My first 2 weeks experience in Lobitos

Hi, I´m India. As of today, I have been in Lobitos for two weeks, though it seems like it’s been much longer. I feel like I have fallen right into step with the pace of Lobitos, and I have a sense of what the next few months will look like in regards to my work here. With any big change in lifestyle, there is a period of adjustment, but this one has been short and easy.

I think that the dynamics of the EcoHouse are a huge part of what will make this experience truly unique. The same group of people are working, cooking, and watching movies together, and I think this creates an atmosphere which is both fun and relaxed, as well as conducive to productive work. In our free time, many of the volunteers choose to surf, hang out at the beach, and explore the incredible places which surround us here. I’ve now seen two new people arrive and it’s nice to watch how seamlessly everyone falls into place here.

Lobitos is home to a small, tight-knit community, yet the people here are incredibly welcoming and friendly to travelers. Walking down the beach and the streets, I’m greeted by the people that I pass, as well as the small packs of dogs that follow most of them. I am excited to participate in other projects which involve the local community and to learn more about the culture of this vibrant town.

As an NGO Management Intern, I am fortunate to be involved directly in a variety of projects during my time here, and I will have an understanding of the majority of the ongoing projects taking place at EcoSwell. I have begun working on a few projects already, including the Lobitos Verde program, various Piedritas projects, and the Surfonomics surveys, and I have also taken over the general care of the dry forest and the house garden. As time goes on, I will become involved in many new projects and I will continue to delve deeper into the roles and responsibilities that I have already been given.

I am so happy to be here and excited for what is to come. I have a feeling that my four months here are going to fly by.