales, de 34 anos, lleva 7 meses trabajando en Na Bolom.
The maid, Feliciana Perez Morales, 34, has been working at Na Bolom for only 7 months.
MARGARET WITH GIRLS BY POLLY
Julio 26 estamos de vuelta para seguir documentando los trabajos que hacen los empleados de Na Bolom!
July 26 we are back documenting the work that the employees of Na Bolom do!
YOLANDA photog ELENA
Ni Yolanda ni Elena pudieramos acompanar a ver el ensayo de musica, pero esperamos que otro dia!
Yolanda nor Elena could go with us to see the music rehearsal, but we hope next time!
July 25, 2008
DAMIAN´S ENSEMBLE
Por fin, escuchamos un ensayo de musica de Damian y su grupo.
Nos vemos otra vez en este blog despues del proximo sabado!
Finally, we listen to a rehearsal of Damian´s musical ensemble.
We´ll post more again after next Saturday!
MARGARET´S HOUSE
Algunas de Club Balam visitan la casa de Margaret para escuchar un ensayo de musica de Damian y su grupo.
Some of Club Balam visit Margaret´s house, to hear a rehearsal of Damian´s musical ensemble.
YOLANDA and ELENA
Yolanda y Elena posean antes de que se tienen que ir a casa.
Yolanda and Elena pose just before they have to go home.
CHA NUK y FOTO
En la casa Na Bolom, Cha Nuk encuentra la foto tomada por Gertrudis Duby, de ella misma hace mas de 30 años.
In the House of the Jaguar, Cha Nuk finds the photo taken by Gertrudis Duby, of herself, over thirty years ago.
CHA NUK with PHOTO
En la casa Na Bolom, Cha Nuk encuentra la foto tomada por Gertrudis Duby, de su marido fallecido, Vicente Bor.
In the House of the Jaguar, Cha Nuk finds the photo taken by Gertrudis Duby, of her late husband, Vicente Bor.
CHA NUK´S WORK
Cha Nuk demuestra la joyeria de semilla que hace.
Cha Nuk shows her seed jewelry she makes.
CHA NUK and MARUCH
La abuela lacandona, Cha Nuk, y Maruch, nuestra maestra indigena se retratan en Na Bolom.
The Lacandon grandmother, Cha Nuk, and Maruch, our indigenous teacher, take their portrait in Na Bolom.
LEIDALI and NECKLACE
Leidali demuestra otro bello collar hecho de semillas de la selva por los lacandones.
Leidali shows off another beautiful seed necklace made by the Lacandons.
YOHANA and NECKLACE
Yohana demuestra uno de los bellos collares lacandones.
Yohana holds up a beautiful Lacandon seed necklace.
ARTESANIAS
Jaguares talladas en madera son algunas de las artesanias hechas por los lacandones.
Jaguars carved from wood are some of the crafts made by the Lacandons.
CRAFTS
Aqui estan algunas de las artesanias hechas por las Lacandones, son joyas hecho de semillas de la selva, y cosas de maderas raras.
Here are some of the crafts the Lacandon women make, jewelry out of jungle seeds, and articles out of rare hardwoods.
July 23, 2008
Lacandon sales girl
Aqui esta una pequeña lacandona ayudando a su mama vendiendo artesanias en la Casa del Jaguar, Na Bolom!
Here is a little Lacandon child, selling crafts made by her mother in the Jaguar House, Na Bolom!
YOHANA and LACANDONS
Yohana se encontró con nuevas amgas en Na Bolom. Dos niñas lacandonas!
Yohana met new friends at Na Bolom. 2 little Lacandon girls!
ELIZABETH AND ELENA
Elizatbeth and our new friend Elena. Cheers!
Elizabeth and our new member and friend, Elena, Cheers!
MARUCH AND EIZABETH
La bella Elizabeth regreso hoy junto a Maruch. Felicidades!
The beautiful Elizabeth came back tody together with Maruch! Cheers!
COUSINS LEIDALI AND YOHANA
Somos primos hermanas enamorades!
We are first cousins in love!
MARGARET AND YOHANA
Muchas gracias a Yohana y Margarita por estar por ahi!
Thanks so much both Yohana and Margaret for being around!
MERCEDES
Aquí esta Mercedes. Hija mayor de Maruch. Le fascina el Club Balam y la fotografia, tanto a su mama.
Here is Mercedes. The oldest child of Maruch. She is fascinated by Club Balam and photography, as much as her mother.
MARUCH AND LEONARDO
Por fin, the tzotzil indigenous photographer, Maruch, esta con nostros de nuevo junto con su hijo Leonardo! Tambien trajo a su hija Mercedes!
Finally, the indigenous Tzotzil photographer, Maruch, is here with us again with her son Leonardo! But also she brought her daughter, Mercedes!
LORENZO
Lorenzo es muy trabajador y además le gusta cocinar. Acá camina por los pasillos de la Casa Na Bolom, la casa del jaguar. Lorenzo trabaja duro para ganar unos 150 dolares entre propinas y salario cada quince dias.
Lorenzo is a good worker and besides, he also is caught sometimes in the kitchen cooking, which he loves. Here is walks through the archways of Na Bolom house, the House of the Jaguar. Lorenzo works really hard to make some 150 dollars between salary and tips every 2 weeks.
LORENZO GOMEZ GOMEZ
Esto es nuestro mesero. Se llama Lorenzo Gomez Gomez y es originalmente de Bochil, Chiapas, pueblo Tzotzil Maya, aunque lleva 15 años viviendo en San Cristóbal de las Casas.
This is our waiter. His name is Lorenzo Gomez Gomez and he is originally from Bochil, a Tzotzil Maya town, but he´s been living in San Cristobal de las Casas for the last 15 years.
JULY 19th CHIAPAS GIRLS
Hola New York Ninas!
Aqui estamos de nuevo en Na Bolom disfrutando de un delicioso almuerzo que gracias a Na Bolom, nos estan apoyando. Siempre llegamos con hambre y aqui cocinan tan rico!
Hi New York Girls!
Here we are again in Na Bolom having a delicious brunch that thanks to Na Bolom, they are helping us with that. We always arrive hungry and the food is delicious here!
July 16, 2008
CLUB BALAM
Hola Ninas de New York!
Aqui estamos de nuevo y con las maestras Janet, Xunkah y Juani, mas Margaret nuestra nueva voluntaria. Por el momento no han podido llegar las ninas mas chicas pero esperamos que pronto.
Mil abrazos a todas ustedes y que vengan pronto!
Club Balam en Chiapas
Hi New York Girls!
Here we are again and with our teachers Janet, Xunkah and Juani, plus Margaret, our new volunteer. For the moment, the small girls haven't been able to join us, but we hope very soon.
A thousand hugs to all of you and come soon!
Club Balam in Chiapas
CHIAPAS ROSE
Hola!
Esta bella rosa de Chiapas es para todas las ninas que han perdido a sus queridas mamas.
Lamentamos mucho el recien fallecimiento de Maria Elena Gomez Lopez, madre de Leidali y Meche y tia de Yohana!
Que tengamos fuerzas para seguir adelante.
Gracias NYC Girls por todo su apoyo!
Tus hermanas del Club Balam en Chiapas
Hello!
This beautiful rose from Chiapas is for all girls who have lost their loved mothers. We regret the recent passing away of Maria Elena Gomez Lopez, Leidali and Meche's mother and aunt to Yohana!
May we have strength to continue ahead!
Thanks NYC Girls for all your support!
Your sisters of Club Balam in Chiapas
MECHE
Hola otra vez!
Que vengan pronto!
Meche
Hi again!
Please come soon!
Meche
MECHE
Hola ninas!
Espero que esten bien!
Esperamos que ya vengan para aca.
Ya estamos ansiosas por verlas, porque la verad no hemos conocido a todas.
Espero muy pronto conoscamos a todas.
Bye.
Su amiga,
Meche
Hi girls!
I hope you're well!
We hope that you come soon here.
We are already anxious to see you, because the truth is we haven't met you all.
I hope very soon we will know each and every one of you!
Bye.
Your friend,
Meche
YOLANDA and MARGARET
Hola a todas!
Aqui esta nuestra nueva amiga Margaret Leonard quien nos ofrecio acompanarnos y ayudarnos!
Saludos!
Yole (Yolanda)
Hi all!
This is our new friend Margaret Leonard who is volunteering to help us!
We already love her so much!
Cheers,
Yole (Yolanda)
YOLANDA
Hola!
Espero que se encuentren bien de salud.
Cuidense. Esperamos verlas pronto!
Espero, y que esten diviertiendose.
Hasta Luego,
Yole
Hi!
I hope this note finds you well.
Take care. We hope to see you soon!
I wait and hope you are having a great time.
Until then,
Yole
YOHANA
Hola!
Espero que esten bien de salud.
Solo les quiero decir que les agraezco su amistad que me brindaron y el carino.
Las quiero!
Tu amiga,
Yohana
Hi!
I hope you are all well.
I only want to say that I thank your friendship you give and affection.
I love you!
Your friend,
Yohana
LEYDI
Hola!
Aqui estoy de nuevo.
Por otra parte escribo mi nombre Leidali, pero me conocen como Leidi o Leydi!
Las extranamos!
Hi!
Here I am again.
By the way I spell my name Leidali, but am known as Leidi or Leydi!
We miss you!
LEIDALI
Hola Amigas!
Espero que se encuentren muy bien de salud. Gracias por todo el apoyo. Espero que les vaya muy bien.
Y echale muchas ganas a todas las cosas que hagan.
Saludos a todos. Las quiero mucho,
Leydi
Hi Friends!
I hope you are very healthy. Thanks for your help. I hope things are going well.
Put your best foot forward in all you do.
Greeting to all. I love you so much,
Leydi
JUANA AND LEIDALI
Hola!
Aqui estoy con mi gran amiga Leidali! Estoy triste porque Leidi y Meche perdieron a su mama hace poco y tambien la tia de Johana porque son primas!
Ojala la vida va mejor para ellas pronto!
Mil saludos,
Juana
Hi!
Here I am with my great friend Leidali! I'm sad because Leidi and Meche's mother passed away a short while ago and also Johana's aunt since they are cousins.
I hope life goes better for them soon!
A thousand greetings,
Juana
CHIAPAS GIRLS
Hola New York Girls!
Aqui estamos de nuevo saludandoles! Muchas gracias por todo su apoyo siempre!
Ahora tenemos vacaciones de escuela y podemos reunirnos mas!
Estamos contentas!
Juana
Hi New York Girls!
Here we are again, greetings! Thanks for all your support always.
Now we are on school vacation and can meet more!
We're happy!
Juana
December 21, 2007
Hello Club Balam from NYC 8
Merry Christmas from The Girls Club! We hope you have a wonderful holiday
in San Cristobal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico.
Hello Club Balam from NYC 4
The girls photograph the neighborhood under the watchful eyes of Jenny.
Hello Club Balam from NYC 3
Lisa takes photos in one of the many galleries in the neighborhood.
Hello Club Balam from NYC 2
Pnyessa hits the cold streets to take photos.
Hello Club Balam from NYC
June photographs the neighborhood
to share the photos with Club Balam.
December 20, 2007
Photographer Pnyessa9
Our neighborhood is famous for all kinds of food. Many people visit the restaurants
in the area. This is a smoked salmon sandwich.
Photographer Pnyessa3
These tin cans are really speakers for a sound system.
Photographer Lisa9
Not all the stores are fancy. This is my favorite candy store. It opened in 1937.
Photographer Lisa6
This is a kool backpack. Our neighborhood is full of stores selling things made by artists.
Photographer Lisa
We have delicious food in our neighborhood. This store opened in 1914.
Photographer June3
Many tall buildings are being built in our neighborhood.
Photographer June
Hello from the Lower Eastside of New York City. We wanted to show you what our neighborhood looks like at this festive time of the year. Christmas is just 5 days away!! We wish you, Club Balam, lots of love and peace in your lives.
December 11, 2007
Girls Club NYC
Hello Club Balam girls! We enjoyed your photographs of the San Cristobal market.
We hope you like our portraits taken outside in front of the Girls Club. We wrote about ourselves and want to know more about you.
On Friday, we are going to photograph our festive season and share the photos with you on Girls Club Worldwide.
We made these Christmas trees at our holiday party.
Happy Holidays to you and to Polly and Janet!
Girls Club NYC Dalia
My name is Dalia and I am 12 years old. I go to Marta Valle Secondary School. My birthday is April 23rd. I was born here in the US, but my parents are from Dominican Republic. My favorite color is green and my best friends are Feng and Amina. My favorite singer is Fergie. My favorite food is pizza. My school might not be the best, but it is very fun and my favorite subject is Social Studies.
Girls Club NYC Pnyessa
My name is Pnyessa and I am 11 years old. My birthday is February 18th. I go to school at Tass. My favorite color is pink and my favorite singer is Selena. I love polka dots, sushi, and monkeys. My favorite character is Bobbyjack, who is a monkey. I’m from New York, but my family is from Dominican Republic. My stepmom is Japanese. My favorite accessory is earings and I live my fingernails.
Girls Club NYC Min
Hi, my name is Min. My favorite color is baby blue. I’m 10 years old and my birthday is December 16th. I’m about to turn 11 and I’m in the 6th grade. I love chocolate! I’m hoping to meet the Chiapas girls in Mexico. I was born in America.
Girls Club NYC Jun
My name is Jun Yu Lai and I’m 11 years old. I’m from PS. 131. My favorite colors are blue and green. I like to play with my friends and my best friends are everyone I know. My favorite pets are dogs and cats.
Girls Club NYC Lisa
My name is Lisa and I am 11 years old. I go to PS 188 and it is a very good school. I like apple pie and monkeys. My parents are from China, and I was born here in the US with my brother. My favorite color is hot pink. I like the song “Umbrella” by Rihanna.
Girls Club NYC Myia
My name is Myia. My favorites foods are pickles and grapes. My favorite colors are red and white. My favorite movie is Superstar. I go to PS 64.
November 28, 2007
PHOTOGRAPHERS MECHE AND YOLANDA IN TREE
Hi NYC Girls!
We hope you will enjoy our photographs we took of our trip to the San Cristobal market last Saturday. We did it to show you all the wonderful things we have here and how excited we are about the fiestas to come! We wish you the very best for happy times ahead!
Missing you so much and thanks so much for your support!
Season's Greeting!
Sincerely,
Club Balam in Chiapas
GUADALUPE CANDLES, PHOTOGRAPHER YOLANDA
These wonderful candles with the image of Guadalupe are waiting to be sold ahead of our next huge fiesta on December 12th! We will be sending photos to you again then!
FANCY CANDLES, PHOTOGRAPHER YOLANDA
Aren't these handmade candles in our market in San Cristobal divine?
STAPLES, PHOTOGRAPHER YOLANDA
The San Cristobal market wouldn't be the same without our staples of corn and beans! This is what we eat everyday!
But we are so happy now that the fiestas are coming and we can have lots of special party foods and treats!
Thanks NYC girls for helping us make our dreams come true!
POLLY, PHOTOGRAPHER YOLANDA
Here is our newest member of Club Balam in Chiapas! Her name is Polly Helm and she comes from Oregon! We love her already and hope she will enjoy everything with us here! Welcome Polly!!!!!!! And thank you so much for volunteering to help us photograph our world! We will teach you some Spanish and Tzotzil Maya if you help us with our English too!
SAN CRISTOBAL FLOWERS, PHOTOGRAPHER POLLY
Our wonderful new member and mentor sees the most beautiful details at our San Cristobal market in Chiapas in southern Mexico! Welcome Polly to our Club!
MECHE, PHOTOGRAPHER POLLY
Our newest member Pollly took this picture of Meche! Thanks Polly for joining the club and being a big help and mentor! Cheers!
LOTS OF LOVE TO YOU, PHOTOGRAPHER MECHE
Con mucho amor para ti, NYC girls!
CHAMULA BLOUSES, PHOTOGRAHER MECHE
Meche sure has a knack for composition! Here she found a colorful array of hand-embroidered Chamula blouses hanging on lines in a market stall. Chamula Maya come down from their mountain town to purchase the latest fashionable colors.
ELECTRIC METERS PHOTOGRAPHER MECHE
Electric meters all lined up for seller's stands also captured Meche's eyes in the San Cristobal market! Congratulations Meche for finding everything!
MINI POTS, PHOTOGRAPHER MECHE
Tiny pottery for tea sets also captured Meche's eyes!
THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
Here is Meche who couldn't resist taking a pix of a poor pig' head, waiting to be sold in the meat section, for some family's succulent dish! Photo: Janet Schwartz
CHIAPAS PHOTOGRAPHERS IN MARKET
Here we are in Market having a splendid time, opening our eyes, trying to see what you would, if you were only here! Photo: Janet Schwartz
ROSES FOR YOU, PHOTOGRAPHER JOHANA
New York Girls,
Wishing you were here!
Come back soon!
REYNA PHOTOGRAPHER JOHANA
We found Reyna in the market, selling veggies with her Mom! She couldn't come to take pictures today because her Mom needed her to help! Same thing with Ana, Paty, and Rosi. We hope their mothers will give them some time off next time!
JOHANA
Johana has grown quite a bit lately! And she can't wait to go to the market!
CANDLES PHOTOGRAPHER ELIZABETH
Homemade candles are so beautiful, especially when lit for the fiestas!
POTTERY PHOTOGRAPHER ELIZABETH
Native pottery makes good presents. Which do you like best?
CHILLI PHOTOGRAPHER ELIZABETH
Chilli is everywhere in the San Cristobal market. Mexican food wouldn't taste as good without it, anytime of year!
ELIZABETH and her MOM, VERONICA
Here we are inside the busy San Cristobal Market! Veronica, Elizabeth's Mom, met up with us! We love having Elizabeth with us! Thanks Veronica, for bringing her!
LEIDALI PHOTOGRAPHER JUANI
Thanks again for the great cap! We love them!
REYNA'S MOM PHOTOGRAPHER LEIDALI
This is Reyna's Mom selling in the Market. Reyna couldn't come today to take pictures, because her mother needed her to help her today! We hope she will give her time off next time!
CHAYOTES PHOTOGRAPHER LEIDALI
Chayotes are a squash. These are the prickly kind, but despite their looks, they are quite delicious! Mostly they are just boiled, peeled and eaten whole. Sometimes, they go into soups!
STRAWBERRIES PHOTOGRAPHER LEIDALI
Aren't these strawberries some of the best you've ever seen? Can't wait to eat some! They are also the colors of Mexico, red, white and green.
JUANI PHOTOGRPHER LEIDALI
Here is Juani with your LES Girls Club cap on! Thanks so much! We're so proud wearing it!
CORN PHOTOGRAPHER JUANI
Of course, all the time there is corn! Corn to roast, corn to make tortillas, and corn to make delicious exotic holiday tamales!
TUNAS PHOTOGRAPHER JUANI
Here are some succulent Tunas. It is a green cactus fruit that also comes in purple. It is sweet and juicy inside with small seeds that can be swallowed! Yummy!
GRAPES PHOTOGRAPHER JUANI
And of course there are grapes now! Beautiful red and green ones. We will be eating 12 each come New Year's, at the strike of the clock! MIDNIGHT on the dot! That's the custom here!
SAN CRISTOBAL MARKET
Hi LES Girls!
We miss you! So, we decided to go to the market to show you what you are missing! Fruits and veggies of the season, Xmas and Guadalupe Fiesta decorations are now out in full force. Here are Leidi and Juani about to start the tour! Thanks for the LES NYC caps you sent us!
Cheers to you!
June 23, 2007
CHIAPAS GIRLS
Niñas de New York! Aca estamos en las afueras de San Cristobal de las Casas, un lugar que se llama Moxviquil. Aca estan contruyendo una casa de orquidias, que va a ser la más grande de Chiapas con todos los especies que se encuentra aca en los Altos y Selva. Cuando vengan otra vez, esperamos que ya este terminado la casa de la orquidea para que ustedes la puedan disfrutar con nostoras! Además en ese lugar hay ruinas antiguas mayas. Y también un bosque precioso que da vista a todo la ciudad.
Bueno chicas. Tambien queremos un día ir a New York!!! Ojalá que nos llevan!!! Aunque sea en sus maletas!
El sábado que viene nos vamos a hacer una gran fiesta para terminar el año escolar y tener un mes de vacaciones. Pero estamos animadas que venga Lou, Jenny y Luna muy pronto en Agosto!
Saludos y abrazos desde Chiapas!
Paty, Juani, Leidali, Yolanda, Reyna, Johana, Rosa, Ana, Meche, Elizabeth, Xunka, Juana y Janet
CHIAPAS GIRLS
Hola Niñas de New York. Acá estamos viendo el blog y las fotos que ustedes pusieron. Que alegre es ver todo! Les extrañamos mucho. Ahora te vamos a poner una foto de una expedición que realizamos el sabado pasado. Esperamos un día que nos puedan acompañar otra vez, hasta acá...
Saludos desde Chiapas!
Xunka, Juana, Leidali, Juani, Yolanda, Reyna, Meche, Rosa, Johana, Paty, Ana, Elizabeth y Janet
June 08, 2007
Micheleluce-Weaving in Zinacantan
Much focus is given to the women who weave, but not much attention is given to the utensils the women use for weaving.
Micheleluce-Working Mothers
The Zinacantan weaving center, also welcomes working mothers.
Micheleluce-Children of Zinacantan
Two girls of Zinacantan wearing local clothing.
Micheleluce-Weaving in Zinacantan
The women of the Zinacantan weaving certer.
Micheleluce-Zinacantan Production
The town of Zinacantan was one of the first the LES Girls Club visited. As I prepared my camera to take pictures, I thought a picture of our production and our hard work would be good to document.
Here, both Lyn and "Chip" Morris interview a young Grameen Bank borrower. She describes how her business has improved since the Grameen loan.
Micheleluce-Mural
Our first day in Chiapas, visited a small towm near San Cristobal to see a mural.
Micheleluce-LES & Club Balam
Hola niñas, ¿como están?...Todas aquí en el Girls Club las extrañamos muchisimo. Queríamos agredecerles por habernos dado oportunidad de visitar sus casas, por haber asistido a la apertura de su exposición de fotografías, y por habernos mostrado el talento que tienen.
Esperamos que algun día muy cercano, el Club Balam pueda viajar a la Ciudad de Nueva York, y de nuevo nos podamos encontrar.
Por ahora, cuidense mucho y mantenganse en contacto con nosotras. Las queremos mucho.
Nos gustaría que nos sigan mandando mensajes cuando puedan.
Con mucho cariño,
Sus amigas del LES Girls Club
de Nueva York
June 02, 2007
CHIAPAS GIRLS
Les agradecemos por haber venido a visitarnos. Les vamos a extrañar mucho, pero sabemos que volverán a venir algún día!!!! Gracias otra vez por su tiempo, cariño y solidaridad.... Xunka dice gracias además por visitarme en mi casa! Yo también dice Juani, Yolanda, Elizabeth, Meche, Johana, y Leidali. Juana la maestra pide disculpas que no le dieron permiso llevar el grupo sus familiares. Juani dice: Les extraña mucho. Ojalá que nos volveremos a ver un día o nos podemos ir allá a visitarles en New York!!!! A las niñas chicas de New York, ojalá cuando crezcan pueden venir!!!!
We appreciate you for having come visit us. We are going to miss you very much, but we know that you will return one day!!! Thank you again for your time, care and solidarity... Xunka says thank you also for visiting her at her home! Me too, says Juani, Yolanda, Elizabeth, Meche, Johana and Leidali. Juana, the teacher, asks for forgiveness for the ones that didn't get permission to go to their homes. Juani says: I miss you a lot. Hopefully we will see each other again some day or we can come visit you in New York!! To the younger girls in New York, hopefully when you are older you can come!!
May 25, 2007
Grameen Bank Zinacantan Flower Grower
The proud and successful receipient of a micro-credt loan from the Grameen Bank to grow flowers.
Grameen Bank Zinacantan Green House
We enter the flower green house of a Grameen Bank micro- credit loan receipient.
Zinacantan Shrine
It is common to find shrines in homes and businesses. This one is in the house of the weavers.
Tortillas
We are offered home made tortillas cooked over an open flame and beans.....delicious.
Grameen Bank Zinacantan Embroiderers
Women who embroider also receive Grameen Bank micro-credit loans.
Our LES girls love the children!
Grameen Bank Zinacantan
In Zinacantan, we are visiting weavers who receive micro-credit loans from the Grameen Trust of Chiapas. Our work will culminate in the creation of a promotional documentary for the Grameen Bank.
The Director, Marcela Gamboa de Alba accompanies us.
Somos Hermanas!!!! Opening
The photography show was very well attended. It was an exciting event for all of us! We thank all of the girl photographers who have contributed to this exhibition. More of their work can be seen on this blog by clicking on CLUB BALAM IN CHIAPAS which appears under the heading, WHAT WE'RE DOING.
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
A ribbon cutting ceremony opens the show and the girls pour in!
This is a Mexican tradition.
The show consists of photos and writings of the LES Girls Club in New York and Club Balam, here in Mexico.
Club Balam Families
Club Balam girls with their families attended the photography opening.
We were very happy to meet them.
LES Girls Club meets Club Balam
LES Girls Club meets Club Balam, our sister program here in San Cristobal.
Our photography show, SOMOS HERMANAS!!! opened at Na Bolom May 19th.
Blogging From Chiapas
The girls upload photos and blog every day. Enjoy their posts!
Na Bolom Garden Walk
The gardens are beautiful in Na Bolom, a museum and a guest house, in San Cristobal de las Casas, where we are staying.
Chamulan Crosses
We walked up to the huge Chamulam Crosses and enjoyed the running sheep.
The Kitchen
These girls don't miss a thing! Here they are documenting the weavers' kitchen.
Weavers of Tenejapa
The media has descended! Everyone has a camera!
The girls are documenting a weavers' collective in a home in Tenejapa.
The women use back strap looms.
Tenejapa Mural
The Girls Club has arrived, all 10 of us! Here we are in Tenejapa, Mexico in front of a favorite mural.
May 24, 2007
Luna- Chiapas
We went to a nursery today. Linda fell in love and didn't want to leave. This particular nursery caters to the children of the Mayans who got displaced for political, economical, and religious reasons. All these people have to work hard to get out of poverty, and they needed a safe haven to leave their children. So cute!!
May 23, 2007
Micheleluce-Grameen Bank- Chiapas
This is a picture at the Grameen Bank branch in Teopisca, Chiapas. The Grameen Bank has been around in Mexico for quite a long time. Here, people come from neighbooring communities to apply to get the micro-credit loans.
The people of Teopisca expressed how beneficial the Grameen loans have been to their local businesses. If the loan is approved, the local artisans are able to invest in prime materials that they use to make their arts and crafts which they later sale in local markets. However, not only the Grameen Bank loan helps improve their businesses, but also time and effort that the artisan itself makes to sell its product.
We were explained that in case of problems with repaying or knowing how to invest in the loan, the Grameen Bank also provides workshops that guide people to a better economic future.
The Grameen Bank in Mexico already operates in several states including: Chiapas with 16 of 20 branches in the nation, Aguascalientes, and Tabasco. It has also been planned to expand to others states of Mexico and in the future operate in the entire nation.
Linda-Zinacantan
THIS IS MS FUZZY PANTS!
We saw this dog in Zinacantan and immediatly after taking this picture i got very emotional. I wanted to take her home. It's very sad seeing all the stray dogs around the streets of Chiapas. They have no one to care for them, feed them or even show them love.
I try to do whatever i can like bringing cookies, tortillas and water to the dogs outside of Na Bolom.
If i had the chance, i'd take them all home with me.
Renée-Comitán
So, today I went to Comitán de Domínguez, Chiapas, Mexico. It was very, very, VERY HOT! We went on more site visits with the Grameen Trust Bank. We visited a resturant, a pottery artisan, and a pottery maker compound.
The ladies at the compound were a little startled when we showed. When we started taking pictures, they started to cover their faces. It was very interesting. The pottery was fabulous. I bought a few pieces because they were so well-made. I hope their business continues to flourish.
Luna- Chiapas
This picture was taken yesterday at a field where this woman grows flowers to sell. She was given a loan by the Grameen bank and she has made a good business out of it. She was so proud when she was talking about her flowers.
I loved Zinacantan, the town we went to. One of the representatives from Grameen bank, Maricela, took us around showing us the type of work they make loans to. She is fantastic, I love her.
Tomorrow is another big day, sheesh, I need a nap.
May 22, 2007
Renée-Zinacantan
Today I was in Zinacantan. I went on site visits with Grameen Trust. Grameen Trust is a microcreditor that was started in Bangladesh. It was founded to slowly rid the World of poverty by supplying loans to people, (MOSTLY WOMEN, YEA!!) to start their own businesses. I think that is totally awsome. The site visits were very interesting. We visited two weaving and embroidery compounds and several gardens.
The thing that stuck out the most to me was the amount of stray dogs in Chiapas. At one of the compounds, there were three little dogs. One of them Linda named Mrs. Fuzzy Pants. They were they cutest lttle things! I started to feel kind of strange. I've never actually cared about a stray but for some reason, I wanted to help the poor little guys. They just touched my heart. I think I will have to adopt a puppy now. Besides the fact that they are SOOO CUTE, its just that I will feel a lot better and a lot less helpless when it comes to saving a life and providing a better one. I guess thats just me.
May 21, 2007
Miriam- Chiapas
I took this photo outside the cathedral in Chamula. Lou takes photos of the kids in Chamula and then brings them copies of the photos. As soon as the kids see Lou word spreads around town and she is immediately surrounded by a swarm of children. It was amazing to watch this process. The kids all know her name even though she only comes down to Chiapas a few times per year. They were so excited to get portraits of themselves and take new photos.
It struck me how big of a deal of it was for these kids to have a photo of themself. Nowadays photography is so accessible for many people due to digital cameras and cell phone cameras; we are saturated with images. The overwhelming enthusiasm of the children in Chamula reaffirmed the power and magic of photography, the importance of documentation, and the value of The Girls Club's work with photography and youth both in Mexico and New York City.
Micheleluce- CHIAPAS
San Juan Chamula, México. Today, the LES Girls Club visited San Juan Chamula -a little village located outside of San Cristóbal de las Casas. In this village, children start working at a young age to bring some money to help feed their families and to buy school supplies.
As soon as we stepped out of "The Combi" (mini-van) several children rushed to us to sell us everything from candy, gum and bracelets. "Comprame una pulsera": "buy a bracelet from me" all of them said. I felt extremely moved by them.
When you find yourself surrounded by little children trying to desperatetly sell you things, you appreciate how lucky you are for what you have and all the opportunities you are exposed to.
Here is a photo of Andrés, one of the many children working on the streets of San Juan Chamula.
Luna- Chiapas
Yesterday we went to Chamula. We went to a church that doesn't allow us to take photos, for religious reasons. I'm glad, photography would have driven me crazy, would have overwhelmed me. I was already overwhelmed, I couldn't stop crying, it was beautiful. There is no way I could explain what it was. There were grasses all over and walls lined with saints in glass cases. People were strewn about improvising their prayers, chanting. Incense filled the air. I could not stop crying, I wanted to wail but I still felt too self conscious. We are going back next week. Linda and I are going to improvise our own service, we need cleansing. I think I need to wail, let all my emotions out, feel free.
This picture is after, we weren't really supposed to take pictures of people, but I saw a whole mob of men in costume and I couldn't help myself.
Renée-Chiapas
This is my first time in Chiapas, Mexico. I am having a GREAT time! On Sunday, I got to travel to Chamula. I had my expectations but, Chamula exceeded them all. I loved the church San Juan Chamula. I grew up a Baptist Christian, so going to a Catholic church, in another country was pretty powerful. It reminded me of how the people in my church are dedicated to serving God. I can really respect that.
The first people we met when we step out of the Cambies (its a van), were the girls from Chamula. They were asking for pictures from Lou. Thats how we are allowed to take their pictures. We either pay them or do a trade. It was awsome.
The picture I chose, I took in Chamula of one of the girls after I told them that we would be back next week with more pictures. Her response reminds me of the type I would've given at that age. She cracked me up! She made my day! I will never forget her.
Chelsea- Chiapas
This is our sixth day in Chiapas, and everyone is having a wonderful time. I have met so many interesting people, but am most amazed by all of the children we have met. In this photo, I am walking with a girl from Chamula who had approached us while we were visiting the church. All the people in the church seemed so curious about us; it was strange to have so much attention focused on us. The girls were trying to cover up the parts of our bodies that were exposed with the pine needles that covered the floor. The girl I am with in the photograph made me a braided bracelet, also from the pine needles. The children here are so curious, outgoing, and independent at such a young age. It is very different from the way we treat children in the United States.
Linda-Chiapas
We finally met the girls from Club Balam! They were very sweet and fun to be around. We sat in a circle, introduced ourself and said our favorite ice cream. After introductions, we got right to sketching for the banner that was gonna be in our show later on. The girls were laughing and making fun of my horrible drawing of a jaguar. :(
Later on that night we had our gallery opening and Renee and i were showing the girls how to dance to hip hop music.
It was fun and i love the girls. I wanna take them back home to New York
Qushema- Chiapas
When I took this photo I was thinking about how our worlds are so different but still the same. I wanted to take her underneath my wing and teach her everything I know. This picture was taken at Na Bolom at our photography opening. After we finished walking we sat there at the lab top computer looking at photos and translating from english to spanish. I realized that our worlds are the same.
May 18, 2007
Luna Chiapas-5- 18
Today was a laid back kinda day. As you see above, we started on our way to town. (That's a picture of Jenny and Chelsea walking away from Lyn's house). We walked around a bit and went to a cool paper making place, where I met a guy who had been working there for 13 years, since he was 12!
Then we went to town and walked around. We went to the market and bought some things, (a nice pair of pants for me, that I will be giving to my mom). We came back and ate delicious food prepared by Chip's cook. We are going to go to his place later and watch a slide show.
I didn't really take many pictures today. I mostly took pictures of the local graffitti. Apparently, there is an artist here that uses stencils. He reminds me of De La Vega, in New York. Some are political, and some are not understandable by me. I hope I get to see more examples of his work during my stay here.
Tomorrow we will be preparing for our photo opening, which is tomorrow as well. I am excited to meet the Club Balam girls. We will be painting a canvas and putting the photos up. I'm so glad I got to be apart of this project back from the begining, back home and now here in Chiapas. I wish you could all see how fantastic it is going to be!!
May 17, 2007
Luna Chiapas-5-17
Today we went to Tenejapa. It was beautiful!! We took a long and windy road through the clouds. Once we got there, we took photos of murals and a church. This is the first time I have been in a country where I didn't understand the language. It felt very surreal. Very pretty.
After that we went to a cemetary near Chiapas. There were sheep tied up every where. One got loose and ran all over the place. There are huge crosses lined up. Very wierd to know we were walking over the dead. We took many many pictures.
We then came back to Chiapas and had lunch at a place called Casa de Pan. Delicious veggie food.
After a debacle with the downloading, we are done for the day.
May 09, 2007
Miriam- Cascading Leadership
Hello Girls,
My name is Miriam and I am the director of a program for the eldest girls of The Lower Eastside Girls Club. I am very excited to meet you! I have been in Mexico 3 times before but I have yet to visit Chiapas. I have wanted to go to Chiapas for many years and am very happy to finally realize this dream. I am also a photographer like you!! I hope to be able to see some of your photos. We will see each other soon...
Hugs,
Miriam
Hola Chicas,
Me llamo Miriam y soy la directora de un programa para las miembras majores de The Lower Eastside Girls Club. Estoy muy emocionada para conocerlas! He estado en Mexico 3 otras veces pero todavia no conozco Chiapas. Yo he querido venir a Chiapas hace muchos anos y estoy muy contenta para finalmente realizar este sueno! Soy una fotografa tambien como ustedes!! Espero que pueda ver algunas de sus fotos. Nos vemos pronto...
Un abrazo,
Miriam
Renée- Cascading Leadership
Saludos! My name is Renée. I am 21 years old. I am so excited to meet you all. I am part of the Cascading Leadership Program at the L.E.S. Girls Club. This will be my first time traveling to Mexico. I know we will have lots of fun. See you soon.
Saludos! Mi nombre es Renée. Yo tengo 21 años. yo estoy tan excitada a conocerlas a todas. Yo soy parte del programa Cascading Leadership en el L.E.S. Girls Club. Esta va ser mi primera vec vajando a Mexico. Yo se que vamos a gozar mucho. Las veo pronto!!
Qushema- Cascading Leadership
Hi. My name is Qushema. I can’t wait to come down and meet you guys, I so am thrilled. I know this journey is going to be so much fun. I am 24 years old and I am one of the first members of the Girls Club. I have gone down there before in 2003, and I am so glad to meet the new generation of photographers!
Hola. Mi nombre es Qushema. No puedo esperar a ir y a conocerlas. Estoy tan emocionada. Yo se que este viaje va ser tan divertido. Yo tengo 24 años y soy unas de las primeras del Girls Club. Yo he viajado alla antes en el año 2003, y estoy tan feliz a conocerlas!!
May 08, 2007
Linda- Cascading Leadership
Hey!
My name is Linda, and I am 18 years old. I'm a member of The Cascading Leadership program at the L.E.S. Girls Club. I love eating, listening to music and the color pink. I'm excited about coming down to Club Balam to meet everyone. We're going to have lots of fun!
Hola!
Mi nombre es Linda y yo tengo 18 años. Yo soy un miembro de el programa Cascading Leaders en el L.E.S. Girls Club. Me encanta comer, escuchar musica, y el color rosado. Estoy muy excitada de ir a Club Balam a conocerlas a todas. Vamos a divertirnos mucho!!
Luna- Cascading Leader
Hello Ladies!! You may already know me from my work with the girls in the photography class, but I am going to refresh your memory. My name is Packysha, but everyone calls me Luna. It is a name I gave myself because I think it better fits my personality. I am 25 years young and I am one of the oldest and longest running members of the Girls Club. This will be my first time in Mexico and I am so excited to meet you and to see your country! See you soon!!
Hola Muchachas!! Es possible que ustedes ya me conocen de mi trabajo con las niñas de la classe de fotografia pero les voy a resfrescar la memoria. Mi nombre es Packysha pero todos me llaman Luna. Ese es el nombre que yo me di a mi misma porque me queda mas a la personalidad. Yo tengo 25 añitos y soy unas de las majores y mas veija de los miembros del Girls Club. Esta seria mi primera ves en Mexico y estoy muy excitada a conocerlas y su país! Las veo pronto!
Sydney- Girls Club
Dear Juana,
Hi my name is Sydney. I am 11 years old. I live in the East Village. I have a dog named Pelussa. She is 1 year old. I have 1 sister and 1 brother. My sister is 7 years old and my brither is 15. My parennts have a house in PA.
I like o go swimming and ride my bicycle. My favorite color is blue.
Querida Juana,
Hola mi nombre es Sydney. Yo tengo 11 años. Yo vivo en el barrio llamado East Village. Yo tengo una perrita llamada Pelussa. Ella tiene un año. Yo tengo una hermana y un hermano. Mi hermana tiene 7 años y mi hermano tiene 15 años. Mis padres tienen una casa en PA.
A mi me gusta ir nadando y andar en mi bicicleta. Mi color favorito es azul.
Christy- Girls Club
Dear Reyna and Paty,
Hi my name is Christy. I am 11 years old. I go to school in the neighborhood. I love dogs. I have a brother that is 2 years older. He is 14 years old. I love the colors blue and black. I live in New York. I love to draw. I like spring. Do you have a pet? I have a bird.
Queridas Reyna y Paty,
Hola mi nombre es Christy. Yo tengo 11 años. Yo voy a una escuela en el vecindario. Me encantan los perros. Yo tengo un hermano que tiene 2 años mas que mi. El tiene 14 años. Me gustan los colores azuly negro. Yo vivo en Nueva York. Me gusta dibujar. Me gusta la primavera. Tienen ustedes mascotas? Yo tengo un pajaro.
Sierra- Girls Club
Dear Yolanda,
My name is Sierra. My favorite colors are black, gray, gold and pink. My best friends are Nathalie, Teresa and Jordan (that's a girl). I love to dance, sing, and act. When I grow up I want to be a singer.
Adios Yolanda.
Querida Yolanda,
Mi nombre es Sierra. Mi colores favoritos son negro, gris, oro y rosado. Mi mejores amigas son Nathalie, Teresa, y Jordan (es una niña). Me encanta bailar, cantar, y actuar. Cuando yo sea major yo quiero ser cantante.
Adios Yolanda
April 19, 2007
Girls Club- Min
Dear Ana,
I love your messages you send to the our girls club. My name is Min and I am 10 years old. I am in elementary school about to graduate. I'm in 5th grade. My parents were originally from China. I speak a little Chinese. I love your beautiful outfit. I have a best friend that looks like my twin too. My twin and best friends are Lizabeth, Pnyessa, and Jenny. My friends are 10 or 11.
By: Min
Querida Ana,
Me encantan los mesajes que mandas a nuestro Girls Club. Mi nombre es Min y yo tengo 10 años. Yo estoy en la primaria a punto de graduar. Yo estoy en el 5o grado. Mi padres son originalmente de China. Yo hablo un poco de chino. Me encanta su vestido bello.Yo tengo una amiga que tembien se parece me gemela. Mi gemela y mis mejores amigas son Lizabeth, Pnyessa, y Jenny. Mis amigas son 10 y 11.
Por: Min
Girls Club- Lizbeth
Dear Rosy,
Hello my name is Lizabeth, but some people like to call me Lizie. I am 10 years old. I am in the 5th grade. I have been doing a study about the ancient Mayans. My parents are both from Puerto Rico. I was born in the L.E.S. (NY). My best friends are Min, Pnyessa, Aura and Megan. I can't wait for your reply!!
Love,
Lizie
Querida Rosy,
Hola mi nombre es Lizabeth, but algunos le gusta llamarme Lizie. Yo tengo 10 años. Yo estoy en el 5o grado. Yo estoy estudiando sobre los Mayas. Mis padres sn de Puerto Rico. Yo naci en L.E.S. (NY). Mis mejores amigas son Min, Pnyessa, Aura, y Megan y no puedo espera tu respuesta!
Con Amor,
Lizie
Girls Club- Aura
Dear Mercedes,
Hi, my name is Aura B. I am 10 years old and I am in 5th grade. I love animals a lot. My whole family is from Chile but not me, I was born in NYC. My best friends are Danae, Kelesy, Gabriela. Pnyessa, Lizie, Sydney and Arieles. I visited Chile only 3 times. My favorite colors are red, yellow, black and orange.
Aura
Querida Mercedes,
Hola, mi nombre es Auro B. Yo tengo 10 años y estoy en el 5o grado. Me gustan los animales mucho. Mi familia entera es de Chile, pero no yo, you naci en Nueva York. Mis mejores amigas son Danae, Kelsey, Gabriela, Pnyess, Sydney, y Arieles. Yo he visitado Chile solo 3 veces. Mis colores favoritos son rojo, amarillo, negro y naranjado.
Aura
Girls Club- Arieles
Hi my name is Arieles. I am 10 years old and I love your message and I am in 5th grade. My mom and dad divorced. I love to watch MTV.
Arieles
Hola mi nombre es Arieles. Yo tengo 10 años y me encanta tu message y yo estoy en el 5o grado. Mi mama y papa estan divorciados. Me encata ver MTV>
Arieles
Girls Club- Alyssa
Dear Leidali,
My name is Alyssa. I am 10 years old. My grandma's father is from Ukraine and my grandpa's father is from Italy. I am from New York. I am in elementary school. I enjoyed what you said. I have no brothers or sisters. I only live with my mother. My birthday is October 18th. My favorite animal is eagle, that is why I am standing next to one. I loved your photo.
Querida Leidali,
Mi nmbre es Alyssa. Yo tengo 10 años. El papa de mi abuelo era del Ukrania y el papa de mi otro abuelo era de Italia. Yo soy de Nueva York. Yo estoy en la primaria. Me gusto lo que escribiste. Yo no tengo hermanos ni hermanas. Yo vivo solo con mi madre. Mi cumpleaño es el 18 de Octubre. Mi animal favorito es el aguilla, y por eso estoy parada alado de uno. Me encanto tu foto.
March 31, 2007
CHIAPAS GIRLS
Hi Everyone!
I am Janet sitting here with Lyn on one of her numerous visits! I am the Chiapas-end coordinator of Club Balam discussing important issues with your Lyn! We are preparing for your trip here! Can´t wait! Below, you´ll see photos and messages in Spanish from our girls and teachers to you! Enjoy! If you don´t understand Spanish, find a girl friend there that can translate this for you!!! Cheers LES NY-CHIAPAS!!!!
CHIAPAS GIRLS
Yo me llamo Xunka. Soy maestra de la fotografia y estoy junto a seis de las niñas del Club en la Casa Na Bolom en frente de una pintura de la famosa Gertrudis Duby Blom. Yo nací en la comunidad de Chamula. Tengo 35 años cumplidos y ya vivo acá en la ciudad de San Cristóbal de las Casas desde los cuatro años de edad. Algunos tal vez se acuerdan de mi, porque estuve en New York con ustedes hace unos tres años. Cuando vengan vamos a compartir muchas cosas bonitas. Espero su llegada!!!! Cuando vengan ya no va a hacer frío por acá.
My name is Xunka. I am the photography teacher and I am next to six of the nine girls from Club Balam in front of a famous painting done by Bertrudis Duby Blom. I was born in the Chamula community. I am 35 years old and have lived in he city of San Cristóbal since I was 4 years old. Some of you might remember me because I was in New York about 3 years ago. When you come we will talk about many things. I’m looking forward to your visit!!!! When you get here it will no longer be cold.
CHIAPAS GIRLS
Hola New York! Somos Ana, izquierda, y Rosy, derecha. Somos las más pequeñas y preciosas del Club Balam y también las más famosas porque tomamos bien las fotos! Parecemos gemelas porque tenemos la misma altura y edad, 9 años! También vamos las dos en tercero de primaria. Vivimos en la periferia de la ciudad de San Cristobal de las Casas. Hablamos Tzotzil en nuestras casas, pues nuestros familiares son orginarios de San Juan Chamula, pero llegaron a vivir en la ciudad hace años. Esperamos su visita!
Hello New York!! We are Ana (left), and Rosa (right). We are the smallest and most precious of Club Balam and also the most famous because we take the best pictures! We look like twins because we are the same height and age, 9 years old! We are also in the second grade. We live in the outskirts of the city of San Cristóbal de las Casas. We speak Tzotzil in our homes, because our families are originally from San Juan Chamula but they came to live in this city many years ago. We are waiting for your visit!!
CHIAPAS GIRLS
Hola. Somos Reyna y Paty! Somos muy buenas amigas! Reyna tiene 12 años y esta a la izquierda de la foto. Yo tengo 11 años y estoy a la derecha. Saludos desde Chiapas! Pronto nos veremos!
Hello, we are Reyna and Paty! We are very good friends! Reyna is 12 years old and is on the left of the photo. I am 11 years old and I am on the left of the photo. Salutations from Chiapas!! We will see you soon!!
CHIAPAS GIRLS
Hola. Me llamo Juana pero de cariño me dicen Juani. Voy en la secundaria y mis cumpleaños son el 25 de octubre. Voy a cumplir 14 años con mi familia lo pasamos bien. Nací en un pueblito llamado Pantelhó, pero luego vine a vivir en la ciudad de San Cristobal. Lo que más me gusta es jugar futbol y basketball. Y estar con mis amigas platicando, y sabernos comprender y ayudarnos entre nosotras. Me gusta tomar fotos. Agradezco esta oportunidad de fotografiar y tener recuerdos de la vida. Yo soy feliz que ustedes vengan!!!!
Hello. My name is Juana but my friends call me Juani. I am going to Junior High and my birthday is the 25th of October. I am going to be 14 years, I get along with my family. I was born in a small town called Pantelho, but later I came to live in the city of San Cristóbal. My favorite things are to play soccer and basketball. And to hang out with my friends and to know how to understand each other and help each other out. I like to take pictures. I appreciate the opportunity to photograph and to have memories of life. I am happy that youare coming!
CHIAPAS GIRLS
Saludos de Chiapas! Soy Yolanda. Tengo 13 años de edad. Estoy en la primaria, en sexto, pero ya voy a graduarme y seguir estudiando en la secundaria. Me gusta el Club Balam porque cada sábado voy con mi hermana mayor, Juani, y aprendemos hacer fotografía. También estamos haciendo muñecas de animales y corazones para que nos ayuden por favor a venderlos, para que nosotros podemos mejorar nuestras vidas. Esperamos con mucha alegría sus llegadas. Vamos a divertirnos!!!!
Greetings from Chiapas!! I am Yolanda. I am 13 years old. I am in elementary school, in sixth grade and I am going to graduate and go to middle school. I like Club balam because every Saturday my older sister, Juani, and I go and learn photography. We are also making animal dolls and hearts so that you can help sell them so wee can better our lives. We are waiting with happiness your arrival. We are going to have fun!!
CHIAPAS GIRLS
Hola niñas! Soy Juana, maestra de fotografia de las niñas. Empecé a tomar fotos en 1996. Algunos de ustedes ya me conocen. Fui a verlas en New York hace tres años. Me gustó muchisimo Nueva York. Pero ahora imagino de sus fotos el frío que aún hace. Estamos esperando que vengan ustedes pronto! Estoy contenta con las niñas del Club Balam.
CHIAPAS GIRLS
Hola! Mi nombre es Meche. Tengo 11 años. Voy en sexto de primaria. Mi hermana Leidi y yo vamos siempre al Club Balam juntas. Soy un poco traviesa pero muy divertida. Hago reir a mis hermanas. Y en los ratos libres me gusta jugar con ellas y ver la tele. Mi cumpleaños es el 20 de marzo. Saludos a todas. Esperamos que vengan a conocernos.
Hello! My name is Meche. I am 11 years old. I’m going to 6th grade in elementary school. My sister Leidi and I always go to Club Balam together. I am a little mischeiveous but also very fun. I make my sisters laugh. In my free time I like to play with them and watch T.V. My birthday is March 20. Greetings to all. We are looking forward to your visit to meet us.
CHIAPAS GIRLS
Hola. Mi nombre es Leidali. Tengo 12 años y voy en primero de secundaria. Aquí hace un poco de frío. Pero ya empezo la primavera. Me va a dar mucho gusto que vengan a conocernos y nuestra ciudad. A mí me gustaria también conocer a Nueva York. Y lo que más me gusta hacer es estar con mis amigas y mi familia. Y sonreirle a la vida! Mis cumpleaños son el 2 de agosto. Las esperaré con mucho entusiasmo. A continuación pongo la foto de Meche, mi hermanita de 11 años, quién está en el Club pero no pudo venir hoy. También tengo una hermana mayor, Liliana, es con quién más me llevo. Ella tiene 17 años y va a entrar la universidad.
Hello. My name is Leidali. I am 12 years old and I am in the first year of middle school. It is a bit cold here. But spring has already begun. I am so happy that you are coming to meet us and our city. I would also like to go to New York. Mi favorite thing to do is spend time with my friends and family. And smiling at life!! My birthday is August 2nd. I will be waiting for you with a lot of enthusiasm. Following you will find a picture of Meche, my little sister who is 11 years old, who is in Club Balam but couldn’t come today. I also have an older sister, Liliana, who I get along with better. She is 17 years old and will be going to the University.
CHIAPAS GIRLS
Hola niñas de New York!
Aquí estamos en una casita de adobe en el Jardin de Na Bolom, mirando las fotos, porque es un lugar oscuro donde se puede apreciar mejor las imagenes.
Les mandamos saludos a todos y fuerte abrazos!
Hello girls of new York! Here we are in a small adobe house in the garden of Na Bolom, looking at photos, because a dark place is a better place to appreciate photos.We send you greetings to all and a big hug!
March 20, 2007
It's Cold! Photographer Ashley
Ashley
It was an extremely cold weather today. With the temperature of –7 degrees Celsius and 19 degrees Fahrenheit. We know that your weather was 28 degrees C and 82 degrees F. Today is March 6th 2007. The “C’ after the temperature stands for the Celsius, which also stands for “cold half part of temperature”. The “F” after the temperature stands for Fahrenheit , which also stands for “warmer- hotter half part of temperature”. When we took pictures, we were trying to show you guys how we live and dress in mostly half of the year. We have to wear many layers, scarves, hats, and gloves. Are you familiar with novellas? If so, can you tell us? It was nice to know about you guys and hope that God will watch over you all your life.
Era un dia de extremado frio. Con la temperatura de –7 grados Centigrados y 19 grados Fahrenheit. Nosotros sabemos que el clima de ustedes era 28 grados C y 82 grados F. Hoy dia es Marzo 6 del 2007. La “C” despues de las temperatura es Centigrados, que tambien es “la parte mitad fria de temperatura”. La “F” despues de la temperatura es Fahrenheit, que tambien es “la parte mitad caliente- caluroso de temperature”. Quando estuvimos tomando fotos , estavamos tratando de enseñarle a ustedes como vivimos y vestimos para la mitad del año. Nosotros vestimos en muchos abrigos, bufandas, gorros y guantes. Ustedes conocen novellas? Nos pueden decir de algunas? Es muy bonitos saber de ustedes y espero que Dios lo cuide toda la vida.
It's Cold! Photographer Allegra
Allegra
It was extremely cold! It was –7 degrees Celsius and 19 degrees Fahrenheit. We were taking pictures of cold people and things looked freezing. Our fingers were freezing and red, when we were taking pictures. It is March 6th 2007, today. We had to wear hats, scarves, gloves and many layers. You guys are very lucky because you don’t have to be in really cold weather.
Era extremadamente frio. Era –7 grados Centigrados y 19 grados Fahrenheit. Estuvimos tomando fotos de personas con frio y cosas congeladas. Nuestros dedos estaban cogelados y rojos, cuando estabamos tomando fotos. Hoy es Marzo 6 del 2007. Vestimos gorros, bufandas, guantes y varios abrigos. Ustedes tienen much suerte por ue no tienen que estar en una temperatura muy fria.
It's Cold! Photographer Alyssa
Alyssa
It was cold today. Today it was –7 degrees Celsius and 19 degrees Fahrenheit. I know in Mexico it is 28 degrees Celsius and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. We had to take pictures of people who were cold. We had to wear hats, coats and gloves too. Do you guys have large buses?
Fue muy frio hoy dia. Hoy era –7 grados Centigrados y 19 grados Fahrenheit. Yo se que en Mexico esta a 28 grados Centigrados y 82 grados Fahrenheit. Tuvimos que tomar fotos de gente que tenian frio. Tuvimos que vestir gorros, abrigos y guantes tambien. ¿Ustedes tienen buses muy grandes?
It's Cold! Photographer Christy
It was so cold. New York was –7 degrees Celsius and 19 degrees Fahrenheit. Mexico was 28 degrees Celsius and 82 degrees Fahrenheit. We take pictures of people that were cold. Today was March 6th 2007. They had so many clothing. No one was in the park today.
Era tan frio. Nueva York era –7 grados Centigrados y 19 grados Fahrenheit. Mexico era 28 grados Centigrados y 82 grados Fahrenheit. Tomamos fotos de personas que tenian frio. Hoy era Marzo 6 del 2007. Ellos tenian mucha ropa. Nadie estaba en el parque hoy dia.
LES Girls Club Member Christy
Christy
Hi my name is Christy Rose Hernandez. I am 11 years old. People call me Cici. I have an older brother. His name is William. I am in 4th grade. I like to eat pizza. I am good in math. I like to run. I cut my hair. My hair was very long. But my hair is not long anymore.
Hola mi nombre es Christy. Tengo once años de edad. Algunas personas me llaman Cici. Yo tengo un hermano major. El se llama William. Yo estoy en cuarto grado. A mi me gusta comer pizza. Soy muy buena en matematicas. Me gusta correer. Me corte mi pelo. Mi pel era muy largo. Pero ya no es largo.
March 06, 2007
LES Girls Club Assistant Teacher Luna
Hello, my name is Luna. I am Lou’s assistant. My students call me Packy. You might have seen me before from previous classes. I am 25 years old and have been part of the Girls Club since the beginning. It was so wonderful to see the pictures on the website and I’m excited to see what else you send. I am the one who translates the writtings, please forgive me for the gramatical errors!
Hol, mi nombre es Luna. Yo soy la assistente de Lou. Mis estudiantes me llaman packy. Quizas me han visto antes en classes pasadas. Yo tengo 25 años y he sido parte del Girls Club desde el comienzo. Es fantastico ver las fotos en la pagina de red y estoy excitada a ver que mas van a mandar. Yo soy la que traduce lo que escriben, por favor perdonanme por las errores gramaticas!
LES Girls Club Member Lizabeth
LIZABETH
As you already know, my name is Lizabeth. My favorite color is PINK! I love to read. My favorite book is Harry Potter #3.
I have a half brother that is 11 years old. I am 10. I am going to middle school next year. I love chocolate. My birthday is September 9th. 1996. The best present I got was a cell phone. I got it from my Dad. I enjoy calling Luna, my friend, “Fugglebutt”.
Photographer Arieles
Como ya saben, yo me llamo Lizabeth. Mi color favorito es el Rosado. Me encanta leer. Mi libro favorito es harry Potter #3. Yo tengo un hermano te parte de papa. Yo tengo 10 años. Yo voy a ir al secundario el proximo año. Me encanta el chocolate. Mi cumpleaño es el 9 de Septiembre 1996.El major regalo que yo he recibido es un telefono cellular. Me lo dio mi papa. Me encanta llamar mi amiga Luna “Fugglebutt”.
Fotografa Arieles
LES Girls Club Member Alyssa
My name is Alyssa. I am 10 years old. I am in the 4th grade. On the winter break I went snow boarding. Snow boarding is when you strap yourself to a board and go down a snowy hill. My birthday is October 18th. This is photo of me when I am being myself.
Photographer Allegra
Mi nombre es Alyssa. Yo teng 10 años. Yo estoy en el 4º grado. Durante las vacaciones del invierno yo fui esquiando en tabla. Eso es cuando te amaras a una tabla y bajas un cerro cubierta de nieve.
Fotografa Allegra
LES Girls Club Member Allegra
My name is Allegra. I am 10 years old. I am in 4th grade. I love vanilla ice cream. I love cats and I love to go ice-skating! I don’t have any siblings. My favorite color is green! My favorite food is spaghetti and I also love chocolate! My birthday is December 8th, 1996. My favorite book is “A Series of Unfortunate Events”.
Photographer Alyssa
Mi nombre es Allegra. Yo tengo 10 años. Yo estoy en el 4º grado. Me encanta el helado sabor vainilla y me encanta ir a patinar en el hielo! Yo no tengo hermanos. Mi color favorito es el verde! Mi comida favorita es el espagetti y tambien me encanta el chocolate.! Mi cumpleano es 8º de Deciembre 1996. Mi libro favorito es “A Series of Unfortunate Events”.
Fotografa Alyssa.
LES Girls Club Member Arieles
Hello my name is Arieles. I am 10 years old. I am in the Girls Club. Sometimes I go ice-skating. I was born here in New York City. I have a sister named Kaitlin. I go to school in the neighborhood. It is a great school. My favorite season is summer because my birthday is August 19th, 1996. I am going to middle school. My favorite color is baby blue. The best present I ever got was an ipod and cell phone. Also, my favorite book is Junie B. Jones. My Dad and more people in my family are from Dominican Republic. I love MTV (music television).
Photographer Lizabeth
Hola, mi nombre es Arieles. Yo tengo 10 años. Yo soy miembro del Girls Club. A veces you voy a patinar en el hielo. Yo nací en Nueva York. Yo tengo una hermano llamada Kaitlin. Es un escuela fantastica. Mi temporada favorita es el verano por que mi cumpleaño es Augosto 19, 1996. Yo voy a ir al la secundaria. Mi color favorito es el celeste. El major regalo que yo he recibido es un Ipod y y un cellular. Tmbien, mi libro favorito es Junie B. Jones. Mi papa and mas gente en mi familia son de la Republica Dominicana. Me encanta MTV. (Cannal de music)
Fotografa Lizabeth
LES Girls Club Member Ashley
Hi, my name is Latasha but everyone that I know calls me by my middle name.
Ashley. I am 13 years old and will turn 14 in April. I go to a Catholic school. I was there ever since early childhood and now 8th grade going on to High School. I might be going to another school next year. In mid-winter break, I went to Prospect Park in Brooklyn and went snow boarding. I have 4 siblings, Kieghly (older brother), Hector (younger brother), Patrick (youngest brother) and Angelena Lisa (baby sister). The presents that I got for the 2006 Christmas was an ipodnano and a Raleigh bicycle. Okay, that’s enough for now being that I am not trying to write a book, probably next time.
You will find out more about me in my pictures. I am making the peace sign in my portrait.
Photographer Jessica
Hola, mi nobre es latasha pero todos me llaman por mi Segundo nombre, Ashley. Yo tengo 13 años y voy a tener 14 en Abril. Yo voy a una escuela catolica. Yo empece alli cuando yo era joven y ahora estoy en el 8º grado y despues a high school. Es possible que yo vaya a otra escuela el proximo año. Durante la vacacion del inverno yo fui a Prospect Park en brooklyn (un parque en Nueva York) y esquie en tabla. Yo tengo 4 hermanos, Kieghly (hermano major), Hector (hermano menor), Patrick (hermano menor), y Angelina Lisa (hermanita). Lo regalos que yo recibi en Las Navidades del 2006 fueron un Ipod Nano y una bicicleta Raleigh. Ya, eso es todo por ahora, no estoy tratando de escribir un libro, quizas la proxima ves. Veran mas de mi en mis fotos. Es soy yo haciendo la seña de paz en mi foto.
Fotografa Jessica.
February 13, 2007
Valentine Cards and Cookies
My name is Alyssa. This is my first time in the Girls Club. I'm 10 years old. In my school we celebrate our Valentines Day by kids giving the class Valentines and candies so they can enjoy them after school. I took this picture from a certain angle using a tripod. I learned that a tripod never gets tired but your hands can get tired. I photographed cards and cookies that were made by hand by the Girls Club. Those hand made hearts that you made were very nice. Happy Valentine's Day to you!!
Hola mi nombre es Alyssa. Este es mi primer classe en el Girls Club. Yo tengo 10 anos. En mi escuela nosotros celebramos nuestro dia de San Valentin dando cartas y dulces a los otros estudiantes. Yo tome esta foto de un angulo usando un "tripod". Yo apprendi que un tripod nunca se cansa pero tus manos si se cansan. Yo tome esta fotos de las cartas y galletas que eran hechas por mano por el Girls Club. Los corazones ques ustedes hiceron por mano eran muy bonitas. Feliz dia de San Valentin a ustedes!!
February 11, 2007
OUR CHIAPAS HEARTS
OUR BEAUTIFUL CHIAPAS HEARTS. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY LES GIRLS!
OUR CHIAPAS HEARTS
MAKING CHIAPANECA HEARTS. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY LES GIRLS!
OUR CHIAPAS HEARTS
MAKING CHIAPAS HEARTS. HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY LES GIRLS!
February 04, 2007
CHIAPAS GIRLS PICNIC
Paty captures her sister Ana climbing out of a hole with Leidali and Meche.
CHIAPAS GIRLS PICNIC
Meche eyes Martin with his golden retriever, Pepe, who was finally found after 7 weeks on the loose.
January 25, 2007
Behind the Scenes Aura's Formal Portrait
The studio set up for Aura's formal portrait.
Behind the Scenes Leslie Shoots
Leslie gets ready to take the girls group portrait. We hope you like it.
Jessica's Formal Portrait
Formal portrait of Jessica by her sister,Saralee
Girls Club First Class 2007
Hello to Club Balam from the photography girls.
January 19, 2007
Snow in New York City
Dear Club Balam,
This morning, Friday, January 19th, it was snowing in New York City.
Does it ever snow in San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico?
Thankyou for posting your photographs.
Love from the Girls Club.
January 08, 2007
Club Balam Photographer Meche2
Hola ninas de NUEVA YORK las saludo con mucho gusto espero que esten bien todas las del club ya estamos anciosas por ir a NUEVA YORK Y nosotras las esperamos aqui espero que vengan pronto ATENTA MENTE MECHE bueno pero mi nom bre conpletol es Mercedes judith hernandez gomez perdonenme por no ponerle el acento adios las quiero mucho.
Teacher
This is Janet, the teacher of Club Balom Girls Club, along with Juana and Xunka.
Photographs from Club Balam, Chiapas, Mexico
The Club Balam girls in San Cristobal de Las Casas.
Grand Central Station
The girls photograph the Christmas light show in Grand Central Station.
Grand Central Station
The Girls Club photography girls at work shooting in Grand Central Station. Do you have a grand train station like this in San Cristobal De Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico?
Subway Station by Kimberly10
This is graffiti on an advertisement. Do you have graffiti where you live in Mexico?
Subway Station by Kimberly9
This is the subway moving fast. I used a slow shutter speed to show motion blur.
Subway Station by Kimberly8
This is a subway train. Do you have any where you live?
Grand Central Station by Kimberly5
I saw a Christmas light show at Grand Central Station.
Grand Central Station by Kimberly3
These people are going up and down the stairs.
Grand Central Station by Kimberly
This is my self-portrait in Grand Central Station. My name is Kimberly and these are my pictures.
Subway Station by Aura11
This is the Bleeker Street subway station in New York City.
Grand Central Station by Aura10
These are flowers for sale at the holiday craft fair.
Grand Central Station by Aura3
I saw a light show in Grand Central Station. It was cool! We saw lots of people because it was crowded. We saw a holiday crafts fair and we took alot of pictures.
Grand Central Station by Aura2
Christmas light show in Grand Central Station.
Grand Central Station by Aura
This is me, Aura, in Grand Central Station.
December 15, 2006
Girls Club Digital Lab by Nicole13
This is the digital photography computer lab at the Girls Club.
Come visit us!
Photographer Nicole
Subway Station by Nicole12
These people are leaving the subway station which is underground.
Photographer Nicole
Subway Station by Nicole11
This is a subway map. There are many subway trains in New York City.
Photographer Nicole
Subway Station by Nicole10
This is a photo of a subway train leaving the station.
Photographer Nicole
Grand Central Station by Nicole9
People are rushing to catch their Metro North trains. A policeman told us to stop taking pictures in the station. It is against security laws.
Photographer Nicole
Grand Central Station by Nicole6
We saw a light show on the ceiling and we saw alot of people.
We saw trains and they go to different places.
Photographer Nicole
Grand Central Station by Nicole3
We used the night time flash on the cameras.
Photographer Nicole
Grand Central Station Holiday Shoot2
Aura, Kimberly, and Nicole eagerly take photos to share with the girls of Club Balam. We hope you enjoy them!
Grand Central Station Holiday Shoot
The photography girls went of to Grand Central Station to photograph the holiday light show. This monumental railway station was constructed in 1903-1913 for the New York and Harlem Railroad Company. It is a grand Beaux-Arts building which serves as a transportation hub connecting train, metro, car and pedestrian traffic in an efficient way. It has 67 train tracks on two different levels and is incredibly BUSY!
December 13, 2006
Chiapas Street Shoot by Ana
These next photos were taken on a street shoot in San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico by the girls in Club Balam.
Photographer Ana
LES Girls Club Photography Class
We hope you liked the photos from our neighborhood street shoot. When it became dark we used the night time flash settings on our cameras. You can see the differences in your neighborhood in Mexico and ours in the Lower Eastside.
Nicole, Sydney, Kimberly, Aura and Lizbeth.
December 06, 2006
Birthday Cake for Janet,
Leidali and Meche made a birthday cake for their teacher, Janet. It was cooked on top of the stove and not in an oven.
These 3 photos were emailed to us from Club Balom to post on our web.
We feel like we are at the party!
Club Balam Hand Collage
Juana and Xunka hold up the hand collage the girls made from their photos.
Their work is displayed on this blog.
December 02, 2006
Street Shoot Lizbeth
We have very tall buildings and busy streets. We also have big trucks and big stores. Your cemeteries are bright and colorful, but ours are dark and gloomy. We also have yellow taxis, and cats and dogs being walked by their owners. We have parking meters and if you don’t pay them you will get a ticket and have to pay more money.
Photographer Lizbeth
Street Shoot Kimberly13
Day of the Dead sculpture by Chip Morris. You can buy them in the Girls Club store, La Tiendita.
Photographer Kimberly
Street Shoot Kimberly11
Portrait of Luna, my teacher.
Photographer Kimberly
December 01, 2006
Street Shoot Kimberly
We took pictures of things like pets and buildings and other things like cats and dogs and phones and DO NOT ENTER signs. So I hope you like the pictures that I took. Do you have things like turtles and other things? We have school crossing signs. I would like you to come to New York City. Is it cold there? I would like to go to Mexico. I hope you enjoy the pictures. This is a picture of me.
Street Shoot Aura6
Kitty Food
In this picture I took a picture of a cat that is staring at it’s owner for food.
Photographer Aura
Street Shoot Aura5
Morris is a famous cat. He is on food cans and boxes.
Photographer Aura
Street Shoot Aura2
Tattoos are stickers that you can put on your body but the bad part is that you have to do it with a pen. I did not do this.
Photographer Aura
Street Shoot Aura
In this picture Rebecca was pretending to call a taxi so she can get one. And right in back of her are cars and a park and guys playing ball.
Photographer Aura
New York Street Shoot Luna
One thing that a lot of people say about New York is that there are a lot of taxis. In the picture I took, you see a lot of taxis getting gas before they go home for the night. I also took a picture of some of the buildings in our neighborhood. There is a lot of construction going on and there are advertisements everywhere. That corner is dangerous because cars come from every direction. There is a picture of a bunch of cars parked along the sidewalk. In the background you can see another building that is being built. They use huge machines to build them. I personally think there are way too many buildings already. I took a picture of one of our cemeteries for you to see. In New York City there are cemeteries in the outer boroughs and not many in Manhattan. This is a small one that is very lonely looking. No bright colors like you have in your cemeteries.
November 21, 2006
Meche's Day of the Dead Photos
Meche's Day of the Dead celebration photos.
Leidi's Day of the Dead Photos
Photos by Leidi of Day of the Dead celabration.
Christine's Day of the Dead Photos
The following photographs were taken in the cemetery in San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico during the Day of the Dead celebrations by Christine.
November 09, 2006
Aura's Photographs
The following photographs are by Aura, age 10, Girls Club photographer.
They were all taken on a street shoot in our neighborhood, on Halloween.
The Photographers
Off they go to join in the Halloween fun. What will they find?
Aura Photographs Luna
Aura begins by taking Luna's portrait in front of a display of pumpkins, a popular Halloween symbol.
Aura's Halloween Costume
It is a custom here to celebrate Halloween on October 31st, the day before All Souls Day. Children and some adults, dress up in costumes and go trick-or-treating to get as much candy as they can.
Aura, infront of a giant spider's web, sets out with her camera to photograph the Halloween fun in our neighborhood, the East Village.
Day of the Dead Altar
Here at the Girls Club, we celebrate The Day of the Dead by adding flowers, mementos and photos of deceased family members to the altar at the American Indian Community House. This is a time to celebrate our love for them.
November 01, 2006
Shoes by Ana
Ana
Today on 10/24/06 we took pics of our feet. It was very fun. I took this pic because I wanted to show that we had warmer shoes then you because it is cool here. I wanted to also show you that there can be different kind of shoes. We also saw your hands so that’s why we decided to take pictures of our feet. I wish I could be there because then we wouldn’t have to be cold here.
Hoy en 10/24/06 tomemos fotos de nuestros pies. Fue muy divertido. Tome este foto porque quise ensenar que tenemos zapatos mas gruesos que Ustedes porque hace fresco aqui. Quise ensenarles que puede haber varios tipos de zapatos. Tambien veimos sus manos y por eso decidimos tomar fotos de nuestros pies. Deseo que pueda estar alla para que no tuviera que tener frio aqui.
Shoes by Chelsea
Chelsea
Today we took pictures of our feet. It was really fun taking pictures of each other’s feet. Our shoes are warmer than theirs because here it is really cold so we have to use boots and sneakers. It only gets hot when it is summer. We took pictures of our feet and it was really funny. We saw the pictures of your hands. They were really nice. I like the motions you did in with your face.
Hoy tomemos fotos de nuestros pies. Fue muy divertido. Nuestros zapatos estan mas gruesos que los de ustedes porque aqui hace muy frio y tenemos que llevarnos botas y tenis. Solo hace calor en el verano. Tomemos los fotos porque de nuestros pies y fue muy chistoso. Veimos los fotos de sus manos. Fueron muy buenos. Me gustan las mociones que hicieron con sus caras.
Shoes by Nicole
Nicole
Today we took pictures of our feet. My partner was Lizabeth. She took pictures of my shoes. We took pictures of shoes because it is cold over here.
Hoy tomemos fotos de nuestros pies. Mi acompanera fue Lizabeth. Ella tomo fotos de mis zapatos. Tomemos fotos de nuestros zapatos porque hace frio aqui.
Shoes by Lizbeth
Lizabeth
We took pictures of our feet. We wear boots and sneakers because it is cold outside and we need them to protect our feet. In Chiapas it is hot outside so they don’t wear heavy footwear.
Tomemos fotos de nuestros pies. No llevamos botas y tenis porque hace frio afuera y los necesitamos para protegir nuestros pies. En Chiapas hace calor afuera entonces no se llevan zapatos tan pesados.
Shoes by Arianna
Arianna
We took pictures of our shoes. We were taking pictures of our boots. We saw your pictures of your hands. In our city it is cold because it is winter. Oh I forgot to tell you my name. My name is Arianna. I am nine years old.
Tomemos fotos de nuestros zapatos. Estabamos tomando fotos de nuestras botas. Veimos los fotos de sus manos. En nuestra ciudad hace frio porque esta el invierno. Se me olivo decirte mi number. Mi nombre es Arianna. Tengo nueve anos.
Shoes by Sydney
Sydney
Today we took pictures of our shoes because we saw that you took pictures of your hands. We were wearing boots and sneakers because it is cold and over there it is not as cold.
Hoy tomemos fotos de nuestros zapatos porque veimos que Ustedes tomaron fotos de sus manos. Estabamos llevando botas y tenis porque hace frio pero alla no hace tan frio.
Shoes by Alondra
Alondra
Today we took pictures of our feet because we saw your pictures and it gave us the idea of doing our shoes on feet. That bracelet in your picture was really nice. We use those kind of shoes because it is cold over here. I guess it is really warm over there so I think there’s a lot of people wearing sandals.
Hoy tomemos fotos de nuestros pies porque veimos sus fotos y nos dieron la idea tomar fotos de zapatos en pies. Esa [bracelet] en su foto fue muy bueno. Usamos esos tipos de zapatos porque hace frio aqui. Adivino que hace muy tibio alla y supongo que por eso hay muchas personas llevando chanclas.
Shoes by Aura
Aura
I took these pictures of Taina’s feet in the park across from the Girls Club. I took one sideways. The photographer (that’s me) took pictures of Taina’s feet because girls in Mexico wear shoes or go barefoot so we’re showing them what shoes we wear in winter.
Tome estos fotos de los pies de Tiana en el parque a cruzar del Girls Club. Tome un foto del lado. El fotografi (eso es yo) tomo fotos del pies de Taina porque las ninas en Mexico se llevan zapatos o van descalzos entonces les ensenyando cuales zapatos nos llevamos en el invierno.
Shoes by Taina
Club Balam's hand series inspired the LES Girls Club feet series.
Photographer Taina
I took pictures of Aura and Aura took pictures of me at the park. We took pictures of our feet because you took pictures of your hands.
Tome photos de Aura y Aura tomo photos de yo al parque. Tomemos photos de nuestros pies porque ustedes tomaron photos de sus manos.
October 27, 2006
LES Girls Club Member Lizbeth
Hi, my name is Lizabeth. I am ten years old and I am in the fifth grade. My favorite color is pink, but I also like orange. I want to be a famous actress when I grow up.
Hola, mi nombre es Lizabeth. Tengo diez anos y estoy en mi quinto ano de escuela. Mi color favorito es rosa pero tambien me gusta naranja. Quiero ser una actriz famosa cuando *
LES Girls Club Member Alondra
Hi my name is Alondra. I am 12 years old. I live in a great place. I have a brother and two sisters. My favorite color is black. My favorite food is beans, rice and chicken meat, but I like better the Ice Cream. I am Dominican and I am in Middle School.
Hola mi nombre es Alondra. Tengo 12 años. Yo vivo en un lugar bacán. Yo tengo un hermano y dos hermanas. Mi color favorito es el negro. Mi comida favorita es gandules, arroz y carne de pollo pero me gusta mas el helado. Yo soy dominicana y estoy en la escuela secundaria.
(translated by Alondra)
LES Girls Club Member Taina
Taina, I am 6 years old. My school is P.S.20. I have 2 brothers. I am about to have a baby. [My mother is about to have a baby]
Taina, yo tengo 6 años. Mi escuela es la escuela primaria 20. Yo tengo 2 hermanos. Estoy a punto de tener un bebe. [mi mama esta a punto de tener un bebe]
LES Girls Club Member Nicole
Nicole
My name is Nicole. I am 7. My favorite color is blue. I have a brother. My brothers’ favorite color is red. I am in 2nd grade. I live in Manhattan. I go to P.S.20. I am happy to see you.
Mi nombre es Nicole. Yo tengo 7 años. Mi color favorito es azul. Yo tengo un hermano. El color favorito de mi hermano es rojo. Yo estoy en el 2º grado. Yo vivo en Manhattan. Yo voy a la escuela primaria 20. Estoy feliz de verlas.
LES Girls Club Member Kimberly
Kimberly
My name is Kimberly. I am 8 years old. I have no brothers or sisters. I go to P.S.20. I am in 3rd grade. I eat pizza. I love my teacher. Her name is Packy, she is nice to me. I live with her. [In the same building]
Mi nombre es Kimberly. Yo tengo 8 años. Yo no tengo hermanos ni hermanos. Yo voy a la escuela primaria 20. Yo estoy en el 3º grado. Yo como pizza. Yo quiero a mi maestra. Su nombre es Packy, ella es buena conmigo. Yo vivo con
ella. [en el miso edificio]
LES Girls Club Member Arianna
Arianna
Hi my name is Arianna. I am 9 years old. My school is in Manhattan. I have a sister and a brother. I want to know how all of you dress. I live in New York. I like fruit and pizza. I have lots of fun here.
Hola mi nombre es Arianna. Yo tengo 9 años. Mi escuela es en Manhattan. Yo tengo una hermana y un hermano. Yo quiero saber como se visten ustedes. Yo vivo en Nueva York. Me gustan las frutas y pizza. Yo me divierto mucho aquí.
LES Girls Club Member Aura
Aura
Hi, my name is Aura. I am 10 years old and I go to P.S. 20. I live I Staten Island, New York. My favorite colors are pink and red. My whole family comes from Chile. My favorite sport is soccer, baseball and volleyball. My favorite animal is the tiger. I love to eat rice, pizza, hot dog and hamburger.
Hola mi nombre es Aura. Yo tengo 8 años y yo voy a la escuela primaria 20. Yo vivo en Staten Island, Nueva York. Mis colores favoritos son rosado y rojo. Mi familia entera son de Chile. Mi deporte favorito es el fútbol, beisball, y volleyball. Mi animal favorito es el tigre. Me encanta comer arroz, pizza, hot dog y las hamburguesas.
LES Girls Club Member Chelsea
Chelsea
Hi my name is Chelsea. I am 12 years old. My favorite sport is volleyball. My mom and dad are from a Spanish country. I got 2 sisters and 1 brother. There names are Alondra, Amaya and Ravoli and there ages are 12, 17, and 18. My favorite colors are white and black and pink. I am in middle school. I am in 7th grade. I live in a place called Manhattan in New York City. My favorite food is pizza, rice, beans, and spaghetti.
Hola mi nombre es Chelsea. Yo tengo 12 años. Mi deporte favorito es el
volleyball. Mi mama y mi papa son de un país hispano. Yo tengo 2 hermanas y 1 hermano y sus edades son 12, 17, y 18. Mis colores favoritos son blanco, negro y rosado. Yo estoy en la secundaria. Yo estoy en el 7º grado. Yo vivo en un lugar llamado Manhattan en la cuidad de Nueva York. Mi comida favorita es pizza, arroz, habichuelas y espagueti.
LES Girls Club Member Sydney
Sydney
Hi my name is Sydney. I have 12 years old. I live in Manhattan. I go to P.S. 140. I go to classes of flamenco. I come here [Girls Club] because I know this woman who brings me here. My favorite food is pizza. My favorite fruit is mango, grapes and strawberries. My favorite color is red. My parents are Colombian.
Hola mi nombre es Sydney. Yo tengo 12 años. Yo vivo en Manhattan. Yo voy a la escuela primaria 140. Yo voy a clases de flamenco. Yo vengo aquí [Girls Club] por que yo conozco una mujer que me trae aquí. Mi comida favorita es pizza. Mi fruta favorita es el mango, uvas y frutilla. Mi color favorito es rojo. Mis padres son Colombianos.
LES Girls Club Member Ana
Now meet the LES Girls Club Members that are partnering with Club Balam in San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico.
Ana
Hi my name is Ana. I am 12 years old. I am in 6th grade. I live in Manhattan. I am Dominican and from El Salvador. I have two brothers and am about to have a baby sister. My favorite color is black but I am not gothic. My favorite food is pizza. I like fruits. I am also a good dancer and I can sing a little but people say I can sing a lot. My family comes from Hispanic countries. I can also speak Spanish. I am looking forward to meeting all of you.
Hola mi nombre es Ana. Yo tengo 12 años. Yo esto en el 6o grado. Yo vivo en Manhattan. Yo soy Dominicana y soy de El Salvador. Yo tengo 2 hermanos y estoy a punto de tener una hermanita. Mi color favorito es negro pero no soy gótica. Mi comida favorita es pizza. Me gustan las frutas. Yo soy una buena baillerina y puedo cantar un poco pero la gente dicen que puedo cantar mucho. I familia viene de países hispanos. Yo puedo hablar español. Me alegro a conocerlas.
October 25, 2006
Street Shooting in San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas
Hello from Club Balam!
Street Shooting in San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas
Shooting in the square.
Street Shooting in San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas
Xunka gives camera instructions.
Street Shooting in San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas
The following photographs document Club Balam shooting in San Cristobal de Las Casas.
Club Balam Member
Ana Gabriela (Gaby) is 12 years old and in the 7th grade, the first year of junior high school.
October 24, 2006
Club Members
Mercedes, the sister of Leidali, is 11 years old and in the 6th grade. She has an older sister.
Club Members
Leidali (Leidy), is 12 years old and in first year high junior school. She has a sister, Mercedes, age 11, who is also a member of Club Balam. She has an older sister, age 17.
Club Members
Juani is 14 years old and in first year of junior high. She has an older brother and sister and a younger brother.
Club Members
Cristina is 12 years old and in the 6th grade. She has a younger brother and
sister and three older brothers.
Club Members
Maria del Carmen is 12 years old and in the first year of junior high school.
She has four younger siblings.
Club Balam Members
Juana,(Paty) is the older sister of Ana. She is 9 years old and in the 5th grade.
Meet the Club Balam Members
Meet the Club Balam members.
Ana is 8 years and in the 3rd grade. She has one sister, Juana, who is also a member of Club Balam. They have a 13 year old brother and a 1 year old baby sister.
Hello LES Girls Club!
Club Balam members sending a big "hello" to their LES Girls Club partners.
Portrait taking in the garden
Taking portraits of each other in the Garden of the Jaguar, at Na Balom.
Viewing Photographs on the Computer
The Club Balam girls are excited to see the photos of their LES Girls Club partners.
Writing Exercises
Xunka helps the girls answer questions about themselves.
Club Balam
Janet lectures the class about the exciting possibilities of photography.
Club Balam
Club Balam is a collaboration between the Lower Eastside Girls Club photography program and professional photographers from San Cristobal de Las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico. The Cultural Association Na Bolom is graciously hosting the project.
Club Balam is an out growth of the Girls Club’s past photography project in Chiapas, culminating in the publication of our book, “village voices / virtual journey”.
Xunka Lopez Diaz and Juana Lopez Lopez, two of the Maya photographers from the first Chiapas Project are now in leadership positions in Club Balam. Janet Schwartz, the project director, is an active member of the international press corps. She has lived and worked in Chiapas for over 25 years.