“As economic globalization gathers momentum, [countries like] China and the United States have become highly interdependent economically. Such economic relations would not enjoy sustained rapid growth if they were not based on mutual benefit or if they failed to deliver great benefits to the United States” – Xi Jinping
As we traveled to local establishment, the market a few blocks from our hostel and to Sandalias Tosca: a sandal factory that used to make sandals for the Teva name brand, this quote was really significant to the situation. The relationship between big businesses and small business, internationally and locally, have large impacts on global workers. Sandalias Tosca, in particular, stopped making sandal for Teva and branched out to start selling sandals locally within Nicaragua and to other Central American countries. This has allowed the small company to provide jobs and sandals to locals and give greater roles to small businesses.
The exposure we got from visiting the sandal factory and helping the vendors out, made us realize to watch out for what we buy. An example of this would be: the consumption of Apple goods in the United States, such a large business provides many services and goods despite owning sweat shops around the world. Foreign exploitation of global workers prove to be a problem for local communities and businesses. Without ethical business practices in place, it becomes easier for large business to take advantage of the local workforce and push smaller business out of the market. This experience has really driven home the point that support for small and local brands is important for continuing the cycle of consumption and establishing the economy of communities.
I got lazy writing…oops.
I can’t wait to hear your stories when you get back from this trip. Continue to have fun and enjoy your time there!
Hi, Christine! Mr. Floorz says, Hi!
Nice to see you in the pictures Dayanara!!! Today was Santiago’s graduation! He misses you! But I know you are learning a lot of Nicaragua culture!! We love you!! Mom, Dad, Santiago and Emiliano! And Blue too!
Hey Em, it’s Alina again. Good work on the blogs, they make me miss my trip a little less. Btw, the sandal factory is so cool ! One of my favorite places we went, all of the workers were very friendly and not to mention the chickens there that kept us company outside. Hope you’re having a great time.
Just a little funny thing that happened yesterday…D’Angelo and Junior raced (freestyle) yesterday after work and of course, Junior won. See you soon !!!
Hey Dayanara, i miss you so much, it’s so cool that you have the opportunity to experience a whole different culture in another country, I know you’re having fun and continue to do so! I can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back !
All of you are getting to experience such a valuable lesson in Nicaragua, something that can’t be learned from a simple text book or lecture – you are seeing, first hand, the “real world.” You are the future and everything you’ve been participating in will only help all of you to make the world a better place. I’m so glad that you all got to see the effects of our global economy (for better or worse). My hope is that you will be the leaders that solve the imbalance between Corporate Social Responsibility, Consumer Advocacy, Charity and selfishness, war and Peace, Love and hate.
Logan buddy, my encouragement to you is that you will absorb everything from this adventure and apply it to your life back home – and beyond. All the things you’ve seen and heard, and all the decisions you make will impact your greater sphere of influence for many years. You’re already off to a great start and I hope that everything from this trip will only solidify your leadership capabilities.
See you soon!
Terry, Janine, Audrey, Lillian and Charley
Sounds like another great opportunity! In Bay Area news…today was the Warriors Champion celebration parade and rally. There were 1,000,000 people there, lots of confetti, cheering blue and gold! We did not go (was at work) but heard about it all over the news! Logan hope you are capturing lots of pics! Love you tons and miss you so very much! Mom and Luke
Daughter, through these eye & mind opening experiences, maybe now you may not think of your Madre as this hippie dippie Woman, who says such lolo things to you and your brothers?
“Why would I spend $5 bucks on a cup of coffee from Starbucks?!” (Everyday)
“Make your shower quick, there are people in this world that don’t have access to running water!”
“Oh, I feel bad for you. I’m making you eat asparagus (the only veggie you don’t like).”
“The world is going to end if we don’t have access to the Internet!”
“Some people don’t even own a pair of shoes.”
“Who wants to go to the grocery store with Mom?” “No one”, my children reply. “Imagine there are places in the world without Costco, Safeway, and TJs”
Do I sound like another Mother you know?
And in the same breath, I’m proud of my daughter who has volunteered to welcome the scared new comers to school, worked in a woman’s shelter, worked in a soup kitchen, teaches summer kicks for AYSO youth, help with can drives…and events I’m probably not even aware of!
Love and miss you Baby Girl, more and more as the days go by. xoxo
Hello Logan
We are following your great experiences and know you will have many stories to tell us, did see you on the pictures. Grammy can’t wait to see what you are doing each day. Thinking of you, everyone is asking about you. Be safe enjoy. Know how much you will appreciate home.
Love.
Grammy and Pop Pop
What an awesome lesson learned! You guys are our future…and it will be a bright one. This experience is teaching you so very much. Can’t wait to see what your project is! Be safe, learn lots and have fun! Can’t wait to hear all about you adventure Logan!
Love Aunt Keno
Looks like you are learning more and more Karen 🙂 I’m sure you are having a great time 🙂 Enjoy every last moment left. Trust me it’s worth it. Get plenty of souvenirs :”) Best