Women of Zafigo

My previous host, Tanya, told me about this riverside paradise in Quito, Ecuador, owned by her parents-in-law and said if I wanted to camp there, she could hook me up. I thought, why not? In my mind, I was about to head to a magical mountain land in an area called Pachijal Forest.

Even when COVID-19 started making headlines, I didn’t take it too seriously. Until it reached the city I was in. And as with every unexpected major change in life, I went through several phases before coming to terms with accepting that this pandemic was really happening.

Tune in on Saturday, May 2 at 3PM and listen to Marina Mahathir and Aisha Preece, founder of OutandBeyond.com, discuss the different ways one can earn money online, all from the comfort of your own home.

A day in the life of Zafigo's founder, Marina Mahathir during the movement control order.

A recap of Marina Mahathir's conversation with Dr Sakia Haque of Bangladesh and Xyza Cruz Bacani of the Philippines, who shared their experiences and thoughts on being up close with COVID-19.

Join Marina Mahathir, Dr. Sakia Haque and Xyza Cruz Bacani this 3rd April 2020 as they talk about the current COVID-19 situation in their respective countries, and discuss how the pandemic is affecting them on personal, social, and occupational levels.

A letter from Zafigo's founder, Marina Mahathir on the COVID-19 situation in Malaysia and beyond.

Although adventure has traditionally been a man’s domain, a fair share of women have proven that the female spirit can be every bit as brave, intrepid and curious as any man.

I’ve been volunteering at the same place, Hostel Esperanto, for over a month. Purposely so because I wanted to be in a familiar place with familiar faces over Christmas and New Years.

"There’s really not that much to do in Guayaquil. I probably would’ve been a bit bored being here by myself for a week. It’s the most populous city in Ecuador, but travellers usually only come here as a pit stop before flying to the Galapagos Islands or taking a long bus ride".

Cusco has grown into familiar territory. I wander the streets without checking my maps for directions, wave hello to storekeepers I pass by every day, and bump into friendly faces pretty much every time I go out.

If you ever come to Cusco, Peru, don't make the same mistakes I made.