August 4 - 12, 2008
Thuesday 5th
Today was our first full day at Our Cabaña. Waking up at the early hour of seven o’clock we started the day with the opening ceremony. This uplifting service was a great way to start our week. Following this ceremony we had a delicious breakfast which filled our stomachs. 
Later we continued our day by learning about the craft house and Mexican traditions and fiestas. In the afternoon we played the world centers game, which included running around our cabana and answer questions. Before dinner we had an introductory talk about Taxco, where the silver markets are. In the evening we acted out the Our Cabana story using theater. Overall today was a enjoyable start to the friendship week.
Wednesday 6th
Amy Bretherton Liverpool, Kaitlynn Kennedy Canada Nationals, Rebekah Bretherton Liverpool, Charlotte Buffoni Hants, Camara Lewis Illinois, Ashlei Lewis Illinois, dilma alejandra Honduras, Rebecca Young Canada Nationals, Gina Hering Canada Nationals, Phoebe West Hants, Katie South West England, Alana South West England. 
We went to Taxco, known as the silver city. When we arrived we had a presentation from a member of staff Tońo on the different qualities of silver. After the presentation we split into groups and we were able to explore the local area. We thought it was a interesting experience and it allowed us experience a different culture.
Thursday 7th
As we all prepared our stalls and organized the activities that we were about to do with the children, we hoped that they would have a fun filled day as much as we were wanted to have with them. This includes simple games, crafts and learning about “how to eat healthily” and “the right to be me”. This involved everyone in their travel groups teaching Mexican children different crafts and games. The service project began at 9:45 am. The children that arrived today were given a new experience as many of them don’t get the opportunity that we provided, as they either don’t have the money in the family to go to school or their parents are so busy that they never get the chance for someone to play with them or they simply don’t have parents. The children’s ages ranged from 2 to 15, and you could tell by the expressions on their faces that they had everybody enjoyed themselves and didn’t want to leave the Cabana. After a busy morning with the children completing all the different stations it was time to go to lunch this was hot dogs and crisps and watermelon. We all soon realized how hungry the children were as we watched them line up for moreJ. Next we started the favorite part of the day - free time. We were able to get out any of the sports equipment. This gave the children a chance to make more friends and they were given the freedom to do whatever they wanted with us at hand to join in. Then it was time to say goodbye, this was upsetting but as the children left the centre they were given gifts to take home, including toothpaste, tooth brush, crayons, pencils and lolly-pops.
Friday 8th
The Olympics started in Beijing today so to commemorate this occasion we had our own Our Cabana Olympic games. Each dormitory competed against each other for medals in both spirit and activities. This created a lot of noise but also a lot of fun! With the leaders making a grand entrance all dressed as Ancient Greeks in togas and head pieces, they began the games in true Olympic style. Each dormitory then went on to give their own individual cheer ranging from Harry Potter, to American Indians and Cheerleaders. 
Each dorm competed in four events consisting of Chinese puzzles, an obstacle course, beach-ball baseball and a relay race which simulated the Paralympic games by the use of blindfolds and a three legged race. Gold medal winners in the activity category were the Tulipanes and the Gold Medal winners for the spirit category were the Laureles. This afternoon was a choice of either relaxing at the cabana or a walk to the local pyramids. After dinner we participated in a salsa class which resulted in a lot of screaming girls due to the salsa teacher. We all enjoyed the session and learning a new style of dance, afterwards we were all very tired but we will remember this experience for a life time. Saturday 9th
We ate breakfast at 8.15am then at 10am we had our international festival. Before lunch the AIDS conference came and we had a buffet style lunch. At 3pm we had the AIDS conference, we played games and learned the importance of using condoms and practicing safe sex. We ate dinner at 6.30pm. We had the second half of the international at 7.45pm. After the international festival we swapped gifts. We didn’t go to bed until about 11pm. It was an exciting and thrilling day. Sunday 10th
Today we ventured off to the small valley town of Tepotzlán. Nestled below volcanic cliffs and thick forest, the town is a gathering place for the region. Shopping, chatting and eating at the extensive market and worshipping at the ancient church in the centre. Girls and leaders explored food, clothing and craft markets before tasting delicious ice cream and spending all of their money. Poorer in cash but enriched in experiences, memories and souvenirs, the group returned to Our Cabaña tired and ready for lunch. In the afternoon, we watched the video about girls worldwide say and workshopped the seven statements.
The evening wrapped up with a lovely peace ceremony sent inside by a spectacular thunderstorm.
Monday 11th
Today was our final day at Our Cabana. We had pancakes for breakfast which was brilliant and then we have your choice morning. Some of the groups stayed at the Cabana and others went to the pyramids at Xochicalco. The trip to the pyramids was fun and we could climb to the top. When we got back we had the best lunch – burgers and fries. Later in the afternoon the pool was open so we went swimming or finished our crafts.
At night we had a Mexican Fiesta! This was brilliant; we tried Mexican food and danced to Mexican music played by a band. We played with the Piñata and danced all night. Then we had the closing ceremony and watched a video about the night. We finished the night with a dance party. Thank you Our Cabana, we have had a brilliant week.