Archive for September, 2009

I was pulling my suitcase up a hilly Vancouver street, when I was suddenly stopped by a bright light peeking up from behind a gap in a row of buildings.  The glass skyscrapers of downtown Vancouver were reflecting the warm orange hues of the setting sun and created a spectacular view.  The downtown panorama was only made more sublime by the buildings juxtaposition against a backdrop of gentle mountains.

But there is no allure of a place like that of its people and so I have to thank Serena and Kenley for making my trip to the city perfect. 

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Kiva is a p2p microfinance online platform that allows individuals to lend to low-income entrepreneurs all over the world.  For $25, anyone can lend interest-free to less fortunate individuals who have been marginalized by the formal financial sector.  And though the non-profit runs on a beautiful and simple concept, successful execution of this concept is ridden with difficulties. The organization strives for complete transparency, but is prone to high levels of public scrutiny.  Critics argue that there is much room for human error and fraud, and they are completely accurate.  Where does your money really go?  How is it being used? What really happens on the fields? Enter the Kiva Fellows.

On Sept 21st,  49 individuals came together in SF to begin the training for a  journey.  These individuals could not have been more different but for a desire they all shared. This desire is to engage themselves in the grassroots movement that is Kiva.  These 49 comprise the 9th class of Kiva Fellows (KF9) and will be spread across South America, Africa, the Middle East, Central Asia and Southeast Asia.  And I have the honor of being a part of this group. 

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My week in California started in San Diego.  The minute Mike and I touched ground, we rented a car and drove to the sandy coast.  With only one night there, we decided to feast by the breathtaking coast of La Jolla.  Wow.

We made our way up the sunny state and found ourselves at the home of Mike’s relatives.  Our wonderful hosts (and their four colorful dogs) definitely made a impression on me.  Without delving into details, I realized that though I am dreaming of big plans in Africa,  the kindest acts can be done at home and be surprisingly simple in concept.

A day later we were in SF.  I’ve always enjoyed its hilly streets and how the breeze carries with it a heavier scent of “aquatic life” (think clams and seaweed).  Unfortunately, this is where Mike and I had to part ways.  Him back to The City and me off on my new path.

The Blue Sweater documents the experiences of Jacqueline Novogratz, the patient capitalist who founded the non-profit venture capital firm, Acumen Fund.  It had me by page 10. Novogratz is an alumni of UVa, who completed a bachelors in economics while there. After graduation, she moved to NYC to pursue a lucrative career at Chase Manhattan.  Though her cushy job took her around the world, she eventually came to the realization that she could do more from the field.  Thus at age 25, she went to Rwanda to work in microfinance. Sounds familiar? (more…)

The three days spent in sunny Miami was bliss. After an incomprehensibly chaotic week, it was nice to have a few days to laze around on some really pristine beaches. On land, Mike and I tore down South Beach on our little black beast of a scooter. At sea, we explored the sapphire waters with our snorkels. What really hit the spot was meeting up with Thai… on his bday no less! We celebrated with juicy steaks and Miami margaritas that dwarfed our faces. Too relaxed to write so I’ll let the pictures do the talking…

I decided earlier on that instead of holding a party in NYC, where friends would come together and bid me farewell, I would travel around the US and meet up with friends in individual cities.  Though some sneaky (but awesome) friends eventually planned a party, the Goodbye Tour is definitely a go.

The first leg of the journey took me to Charlotte, NC. Though me and Mike only spent one day at the birth city of Banc of America, we had a great time dining with pals, James and Gazi. Tender beef briskets goes well with a side of great conversation (and mac n’ cheese, potato salad and of course beer ).

James is one of the people behind my decision to journey to Africa.  I credit him for planting the idea that I should seriously consider opportunities outside of the US.  I am also glad I got to see G.Ho before his move to the land down-under. We chatted about our mutual interests in social enterprise and how he had spent a summer with Grameen Bank, the successful Bangladeshi microfinance institution that propelled Muhammed Yunus to international acclaim.  It is always great to chat with socent enthusiasts.

It’s been a tiring few days, but visitng Charlotte was worth it! Next stop:  Miami!!