February 2010, Chichicapam, Oaxaca, Mexico

Hello,

It's been a month since my feet are back on the Mexican soil and my smile slowly comes back to life. I am having more and more trouble handling cold weather unless I am on a crazy adventure at the top of the Himalayas with my good friend Georges.

I cut through Yucatan, the land of Mayas, and met local shark fishermen who turned themselves into touristic guides in the natural reserves around. I traded my film-making services for fresh fish, new fishing techniques and cinnamon-infused coffee (short promotional clip coming soon on KORAKOR).

Gina is with me and takes all the benefit of our trade (see pics !!!) We also take the time to dive in a few 'Cenotes' in which you bathe in crystalline water and let your thoughts drift in their splendor.

I went back to Mexico to live a slice of my ultimate dream and to spread my love KORAKOR style:

I have been telling you about my mobile classroom KORAKOR TEACH for the last 2 months and it is finally about to start. I am now settled in a tiny Zapotec village coiled between cacti-ridden hills. Chichicapam is about one hour from Oaxaca, and it is here that I will spend the next few months working organic Mezcal in the morning (it is the father of tequila if you will) and teaching English to locals in the afternoons.

I am also developing seminars of cultural integration in the house I am repairing. The money collected will help me finance my school project as well as the upcoming cacti reforestation project that I personally cherish.

You have until the beginning of April to come visit me and plunge yourself a the heart of rural Mexico (even my mom and 3 other brothers and sisters are coming for a week in February!).

Here are the monthly news of KORAKOR classified under different branches to facilitate your navigation. You can read your favorite part and skip the rest of the newsletter.

KORAKOR VIDEOS

- Here is a man who has touched my heart in the streets of Coyoacan, Mexico City. Seeing him play the way he does moved me and I needed to share it with you.

- Ahau Can, or 'the snakeman' in Maya language, covers a classical song that he translated in his own language. I have added a series of footage about Mexico for your empirical enjoyment…(more short clips coming!!!)

KORAKOR'S FRIENDS

- Kelly and Jefe are still exploring South America and have stopped in a very original orphanage. Here is a short and moving clip about how people are spreading their love to Peruvian children. (Beware, lots of love and hope in this video).

Casa de Milagros - Sacred Valley from Kelly y Jefe on Vimeo.

- Melanie Mehrer is a fascinating Canadian artist. Explore her website and her numerous travel stories, paintings. photographs and stylized scarves (she even made a special batch of scarves for KORAKOR that you can now purchase..check the KORAKOR BOUTIK part at the bottom !!!)

Her website

Her online shop (with tons of amazing hand-made crafts)

- Very few people know about 'permacutlure'. It is a way to organize and balance your own garden and to plant in harmony with the earth. I am inviting to discover what my friend and permaculture expert Caitlin does. Although she is based in L.A people send her around the globe to do workshops and organize their gardens. (Click here for her website)

- Alejandro Galicia (Acuna, Mexico) made a wonderful animation for KORAKOR and SPREAD YOUR LOVE. Make sure you watch this short clip!!! (Click here to watch the clip)

SPREAD YOUR LOVE

THE LIMITED EDITION SPREAD YOUR LOVE T-SHIRTS ARE FINALLY AVAILABLE...GET YOURS NOW!!! 20 EUROS WITH SHIPPING INCLUDED

The project is still improving and reaching more and more people. Lilo (Mexico), Akemi (Brasil), Josee (Canada) and Cecilie (Denmark) are constantly finding new ways to spread love and recruiting more people. Thank you girls!

I am currently editing many videos about SPREAD YOUR LOVE that will have the pleasure to discover in next month's newsletter or soon on youtube.

I am also reminding those who are on Facebook that both KORAKOR and SPREAD YOUR LOVE groups will soon be deleted. I have now combined them unto a Fan Page. Join the page to hear more stories and see great and helpful links.

KORAKOR TEACH

Since our arrival in Chichicapam, we spend most of our time working in the house and turning it into a cozy place for the volunteers and friends who will visit.

(What you see on this picture is an army of spiders that cluster to sleep together...over 150!!!)

I am also working on the curriculum of this program and trying to make everyone happy according to their needs. We have people ranging from 5 to 65 years old!!!

Classes will start one week late on February 8th.

You can read the KORAKOR TEACH newsletter on the official page…

And if you still haven't sponsored a kid, you can still do it!!!

Give 20$ or more by clicking on the PAYPAL link at the top of this page or by check.

Write me on kaikuart@gmail.com for more information.

I also remind you that each sponsor will receive, at the end of the program, a parcel filled with their art and local goodies !

KORAKOR VOYAGE

You can now join me in Chichicapam and benefit from a intimate inte

gration at the heart of rural Mexico. Your own 'KORAKOR' with the Mexican people. Join me to learn how to make organic mescal, hand-made tortillas, spicy chocolate, traditional meals and improve both your Spanish and Zapotec…

Places are limited but I will give the priority to those who follow KORAKOR.

100 euros per week (all included)

It is possible to shorten or extend your stay.

KORAKOR BOUTIK

- Melanie made 5 gorgeous KORAKOR scarves to allow me to raise a bit of money for my projects. It is her own original way to sponsor KORAKOR.

You can get your own now !!!

25 euros (Shipping included)

Write me to order yours now (great gift for your wife, your mom, your grand-mother or your secret lover)

Once again, I thank you for staying faithful to KORAKOR and sincerely hope to meet all those who read the newsletter until the end...

Korakorally yours,

Keveen (Gina and Kalula, my newly adopted puppy)