Teaching the Andes: Redefining The Common Good and Reclaiming the Public Square
This is the Ohio State University Center for Latin American Studies Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad
program which visited Ecuador and Peru in South America.
This is the Ohio State University Center for Latin American Studies Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad
program which visited Ecuador and Peru in South America.
The following youtube was created by Greg Hill, Fulbright Project Abroad participant
Instructions for the photos on this web page: Hover over photos for captions or click on them to enlarge.
"the past is never dead. It's not even past" William fauKlner
July 17 We have returned from The Andes and The Great Inka Road
After visiting many places of the great Inka Empire and recognizing their agricultural, architectural, and astronomical feats of the past, it has me wondering why we as a society do not look back to their stories and successes to learn how to better survive in this 21st century. This trek through time into the modern day world of the indigenous lives of a small portion of Ecuador and Peru has brought a new way of looking at myself, teaching, and how to approach our lives as full human beings in a world of high technological skills. Please, follow along on my one month journey with Ohio State University's Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad , "Teaching The Andes", as I walk along the Inka Trail in Peru and through the lives of a few indigenous families in the northern part of Ecuador, Otavalo and Peguche.
After visiting many places of the great Inka Empire and recognizing their agricultural, architectural, and astronomical feats of the past, it has me wondering why we as a society do not look back to their stories and successes to learn how to better survive in this 21st century. This trek through time into the modern day world of the indigenous lives of a small portion of Ecuador and Peru has brought a new way of looking at myself, teaching, and how to approach our lives as full human beings in a world of high technological skills. Please, follow along on my one month journey with Ohio State University's Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad , "Teaching The Andes", as I walk along the Inka Trail in Peru and through the lives of a few indigenous families in the northern part of Ecuador, Otavalo and Peguche.
June 16 It all begins at Ohio State University
The Fulbright participants' meeting of the minds and hearts come from Arkansas, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, Kentucky, Texas, Virginia and Ohio. We begin our studies with an introduction to the Andes, through music, visits to cultural sites, the study of Kichwa (indigenous language), inquiry-based methods of teaching, and curricular design. One of the end goals will be to design curriculum based on Teaching the Andes for grades K- 12 and to create a repository of activities for teachers all over the United States to use to increase the studies of Latin America in the classrooms. CLAS (Center for Latin American Studies) at The Ohio State University will be that repository. https://clas.osu.edu/
Some of the key program features were
1. Lectures and workshops on Andean history, culture, society, religion, and economics.
2. Educational site visits to Colonial Quito, Cotacachi Cayapas Natural Reserve, Sacred Valley of Peru, and Macchu Picchu.
3. Participation in local customs and cultural activities, ritual baths, and the taking of the square.
4. Language training in Kichwa
5. Participation in curriculum development projects in grades K - 12
The Fulbright participants' meeting of the minds and hearts come from Arkansas, Tennessee, Maine, New Hampshire, Kentucky, Texas, Virginia and Ohio. We begin our studies with an introduction to the Andes, through music, visits to cultural sites, the study of Kichwa (indigenous language), inquiry-based methods of teaching, and curricular design. One of the end goals will be to design curriculum based on Teaching the Andes for grades K- 12 and to create a repository of activities for teachers all over the United States to use to increase the studies of Latin America in the classrooms. CLAS (Center for Latin American Studies) at The Ohio State University will be that repository. https://clas.osu.edu/
Some of the key program features were
1. Lectures and workshops on Andean history, culture, society, religion, and economics.
2. Educational site visits to Colonial Quito, Cotacachi Cayapas Natural Reserve, Sacred Valley of Peru, and Macchu Picchu.
3. Participation in local customs and cultural activities, ritual baths, and the taking of the square.
4. Language training in Kichwa
5. Participation in curriculum development projects in grades K - 12
Vamos a los andes
June 16, 17, and 18 Quito, Ecuador
We arrive to the capital of Ecuador, Quito, one of the highest capitals in the world (8370 feet). It is a city of 3.2 million people. As we drive along the highway I can only imagine that this was the original route that Pizarro used to climb the Andes to find El Dorado (The city of gold) and thus began the Spanish colonization of all of the Andes from Columbia down to Chile. Quito is a huge valley and is approximately 9,350 feet above sea level. It is located on the eastern slope of Pichincha, an active volcano. Quito is one of the first of two World Cultural Heritage sites declared by UNESCO in 1978. The city itself extends within 1 kilometer of zero altitude, the equator, hence the name of the country, Ecuador. This zero latitude line was used as a religious pre-Inka site. They say it is where the sun and the moon sit on top of the mountain. Zero latitude is marked by a huge tourist site known as La Mitad del Mundo (The middle of the world). Quito is known as the center of the earth and was the first city to get its independence from Spain in South America.
We arrive to the capital of Ecuador, Quito, one of the highest capitals in the world (8370 feet). It is a city of 3.2 million people. As we drive along the highway I can only imagine that this was the original route that Pizarro used to climb the Andes to find El Dorado (The city of gold) and thus began the Spanish colonization of all of the Andes from Columbia down to Chile. Quito is a huge valley and is approximately 9,350 feet above sea level. It is located on the eastern slope of Pichincha, an active volcano. Quito is one of the first of two World Cultural Heritage sites declared by UNESCO in 1978. The city itself extends within 1 kilometer of zero altitude, the equator, hence the name of the country, Ecuador. This zero latitude line was used as a religious pre-Inka site. They say it is where the sun and the moon sit on top of the mountain. Zero latitude is marked by a huge tourist site known as La Mitad del Mundo (The middle of the world). Quito is known as the center of the earth and was the first city to get its independence from Spain in South America.
VIsiting the colorful city of Quito
ON the way to our 2 week visit to Otavalo
June 19 Lago San PAblo
Sumak Kawsay (The good life/ the beautiful life). These words begin our life long learning process of Quichua, the language that is used in the highlands of Ecuador, which is where we are heading now... into the big town of Otavalo. We make a lunch stop at Lago San Pablo, jump on a boat, and take in our first views of the mountains. These views will become our back drop for the next 2 weeks as we travel around the mountains of Ecuador and into the villages to learn more about the indigenous way of being, the traditions, the rituals, the music, the dances, and getting a better understanding about the public wealth of the indigenous communities.This beautiful life is not tied to wealth, possessions or material wealth but is rooted in the connection to the Pacha Mama, Mother Earth. We are all one; the Earth, the water, the air, the wind, the fire, the animals, the ancestors.
Sumak Kawsay (The good life/ the beautiful life). These words begin our life long learning process of Quichua, the language that is used in the highlands of Ecuador, which is where we are heading now... into the big town of Otavalo. We make a lunch stop at Lago San Pablo, jump on a boat, and take in our first views of the mountains. These views will become our back drop for the next 2 weeks as we travel around the mountains of Ecuador and into the villages to learn more about the indigenous way of being, the traditions, the rituals, the music, the dances, and getting a better understanding about the public wealth of the indigenous communities.This beautiful life is not tied to wealth, possessions or material wealth but is rooted in the connection to the Pacha Mama, Mother Earth. We are all one; the Earth, the water, the air, the wind, the fire, the animals, the ancestors.
Take a look at this food
It's been a gastronomical delight eating throughout our trip in Ecuador and Peru. You can taste the flavors. Enjoy.
Our studies begin
June 20 Otavalo and Centro Intercultural Yawar Wauki
We meet our director and language and music teachers of this Fulbright-Hays program in Ecuador. It is held at Antigua Fabrica de Cobijas San Pedro (Old San Pedro blanket factory) that was once owned by a series of tyrant hacienda owners. One of our teachers (and friend) worked here while it was in operation and told us first-hand stories of the horrible way the indigenous people were treated by the wealthy owner. The factory closed down and a group of local people bought up the land and buildings as a cooperative and now offer classes in music, language lessons, art, farming, and how to continue to live in a community that is rich in traditions by working together in reciprocity (randi-randi...a Quichua term). This way of living and respecting the land, its people, and the traditions of becoming fully human allows the public wealth of this community in Otavalo to maintain its strong identity as people of the Andes with all the richness of life that it brings. There is a close connection to the spirit of the land and all of its resources. This system is of the belief that everything is connected and bound in a delicate balance. Together they form a natural balance system that dictates everything from interpersonal relationships to the conservation and preservation of their agricultural and traditional ritual aspects to their lands. (Buen vivir = Living life well)
We meet our director and language and music teachers of this Fulbright-Hays program in Ecuador. It is held at Antigua Fabrica de Cobijas San Pedro (Old San Pedro blanket factory) that was once owned by a series of tyrant hacienda owners. One of our teachers (and friend) worked here while it was in operation and told us first-hand stories of the horrible way the indigenous people were treated by the wealthy owner. The factory closed down and a group of local people bought up the land and buildings as a cooperative and now offer classes in music, language lessons, art, farming, and how to continue to live in a community that is rich in traditions by working together in reciprocity (randi-randi...a Quichua term). This way of living and respecting the land, its people, and the traditions of becoming fully human allows the public wealth of this community in Otavalo to maintain its strong identity as people of the Andes with all the richness of life that it brings. There is a close connection to the spirit of the land and all of its resources. This system is of the belief that everything is connected and bound in a delicate balance. Together they form a natural balance system that dictates everything from interpersonal relationships to the conservation and preservation of their agricultural and traditional ritual aspects to their lands. (Buen vivir = Living life well)
r Meet out music and language teachers from our school Centro Intercultural Yawar Wauki
June 21 The Summer Solstice has arrived in Peguche, Ecuador
I have returned to a place that was once a very special spot for me. It was 27 years ago that I walked these fertile mountains of Peguche when I was adventuring around the world in my 30's. I felt very connected to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) and spent many of my days just wandering through the highlands on my own. I have retraced many of my footsteps and realized so much of what I absorbed back then had become a central core to my spirituality. I have always enjoyed rituals in my life and being here during the Inti Raymi (Ritual festival that honors the Sun) allowed me the opportunity to become more involved with the local community and open my mind to new ways of being a part of another culture. (In Quichua Inti = sun / raymi = ritual festival). Rituals have allowed me to go deeper, touching upon culture in a more meaningful way. One important ritual for me, personally, was taking those solo walks in the early morning.
I have returned to a place that was once a very special spot for me. It was 27 years ago that I walked these fertile mountains of Peguche when I was adventuring around the world in my 30's. I felt very connected to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) and spent many of my days just wandering through the highlands on my own. I have retraced many of my footsteps and realized so much of what I absorbed back then had become a central core to my spirituality. I have always enjoyed rituals in my life and being here during the Inti Raymi (Ritual festival that honors the Sun) allowed me the opportunity to become more involved with the local community and open my mind to new ways of being a part of another culture. (In Quichua Inti = sun / raymi = ritual festival). Rituals have allowed me to go deeper, touching upon culture in a more meaningful way. One important ritual for me, personally, was taking those solo walks in the early morning.
"There is continuity in nature that embraces the mind and the emotions, the spirit of people as well as their physical organism. Whatever we are in body, mind, and deed is connected with the ecological pattern of the planet. We remain connected with its life-giving, life-enhancing needs." Theodore Roszak
June 21 and 22 Inti Raymi celebrations all over Peguche and Otavalo
Getting involved with the language school has helped us practice our newly acquired Quichua language within the local community. Most of the Inti Raymi celebrations were done at night and went well into the morning when the sun came up. I could not last that long, but did participate in several of the evening dances by traveling with a small band of musicians and dancers to the main plazas of Peguche and Otavalo on different evenings. I carried the castillos (offerings of fruit and live chickens), shouted out at the appropriate times, danced in the spirals and reversed directions when I was supposed to, and stomped hard on the ground as I shuffled and ran along the roads from house to house. It was a topsy-turvy "carnivalesque" kind of atmosphere where the men shouted, whistled, and used high falsetto voices to imitate the female space. At each stop the neighbors would feed the musicians and dancers. It is such a huge community event. Spectators would join in and dance in the spiral and it is almost becomes like a trance if you stick with it for hours. It takes a tremendous amount of stamina to make it through this celebration and it does go on for weeks. This religious ceremony is in honor of the sun and the summer solstice and dates back to the Inca empire and is celebrated throughout the Andes.
Getting involved with the language school has helped us practice our newly acquired Quichua language within the local community. Most of the Inti Raymi celebrations were done at night and went well into the morning when the sun came up. I could not last that long, but did participate in several of the evening dances by traveling with a small band of musicians and dancers to the main plazas of Peguche and Otavalo on different evenings. I carried the castillos (offerings of fruit and live chickens), shouted out at the appropriate times, danced in the spirals and reversed directions when I was supposed to, and stomped hard on the ground as I shuffled and ran along the roads from house to house. It was a topsy-turvy "carnivalesque" kind of atmosphere where the men shouted, whistled, and used high falsetto voices to imitate the female space. At each stop the neighbors would feed the musicians and dancers. It is such a huge community event. Spectators would join in and dance in the spiral and it is almost becomes like a trance if you stick with it for hours. It takes a tremendous amount of stamina to make it through this celebration and it does go on for weeks. This religious ceremony is in honor of the sun and the summer solstice and dates back to the Inca empire and is celebrated throughout the Andes.
June 22 Las Faldas del Volcan Cotacachi
Today we celebrate the Summer Solstice with a walk to the foothills of the volcano of Cotacahi to a site known as Rumipampa. We walk across a farmer's road path to a trail that leads to the scared river water of Mother Earth. Here we undress and step into the river to be blessed by the sacred waters and a shaman who does a prayer over you. First you undress, then step into freezing cold water (remember it is summer in Ecuador, but the temperatures are opposite of ours), then you get rubbed down with either stinging nettle or rose petals. This is determined by the shaman that feels your energy. I got rubbed down with rose petals. After this he puts a liquid of flower petals and bitters into his mouth and blows it on you before he gives you a blessing. Then you step out of the river and you get cleansed with burning palo santo smoke. Following this ritual we all stand around a blanket covered in offerings for Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). This time we see lots of fruits, breads, and flower petals covering the blanket. Everyone prays to God and Mother Earth. It is a blend of religions. This took place at a site known as Rumipampa.
Today we celebrate the Summer Solstice with a walk to the foothills of the volcano of Cotacahi to a site known as Rumipampa. We walk across a farmer's road path to a trail that leads to the scared river water of Mother Earth. Here we undress and step into the river to be blessed by the sacred waters and a shaman who does a prayer over you. First you undress, then step into freezing cold water (remember it is summer in Ecuador, but the temperatures are opposite of ours), then you get rubbed down with either stinging nettle or rose petals. This is determined by the shaman that feels your energy. I got rubbed down with rose petals. After this he puts a liquid of flower petals and bitters into his mouth and blows it on you before he gives you a blessing. Then you step out of the river and you get cleansed with burning palo santo smoke. Following this ritual we all stand around a blanket covered in offerings for Pacha Mama (Mother Earth). This time we see lots of fruits, breads, and flower petals covering the blanket. Everyone prays to God and Mother Earth. It is a blend of religions. This took place at a site known as Rumipampa.
June 25 Inti Raymi-Jatun Puncha festival at San Clemente, Ecuador
Our group travels high up a mountainside to the village of San Clemente nestled smack in the middle of Imbabura and Cotacachi mountains. An indigenous group bought up a piece of land that was once owned by a plantation owner. They have created a community that now runs a hostel, farm, hiking trips, and horse guided trail blazing and is a cultural center for their community as well. Our group had the good fortune to spend a day there and had the chance to celebrate the San Juan Festival, now known as Inti Raymi. We spent the morning building a fire with 4 walls as if it were a house honoring the four directions of the compass. The fire is the male spirit. We loaded volcanic rocks on the inside of this burning hot fire as these were to be used later on to cook our lunch in a huge pit built about 4 feet deep and 3 feet wide in the Mother Earth. Cooking in this earth pit is called Pacha Manka. I helped moisten the muddy walls for added humidity for the cooking of the food. The pit sits in a sacred spot in relationship to the sun. We cooked bananas, pineapples, potatoes of various types, corn and fava beans. Little did we know what a banquet we would be having 4 hours later. The food was served on the stones in the field known as Pamba Misa (pampa mesa). They layered the food in the pit with corn husks and branches from the Eucalyptus trees as well as moist canvas flattened sacks. We danced on top of the covered pit for about a half hour singing songs and stomping the dirt to a live Andean band; circling and reversing directions all of the time. We held a ritual of thanks to the earth (female) and the fire (male) and the food produced by their union.
Our group travels high up a mountainside to the village of San Clemente nestled smack in the middle of Imbabura and Cotacachi mountains. An indigenous group bought up a piece of land that was once owned by a plantation owner. They have created a community that now runs a hostel, farm, hiking trips, and horse guided trail blazing and is a cultural center for their community as well. Our group had the good fortune to spend a day there and had the chance to celebrate the San Juan Festival, now known as Inti Raymi. We spent the morning building a fire with 4 walls as if it were a house honoring the four directions of the compass. The fire is the male spirit. We loaded volcanic rocks on the inside of this burning hot fire as these were to be used later on to cook our lunch in a huge pit built about 4 feet deep and 3 feet wide in the Mother Earth. Cooking in this earth pit is called Pacha Manka. I helped moisten the muddy walls for added humidity for the cooking of the food. The pit sits in a sacred spot in relationship to the sun. We cooked bananas, pineapples, potatoes of various types, corn and fava beans. Little did we know what a banquet we would be having 4 hours later. The food was served on the stones in the field known as Pamba Misa (pampa mesa). They layered the food in the pit with corn husks and branches from the Eucalyptus trees as well as moist canvas flattened sacks. We danced on top of the covered pit for about a half hour singing songs and stomping the dirt to a live Andean band; circling and reversing directions all of the time. We held a ritual of thanks to the earth (female) and the fire (male) and the food produced by their union.
June 27 Music class at Centro Intercultural Yawar Wauki
We were given music lessons for 2 weeks to learn to read the music and play songs on the Pakllas (pan pipes). We also built our own pipes.
We were given music lessons for 2 weeks to learn to read the music and play songs on the Pakllas (pan pipes). We also built our own pipes.
June 29 The Cemetary in Otavalo
Today is Thursday. I know this because we can go and visit the cemetery to spend time with the dead ones of the families in the Otavalango community that we have come to know like friends. The indigenous people only visit their dead relatives on Monday and Thursdays all year long. It is not at all like Day of the Dead in the Aztec tradition where they celebrate their dead loved ones only on November 1 and 2. In the Andes there is the connection with the dead of the family as if they were still alive and a part of their lives. There is an offering of food and drink to los difuntos (not the dead-those who have passed on but remain nearby). Food is cooked (we had lentils and a corn mixture) and brought to share with them as well as with other people visiting family members. There is much attention given to the difuntos as their belief is that they will come back and visit their families if they don't tend to their needs still on Earth. They are believed to be able to smell the carefully prepared foods brought to them in the cemetery. We shared time with the people of Luzmila's family. We gave food to an older woman who gave orations over the dead mother and father. It was a busy day today. I felt like I was hanging out with friends in a city that was filled with movement, caring, and love for those that remain a part of their lives all year long.
Today is Thursday. I know this because we can go and visit the cemetery to spend time with the dead ones of the families in the Otavalango community that we have come to know like friends. The indigenous people only visit their dead relatives on Monday and Thursdays all year long. It is not at all like Day of the Dead in the Aztec tradition where they celebrate their dead loved ones only on November 1 and 2. In the Andes there is the connection with the dead of the family as if they were still alive and a part of their lives. There is an offering of food and drink to los difuntos (not the dead-those who have passed on but remain nearby). Food is cooked (we had lentils and a corn mixture) and brought to share with them as well as with other people visiting family members. There is much attention given to the difuntos as their belief is that they will come back and visit their families if they don't tend to their needs still on Earth. They are believed to be able to smell the carefully prepared foods brought to them in the cemetery. We shared time with the people of Luzmila's family. We gave food to an older woman who gave orations over the dead mother and father. It was a busy day today. I felt like I was hanging out with friends in a city that was filled with movement, caring, and love for those that remain a part of their lives all year long.
One of the most impressive pieces of this Andean culture is the taking care of on another, related or not, and helping take care of the Mother Earth (Pacha Mama). This is a major element of living the the Andean life. Community and reciprocity
(Randi-Randi in Quichua) is the heart of the indigenous society. This belief is extended to those still living on this planet now and to those living beyond this plane.
(Randi-Randi in Quichua) is the heart of the indigenous society. This belief is extended to those still living on this planet now and to those living beyond this plane.
Toma de la plaza
June 23 - July 1 Cotacachi and Zuleta
The taking of the square (toma de la plaza). This social gathering of dancers and musicians in the local communities in the taking of the square happens over the course of several days. The Feast of San Juan (Inti Raymi) happens from June 24 - 26 in the plaza of Otavalo and then in San Pedro and in San Pablo where the dancers continue in the Plaza of Cotacachi. In her book, Ritual Encounters: Otavalan Modern and Mythic Community, (2009) , Michelle Wibbelsman writes that" the objective of the Inti Raymi dances is to conquer the plaza and claim the political power it represents." She goes on to state that ..."The inti Raymi festivities are sometimes considered acts of political and territorial possession. The principal idea is for the displacement and replacement of the established order. This Inti Raymi symbolic practice places the Andean people in constant negotiation in defining individual and group identities." There is a time for women as well as children to perform these dances in the ritual of Inti Raymi. Some of these dancing rituals take place on haciendas where the powerful landowner used to have strict control over the indigenous people. This is an opportunity to show the power, strength, and pride of the local communities and their Andean identities while celebrating the Inti Raymi (ritual of the sun).
The taking of the square (toma de la plaza). This social gathering of dancers and musicians in the local communities in the taking of the square happens over the course of several days. The Feast of San Juan (Inti Raymi) happens from June 24 - 26 in the plaza of Otavalo and then in San Pedro and in San Pablo where the dancers continue in the Plaza of Cotacachi. In her book, Ritual Encounters: Otavalan Modern and Mythic Community, (2009) , Michelle Wibbelsman writes that" the objective of the Inti Raymi dances is to conquer the plaza and claim the political power it represents." She goes on to state that ..."The inti Raymi festivities are sometimes considered acts of political and territorial possession. The principal idea is for the displacement and replacement of the established order. This Inti Raymi symbolic practice places the Andean people in constant negotiation in defining individual and group identities." There is a time for women as well as children to perform these dances in the ritual of Inti Raymi. Some of these dancing rituals take place on haciendas where the powerful landowner used to have strict control over the indigenous people. This is an opportunity to show the power, strength, and pride of the local communities and their Andean identities while celebrating the Inti Raymi (ritual of the sun).
June 30 Millenial School visit in Otavalo
We had the opportunity to visit one school on this 4 week trip. It was in Otavalo, Ecuador and was a pre-school - High School.
It allowed me to gather up some new ideas for all of my classes in the elementary sector. The best part for me was introducing my classroom mascots, Carlita and Carlos, who have traveled all over Ecuador and Peru with me. They have brought a smile and joy to many people from hotel clerks, to school administrators, and to the children in the classroom.
We had the opportunity to visit one school on this 4 week trip. It was in Otavalo, Ecuador and was a pre-school - High School.
It allowed me to gather up some new ideas for all of my classes in the elementary sector. The best part for me was introducing my classroom mascots, Carlita and Carlos, who have traveled all over Ecuador and Peru with me. They have brought a smile and joy to many people from hotel clerks, to school administrators, and to the children in the classroom.
July 2 Parque del Condor (The rehabilitation center for birds of prey)
This park was opened and directed by a man from Holland to help rehabilitate condors, an endangered species at this point in time. It is rare to see them flying in the wild although as we left the park we saw one fly directly overhead. This was a place to see raptors from all over the world that are now in captivity due to injury. They were caged, but "the informative show" allowed several of the raptors to fly "free" and was an educational experience in learning to appreciate the birds and what they bring to the Andean habitat. "The rangers told us that the hawks had been bought as pets. They’d been fed by humans and coddled like dogs. So they didn’t know how to fly (or land) and were incapable of hunting."
The director walked to the edge of the cliff with his hawk. At the lip of the mountain, he reached his arm back, the hawk flapping its wings. Next he swung forward with full-strength, slinging the hawk into the cross winds. She glided high, her shadow sweeping across us as we watched her.
This park was opened and directed by a man from Holland to help rehabilitate condors, an endangered species at this point in time. It is rare to see them flying in the wild although as we left the park we saw one fly directly overhead. This was a place to see raptors from all over the world that are now in captivity due to injury. They were caged, but "the informative show" allowed several of the raptors to fly "free" and was an educational experience in learning to appreciate the birds and what they bring to the Andean habitat. "The rangers told us that the hawks had been bought as pets. They’d been fed by humans and coddled like dogs. So they didn’t know how to fly (or land) and were incapable of hunting."
The director walked to the edge of the cliff with his hawk. At the lip of the mountain, he reached his arm back, the hawk flapping its wings. Next he swung forward with full-strength, slinging the hawk into the cross winds. She glided high, her shadow sweeping across us as we watched her.
Farewell to Ecuador
"What we call the beginning is often the end. And to make an end is to make a new beginning. The end is where we start from."
T.S. Elliot
welcome to cusco, peru
July 4 Welcome to the center of the Inka Empire (El ombligo del Mundo) Bellybutton of the world
I have come to explore the Great Inka Road. I have read it is one of the world's monumental engineering achievements. At its height, there were 24,00 miles in its road system that linked mountain peaks and tropical lowlands and crossed rivers and deserts. Today the road runs through Andean communities in Coloumbia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile.
Cusco is often spelled Cuzco and in Quechua, the indigenous language, Quosqo. It is situated at 11, 150 feet above sea level in Southeast Peru near the Urubamba Valley and the Andes Mountain Range.It is not surprising that I felt the altitude as I walked up and down the streets of this city that is built on the edge of mountains. It was the center of the historical site of the Inka Empire from the 13 - 16th century. In 1532, it was taken over by the Spanish conquest. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Many people believe that this city was planned and built in the shape of a puma by the last emperor of the Inka civilization, Sapa Inca Pachacuti. Cusco was the center for the Spanish colonization and the spread of Christianity in the Andean world. As history states, the Spanish conquered the indigenous people and replaced their temples with Catholic churches, at times using the very same stones of the original Inka structures. A major earthquake in 1950 caused the destruction of more than 1/2 of the city's structures. It is from this beautiful setting that we investigated other rich treasures of the Andean word and the Inca Empire.
I have come to explore the Great Inka Road. I have read it is one of the world's monumental engineering achievements. At its height, there were 24,00 miles in its road system that linked mountain peaks and tropical lowlands and crossed rivers and deserts. Today the road runs through Andean communities in Coloumbia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Chile.
Cusco is often spelled Cuzco and in Quechua, the indigenous language, Quosqo. It is situated at 11, 150 feet above sea level in Southeast Peru near the Urubamba Valley and the Andes Mountain Range.It is not surprising that I felt the altitude as I walked up and down the streets of this city that is built on the edge of mountains. It was the center of the historical site of the Inka Empire from the 13 - 16th century. In 1532, it was taken over by the Spanish conquest. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Many people believe that this city was planned and built in the shape of a puma by the last emperor of the Inka civilization, Sapa Inca Pachacuti. Cusco was the center for the Spanish colonization and the spread of Christianity in the Andean world. As history states, the Spanish conquered the indigenous people and replaced their temples with Catholic churches, at times using the very same stones of the original Inka structures. A major earthquake in 1950 caused the destruction of more than 1/2 of the city's structures. It is from this beautiful setting that we investigated other rich treasures of the Andean word and the Inca Empire.
July 6 Visiting Coricanchi, The Temple of the Sun
This was an Inka temple dedicated to Inti (the sun) and was destroyed by the Spanish conquerors. Much of the stonework forms the foundation of the Santo Domingo church and convent. The walls were once covered in sheets of gold when the Inka empire was in rule. When the Spanish required the Inca to raise a ransom in gold for the life of the leader Atahualpa, most of the gold was collected from Coricancha.
This was an Inka temple dedicated to Inti (the sun) and was destroyed by the Spanish conquerors. Much of the stonework forms the foundation of the Santo Domingo church and convent. The walls were once covered in sheets of gold when the Inka empire was in rule. When the Spanish required the Inca to raise a ransom in gold for the life of the leader Atahualpa, most of the gold was collected from Coricancha.
July 7 Visiting Awanacancha The Llama and Alpaca Farm
We were able to get a lesson first hand about llamas, alpacas, vicunas, and guanacos and to understand the differences. The Vicunas and the Guanacos are wild while the llamas and alpacas have been domesticated.
We were able to get a lesson first hand about llamas, alpacas, vicunas, and guanacos and to understand the differences. The Vicunas and the Guanacos are wild while the llamas and alpacas have been domesticated.
July 9 Visiting the village of Chinchero
The village of Chinchero is known for its weaving specialists. These indigenous people have been weaving the symbols of the natural world into all of their cloths for centuries. The women weavers at this particular home gave us a lesson on plant dyes, cleaning the wool of alpacas and llamas, spinning, and the art of back strap weaving. I found this visit to be of particular interest to me as I plan on creating curriculum on a weaving project learning the symbols of nature in the Spanish language and then creating a weaving design to be made by each student.
The village of Chinchero is known for its weaving specialists. These indigenous people have been weaving the symbols of the natural world into all of their cloths for centuries. The women weavers at this particular home gave us a lesson on plant dyes, cleaning the wool of alpacas and llamas, spinning, and the art of back strap weaving. I found this visit to be of particular interest to me as I plan on creating curriculum on a weaving project learning the symbols of nature in the Spanish language and then creating a weaving design to be made by each student.
July 9 Salinas de Maras (The salt ponds of the Sacred Valley)
These are salt evaporation ponds that ly in a canyon that descends down in to the Sacred Valley. Since pre-Inca times, salt has been obtained in Maras by evaporating salty water from a local subterranean stream. The salty water emerges at a spring, a natural outlet of the underground stream. The flow is directed into an intricate system of tiny channels constructed so that the water runs gradually down onto the several hundred ancient terraced ponds. The owners of the salt ponds must be members of the community and families that are new to the community wishing to propitiate a salt pond get the one farthest from the community. I have included photos of the scenery on the way to the Salinas de Maras.
These are salt evaporation ponds that ly in a canyon that descends down in to the Sacred Valley. Since pre-Inca times, salt has been obtained in Maras by evaporating salty water from a local subterranean stream. The salty water emerges at a spring, a natural outlet of the underground stream. The flow is directed into an intricate system of tiny channels constructed so that the water runs gradually down onto the several hundred ancient terraced ponds. The owners of the salt ponds must be members of the community and families that are new to the community wishing to propitiate a salt pond get the one farthest from the community. I have included photos of the scenery on the way to the Salinas de Maras.
July 9 Entering the Sacred Valley of Peru
The following photographs are landscape views of the Sacred Valley of Peru (also known as the Urubamba Valley) named after the river that flows through it. The most famous archaeological site of Peru, Macchu Picchu, is located in this valley. The Urubamba River is known as the sacred river of the Inkas. The Sacred Valley was the most important area for maize production in the heartland of the Inca Empire. Maize was a prestige crop for the Incas, especially to make chicha, a fermented maize drink the Incas and their subjects consumed in large quantities at their many ceremonial feasts and religious festivals. Agricultural terraces, called andenes, were built up hillsides flanking the valley floor and are today the most visible and widespread signs of the Inca civilization in the Sacred Valley.
The following photographs are landscape views of the Sacred Valley of Peru (also known as the Urubamba Valley) named after the river that flows through it. The most famous archaeological site of Peru, Macchu Picchu, is located in this valley. The Urubamba River is known as the sacred river of the Inkas. The Sacred Valley was the most important area for maize production in the heartland of the Inca Empire. Maize was a prestige crop for the Incas, especially to make chicha, a fermented maize drink the Incas and their subjects consumed in large quantities at their many ceremonial feasts and religious festivals. Agricultural terraces, called andenes, were built up hillsides flanking the valley floor and are today the most visible and widespread signs of the Inca civilization in the Sacred Valley.
Potatoes galore
Peru cultivates over 500 types of potatoes. Everywhere we went in the Sacred Valley we saw a potato harvest drying out in the fields. They go through a freeze and thaw for 3 - 4 weeks. They peel them by stomping on them with their feet.
July 9 Visiting Pisac the Inca Ruin of the Sacred Valley
Pisac is perhaps best known for its Inca ruins. The ruins include the Temple of the Sun, baths, altars, water fountains, a ceremonial platform, and a volcanic outcrop carved into a "hitching post for the sun (Inti). The Inca constructed agricultural terraces on the steep hillside, which are still in use today. Pisac had military, religious, and agricultural structures. Inca Pisac controlled a route which connected the Inca Empire with the border of the rain forest. Francisco Pizarro and the Spanish conquerors destroyed Inca Pisac in the early 1530s. This was one of my favorite places to stop and take in the Inca ruins. It was not very crowded and that allowed me to sit on one of the large terraces and meditate under the hot sun.
Pisac is perhaps best known for its Inca ruins. The ruins include the Temple of the Sun, baths, altars, water fountains, a ceremonial platform, and a volcanic outcrop carved into a "hitching post for the sun (Inti). The Inca constructed agricultural terraces on the steep hillside, which are still in use today. Pisac had military, religious, and agricultural structures. Inca Pisac controlled a route which connected the Inca Empire with the border of the rain forest. Francisco Pizarro and the Spanish conquerors destroyed Inca Pisac in the early 1530s. This was one of my favorite places to stop and take in the Inca ruins. It was not very crowded and that allowed me to sit on one of the large terraces and meditate under the hot sun.
July 10 Heading out to Machu Picchu through the gateway of Ollantaytambo
Ollantaytambo is a town and an Inca archaeological site in southern Peru. Today we catch a bus out of Cusco by 7:30 AM and head to Ollantaytambo to catch the train to Aguascalientes. Most of us are asleep on this bus ride as we know we will be catching a train ride through the Sacred Valley to Aguascalientes, the stopping point for the evening, before going to Machu Picchu the next day. I am daydreaming about tomorrow and walking the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. There is an excitement in the air as most of us have had this on our "living list" to climb for years. Most of us climb the Temple of the Sun before we catch our train even though some of us (me!) have a strong fear of heights. Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti who conquered the region and built the town and a ceremonial center. Its location is en route to one of the most common starting points for the four-day, three-night hike known as the Inca Trail.
Ollantaytambo is a town and an Inca archaeological site in southern Peru. Today we catch a bus out of Cusco by 7:30 AM and head to Ollantaytambo to catch the train to Aguascalientes. Most of us are asleep on this bus ride as we know we will be catching a train ride through the Sacred Valley to Aguascalientes, the stopping point for the evening, before going to Machu Picchu the next day. I am daydreaming about tomorrow and walking the Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. There is an excitement in the air as most of us have had this on our "living list" to climb for years. Most of us climb the Temple of the Sun before we catch our train even though some of us (me!) have a strong fear of heights. Ollantaytambo was the royal estate of Emperor Pachacuti who conquered the region and built the town and a ceremonial center. Its location is en route to one of the most common starting points for the four-day, three-night hike known as the Inca Trail.
July 10 Aguascalientes and Machu Picchu
We jump on the Peru Rail for our slow 3 hour train ride down the valley to a lower elevation in Aguascalientes. The views are lovely. It feels like the spiritual architecture of Peru just takes one to a higher plane of consciousness. When we arrive to Aguascalientes it feels like a typical cowboy town along the railroad tracks. This is a tourist destination where people stop for the night to catch an early bus ride up to Machu Picchu. This town is known for its hot baths (aguascalientes). We pull in by
3:00 pm and several of us decide take an afternoon hike along the RR tracks to a botanical garden and waterfall. The next thing we know we are hiking home in the dark with flashlights. Follow along the trail with me via train and hiking. You will be able to tell we are on the edge of the beginning of the Amazon jungle by all of the vegetation along the trail.
We jump on the Peru Rail for our slow 3 hour train ride down the valley to a lower elevation in Aguascalientes. The views are lovely. It feels like the spiritual architecture of Peru just takes one to a higher plane of consciousness. When we arrive to Aguascalientes it feels like a typical cowboy town along the railroad tracks. This is a tourist destination where people stop for the night to catch an early bus ride up to Machu Picchu. This town is known for its hot baths (aguascalientes). We pull in by
3:00 pm and several of us decide take an afternoon hike along the RR tracks to a botanical garden and waterfall. The next thing we know we are hiking home in the dark with flashlights. Follow along the trail with me via train and hiking. You will be able to tell we are on the edge of the beginning of the Amazon jungle by all of the vegetation along the trail.
July 11 Machu Picchu (Old Peak)
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca fortress situated on a mountain ridge 7,970 feet above sea level. It is often mistaken to be the "Lost City of the Incas". It is the most familiar icon of Inca civilization. The Inka Road system leads directly to this point. The Incas built the estate around 1450 but abandoned it a century later at the time of the Spanish conquest. The Spanish never found Machu Picchu and so did not destroy it, as they did many other sites. It did become covered in vegetation as it lay abandoned over all the years. The terraces built by the Inca were used by modern day farmers for farming. It remained unknown to the outside world until American historian Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911. In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. I was able to overcome my fear of heights and reach the top of the mountain where the hitching post of the sun was located (the sun dial). The Inkas were known for their abilities in agriculture, architecture, and astronomy. This site shared with tourists the excellence in all three of these areas.
Machu Picchu is a 15th-century Inca fortress situated on a mountain ridge 7,970 feet above sea level. It is often mistaken to be the "Lost City of the Incas". It is the most familiar icon of Inca civilization. The Inka Road system leads directly to this point. The Incas built the estate around 1450 but abandoned it a century later at the time of the Spanish conquest. The Spanish never found Machu Picchu and so did not destroy it, as they did many other sites. It did become covered in vegetation as it lay abandoned over all the years. The terraces built by the Inca were used by modern day farmers for farming. It remained unknown to the outside world until American historian Hiram Bingham brought it to international attention in 1911. In 2007, Machu Picchu was voted one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. I was able to overcome my fear of heights and reach the top of the mountain where the hitching post of the sun was located (the sun dial). The Inkas were known for their abilities in agriculture, architecture, and astronomy. This site shared with tourists the excellence in all three of these areas.
July 11 Teacher's Strike is strong in Cusco Region
The teachers strike takes a strong hold on the region. Railroad tracks and roads leading into and out of Cusco are blocked and closed down. The police do not use force and it remains a peaceful demonstration affecting the entire tourism industry. Tourists cannot get transportation in or out of the city. Many people do not get their chance to climb Machu Picchu. Our bus trip to Puno and Lake Titicaca get cancelled as we tred to leave the city early in the morning and 2 hours later down the road we are blocked on the highway. We had to turn around and spent the next 6 days close to the city of Cusco. Demonstrations take place in the city and all over the region.
The teachers strike takes a strong hold on the region. Railroad tracks and roads leading into and out of Cusco are blocked and closed down. The police do not use force and it remains a peaceful demonstration affecting the entire tourism industry. Tourists cannot get transportation in or out of the city. Many people do not get their chance to climb Machu Picchu. Our bus trip to Puno and Lake Titicaca get cancelled as we tred to leave the city early in the morning and 2 hours later down the road we are blocked on the highway. We had to turn around and spent the next 6 days close to the city of Cusco. Demonstrations take place in the city and all over the region.
July 13 Saqsaywaman (Inka fortress on the outskirts of Cusco)
Saqsaywaman is a fortress on the northern outskirts of the city of Cusco, Peru, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. The Inka stone cutters built dry stone walls constructed of huge stones. The workers carefully cut the boulders to fit them together tightly without mortar to build high terrace walls. The site is at an altitude of (12,142 ft). Our Fulbright-Hays group walked from our hotel up to this site in about 45 minutes stopping all of the time due to the height increase in altitude. A picnic lunch stopped us midday before we began our walk along the Inka Road and back into the city of Cusco.
Saqsaywaman is a fortress on the northern outskirts of the city of Cusco, Peru, the historic capital of the Inca Empire. The Inka stone cutters built dry stone walls constructed of huge stones. The workers carefully cut the boulders to fit them together tightly without mortar to build high terrace walls. The site is at an altitude of (12,142 ft). Our Fulbright-Hays group walked from our hotel up to this site in about 45 minutes stopping all of the time due to the height increase in altitude. A picnic lunch stopped us midday before we began our walk along the Inka Road and back into the city of Cusco.
Walking back from Saqsaywaman Ruin along the Inka Road and directly back into Cusco.
July 14 Visiting Tipon, our last Inka Ruin visit of the trip
Tipon consists of wide agricultural terraces irrigated by a network of water channels fed by a natural spring.
One could say we saved the best for last. We reached this ruin very early in the morning so no one else was walking along the footsteps of the past with us. I could feel the energy rising up from these terraces. The wind was lightly blowing the spirit of the past directly through me. I was sick this day and our guide, Julio, offered to do a cleansing with sacred water. I took him up on his offer. This humble shaman blessed 6 of us this day. I was feeling better by the evening. With his chant in Quechua I will never know what he said. I do know that he is connected to the earth and all of her graces. He offered them to me on this day. What a beautiful farewell gift from the Inka empire of Peru.
Tipon consists of wide agricultural terraces irrigated by a network of water channels fed by a natural spring.
One could say we saved the best for last. We reached this ruin very early in the morning so no one else was walking along the footsteps of the past with us. I could feel the energy rising up from these terraces. The wind was lightly blowing the spirit of the past directly through me. I was sick this day and our guide, Julio, offered to do a cleansing with sacred water. I took him up on his offer. This humble shaman blessed 6 of us this day. I was feeling better by the evening. With his chant in Quechua I will never know what he said. I do know that he is connected to the earth and all of her graces. He offered them to me on this day. What a beautiful farewell gift from the Inka empire of Peru.
Dancing a farewell dance on top of the Chakana, The Andean Cross
Interesting videos to captivate the mind
May 15
Last Inka Bridge
View the last Inka bridge in existence as it is rebuilt every year at a festival involving four communities that are keeping this traditional bridge building alive. www.youtube.com/watch?v=dql-D6JQ1Bc
Last Inka Bridge
View the last Inka bridge in existence as it is rebuilt every year at a festival involving four communities that are keeping this traditional bridge building alive. www.youtube.com/watch?v=dql-D6JQ1Bc
Weaving to heal hearts
A life-saving technology to address the heart problems faced by those living in the high-altitude city of La Paz, Bolivia.
www.facebook.com/greatbigstory/videos/1681623212140105/?pnref=story
A life-saving technology to address the heart problems faced by those living in the high-altitude city of La Paz, Bolivia.
www.facebook.com/greatbigstory/videos/1681623212140105/?pnref=story
Skyline Adventure Suite: The Edgiest Hotels found in Cusco, Peru.
If you are the adventurist type, this climb and night's rest offer great views of the Sacred Valley in Cusco, Peru.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=srFKQrmL3Fg&t=45s
If you are the adventurist type, this climb and night's rest offer great views of the Sacred Valley in Cusco, Peru.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=srFKQrmL3Fg&t=45s
Inca verses INKA ????
May 11
For the curious and the inquiring minds, some of you might want to know why there has been a change in the spelling of Inca to Inka over the last few decades. Here is the answer given to me by our professor on our trip, Michelle Wibblesman.
"Quechua, the language of the Inka Empire, is an oral language. After the conquest, when people started writing it down, they used the alphabetic writing they knew. The change from C to K has been relatively recent, in the past 2-3 decades, and has come about as indigenous peoples reclaim their languages and assert their own interpretation of how it should be written. Most recently, state agendas for a “Quechua Universal”, a standardized writing of Quechua have opted for the K."
For the curious and the inquiring minds, some of you might want to know why there has been a change in the spelling of Inca to Inka over the last few decades. Here is the answer given to me by our professor on our trip, Michelle Wibblesman.
"Quechua, the language of the Inka Empire, is an oral language. After the conquest, when people started writing it down, they used the alphabetic writing they knew. The change from C to K has been relatively recent, in the past 2-3 decades, and has come about as indigenous peoples reclaim their languages and assert their own interpretation of how it should be written. Most recently, state agendas for a “Quechua Universal”, a standardized writing of Quechua have opted for the K."
What great reading resources for our Andes adventure
May 10
The reading materials for our summer Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program through Ohio State University have arrived and my in depth reading has begun. We have been introduced to our fearless trip director and scholar, Michelle Wibbelsman, who is also the authoress of one of our required readings, Ritual Encounters: Otavalan Modern and Mythic Community. It is based on her field work in Ecuador between 1995 - 2008. We will be following in her footsteps back to the village of Peguche and the towns of Otavalo and Cotacachi. We will surely get a better feel for the Andean landscape and culture once we get there. We will be meeting the indigenous folks and hope to get a clearer understanding of the festival traditions. We are also enjoying the photographs and the history of the Inca Empire and civilization through one of our other readings, The Great Inka Road. Through the readings and looking at the incredible photographs of this 25,000 mile monumental achievement, we will embed ourselves in the historic road system that linked the Andean communities in Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile. This book has paired up with the National Museum of the American Indian through the Smithsonian Institute where they will have an ongoing exhibit about the Inca Imperial power up until June 2020. I am planning to take a trip to this museum this summer once we return from The Andes,
The reading materials for our summer Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Program through Ohio State University have arrived and my in depth reading has begun. We have been introduced to our fearless trip director and scholar, Michelle Wibbelsman, who is also the authoress of one of our required readings, Ritual Encounters: Otavalan Modern and Mythic Community. It is based on her field work in Ecuador between 1995 - 2008. We will be following in her footsteps back to the village of Peguche and the towns of Otavalo and Cotacachi. We will surely get a better feel for the Andean landscape and culture once we get there. We will be meeting the indigenous folks and hope to get a clearer understanding of the festival traditions. We are also enjoying the photographs and the history of the Inca Empire and civilization through one of our other readings, The Great Inka Road. Through the readings and looking at the incredible photographs of this 25,000 mile monumental achievement, we will embed ourselves in the historic road system that linked the Andean communities in Columbia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina and Chile. This book has paired up with the National Museum of the American Indian through the Smithsonian Institute where they will have an ongoing exhibit about the Inca Imperial power up until June 2020. I am planning to take a trip to this museum this summer once we return from The Andes,
runA simi: The Peoples' language
April 8
Ohio State University has begun group webinars with us, the 12 scholars that will be traveling to The Andes through the Fulbright Hays Scholarship. We have discovered that one of the main pieces to this travel experience is taking part in learning Quechua: The language of the indigenous peoples of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, southern Colombia, and northern Argentina. Quechua is also know as Runa Sima , the Peoples' language.
Quechua is the most commonly spoken native language in South America with between 8 - 10 million speakers. Spanish is the most dominant language in those countries. This was the language spoken amongst the Incas, which was the largest empire in the Americas in Pre-Colonial civilization.
Ohio State University has begun group webinars with us, the 12 scholars that will be traveling to The Andes through the Fulbright Hays Scholarship. We have discovered that one of the main pieces to this travel experience is taking part in learning Quechua: The language of the indigenous peoples of Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, southern Colombia, and northern Argentina. Quechua is also know as Runa Sima , the Peoples' language.
Quechua is the most commonly spoken native language in South America with between 8 - 10 million speakers. Spanish is the most dominant language in those countries. This was the language spoken amongst the Incas, which was the largest empire in the Americas in Pre-Colonial civilization.
QUIPuS
Quichua was not originally a written language. Records were originally kept in QUIPUS, a system of knotted strings that served as symbols or mnemonic reminders of information. It was written down after the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire. It is thought to have originated in either the Cusco area or in the central coastal area of Peru. Follow along on this you tube if you want to learn along with me. Buena suerte (good luck).
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWdjV2ANolk
www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWdjV2ANolk
QUe Sabrosa...La comida de los andes
March 18
An invitation to celebrate the coming of Spring brought Carmela and Chris to our home this weekend. With this invitation came the promise of preparing and eating a few traditional Peruvian dishes. As my luck would have it, Carmela did all of the preparation and my part was to enjoy the scents and tastes of The Andes in our household. Carmela brought her own rice cooker and I discovered it makes all the difference in the world for the taste of rice. We shared Guiso de Quinoa and Seco de Pollo (see the pictures below). I was introduced to aji panca and aji amarillo (two types of chiles). We talked about my up-coming trip to visit Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, the overnight train ride to Puno, the boat ride out on Lake Titicaca, the glaciers, the mountains, the people, and the spirit of The Andes. Ohio State University has begun to prepare the group of 12 teachers selected to participate in this Fulbright Hays Scholarship program through bi-weekly webinars. The investigation and education in life long learning has begun.
An invitation to celebrate the coming of Spring brought Carmela and Chris to our home this weekend. With this invitation came the promise of preparing and eating a few traditional Peruvian dishes. As my luck would have it, Carmela did all of the preparation and my part was to enjoy the scents and tastes of The Andes in our household. Carmela brought her own rice cooker and I discovered it makes all the difference in the world for the taste of rice. We shared Guiso de Quinoa and Seco de Pollo (see the pictures below). I was introduced to aji panca and aji amarillo (two types of chiles). We talked about my up-coming trip to visit Cusco, the Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu, the overnight train ride to Puno, the boat ride out on Lake Titicaca, the glaciers, the mountains, the people, and the spirit of The Andes. Ohio State University has begun to prepare the group of 12 teachers selected to participate in this Fulbright Hays Scholarship program through bi-weekly webinars. The investigation and education in life long learning has begun.
Meet my new friend, Carmela Lucich Villarreal
Meet my friend, Carmela Lucich Villarreal from Lima, Peru. She has been teaching at Marlborough School in the Special Education department this school year. I knew as soon as I met her that we would become lasting friends. She has visited all of my Spanish classes from third to eighth grade, teaching them about the culture of Peru. The students found the traditional foods the most interesting part of her power point presentation. Who knew that her world and mine would crossover this year so closely when I received the Fulbright - Hays Scholarship from Ohio State? Now I will get to visit her culture firsthand and come back to my classes in the fall with mountains of new experiences and information. In the meantime, I plan on trying out some of the traditional foods before I go. Carmela and I have dinner dates planned to make and eat the foods together. Take a peek at the following dishes I hope to try before I visit Peru and Ecuador this June - July.
(Hover over the photos to see what the names are of the traditional dishes.)
February 5, 2017 Fulbright - Hays Scholarship awarded
"Dear Diane Goodman,
Congratulations! On behalf of the Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS) at The Ohio State University, I am pleased to inform you that the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Selection Committee has selected you as a participant of the “Teaching the Andes” summer seminar! This opportunity was made available on a very limited basis and the number of applications we received far exceeded the number of participants we are able to accept."
After waiting for about 3 months for the answer, I was informed that I was honored with a Fulbright Scholarship through the Ohio State University Latin American Studies Center. It is a one month study from mid-June to mid-July in The Andes of Ecuador and Peru. The “Teaching the Andes” seminar project will approach Andean cultures from a multidisciplinary perspective centered on the notion of the common good in the public square. The project will equip teachers with multidisciplinary content, curricular resources, and methods of inquiry for delivering that approach themselves in their K-12 classrooms, creating a model that brings about innovative approaches to K-12 education.
"Dear Diane Goodman,
Congratulations! On behalf of the Center for Latin American Studies (CLAS) at The Ohio State University, I am pleased to inform you that the Fulbright-Hays Group Projects Abroad Selection Committee has selected you as a participant of the “Teaching the Andes” summer seminar! This opportunity was made available on a very limited basis and the number of applications we received far exceeded the number of participants we are able to accept."
After waiting for about 3 months for the answer, I was informed that I was honored with a Fulbright Scholarship through the Ohio State University Latin American Studies Center. It is a one month study from mid-June to mid-July in The Andes of Ecuador and Peru. The “Teaching the Andes” seminar project will approach Andean cultures from a multidisciplinary perspective centered on the notion of the common good in the public square. The project will equip teachers with multidisciplinary content, curricular resources, and methods of inquiry for delivering that approach themselves in their K-12 classrooms, creating a model that brings about innovative approaches to K-12 education.
Journey of the Broad-Winged Hawk LEARNING IN THE ANDES
If you want to watch an incredible journey from the Mountain tops of the Monadnock Region to The Andes of Ecuador, click on the following NHPR website from 2010, Journey with the Broad-Winged Hawks. http://video.nhptv.org/video/1527088779/
If you want to watch an incredible journey from the Mountain tops of the Monadnock Region to The Andes of Ecuador, click on the following NHPR website from 2010, Journey with the Broad-Winged Hawks. http://video.nhptv.org/video/1527088779/
Senora Goodman's sabbatical year
Centro Victoria in Juarez, Mexico
Juarez, Mexico June 23 - 29
Once again I have returned to our friends in Juarez, the children of Centro Victoria, with a group of 19 people from Peterborough, New Hampshire as well as from Albany, New York. The youth are high school students that are interested in sharing their lives with the lives of those children that have been abandoned or forced into the hard life of poverty, drug related family issues, and other issues that come to those that live on the edge of hunger. We worked hard building a foundation for a new recreation building that will offer ballet and karate among other fitness activities. Over the last 11 years we have seen so much growth in the Centro Victoria facility, as well as with the children. They are now being educated in the public school system of Mexico with 4 students off to college in El Paso, Texas with careers on the horizon. If you are interested in learning more about our work in Fe y Esperanza and how you can be a part of it in either a donation capacity or in wanting to do an internship there, please check out our web site.... http://hopeinjuarez.org/
Please take a look at the memories from this year on this you tube site
www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4clAU0NMLs&feature=youtu.be
Once again I have returned to our friends in Juarez, the children of Centro Victoria, with a group of 19 people from Peterborough, New Hampshire as well as from Albany, New York. The youth are high school students that are interested in sharing their lives with the lives of those children that have been abandoned or forced into the hard life of poverty, drug related family issues, and other issues that come to those that live on the edge of hunger. We worked hard building a foundation for a new recreation building that will offer ballet and karate among other fitness activities. Over the last 11 years we have seen so much growth in the Centro Victoria facility, as well as with the children. They are now being educated in the public school system of Mexico with 4 students off to college in El Paso, Texas with careers on the horizon. If you are interested in learning more about our work in Fe y Esperanza and how you can be a part of it in either a donation capacity or in wanting to do an internship there, please check out our web site.... http://hopeinjuarez.org/
Please take a look at the memories from this year on this you tube site
www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4clAU0NMLs&feature=youtu.be
i am now inspired to discover new visions for my life.
bird watching on Monhegan island off the coast of maine
May 27 -30 Monhegan Island, Maine
The 1 and 1/2 hour boat ride over seemed endless. The rolling sea and rocking boat brought many of us to our knees. The phrase "sick as a dog" came true as the only dog aboard the Hardee Ferry got sick as we rolled into the harbour of Monhegan Island. The rest of us walked off the boat swaying side to side. Thank goodness the tulips were there in full bloom to welcome us. We meandered up the quiet roads and pathways of the island. No cars are allowed except for the businesses so you walk everywhere. Our house was atop a long hill. Birds were flitting all around me as they ate the insects tucked in the blossoms of the apple trees. This was a special weekend for birding as the warbler migration from south to north hits this island full tilt as they complete their passage of 1000's of miles to these northern limits. We spent our early mornings birding and then spent the rest of the day either hiking on the cliffs, playing in tidal pools or walking through the enchanted woodlands of Monhegan Island where fairy houses abound. This was a 12th year reunion from my last birding expedition on the island. I had always wanted to make a fairy house and so this year I had my wish come true as my 10 year old grand daughter was with me and wanted to built a suite for the fairies on the Cathedral Path.
The 1 and 1/2 hour boat ride over seemed endless. The rolling sea and rocking boat brought many of us to our knees. The phrase "sick as a dog" came true as the only dog aboard the Hardee Ferry got sick as we rolled into the harbour of Monhegan Island. The rest of us walked off the boat swaying side to side. Thank goodness the tulips were there in full bloom to welcome us. We meandered up the quiet roads and pathways of the island. No cars are allowed except for the businesses so you walk everywhere. Our house was atop a long hill. Birds were flitting all around me as they ate the insects tucked in the blossoms of the apple trees. This was a special weekend for birding as the warbler migration from south to north hits this island full tilt as they complete their passage of 1000's of miles to these northern limits. We spent our early mornings birding and then spent the rest of the day either hiking on the cliffs, playing in tidal pools or walking through the enchanted woodlands of Monhegan Island where fairy houses abound. This was a 12th year reunion from my last birding expedition on the island. I had always wanted to make a fairy house and so this year I had my wish come true as my 10 year old grand daughter was with me and wanted to built a suite for the fairies on the Cathedral Path.
Walks along the high cliffs allowed you to see nesting gulls and the eiders rolling back and forth on the sea as they rested from their deep dives between feedings on mollusks. The warblers zoomed in and out of the pines and apple trees eating up insects. This was their chance to fill up on insects in the early morning sun to have the energy to continue their migration north or just relax now that they had reached their destination. Monhegan island sits about 12 miles off the coast of Maine and is a green stopping point for this long warbler migration. Some folks took a boat ride to see the Puffins nesting on Egg Rock. Others explored the island by foot. Our last day here the birds were socked in by fog and rain so they made the best of their accommodations and spent yesterday and today feeding. This was a wonderful way to end my sabbatical travels with Ron.
Eric carle museum field trip
May 18 Amherst, Massachusetts Eric Carle Museum
Today I was able to take advantage of a beautiful sunny day to visit the Eric Carle Museum, something that has been on my bucket list for almost 8 years. I use Eric Carle's children books in my Spanish classes all year long. Eric Carle is an American illustrator and writer of childrens books. He is most famous for The Very Hungry Caterpillar. He is now 86 years young and about to have a birthday celebration on June 25. He resides in North Hampton, although he is originally from Syracuse,
New York. He and his wife Barbara (she died in February 2015) founded this museum in 2002 and devoted it to the art of the picture book. After exploring his art work, via a scavenger hunt in the gallery, I decided to stop in the art room to gather up ideas for my classes. The next thing I knew it was an hour later and I had created a biographical book, in Eric Carle's style, about my travels to Mexico. I will be sharing this with my students when I return in the fall.
Today I was able to take advantage of a beautiful sunny day to visit the Eric Carle Museum, something that has been on my bucket list for almost 8 years. I use Eric Carle's children books in my Spanish classes all year long. Eric Carle is an American illustrator and writer of childrens books. He is most famous for The Very Hungry Caterpillar. He is now 86 years young and about to have a birthday celebration on June 25. He resides in North Hampton, although he is originally from Syracuse,
New York. He and his wife Barbara (she died in February 2015) founded this museum in 2002 and devoted it to the art of the picture book. After exploring his art work, via a scavenger hunt in the gallery, I decided to stop in the art room to gather up ideas for my classes. The next thing I knew it was an hour later and I had created a biographical book, in Eric Carle's style, about my travels to Mexico. I will be sharing this with my students when I return in the fall.
Mexico nunca duerme (Mexico never sleeps)
April 26 Mexico City
I have arrived back in Mexico City with Ron after falling in love with it the first time back in October. I wanted to share my passion for the people and the feel of the parks, restaurants, and museums. There is this overall pride for their country (La Patria) that you can detect from every cab driver, hotel worker, dog walker or friend that I meet along the way. We stayed at Hotel Casa de Gonzalez in Zona Rosa and walked everywhere from there covering over 7 miles in one day. Our first day was spent taking in as many Diego Rivera murals as we could, visiting the National Anthropological Museum of Mexico (the largest and most visited museum in Mexico), and visiting the Templo Mayor where the last Aztec leader, Cuauhtemoc, fell to the Spanish conquerors in 1521.
I have arrived back in Mexico City with Ron after falling in love with it the first time back in October. I wanted to share my passion for the people and the feel of the parks, restaurants, and museums. There is this overall pride for their country (La Patria) that you can detect from every cab driver, hotel worker, dog walker or friend that I meet along the way. We stayed at Hotel Casa de Gonzalez in Zona Rosa and walked everywhere from there covering over 7 miles in one day. Our first day was spent taking in as many Diego Rivera murals as we could, visiting the National Anthropological Museum of Mexico (the largest and most visited museum in Mexico), and visiting the Templo Mayor where the last Aztec leader, Cuauhtemoc, fell to the Spanish conquerors in 1521.
La Zona Coyoacan
April 28 Mexico City
Ron and I spent the day walking all around the colonia Coyoacan, the neighborhood of Frida Khalo and her blue house (la Casa Azul). There were beautiful parks, delicious restaurants, and surprises around every little corner.
Ron and I spent the day walking all around the colonia Coyoacan, the neighborhood of Frida Khalo and her blue house (la Casa Azul). There were beautiful parks, delicious restaurants, and surprises around every little corner.
Verde, el camino de chiapas (Green, the path of Chiapas)
"El conocimiento es una necesidad que trae paz y dignidad." ("Knowledge is a necessity that brings peace and dignity")
April 30 - May 9 Chiapas, Mexico
The next stop was in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. It was a one and one half hour flight out of Mexico City. Bordering states are Oaxaca, Tabasco and Veracruz and the bordering country is Guatemala. "Green, the path of Chiapas" is written in graffiti on many walls of the buildings that you see as you drive through one mountain village after another. Ron and I arrived in San Cristobal de Las Casas after a one hour drive from the Tuxtla Gutierrez airport in Grijalva Valley. In the valley, the climate was hot and muggy. As we drove up and over the mountainous terrain, the air grew cooler and more comfortable. It seemed very polluted from all of the burning farmlands as the local farmers were getting ready for their planting season before the rainy season began. Ron and I could feel a difference in our breathing from the higher altitude and smoggy air. This part of our journey was to to take us to three archaeological zones, Bonampak, Yaxchilan, and Palenque along the Maya Route. We centered ourselves in a lovely house called Casa Rosada (a pink house at least 200 years olde) in the historic section of San Cristobal and we took our 4 day adventure and one day excursions from there. San Cristobal has a very international feel and is a gastronomical delight with food from countries from all over the world. Enjoy the sights and colors of this quiet and hidden beautiful Maya world.
April 30 - May 9 Chiapas, Mexico
The next stop was in the state of Chiapas, Mexico. It was a one and one half hour flight out of Mexico City. Bordering states are Oaxaca, Tabasco and Veracruz and the bordering country is Guatemala. "Green, the path of Chiapas" is written in graffiti on many walls of the buildings that you see as you drive through one mountain village after another. Ron and I arrived in San Cristobal de Las Casas after a one hour drive from the Tuxtla Gutierrez airport in Grijalva Valley. In the valley, the climate was hot and muggy. As we drove up and over the mountainous terrain, the air grew cooler and more comfortable. It seemed very polluted from all of the burning farmlands as the local farmers were getting ready for their planting season before the rainy season began. Ron and I could feel a difference in our breathing from the higher altitude and smoggy air. This part of our journey was to to take us to three archaeological zones, Bonampak, Yaxchilan, and Palenque along the Maya Route. We centered ourselves in a lovely house called Casa Rosada (a pink house at least 200 years olde) in the historic section of San Cristobal and we took our 4 day adventure and one day excursions from there. San Cristobal has a very international feel and is a gastronomical delight with food from countries from all over the world. Enjoy the sights and colors of this quiet and hidden beautiful Maya world.
Los pueblos de Zinacantan and San Juan chamula
Sumidero Canyon in Chiapa de Corzo
Street scenes in San Cristobal
San Cristobal was once the state capital of Chiapas when it was under Guatemalan rule. San Cristobal derives part of its name from Bartolome de Las Casas, the bishop sent to this region by the Spaniards to rebuild bridges with the indigenous local population. The city is situated 7,000 feet above sea level in a lush green valley known as the Joval Valley.
visitng the maya ARCHAEOLOGICAL sites in chiapas
May 4 - 7 Palenque, Bonampak, and Yaxchilan
Ron and I took a minivan tour along the Maya Route where we began walking the Maya ruins at Palenque near the border of Guatemala (c. A.D. 250). The rise of the Maya civilization begins in Guatemala, Honduras, and eastern Mexico. They did not have a capital city or single ruler. Instead, each city governed itself. The Maya dominated the Classic Period. By c. A.D. 850, the Maya civilization in the southern part of Mexico (where we visited) begins to fade. Over the next 200 years, Mayan control of northern Mexico is also waning. Battling empires emerge to take control of the region. By 1325, the Aztecs had found the city of Tenochtitlan (present-day Mexico City) on an island in Lake Texcoco.
Ron and I took a minivan tour along the Maya Route where we began walking the Maya ruins at Palenque near the border of Guatemala (c. A.D. 250). The rise of the Maya civilization begins in Guatemala, Honduras, and eastern Mexico. They did not have a capital city or single ruler. Instead, each city governed itself. The Maya dominated the Classic Period. By c. A.D. 850, the Maya civilization in the southern part of Mexico (where we visited) begins to fade. Over the next 200 years, Mayan control of northern Mexico is also waning. Battling empires emerge to take control of the region. By 1325, the Aztecs had found the city of Tenochtitlan (present-day Mexico City) on an island in Lake Texcoco.
Palenque
Bonampak
This is a smaller and more secluded Maya Ruin in the jungle that was very interconnected with Yaxchilan center, located on the Usumacinta River. It is known for its realistic painted murals of the elite, including the royal family. These murals tell tales of musicians, laborers, rights to the throne, social ceremonies, battles, taking prisoners, torturing them, and blood sacrifices. The original paint still exits on them.
This is a smaller and more secluded Maya Ruin in the jungle that was very interconnected with Yaxchilan center, located on the Usumacinta River. It is known for its realistic painted murals of the elite, including the royal family. These murals tell tales of musicians, laborers, rights to the throne, social ceremonies, battles, taking prisoners, torturing them, and blood sacrifices. The original paint still exits on them.
nYaxchilan
This Maya ruin is located on the Usumacinta River at the edge of the Lacandon jungle and was in control of commerce for all the local Maya sites in what is now Guatemala and Mexico. This is a major classic Maya center built along a terrace and hill along the river. There are more howler monkeys than people and we heard them shouting as we hiked on the temples as well as along the jungle paths. The temples are decorated with ornate stone and stucco and carved with scenes of ceremonies and conquests.
This Maya ruin is located on the Usumacinta River at the edge of the Lacandon jungle and was in control of commerce for all the local Maya sites in what is now Guatemala and Mexico. This is a major classic Maya center built along a terrace and hill along the river. There are more howler monkeys than people and we heard them shouting as we hiked on the temples as well as along the jungle paths. The temples are decorated with ornate stone and stucco and carved with scenes of ceremonies and conquests.
Lancandon Jungle
The Lacandon Jungle is an area of rainforest which stretches from Chiapas, Mexico into Guatemala and into the southern part of the Yucatán Peninsula. Ron and I spent a night and day there in one of the cabins that the indigenous people rent out to earn money through tourism. They offer a guide to lead walks and teach you about plants and their way of life. We were lucky enough to hike to Las Golondrinas, a beautiful waterfall, with clear baths for swimming.
The Lacandon Jungle is an area of rainforest which stretches from Chiapas, Mexico into Guatemala and into the southern part of the Yucatán Peninsula. Ron and I spent a night and day there in one of the cabins that the indigenous people rent out to earn money through tourism. They offer a guide to lead walks and teach you about plants and their way of life. We were lucky enough to hike to Las Golondrinas, a beautiful waterfall, with clear baths for swimming.
Leaving for chiapas, mexico on april 26
This trip will be taking Ron and me into smaller villages surrounding the major town of San Cristobal; population 185,900. Much of the town population is made up of ex-patriots from many different countries and also many indigenous people who come from their smaller villages in the surrounding mountains in order to sell their beautiful textiles. Each village is recognized by its clothing of varying colors and designs and also the way that the women braid their hair. There will be many new discoveries of this Mayan population.
The archaeological sites will take several hours to get to by bus from San Cristobal. The topography in this region of Mexico is very mountainous so we realize that we will be on some very exciting rides to get to many of our outlying villages. We hope to visit Palenque, Bonampak, and the Lacandon native people in the jungle very close to the Guatemala border.
Volunteering at MONIFF (Monandnock international film festival)
April 14 - 16
It has been a dream of mine to participate in a film festival ever since I was introduced to the Toronto Film Festival 20 years ago. Little did I know that Keene would be holding one of its own during my sabbatical time. This opportunity allowed me to fully participate in whatever capacity was needed to help before and during the airing of films from Thursday through Saturday evening. It also allowed me to view films of varying genres: features, shorts, documentaries, comedies,and animated movies. It was a great experience to meet other movie going fanatics in this region. I would say my favorite features were, "The Champions", "Jim: The James Foley Story", "Is That You?", "Born To Be Blue", "The Parker Tribe", and "Zulu Hoops". I have also decided I like shorts equal to or more than long featured movies. There were opportunities to meet the directors, film makers, editors, and local actors during panel discussions. My highlight was getting introduced to Cherry, one of The Champion dogs, that starred in the movie of the same name. He was one of the dogs rescued from the Michael Vick's dog fighting enterprise where I did my rescue work in February. Cherry was one of the friendliest and most loving dogs I have ever met. He is one of 51 dogs that were sequestered on April 25, 2002. He was one of the lucky ones to rise up from the despair of being in dogfights.
It has been a dream of mine to participate in a film festival ever since I was introduced to the Toronto Film Festival 20 years ago. Little did I know that Keene would be holding one of its own during my sabbatical time. This opportunity allowed me to fully participate in whatever capacity was needed to help before and during the airing of films from Thursday through Saturday evening. It also allowed me to view films of varying genres: features, shorts, documentaries, comedies,and animated movies. It was a great experience to meet other movie going fanatics in this region. I would say my favorite features were, "The Champions", "Jim: The James Foley Story", "Is That You?", "Born To Be Blue", "The Parker Tribe", and "Zulu Hoops". I have also decided I like shorts equal to or more than long featured movies. There were opportunities to meet the directors, film makers, editors, and local actors during panel discussions. My highlight was getting introduced to Cherry, one of The Champion dogs, that starred in the movie of the same name. He was one of the dogs rescued from the Michael Vick's dog fighting enterprise where I did my rescue work in February. Cherry was one of the friendliest and most loving dogs I have ever met. He is one of 51 dogs that were sequestered on April 25, 2002. He was one of the lucky ones to rise up from the despair of being in dogfights.
FINal classroom observation at peterborough elementary school
April 13
It felt like a welcome back party today in the Conval District as I bumped into many former colleagues from 8 years ago at Peterborough Elementary School. I was warmly welcomed into morning meeting by the fourth grade teacher, Amy Iwanowicz, and her students. Ms. Iwanowicz has been teaching for 17 years, most of that time either at Pine Hill Waldorf School or at The Well School in Peterborough. This is the beginning of her public school teaching adventure. Amy has a busy class of 18 students and you can see how well the responsive classroom techniques work with her students. Today was Narwhal Wednesday, an idea that came from the children. Amy hears their voices and responds to their excitement. The children move in and out of group circle to group work to individual work like a healthy, breathing organism. I am very impressed with how well the children work and respect each other in this class. The children obviously feel safe to share. They taught me several new games that I will use in my Spanish classroom: Sparkle, Round Robin with vocabulary instead of math, and an economics unit for when I teach about professions. Many art projects throughout the school building jumped out at me. There are 260 students, pre-school through 4th grade. After admiring a bulletin board made by the students on Luis Armstrong, "What A Wonderful World", I decided that our students will be doing one at our school. This time it will be translated into Spanish. "Kindness Matters" is a strong theme throughout the building and is represented on many walls and doors of the school. Thank you for letting me share some of my adventures with the students.
It felt like a welcome back party today in the Conval District as I bumped into many former colleagues from 8 years ago at Peterborough Elementary School. I was warmly welcomed into morning meeting by the fourth grade teacher, Amy Iwanowicz, and her students. Ms. Iwanowicz has been teaching for 17 years, most of that time either at Pine Hill Waldorf School or at The Well School in Peterborough. This is the beginning of her public school teaching adventure. Amy has a busy class of 18 students and you can see how well the responsive classroom techniques work with her students. Today was Narwhal Wednesday, an idea that came from the children. Amy hears their voices and responds to their excitement. The children move in and out of group circle to group work to individual work like a healthy, breathing organism. I am very impressed with how well the children work and respect each other in this class. The children obviously feel safe to share. They taught me several new games that I will use in my Spanish classroom: Sparkle, Round Robin with vocabulary instead of math, and an economics unit for when I teach about professions. Many art projects throughout the school building jumped out at me. There are 260 students, pre-school through 4th grade. After admiring a bulletin board made by the students on Luis Armstrong, "What A Wonderful World", I decided that our students will be doing one at our school. This time it will be translated into Spanish. "Kindness Matters" is a strong theme throughout the building and is represented on many walls and doors of the school. Thank you for letting me share some of my adventures with the students.
See the MOnadnock INternational Film Festival Schedule below
March 30 Keene
Dianna Costello, Executive Director of MONIFF, and Gary Brida, Board member, welcomed sponsors, volunteers, members, and film enthusiasts in the Monadnock region to the launch party at the Marriot Hotel for this year's film festival held at the Colonial Theater in Keene. We were all excited to see what the line up of movies would be this year. They had a short trailer for each movie to view at last night's launch party. Please, take a look at the schedule above to see if you can join us to enjoy independent cinema in our area. This schedule was narrowed down from viewing over 60 films in the last 3 months before they made it to this final list. I hope you can get to see "The Champions", a documentary on the stories of the rescued dogs from Michael Vick's dog fighting franchise in Smithfield, Virginia where I did my rescue work at Dogs Deserve Better last month. The movie trailer link is included here.
http://www.championsdocumentary.com/watch-the-trailer/
Dianna Costello, Executive Director of MONIFF, and Gary Brida, Board member, welcomed sponsors, volunteers, members, and film enthusiasts in the Monadnock region to the launch party at the Marriot Hotel for this year's film festival held at the Colonial Theater in Keene. We were all excited to see what the line up of movies would be this year. They had a short trailer for each movie to view at last night's launch party. Please, take a look at the schedule above to see if you can join us to enjoy independent cinema in our area. This schedule was narrowed down from viewing over 60 films in the last 3 months before they made it to this final list. I hope you can get to see "The Champions", a documentary on the stories of the rescued dogs from Michael Vick's dog fighting franchise in Smithfield, Virginia where I did my rescue work at Dogs Deserve Better last month. The movie trailer link is included here.
http://www.championsdocumentary.com/watch-the-trailer/
OUR sisters school in New Bedford, Massachusetts
March 23 New Bedford, Ma.
Welcome to Our Sisters School (OSS) an all girls private school located in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Sarah Herman, Head of School, welcomed me warmly with open arms and an open door. The school opened in 2008 as a tuition free school for all girls in grades 5 - 8 from low income families. The school has a total population of 68 students, 10 teachers, and 84% students of color. The mission of Our Sisters School is "to educate and inspire middle school girls from the Greater New Bedford area to reach their full potential in a safe, supportive and challenging environment." The school is named after a bold, brave woman called Sister Sailors who joined expeditions on whaling ships in the early 1800's. Sarah Herman, Head of School, has been an acquaintance of mine from 28 years ago when I worked at Interlocken in Windsor, NH with her Dad and the family. I networked with Adriana Vicente, the Spanish teacher of OSS, in September, 2015 and now I have come to the school to observe what makes this school work so well with this population of young women. I want to thank all of the teachers that opened up their classrooms, their students, and inspiring ideas to me. It was an honor for me to present as a community speaker to the entire school body on "Sabbaticals" and how to take "burn out" and make it a positive part of your life. Thank you to Mr. Diaz, Ms. Wohl, Ms. Winnick, Ms. Mitchel, Ms. Rapoza, Ms. Vicente, Ms. Jones, and Ms. Wood. You inspire your students to want to learn.
Welcome to Our Sisters School (OSS) an all girls private school located in New Bedford, Massachusetts. Sarah Herman, Head of School, welcomed me warmly with open arms and an open door. The school opened in 2008 as a tuition free school for all girls in grades 5 - 8 from low income families. The school has a total population of 68 students, 10 teachers, and 84% students of color. The mission of Our Sisters School is "to educate and inspire middle school girls from the Greater New Bedford area to reach their full potential in a safe, supportive and challenging environment." The school is named after a bold, brave woman called Sister Sailors who joined expeditions on whaling ships in the early 1800's. Sarah Herman, Head of School, has been an acquaintance of mine from 28 years ago when I worked at Interlocken in Windsor, NH with her Dad and the family. I networked with Adriana Vicente, the Spanish teacher of OSS, in September, 2015 and now I have come to the school to observe what makes this school work so well with this population of young women. I want to thank all of the teachers that opened up their classrooms, their students, and inspiring ideas to me. It was an honor for me to present as a community speaker to the entire school body on "Sabbaticals" and how to take "burn out" and make it a positive part of your life. Thank you to Mr. Diaz, Ms. Wohl, Ms. Winnick, Ms. Mitchel, Ms. Rapoza, Ms. Vicente, Ms. Jones, and Ms. Wood. You inspire your students to want to learn.
Some of the inside details of Ms. Wohl's Humanities class brings great ideas into better understanding of indigenous people in our world, a topic I work with in looking at other cultures in our Spanish classroom. Ms. Wohl had two great questions on her classroom wall...KNOW YOURSELF: Who am I? How can literacy help me understand myself and others? and KNOW YOUR WORLD: How do people adapt to their environment? Her lesson on mapping will be coming into my classroom. Ms. Winnick was teaching a literacy class with "To Kill A Mockingbird." The 8th grade students were discussing lynching from the past and comparing it to present day situations with Michael Brown in Ferguson, Missouri. These young women were able to express themselves so well on this sensitive topic. Ms. Winnick was able to lead the discussion with great open minded questions. Habits of Mind was part of the discussion in Ms. Jones' class. These young people were having an eye opening experience watching a video on illusions and trying to figure things out within their own minds. So much food for thought today. Check out the illusion video used in Ms. Jones' class today. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-IWk5NkxQF8
"to accomplish great things, we must not only act,
but also dream, not only plan, but also believe" Anatole France
March madness: Curriculum development month
Spring, March
What do Ancient Mesoamerican Archaeology, Fair Trade Global Exchange Chocolate, Children's Literature, and Mexican Virtual Art Gallery and Movie Media Podcasts all have in common? They will be coming to the Spanish classroom this fall, 2016. I have been researching and collecting a new library of literature for children in Kindergarten through the 8th Grade.
(Some examples are Abuela's Weave, The Honey Jar, A Movie in My Pillow, Harvesting Hope, Frida, Diego,and Mayeros: A Yucatec Maya Family, just to name a few) There is a fantastic exploratory curriculum that focuses on writing and art that goes along with these books through Tulane University in Louisiana. It is through Tulane that I have also discovered a great unit of activities and information on "Signs of Change in Contemporary Maya: K - 12 curriculum", "Maya: Past and Present" for elementary classes, and "Mesoamerica: Geographic and Environmental Characteristics". Go on your own exploration of the Mesoamerican world through a few of the websites posted here. Enjoy the travel journey to ancient civilizations as I have when traveling to Mexico this year and visiting many Aztec and Maya ruins and indigenous cultures still trying to survive in contemporary society. I want to publicly thank Paula Ceranowicz for helping me out for many hours on creating a movie media podcast.
http://theancientweb.com/explore/americas/mexico/
http://latino.si.edu/dayofthedead/
http://theancientweb.com/explore/americas/guatemala/
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/map-of-the-maya-world.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99foDilswZA
What do Ancient Mesoamerican Archaeology, Fair Trade Global Exchange Chocolate, Children's Literature, and Mexican Virtual Art Gallery and Movie Media Podcasts all have in common? They will be coming to the Spanish classroom this fall, 2016. I have been researching and collecting a new library of literature for children in Kindergarten through the 8th Grade.
(Some examples are Abuela's Weave, The Honey Jar, A Movie in My Pillow, Harvesting Hope, Frida, Diego,and Mayeros: A Yucatec Maya Family, just to name a few) There is a fantastic exploratory curriculum that focuses on writing and art that goes along with these books through Tulane University in Louisiana. It is through Tulane that I have also discovered a great unit of activities and information on "Signs of Change in Contemporary Maya: K - 12 curriculum", "Maya: Past and Present" for elementary classes, and "Mesoamerica: Geographic and Environmental Characteristics". Go on your own exploration of the Mesoamerican world through a few of the websites posted here. Enjoy the travel journey to ancient civilizations as I have when traveling to Mexico this year and visiting many Aztec and Maya ruins and indigenous cultures still trying to survive in contemporary society. I want to publicly thank Paula Ceranowicz for helping me out for many hours on creating a movie media podcast.
http://theancientweb.com/explore/americas/mexico/
http://latino.si.edu/dayofthedead/
http://theancientweb.com/explore/americas/guatemala/
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/ancient/map-of-the-maya-world.html https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=99foDilswZA
Monadnock International Film Festival
April 14 - 16 Keene, NH
There is an exciting event taking place in Keene, NH. It has been going on since 2012. This will be my first year volunteering my time with the organization. I hope you can find some time to visit their website. The festival takes place from April 14 - 16.
http://www.moniff.org/
The following is their mission statement:
To celebrate independent films and expose our audiences to diverse cultures, points of view and compelling stories from around the world that will enlighten, engage and entertain.
The Monadnock International Film Festival is a three-day event held every April that showcases high quality independent cinema from filmmakers here at home and around the world. MONIFF offers feature length narrative and documentary films as well as shorts, and gives audiences the opportunity to interface with filmmakers and industry experts through post screening Q&A’s and lively panel discussions.
The highlight of the festival every year is the presentation of the Jonathan Daniels Award, given to a filmmaker whose work fuses social and/or political awareness with artistic excellence, and encompasses Jonathan Daniels courage by telling stories of hope, redemption, and the triumph of the human spirit. Brian Oakes will receive the honor after a screening of his film Saturday, April 16. This NH native who directed a film about his friend, murdered journalist James Foley, is this year’s recipient of the Jonathan Daniels Award at the Monadnock International Film Festival. I hope to see some of you there this year.
There is an exciting event taking place in Keene, NH. It has been going on since 2012. This will be my first year volunteering my time with the organization. I hope you can find some time to visit their website. The festival takes place from April 14 - 16.
http://www.moniff.org/
The following is their mission statement:
To celebrate independent films and expose our audiences to diverse cultures, points of view and compelling stories from around the world that will enlighten, engage and entertain.
The Monadnock International Film Festival is a three-day event held every April that showcases high quality independent cinema from filmmakers here at home and around the world. MONIFF offers feature length narrative and documentary films as well as shorts, and gives audiences the opportunity to interface with filmmakers and industry experts through post screening Q&A’s and lively panel discussions.
The highlight of the festival every year is the presentation of the Jonathan Daniels Award, given to a filmmaker whose work fuses social and/or political awareness with artistic excellence, and encompasses Jonathan Daniels courage by telling stories of hope, redemption, and the triumph of the human spirit. Brian Oakes will receive the honor after a screening of his film Saturday, April 16. This NH native who directed a film about his friend, murdered journalist James Foley, is this year’s recipient of the Jonathan Daniels Award at the Monadnock International Film Festival. I hope to see some of you there this year.
FUnd raiser for dogs deserve better in smithfield, virginia
"Be glad of LIFE because it gives you the chance to LOVE, and to WORK, and to PLAY and to look up at the STARS." Henry Van Dyke
March 1
Now that I am back at the homestead in Hancock, New Hampshire I have the time to reflect on what these last two months have offered to me. It has been a busy and joyous time of travel and also an opportunity to open my heart to a world outside of my normal life, the never-ending work of dog rescue. Dogs Deserve Better has opened my heart to helping the many penned and chained dogs from all over our country. Their reputation is well known from the west coast to the east. I am committed to this advocacy group dedicated to bringing dogs penned in and off of chains and into the home and family. In the next week you will receive a donation envelope in your mailbox. Please consider donating any amount in the addressed envelope to dogsdeservebetter. They are a non profit and need as much assistance as they can receive. Feel free to visit them in person or on line at http://dogsdeservebetter.org/
Now that I am back at the homestead in Hancock, New Hampshire I have the time to reflect on what these last two months have offered to me. It has been a busy and joyous time of travel and also an opportunity to open my heart to a world outside of my normal life, the never-ending work of dog rescue. Dogs Deserve Better has opened my heart to helping the many penned and chained dogs from all over our country. Their reputation is well known from the west coast to the east. I am committed to this advocacy group dedicated to bringing dogs penned in and off of chains and into the home and family. In the next week you will receive a donation envelope in your mailbox. Please consider donating any amount in the addressed envelope to dogsdeservebetter. They are a non profit and need as much assistance as they can receive. Feel free to visit them in person or on line at http://dogsdeservebetter.org/
Here is my "personal" Lucky story. I was able to start his heart to healing and trusting in the 10 days I was working there.
"...A woman's dog led her to the back of her property barking. She went back into the woods a bit to the fence line and there was a dog chained to the fence. She knew it was the next door neighbors who had recently moved in. Here are her words...
The beginning. A new tenant moved in next door to our house in Enfield, NC and chained Lucky to our rear fence. We have 4 acres that are wooded so I did not see him until our dog kept going back there and whining for me to follow. I then saw Lucky chained to the fence and he had no food or water and no covering and it was snowing (the recent blizzard). We have a "no tethering" law in Enfield so I called the police. They gave a citation to the owner and told him to remove Lucky and bring him inside. The owner said he would do this but I checked on him all night and he was outside and continued to be outside for the next 6 days: in the rain, snow, the hail, and the ice storm that followed. The only food I ever saw him get was a bag of Cheetos that were thrown too far away from his chain to even get them......continued below...
"...A woman's dog led her to the back of her property barking. She went back into the woods a bit to the fence line and there was a dog chained to the fence. She knew it was the next door neighbors who had recently moved in. Here are her words...
The beginning. A new tenant moved in next door to our house in Enfield, NC and chained Lucky to our rear fence. We have 4 acres that are wooded so I did not see him until our dog kept going back there and whining for me to follow. I then saw Lucky chained to the fence and he had no food or water and no covering and it was snowing (the recent blizzard). We have a "no tethering" law in Enfield so I called the police. They gave a citation to the owner and told him to remove Lucky and bring him inside. The owner said he would do this but I checked on him all night and he was outside and continued to be outside for the next 6 days: in the rain, snow, the hail, and the ice storm that followed. The only food I ever saw him get was a bag of Cheetos that were thrown too far away from his chain to even get them......continued below...
...I called the police every day. They gave the owner a 2nd citation. I called the mayor, commissioners, the sheriff and the Halifax Shelter. The shelter came and removed him immediately from the owner. The shelter director said Lucky is only scared. He did not fight when he removed him from the home nor bite nor balk about being in the kennel. I, too, had fed him by hand through the fence in my yard. He took the food from my fingers very gently. He was scared but not aggressive toward me, only frightened of any noise. The rest is history. The shelter got him in NC. They had so many animals he was at risk to get euthanized if no one got him. Dogs Deserve Better picked him up immediately and he was saved."
Lucky is now part of everyone's heart at Dogs Deserve Better. I hope you can help with a donation for Lucky and all the others. Look for that envelope coming in your mailbox soon. THANKS!
Lucky is now part of everyone's heart at Dogs Deserve Better. I hope you can help with a donation for Lucky and all the others. Look for that envelope coming in your mailbox soon. THANKS!
Field Trip to Jamestown and Yorktown, Virginia
February 20 Jamestown, Va. and Yorktown, Va.
Saturday I decided to take a break from the exciting roller coaster world of the lives of dogs to visit an important part of our revolutionary history: Historic Jamestown and the Yorktown Battlefield where the British surrendered to George Washington in October of 1781. One of the most interesting parts of the history/herstory was learning about the blending of three cultures and the habits of each: The Powhatan Native Americans, The British, and the African slaves taken in from the country of Ndongo. The Jamestown Historical Museum has a very extensive exhibit on the history from 1607 - 1700's. One of the exhibits allowed the visitor to listen to a native speaker from each of the three cultures. Even the Olde English was difficult to understand.
Saturday I decided to take a break from the exciting roller coaster world of the lives of dogs to visit an important part of our revolutionary history: Historic Jamestown and the Yorktown Battlefield where the British surrendered to George Washington in October of 1781. One of the most interesting parts of the history/herstory was learning about the blending of three cultures and the habits of each: The Powhatan Native Americans, The British, and the African slaves taken in from the country of Ndongo. The Jamestown Historical Museum has a very extensive exhibit on the history from 1607 - 1700's. One of the exhibits allowed the visitor to listen to a native speaker from each of the three cultures. Even the Olde English was difficult to understand.
Jamestown
This is a walking tour through the history of the first British Colony settlement in Jamestown, Virginia.
This is a walking tour through the history of the first British Colony settlement in Jamestown, Virginia.
Battlefield in Yorktown National Park Service
I took a 20 mile bike tour through the history of the surrender of the British in the American Revolution in 1781.
I took a 20 mile bike tour through the history of the surrender of the British in the American Revolution in 1781.
Associate JUSTICE OF THE supreme COurt to the united states March 11,1936 - FebruRY 13, 2016
life at dogsdeservebetter in smithfield, virginia
"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated" Ghandi
"saving one dog will not change the world,
but for that one dog the world will be forever changed."
February 17 dogsdeservebetter
I have arrived at the dog rescue and rehab center. This is an experience in understanding how animals can survive a tortured life and come back to trusting and loving human beings once again. There are many great lessons to learn from these dogs. The main one is having hope that one day you can rise above the despair. I am living with 13 dogs in Micheal Vick's former mansion. (Micheal Vick was the former quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons back in 2007). Micheal grew up in Surry, Virginia where he was raised on dog fighting since the age of seven. By the time he was quarterback and a millionaire, he bought 16 acres of land on a back road and built three out buildings (small barns) on a piece of property for raising, training, fighting, torturing and killing the dogs when he was finished using them in the dog fights. The typical breed of dogs was a Pit Bull type. Micheal got this dog fighting business licensed as a kennel under the name of Bad Newz Kennels. In 2007, he was reported as having a dog fighting empire (which is illegal) and a law enforcement agency raided his property. By now he had built a $1,000,000 mansion. All 61 dogs that were alive were taken away and most of them were brought to rescue centers in various states. A few needed to be euthanized. At present, Good Newz Rehab for Chained and Penned Dogs has transformed the place into a home where dogs run freely and enjoy the best of life; love, food, warmth, security, and a place where they can learn how to become a dog again so that they can be adopted out. Dogsdeservebetter is part of this organization that trains and vet the rescued dogs and ready them for a new life inside as part of a family. I am living in the mansion surrounded by the snores, sighs, and smiles of dogs that are getting ready for adoption. I walk them, clean the yards, learn how to click train them, and just love them up all day long. I feel gifted to feel the peace that now reins in this mansion rather than the holocaust of dogs that took place here for at least 6 years. Below is a slide show of the many lives I get to be a part of every day.
I have arrived at the dog rescue and rehab center. This is an experience in understanding how animals can survive a tortured life and come back to trusting and loving human beings once again. There are many great lessons to learn from these dogs. The main one is having hope that one day you can rise above the despair. I am living with 13 dogs in Micheal Vick's former mansion. (Micheal Vick was the former quarterback of the Atlanta Falcons back in 2007). Micheal grew up in Surry, Virginia where he was raised on dog fighting since the age of seven. By the time he was quarterback and a millionaire, he bought 16 acres of land on a back road and built three out buildings (small barns) on a piece of property for raising, training, fighting, torturing and killing the dogs when he was finished using them in the dog fights. The typical breed of dogs was a Pit Bull type. Micheal got this dog fighting business licensed as a kennel under the name of Bad Newz Kennels. In 2007, he was reported as having a dog fighting empire (which is illegal) and a law enforcement agency raided his property. By now he had built a $1,000,000 mansion. All 61 dogs that were alive were taken away and most of them were brought to rescue centers in various states. A few needed to be euthanized. At present, Good Newz Rehab for Chained and Penned Dogs has transformed the place into a home where dogs run freely and enjoy the best of life; love, food, warmth, security, and a place where they can learn how to become a dog again so that they can be adopted out. Dogsdeservebetter is part of this organization that trains and vet the rescued dogs and ready them for a new life inside as part of a family. I am living in the mansion surrounded by the snores, sighs, and smiles of dogs that are getting ready for adoption. I walk them, clean the yards, learn how to click train them, and just love them up all day long. I feel gifted to feel the peace that now reins in this mansion rather than the holocaust of dogs that took place here for at least 6 years. Below is a slide show of the many lives I get to be a part of every day.
Meet the staff at Dogs deserve better
meet my canine friends
Photos of the Good Newz Kennel property http://dogsdeservebetter.org/
peaceful gratitude
February 14 Tybee Island Retreat
I have returned to my friend's home, Hamilton Lankford, on Tybee Island as I end my journey in Florida and begin another in Virginia. Hamp is not here, but has generously offered his home and a peaceful place to be with myself. I drive north on Monday towards Dogsdeservebetter, a rescue and rehabilitation center for fenced-in and chained dogs, to volunteer my time and passion for caring for animals in need. They are located in Smithfield, Virginia. I hope to bring positive changes to the lives of animals and their owners. Please take a look at the link below. http://dogsdeservebetter.org/
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Martin Luther King, jr.
Black History Month
February 13 Savannah, Georgia
Today I took the opportunity to visit the Civil Rights Museum in Savannah, Georgia. The museum is named in honor of the late Dr. Ralph Mark Gilbert, Father of Savannah's Civil Rights Movement and a fearless NAACP leader. He served as the pastor of the Historic First African Baptist Church in Savannah for over 16 years in the 1930's and 40's. He served as president of the NAACP and led the fight to end the white Democratic Primary. He died in 1956 leaving a legacy of outstanding educational, religious, political, and social leadership in Savannah and throughout Georgia.
Today I took the opportunity to visit the Civil Rights Museum in Savannah, Georgia. The museum is named in honor of the late Dr. Ralph Mark Gilbert, Father of Savannah's Civil Rights Movement and a fearless NAACP leader. He served as the pastor of the Historic First African Baptist Church in Savannah for over 16 years in the 1930's and 40's. He served as president of the NAACP and led the fight to end the white Democratic Primary. He died in 1956 leaving a legacy of outstanding educational, religious, political, and social leadership in Savannah and throughout Georgia.
I learned about the peaceful Savannah Boycott that lasted for 16 months (from March 16, 1960 to June 1961). Savannah was one of the few cities that maintained peaceful boycotts and sit-ins while other cities around the south were involved in riotous upheavals. Many Black Americans went to jail after trying to get served at lunch counters that were marked "whites only." They stopped shopping in local businesses which eventually put them out of business. In 1963, there finally was the integration in the Savannah school system; one year before the civil rights act was passed by President Lyndon B. Johnson. It was an odd feeling using a bathroom at the museum marked "Whites Only" or "Blacks Only" and to sit at a lunch counter and have a waitress talk to me as if I were a Black American.
February 13 Sage turns 13 years young today
"do not go where the path may lead. go instead where there is no path and leave a trail" from Amish community
January 25 - February 5
I have just returned to my parents' home in Delray Beach after a 10 day excursion throughout Florida. I spent most of my time on the Gulf Coast exploring the creeks and river of Chassahowitzka Wildlife Management area by kayak and bicycle, the Withlacoochee River region by bicycle and The Prairie Basin region of Gainsville by biking and hiking. All three areas offered a distinct habitat and ecosystems which allowed me to observe different plants and animals in the area. Some were very elusive like the armadillo and the Florida Black Bear (sub species of the American Black Bear). But others, like the West Indian Manatees, allowed me the opportunity to scratch their noses when they came up for a breath of air. The playfulness and trust of these underwater creatures were some of the highlights of my trip. The other highlight came when I was biking around the Bolen Cliff Trail in Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park and an alligator was there lying across my bike path. I decided to turn around and reverse the loop trail right then and there. I would observe the prairie river basin from another viewpoint.
The Power of Travel Andrew McCarthy
"The very act of setting out is one of the most optimistic things I know of. By landing in a place where we know no one, we are saying to the world, "receive us, we make ourselves open to you". We are innocents again. And in that innocence, the world and our place in it are available for rediscovery."
The Power of Travel Andrew McCarthy
"The very act of setting out is one of the most optimistic things I know of. By landing in a place where we know no one, we are saying to the world, "receive us, we make ourselves open to you". We are innocents again. And in that innocence, the world and our place in it are available for rediscovery."
Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park
This preserve is a geological wonder. It is a wetland that contains creeks, ponds, swamps, and underlying ground water. It is 20 miles long and 8 miles wide (over 121,000 acres). The water travels through the watershed and across the prairie to Alachua Sink. I was able to bike in several different areas and take in the enormity of this landscape from many vantage points. This was probably one of my favorite destinations on this 10 day biking adventure.
This preserve is a geological wonder. It is a wetland that contains creeks, ponds, swamps, and underlying ground water. It is 20 miles long and 8 miles wide (over 121,000 acres). The water travels through the watershed and across the prairie to Alachua Sink. I was able to bike in several different areas and take in the enormity of this landscape from many vantage points. This was probably one of my favorite destinations on this 10 day biking adventure.
Paynes Prairie sinkhole
Florida is built on limestone. Sinkholes develop when the surface soils collapse into large cavities that have developed in underlying limestone bedrock. The cavities usually form small cavities created by dissolving limestone. This may eventually form a huge cavern when the ceiling collapses under the weight of the earth above it. The result is a sink hole.
Florida is built on limestone. Sinkholes develop when the surface soils collapse into large cavities that have developed in underlying limestone bedrock. The cavities usually form small cavities created by dissolving limestone. This may eventually form a huge cavern when the ceiling collapses under the weight of the earth above it. The result is a sink hole.
Devils Millhopper Geological State Park
This is a National Natural Landmark that has been noticed since the 1880's. Fossilized shark teeth, marine shells, and fossilized animal remains have been discovered in this huge sink hole. It is 120 feet deep and 500 feet across. The name is derived from its funnel-like shape, which resembles a "hopper" that was used to funnel grain onto a millstone in a water-powered gristmill.
This is a National Natural Landmark that has been noticed since the 1880's. Fossilized shark teeth, marine shells, and fossilized animal remains have been discovered in this huge sink hole. It is 120 feet deep and 500 feet across. The name is derived from its funnel-like shape, which resembles a "hopper" that was used to funnel grain onto a millstone in a water-powered gristmill.
"The world is but a canvas to our imagination"
January 26 The Gulf Coast of Florida
My first stop was in Charlotte Harbor (Punta Gorda) where a family member, Brenda Sisk, opened up her home to me for a travel base site. This was the best situation that could be offered to me as the temperatures were in the 50's and it rained for almost three days. Brenda works for the Charlotte County Parks of Florida. She was a great source for letting me know where to find birds and natural places of interest (Cedar Point and Tippecanoe Environmental Park). Somewhere in between the raindrops and wearing my neck warmer and a winter cap, I was able to take in some great birding (sand hill cranes) and bicycle rail trails along the Pioneer Trail and the Legacy Trail. I was also introduced to the southwest Florida Eagle nest live camera in Fort Myers (nearby) and watched two eaglets hatch on the anniversary of the Shuttle explosion on January 28.
http://dickpritchettrealestate.com/eagle-feed.html
My first stop was in Charlotte Harbor (Punta Gorda) where a family member, Brenda Sisk, opened up her home to me for a travel base site. This was the best situation that could be offered to me as the temperatures were in the 50's and it rained for almost three days. Brenda works for the Charlotte County Parks of Florida. She was a great source for letting me know where to find birds and natural places of interest (Cedar Point and Tippecanoe Environmental Park). Somewhere in between the raindrops and wearing my neck warmer and a winter cap, I was able to take in some great birding (sand hill cranes) and bicycle rail trails along the Pioneer Trail and the Legacy Trail. I was also introduced to the southwest Florida Eagle nest live camera in Fort Myers (nearby) and watched two eaglets hatch on the anniversary of the Shuttle explosion on January 28.
http://dickpritchettrealestate.com/eagle-feed.html
The Space Shuttle Challenger disaster occurred on January 28, 1986, when the NASA Space Shuttle orbiter Challenger broke apart 73 seconds into its flight, leading to the deaths of its seven crew members. Approximately 17% of Americans witnessed the launch live because of the presence of Payload Specialist Christa McAuliffe, who would have been the first teacher in space. Ms. McAuliffe was from Concord, New Hampshire. I was teaching science at Jaffrey Middle School in that moment and the students and I watched it on TV. Where were you?
This is a 46 mile paved rail trail that is covered with people walking, biking, and using roller blades. This old railroad bed takes you by towns and historic sites (Fort Cooper, e.g.) that educate you about the history of the Spaniards, the peak of the Seminoles and the ending of their culture as they knew it during the pre-civil war era. I loved the murals in honor of my labs.
The Aztec Green Corn Dance Ceremony in Mexico
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sQMRGELhgA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2sQMRGELhgA
Chassahowitzka Wildlife Refuge
The Chassahowitzka National Wildlife Refuge is part of the United States National Wildlife Refuge System, located on the west coast of Florida. It is comprised of over 31,000 acres of saltwater bays, estuaries and brackish marshes at the mouth of the Chassahowitzka River. The refuge, located approximately 65 miles north of St. Petersburg, was established primarily to protect waterfowl habitat and is home to over 250 species of birds, over 50 species of reptiles and amphibians, and at least 25 different species of mammals, including the endangered West Indian Manatee.
Peace River Wildlife Center
The Peace River Wildlife Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the care, preservation and protection of Charlotte County's native wildlife. THE MISSION of the Peace River Wildlife Center is to treat and rehabilitate injured and orphaned native Florida wildlife (except venomous snakes) and, if possible, to return them to the wild. If they cannot be returned to their natural habitat due to sustained non life-threatening physical limitations, a permanent home shall be provided by the Center. We also seek to inform the public about native Florida wildlife and how to co-exist with these beautiful creatures successfully through formal educational outreach activities.
The Peace River Wildlife Center is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the care, preservation and protection of Charlotte County's native wildlife. THE MISSION of the Peace River Wildlife Center is to treat and rehabilitate injured and orphaned native Florida wildlife (except venomous snakes) and, if possible, to return them to the wild. If they cannot be returned to their natural habitat due to sustained non life-threatening physical limitations, a permanent home shall be provided by the Center. We also seek to inform the public about native Florida wildlife and how to co-exist with these beautiful creatures successfully through formal educational outreach activities.
Rail Trails in Punta Gorda and in Venice, near Sarasota
(Pioneer Haze Trail and the Legacy Trail)
(Pioneer Haze Trail and the Legacy Trail)
National Wildlife Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island
The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is known for its abundant bird life. The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife refuge is part of the United States National Wildlife Refuge System, located in southwestern Florida, on Sanibel Island in the Gulf of Mexico. It is named for the cartoonist Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling.
The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge is known for its abundant bird life. The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife refuge is part of the United States National Wildlife Refuge System, located in southwestern Florida, on Sanibel Island in the Gulf of Mexico. It is named for the cartoonist Jay Norwood "Ding" Darling.
Gratitude, don't panic, the time is always now, everything is going to be amazing
This is a quote by Peter Tunney, the famous New York graffiti and street artist, 1961.
January 25 Wynwood Walls Miama , Florida
This artistic project was started in 2009 by Tony Goldman. Tony wanted to transform the warehouse district of Wynwood. He saw the stock of warehouse buildings and thought that they would be his giant canvases and bring to them the greatest art ever seen in one place. It became Tony's committment to graffiti and street art. The Wynwood Walls have brought the world's greatest artists working in the graffiti and street art genre to Miami. |
GREAT FLORIDA BIRDING TRAIL
The Great Florida Birding and Wildlife Trail is a 2,000-mile, self-guided highway trail that connects and unifies 515 birding and wildlife viewing sites throughout Florida. There are nine "gateway" sites at exceptional birding locations. It introduces visitors, like me, to exceptional areas for birding. For example, the great blue heron photo to the left was taken at one of these specific birding locations at Fort Mose. Each gateway has a special kiosk with bird watching tips for beginners and introductory information regarding the trail. For the next few weeks I will be driving to, biking along, and hiking in many of these special birding sites in the Charlotte Harbor area (Punta Gorda and Sanibel Island) as well as Crystal River (Homosassa Springs Wildlife State Park) and the Paynes Preserve State Park in the Micanopy area of Florida.
seacrest scrub natureal area Boynton Beach, Florida
January 25 Boynton Beach, Florida
This natural area has two native ecosystems, scrub and scrubby flatwoods, which support a large population of gopher tortoises. The 54 acres used to be used for the cultivation of pineapples and fruit trees in the early 1900's. Now it is a natural area surrounded by residential communities.
This natural area has two native ecosystems, scrub and scrubby flatwoods, which support a large population of gopher tortoises. The 54 acres used to be used for the cultivation of pineapples and fruit trees in the early 1900's. Now it is a natural area surrounded by residential communities.
Wakodahatchee wetlands Delray Beach, Florida
January 25 Delray Beach, Florida
green cay Delray Beach, Florida
January 24 Delray Beach, Florida
St. Augustine, Florida Ancient City: first colonial city on our continent
January 17 - 18 St. Augustine, Florida The first permanent European, African, Native American settlement on US mainland
The Timucua was an American Indian group who lived in Northeast and North Central Florida and southeast Georgia. The Timucua may have been the first American Indians to see the landing of Juan Ponce de León near St. Augustine in 1513. Ponce de Leon was one of the first Europeans known to have explored the Coast of Florida. He was a Spanish explorer and governor of Puerto Rico and named the peninsula "La Florida" (flowery) and claimed it for Spain.
St. Augustine was founded on September 8, 1565 by the Spanish admiral and Florida's first governor, Pedro Menendez de Aviles. He named it San Agustin as his ships first sighted land on August 28, 1565, the Feast Day of St. Augustine. The city served as the capital of Spanish Florida for over 200 years. It changed hands a few times, temporarily, between Spain and Britain.
Fort Mose was the first legally sanctioned community of formally enslaved people and it was used as a defense to the north of St. Augustine. Ancient settlements already existed in Florida in the 1500's created by Spanish conquistadors, British slave traders, French Huguenots and the Africans that arrived with them. The Fort Caroline settlement was north of St. Augustine and consisted of free Africans (Mandinga, Mina, Congo, and Carabali tribes from Africa). As Eurpean settlements grew along this coast to the north, British colonialists owned plantations with slave labor. By 1687, enslaved people escaped from British colonies and made their way to the Spanish colony in St. Augustine where they earned their freedom. By 1738, there were enough freed slaves to establish Fort Mose. The first fort was destroyed and a second one built. You can see where it was located in the photo off the front of the boardwalk. Land forms and water routes have changed dramatically from over 500 years ago.
Saint Augustine history records show that several ships made their way to St. Augustine with captive Africans. This was one of the major ports of the Middle Passage, the grueling journey of enslaved people from Africa to ports all over the world. The Minorcans, some 1300 people of Mediterranean origins, were brought to Florida to farm large indigo plantations. Many came from the island of Minorca off of the east coast of Spain.
Saint Augustine history records show that several ships made their way to St. Augustine with captive Africans. This was one of the major ports of the Middle Passage, the grueling journey of enslaved people from Africa to ports all over the world. The Minorcans, some 1300 people of Mediterranean origins, were brought to Florida to farm large indigo plantations. Many came from the island of Minorca off of the east coast of Spain.
Nombre de dios missionary
Pedro Menendez founded the first missionary at St. Augustine and this is the place where many Native Americans and Freed Africans swore themselves to the Faith of a European God. The cross is made of stainless steel and towers 208 feet above the Matanzas (slaughters) marshes.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration January 18, 2016
"Rosa sat...Obama ran...so we could fly"
January 18 St. Augustine, Florida
Ron and I happened to be visiting St. Augustine, Florida on the weekend of MLK, JR. celebration. We had no idea that when we were visiting Dr. Hayling's dentist office that we were standing in the midst of an area of this ancient city that was surging with activism during the civil rights movement with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Andrew Young. Andrew Young was the civil rights leader who was brutally beaten when he led a peaceful march to La Plaza de la Constitucion in the center of St. Augustine on
June 9, 1964. After national press coverage of the protests the Civil Rights Act Vote came into being on July 2, 1964.
In 1960, Dr. Hayling moved to St. Augustine from his birthplace in Tallahassee and opened his practice in the dental office that had been built by the late Rudolph Gordon. It was the first medical or dental office built in the Ancient City without racially segregated waiting rooms. It was in this very office where Dr. King spent many evenings planning events with other leaders and activists. Ron and I spent the morning singing, marching, clapping, and filling our hearts and minds with memories from 60 years ago as we marched down the same route as the activists did to the Plaza de la Constitucion.
Ron and I happened to be visiting St. Augustine, Florida on the weekend of MLK, JR. celebration. We had no idea that when we were visiting Dr. Hayling's dentist office that we were standing in the midst of an area of this ancient city that was surging with activism during the civil rights movement with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Andrew Young. Andrew Young was the civil rights leader who was brutally beaten when he led a peaceful march to La Plaza de la Constitucion in the center of St. Augustine on
June 9, 1964. After national press coverage of the protests the Civil Rights Act Vote came into being on July 2, 1964.
In 1960, Dr. Hayling moved to St. Augustine from his birthplace in Tallahassee and opened his practice in the dental office that had been built by the late Rudolph Gordon. It was the first medical or dental office built in the Ancient City without racially segregated waiting rooms. It was in this very office where Dr. King spent many evenings planning events with other leaders and activists. Ron and I spent the morning singing, marching, clapping, and filling our hearts and minds with memories from 60 years ago as we marched down the same route as the activists did to the Plaza de la Constitucion.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akoKTbOgFmc&app=desktop
Challenge: See if you can find Ron or me in this you tube.
Challenge: See if you can find Ron or me in this you tube.
Georgia and The Georgia Sea Isles
January 16 Tybee Island, Georgia
There are so many wonders of nature at our fingertips as well as where our bicycle wheels will take us. Ron and I spent the day biking around the historical town of Midway, along the Medway River and walking the beaches of Tybee.
There are so many wonders of nature at our fingertips as well as where our bicycle wheels will take us. Ron and I spent the day biking around the historical town of Midway, along the Medway River and walking the beaches of Tybee.
Wassaw Island and Wassaw National Wildlife Refuge
Thanks to our dear friend, Hamp Lankford, we have been invited to stay at his home on Tybee Island, one of the developed Georgia Sea Isles. He has been introducing us not only to the cultural life on the island but to some of the more remote and primitive barrier islands surrounding the Georgia coastline. Hamp has kayaked many of the inlets and rivers surrounding the Georgia marshes. Our most interesting stop thus far has been on Wassaw Island, a barrier island that is a migratory bird refuge. This island is surrounded by a tidal salt marsh and the National Wildlife Refuge's primary purpose is to maintain and enhance habitat for migratory birds, nesting sea turtles, and other wildlife and to preserve and protect this unique barrier island. Our visit took us on an 8 mile hike north and south along the beach as well as inside the virgin live oak forest. We did not meet up with anyone else for the duration of our day long visit.
Thanks to our dear friend, Hamp Lankford, we have been invited to stay at his home on Tybee Island, one of the developed Georgia Sea Isles. He has been introducing us not only to the cultural life on the island but to some of the more remote and primitive barrier islands surrounding the Georgia coastline. Hamp has kayaked many of the inlets and rivers surrounding the Georgia marshes. Our most interesting stop thus far has been on Wassaw Island, a barrier island that is a migratory bird refuge. This island is surrounded by a tidal salt marsh and the National Wildlife Refuge's primary purpose is to maintain and enhance habitat for migratory birds, nesting sea turtles, and other wildlife and to preserve and protect this unique barrier island. Our visit took us on an 8 mile hike north and south along the beach as well as inside the virgin live oak forest. We did not meet up with anyone else for the duration of our day long visit.
January 10 Savannah, Georgia
If you are inspired by the history and the herstory of our country, Savannah, Georgia is the place to explore for European and African influence on the Native Americans and natural inhabitants of this beautiful 100 mile coastline. Savannah is known for its manicured parks and ornate antebellum architecture. The historic district is made up of cobblestone streets and filled with oak trees covered in Spanish moss and magnolia trees. It is the oldest city in the state of Georgia which was established in 1733 as a British colonial capital. It was a strategic port city in the American Revolution as well as during the American Civil War. (Sherman never burned down this city on his "March to the Sea" from Atlanta). Savannah is named for the extensive marshlands surrounding the Savannah River for miles inland and also for a land of tropical grassland. The word comes from the SPANISH word "sabana" which was taken from the Taino (Native Caribbean Americans) word "zabana".
If you are inspired by the history and the herstory of our country, Savannah, Georgia is the place to explore for European and African influence on the Native Americans and natural inhabitants of this beautiful 100 mile coastline. Savannah is known for its manicured parks and ornate antebellum architecture. The historic district is made up of cobblestone streets and filled with oak trees covered in Spanish moss and magnolia trees. It is the oldest city in the state of Georgia which was established in 1733 as a British colonial capital. It was a strategic port city in the American Revolution as well as during the American Civil War. (Sherman never burned down this city on his "March to the Sea" from Atlanta). Savannah is named for the extensive marshlands surrounding the Savannah River for miles inland and also for a land of tropical grassland. The word comes from the SPANISH word "sabana" which was taken from the Taino (Native Caribbean Americans) word "zabana".
san cristobal de las casas chiapas, mexico adventure coming in april
Welcome back to Mexico after a break for a few months. Although I am getting ready to venture off on my trip down south for a few weeks to enjoy birding along the coast of our eastern seaboard (Tybee Island and Cumberland, Georgia, areas surrounding Amelia Island and Delray Beach, Florida as well as the western region Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, Florida), I have begun preparing for my next exploration of Mexico. This time I will be visiting the state of Chiapas and basing myself out of San Cristobal de Las Casas. See if you can find the location on this map of Mexico. Ron and I will be leaving at the end of April and staying until mid May. The visit will encompass a few days visiting the Capital of Mexico (La Ciudad de Mexico) and then flying out to Chiapas; very close to the Guatamala border.
This text book, printed in 1968, will help be my guide before I actually arrive to San Cristobal de Las Casas. I will have it with me on my southern journey to familiarize myself with the general history of the costumes, the tools and techniques used in making them, and the variation of the garments and how they are worn. Also, the book analyzes costumes of more than 25 different villages and linguistic groups. Author Donald Cordry had worked with The Museum of American Indian (Heye Foundation) New York and later on at The Southwest Museum of Los Angeles. He and his wife, Dorothy Cordry, are experts in this area of geographics and their native peoples.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ylvjviICbY
My first published photography book: 2015
December 15
The time is ripe. When one has a few extra minutes on their hands and tons of photographs to share with students, why not?
I have published my first photography book, "El Encuentro de Los Dos Mundos", for my Spanish students. I made this gift for the holiday time of year and look forward to sharing it with each one of the Marlborough students during Day of the Dead next year. You are always in my heart and in my mind. Have a happy and peaceful holiday time with family and friends.
The time is ripe. When one has a few extra minutes on their hands and tons of photographs to share with students, why not?
I have published my first photography book, "El Encuentro de Los Dos Mundos", for my Spanish students. I made this gift for the holiday time of year and look forward to sharing it with each one of the Marlborough students during Day of the Dead next year. You are always in my heart and in my mind. Have a happy and peaceful holiday time with family and friends.
New Auth0r discovery: 2015 AmericaN Poet laureate
JUAN FELIPE HERRERA: UNITED STATES POET LAUREATE 2015
December 2015
If it wasn't for the gift of a sabbatical this year I would probably not have had the opportunity to hear all of the "talking heads" on the NPR radio stations on a daily basis. I have learned so much about the world at large. One of the best discoveries has been the opportunity to listen to and read about JUAN FELIPE HERRERA, the United States Poet Laureate of 2015. He is a poet, performer, writer, cartoonist, teacher and activist. He was born in 1948 in Fowler, California as the son of migrant workers.
He is the first Chicano or Chicana poet to receive the honor of the United States Poet Laureate. (Chicano: in North America, it is a person of Mexican origin or descent and is not from Latin America). Herrera's experiences as the child of migrant farmers (campesinos) has strongly shaped his work such as the children's book "Calling The Doves". He lived from crop to crop and from tractor to trailer to tents on the roads of the San Joaquin Valley and the Salinas Valley. He is a performance artist and activist on behalf of migrant and indigenous communities and at-risk youth. I have already purchased several of his books and plan on integrating his work into my immigration unit on Mexico.
If it wasn't for the gift of a sabbatical this year I would probably not have had the opportunity to hear all of the "talking heads" on the NPR radio stations on a daily basis. I have learned so much about the world at large. One of the best discoveries has been the opportunity to listen to and read about JUAN FELIPE HERRERA, the United States Poet Laureate of 2015. He is a poet, performer, writer, cartoonist, teacher and activist. He was born in 1948 in Fowler, California as the son of migrant workers.
He is the first Chicano or Chicana poet to receive the honor of the United States Poet Laureate. (Chicano: in North America, it is a person of Mexican origin or descent and is not from Latin America). Herrera's experiences as the child of migrant farmers (campesinos) has strongly shaped his work such as the children's book "Calling The Doves". He lived from crop to crop and from tractor to trailer to tents on the roads of the San Joaquin Valley and the Salinas Valley. He is a performance artist and activist on behalf of migrant and indigenous communities and at-risk youth. I have already purchased several of his books and plan on integrating his work into my immigration unit on Mexico.
December 2015
This month is dedicated to putting some of those ideas that I discovered in my Autumn classroom observations across New Hampshire into motion. I was excited to stop at Marlborough School to collect art materials to get props ready for activities for next year. I loved walking around the Spanish classroom and feel the coziness and creativity that Senorita Wilder has created for her students. These new games and activities will bring more oral practice into the classroom. Take a look at the sabbatical blog section on classroom observations (scroll down) to see what creative classrooms I have been invited to over the last 4 months.
This month is dedicated to putting some of those ideas that I discovered in my Autumn classroom observations across New Hampshire into motion. I was excited to stop at Marlborough School to collect art materials to get props ready for activities for next year. I loved walking around the Spanish classroom and feel the coziness and creativity that Senorita Wilder has created for her students. These new games and activities will bring more oral practice into the classroom. Take a look at the sabbatical blog section on classroom observations (scroll down) to see what creative classrooms I have been invited to over the last 4 months.
All about birds...the next adventure
December 2015
The planning stages are well underway for the next adventure for this January. This will be a whirlwind trip of Florida along the west coast to as many birding preserve, sanctuaries, and national parks that I can fit in one month's time. Ron and I will drive down with our bikes and visit friends in Maryland, Tybbe Island along the Georgia Sea Isles, and then on to Cumberland
Island National Seashore. We hope to visit Lisa Angil's Mom on Amelia Island and then "Get ready, get set, go!" with camping gear, bicycle, and my famous ground coffee in tow (from the Dominican Republic, of course!). I will set my Prius heading west from my Dad's home in Delray Beach so that I can once again swim with the manatees in Clearwater and then visit many birding points between Sarasota and Punta Gorda. I have just discovered that a family member, Brenda Sisk, works for the Charlotte County Government in the environmental sector and she has a list that is longer than Santa Claus' list of children of places to visit. I hope to bring back many photos to use in my elementary classes with our birding unit in the Spring.
The planning stages are well underway for the next adventure for this January. This will be a whirlwind trip of Florida along the west coast to as many birding preserve, sanctuaries, and national parks that I can fit in one month's time. Ron and I will drive down with our bikes and visit friends in Maryland, Tybbe Island along the Georgia Sea Isles, and then on to Cumberland
Island National Seashore. We hope to visit Lisa Angil's Mom on Amelia Island and then "Get ready, get set, go!" with camping gear, bicycle, and my famous ground coffee in tow (from the Dominican Republic, of course!). I will set my Prius heading west from my Dad's home in Delray Beach so that I can once again swim with the manatees in Clearwater and then visit many birding points between Sarasota and Punta Gorda. I have just discovered that a family member, Brenda Sisk, works for the Charlotte County Government in the environmental sector and she has a list that is longer than Santa Claus' list of children of places to visit. I hope to bring back many photos to use in my elementary classes with our birding unit in the Spring.
"EL ENcuentro de los dos mundos"
THE MEETING OF TWO WORLDS
October 25 - November 12 Oaxaca and Mexico City
"Experience is never limited and it is never complete." Henry James
"People don't take trips, trips take people." John Steinbeck
In search of art, education and culture Mexico 2015
The meeting of two worlds can have so many meanings: The Hispanic Empire with Indigenous Peoples, United States with Mexico, religious rites with traditional rites, modern architecture with pyramids, Diane and Oaxaquenos, etc. There are so many layers to this statement, the meeting of two worlds, that I will leave the choice of its meaning up to the individual. For me it is a continuous peeling back of the layers of the onion. (Onions being a prime source of delight in the taste of the Mexican cuisine). The discovery of what I think Mexico is, what I know Mexico is from my experiences as a tourist, and the history that has created the present day Mexico is all part of the search of art, education, and culture.
The Plaza of Three Cultures Zapotec dance group The Day of the dead
A map of Oaxaca and its native people Mural: building the pyramids Mural of Oaxacan history
Bienvenidos a Oaxaca (Welcome to Oaxaca)
The exploration of the state of Oaxaca has been a dream of mine for a long time. It is considered to be the second poorest state in the country (economically) after Chiapas, but it is probably one of the richest states in maintaining the ancient traditions of art, music, dance, and native languages. This has been a most difficult challenge ever since the Hispanic Empire moved into Mexico in 1521. Since I have been a teacher for the last 20 years I have had a strong desire to visit Oaxaca, the center of the Zapotec indigenous peoples.
On October 25, my husband and I stepped off the plane, took a taxi into the city, and met the quaint cobblestone streets of Oaxaca. From that moment on the brilliant colors, history, art, music and stories of the Oaxacan peoples came to life for us. We were able to experience the quiet life of the Xochimilco barrio where we stayed and walked into the city every day along the ancient aqueduct. Most importantly for me, I had the opportunity to explore the ancient tradition of the indigenous people, El Dia de Los Muertos (The Day of the Dead). I also had the chance to climb tall pyramids at the ruin of Monte Alban (White Mountain), watch exploding pyrotechnics on huge spires at the Xochimlico church at 10:00 PM, visit candle-lit cemeteries late into the evening on November 1 and 2, and eat bread of the dead (pan de los muertos) from the local market. My husband took the chance to eat spicy fried grasshoppers (chapulines). The saying goes that once you eat them you are bound to come back to Oaxaca.
The exploration of the state of Oaxaca has been a dream of mine for a long time. It is considered to be the second poorest state in the country (economically) after Chiapas, but it is probably one of the richest states in maintaining the ancient traditions of art, music, dance, and native languages. This has been a most difficult challenge ever since the Hispanic Empire moved into Mexico in 1521. Since I have been a teacher for the last 20 years I have had a strong desire to visit Oaxaca, the center of the Zapotec indigenous peoples.
On October 25, my husband and I stepped off the plane, took a taxi into the city, and met the quaint cobblestone streets of Oaxaca. From that moment on the brilliant colors, history, art, music and stories of the Oaxacan peoples came to life for us. We were able to experience the quiet life of the Xochimilco barrio where we stayed and walked into the city every day along the ancient aqueduct. Most importantly for me, I had the opportunity to explore the ancient tradition of the indigenous people, El Dia de Los Muertos (The Day of the Dead). I also had the chance to climb tall pyramids at the ruin of Monte Alban (White Mountain), watch exploding pyrotechnics on huge spires at the Xochimlico church at 10:00 PM, visit candle-lit cemeteries late into the evening on November 1 and 2, and eat bread of the dead (pan de los muertos) from the local market. My husband took the chance to eat spicy fried grasshoppers (chapulines). The saying goes that once you eat them you are bound to come back to Oaxaca.
Colorful graffiti and murals that speak of history are all over the city.
El Dia de Los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) was one of the highlights from October 31 - November 3. This holiday is celebrated on different days all the way through November 30, depending in which pueblo (town) you live. Each town has their unique way of celebrating. Altars (ofrendas) take up a huge portion of the houses and they are there to honor those family members that have died. It is decorated with flowers, sugar skeletons, food, drinks, and memorabilia of the things that the deceased once enjoyed in their daily lives. The marigold flower represents the dead and marigold petal paths go from the ofrenda to the cemetery with the belief that this path leads the deceased back to their homes. The wonderful strong smell of incense burns as well.
A large portion of The Day of the Dead tradition is for the people to spend time with their dead loved ones for a 24 hour time period. They prepare for this special time with loved ones by cleaning the cemeteries the day before and then decorating the tombs with flowers, incense (copal), candles, food, drinks and the artifacts that remind them of their deceased family members. The families spend the next 1 or 2 days sitting by these tombs in the cemetery for the majority of the evening. There is music, food stands, costumes of skeletons and songs and dances going all night long. Brass bands play loud tunes well into the evening. It is a joyous yet contemplative time. Community members bring gifts of flowers and food to each other in the cemetery.
The markets (los mercados) are an exciting part of every day life. The week we were in Oaxaca everyone was getting ready for The Day of the Dead.
Tapetes (sand paintings) are also a large part of El Dia de Los Muertos. They are done by hand at the start of the holiday and completed by the time the celebration begins. Many have religious symbolism but some also have political statements. For example the number 43 represents the 43 students that were kidnapped in Guerrero over one year ago and have yet to be found.
The Traditional Arts of Oaxaca Wood Carving Alebrijes black pottery Rug Weaving Ceramic figurines Painting
Huayapam and Yatareni
These quaint little mountain villages (pueblos) were my sanctuary of peace after the excitement of 8 days in the tourist-filled city of Oaxaca. The Day of the Dead was wonderful but I needed to escape up into the mountains for three days to get closer to nature and take in the smells, colors, and sounds of a small village.
These quaint little mountain villages (pueblos) were my sanctuary of peace after the excitement of 8 days in the tourist-filled city of Oaxaca. The Day of the Dead was wonderful but I needed to escape up into the mountains for three days to get closer to nature and take in the smells, colors, and sounds of a small village.
Instead of worrying, why not look at the world for what it is and what it presently offers me.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL sites in Oaxaca and mexico city
Monte Alban (White Mountain) Oaxaca
I had the opportunity to visit this World Heritage property: an archaeological site located in the Valley of Oaxaca. It flourished for over 13 centuries from 500 BC to 850 AD (a period of 1500 years) by a succession of peoples; the Olmecs, Zapotecs and the Mixtecs. The ruin was carved out of the mountain and has the remains of magnificent temples, ball courts, tombs, and hieroglyphic inscriptions. No one knows the reason why it became uninhabited.
I had the opportunity to visit this World Heritage property: an archaeological site located in the Valley of Oaxaca. It flourished for over 13 centuries from 500 BC to 850 AD (a period of 1500 years) by a succession of peoples; the Olmecs, Zapotecs and the Mixtecs. The ruin was carved out of the mountain and has the remains of magnificent temples, ball courts, tombs, and hieroglyphic inscriptions. No one knows the reason why it became uninhabited.
Teotihuacan Mexico City
This World Heritage Site was an ancient Mesoamerican city located in a sub valley of the Valley of Mexico, 30 miles northeast of modern day Mexico City. The pyramids were built in the pre-Columbian Americas. Not only did the ruins have the two largest pyramids,The Pyramid of The Moon and The Pyramid of the Sun, it also had multi-family compounds, the Avenue of the Dead and vibrant murals that are well preserved. It is here where people exported fine obsidian tools. Teotihuacan was established in 100 BC with continued construction until about 250 AD. It was the largest city in Pre-Columbian American with 125,000 people or more. I struggled climbing the pyramids due to my fear of heights. I climbed up the Pyramid of the Moon with ease and crawled down while hyperventilating on trembling legs. Not an ascent for the weak of mind. I never even attempted the Pyramid of the Sun.
This World Heritage Site was an ancient Mesoamerican city located in a sub valley of the Valley of Mexico, 30 miles northeast of modern day Mexico City. The pyramids were built in the pre-Columbian Americas. Not only did the ruins have the two largest pyramids,The Pyramid of The Moon and The Pyramid of the Sun, it also had multi-family compounds, the Avenue of the Dead and vibrant murals that are well preserved. It is here where people exported fine obsidian tools. Teotihuacan was established in 100 BC with continued construction until about 250 AD. It was the largest city in Pre-Columbian American with 125,000 people or more. I struggled climbing the pyramids due to my fear of heights. I climbed up the Pyramid of the Moon with ease and crawled down while hyperventilating on trembling legs. Not an ascent for the weak of mind. I never even attempted the Pyramid of the Sun.
Tenochtitlan Templo Mayor (The Great Temple) Mexico City
This was one of the main temples of the Aztecs in their capital city. It was built in the 14th century in honor of the Aztec god of war and the god of water. Templo Mayor was built on this spot because an eagle was seen perched on a cactus devouring a snake; in fulfillment of a prophecy. Construction began in 1325 AD and enlarged over the next 2 centuries. When the Spanish conquest began in 1521 it was the center of religious life for a city of 300,00. This site is known as Las Tres Plazas (The 3 plazas) as you can see the The Aztec ruin, The Franciscan Church, and a modern day building of Mexico City (Jennifer Lopez's body is advertised on the side of it!)
This was one of the main temples of the Aztecs in their capital city. It was built in the 14th century in honor of the Aztec god of war and the god of water. Templo Mayor was built on this spot because an eagle was seen perched on a cactus devouring a snake; in fulfillment of a prophecy. Construction began in 1325 AD and enlarged over the next 2 centuries. When the Spanish conquest began in 1521 it was the center of religious life for a city of 300,00. This site is known as Las Tres Plazas (The 3 plazas) as you can see the The Aztec ruin, The Franciscan Church, and a modern day building of Mexico City (Jennifer Lopez's body is advertised on the side of it!)
Frida Khalo Museum (casa Azul) and The Dolores Olmedo Museum
Mexico City
I had the opportunity to visit several museums while staying in Mexico City. Frida Khalo and Diego Rivera have been some of my favorite artists for a lifetime. I made sure I got to the home of Frida, (Casa Azul) which is a museum full of Rivera and Khalo work. Now that I have been introduced to new artists from Oaxaca and Mexico City, my perspective has broadened.
I had the opportunity to visit several museums while staying in Mexico City. Frida Khalo and Diego Rivera have been some of my favorite artists for a lifetime. I made sure I got to the home of Frida, (Casa Azul) which is a museum full of Rivera and Khalo work. Now that I have been introduced to new artists from Oaxaca and Mexico City, my perspective has broadened.
TULE
One of my favorite visits was to Tule to meet up with the oldest tree in the world...2000 years olde. Imagine the knowledge of this tree. A fence surrounds it so no human hands can touch it. Bees have hives in its wide branches and the birds sing and fly through its leaves. The tree is in the cedar family. It was an honor to be engulfed in her cedar arms.
One of my favorite visits was to Tule to meet up with the oldest tree in the world...2000 years olde. Imagine the knowledge of this tree. A fence surrounds it so no human hands can touch it. Bees have hives in its wide branches and the birds sing and fly through its leaves. The tree is in the cedar family. It was an honor to be engulfed in her cedar arms.
Diario de Oaxaca Mexico by Peter Kuper
This book was handed to me as a good bye gift from my friend in Mexico City, David Gabriel Martinez. It describes, perfectly, so many of the views and experiences that I had while I was there. I honor and respectfully acknowledge this famous journalist from New York and his illustrations of Oaxaca. He lived there in 2006 when many of the teacher demonstrations were going on. This was not an easy time to live in such a beautiful place. Peaceful demonstrations were still taking place while I was there. In 2006, many people lost their lives, their businesses, and the tourist industry plummeted. Since that time, people have begun to return to this sacred Oaxaca Valley and like me, find the beauty in the people, landscape, traditions, and art that has been here since Pre-Columbian times.
This book was handed to me as a good bye gift from my friend in Mexico City, David Gabriel Martinez. It describes, perfectly, so many of the views and experiences that I had while I was there. I honor and respectfully acknowledge this famous journalist from New York and his illustrations of Oaxaca. He lived there in 2006 when many of the teacher demonstrations were going on. This was not an easy time to live in such a beautiful place. Peaceful demonstrations were still taking place while I was there. In 2006, many people lost their lives, their businesses, and the tourist industry plummeted. Since that time, people have begun to return to this sacred Oaxaca Valley and like me, find the beauty in the people, landscape, traditions, and art that has been here since Pre-Columbian times.
therapeutic touch conference at pumpkin hollow
October 9 - 11 2015 I have just returned from an enlightening weekend at Pumpkin Hollow Retreat Center. This is a sanctuary where one can refresh and rejuvenate oneself from the stresses of their life. With a beautiful landscape of approximately 140 acres upon which to stroll around (see above photos), it is also a center for teaching Therapeutic Touch: a contemporary interpretation of several ancient healing practices that are based on learned skills for modulating human energies. It was first developed by Dolores Krieger PhD. RN and Dora Kunz in 1972 as an extension of professional skills for persons in the health field. Now it is taught in more than 80 colleges and universities in the US and many countries internationally. I am just being introduced to the practice and will continue with my learning throughout the year. I hope to bring this healing practice not only to humans but to injured animals as well. "Que la paz prevalezca en La Tierra" "Let peace prevail on Earth"
Observations in and around the classrooms
September 2015 - June 2016
'Tis the season to be in the classroom and reuniting with olde friends and teachers as well as meeting new ones.
"Haz amigos nuevos pero manten los viejos uno es plata y el otro oro"
("Make new friends, but keep the olde ones, one is silver and the other gold")
I begin my classroom visitations and observations throughout the school year to bring new perspectives into my classroom. I find that having the time this year to slow down allows for walks in sphagnum moss barefoot and the opportunity to smell the ripening fruit in the trees and the grapes on their vines. With this new outlook and awareness I will be walking into classrooms throughout New England to feel the joy and excitement of teaching the Spanish language and culture through the eyes of others. I hope to bring these gifts back into my classroom in 2016.
'Tis the season to be in the classroom and reuniting with olde friends and teachers as well as meeting new ones.
"Haz amigos nuevos pero manten los viejos uno es plata y el otro oro"
("Make new friends, but keep the olde ones, one is silver and the other gold")
I begin my classroom visitations and observations throughout the school year to bring new perspectives into my classroom. I find that having the time this year to slow down allows for walks in sphagnum moss barefoot and the opportunity to smell the ripening fruit in the trees and the grapes on their vines. With this new outlook and awareness I will be walking into classrooms throughout New England to feel the joy and excitement of teaching the Spanish language and culture through the eyes of others. I hope to bring these gifts back into my classroom in 2016.
Thursday, January 7 Dublin School
Situated in one of the highest altitude villages in New Hampshire, Dublin School educates nearly 150 students. It is a boarding and day high school founded in 1935 and located near Dublin Pond and Mount Monadnock. Twenty five percent of the international student body comes from 10 different countries while 80% of the population boards. The mission statement "...strives to awaken a curiosity for knowledge and a passion for learning while instilling the values of discipline and meaningful work that are necessary for the good of self and the community."
Welcome to my day at Dublin School. It was a "late" start day for the school population as we arrived to the Recital Hall for Morning Meeting. Not only do the students get to sleep in an hour later today, it is also "Wrap Day" in the lunch room. That means the students wait an incredibly long time on line to eat the delicious wraps in the Dublin "restaurant." I was lucky enough to attend today's morning meeting with a guest speaker, Jamie Trowbridge, from Yankee Magazine; next door neighbors to Dublin School. His talk incited many great questions from the student body about the direction of Yankee magazine; from where it came and what were some of its long range goals. It allowed for me to hear some of the critical thinking skills going on in this school from the start before I began to participate in the full schedule of language classes that was arranged for me to attend by the dean of world languages, Nellie Herman. My day ran from 9:00 AM until 4:00 PM with a gift of a lunch offered by the school. I was able to attend classes in Spanish (levels I, II, and III), Mandarin, and ESL.
It was an insightful day of observation in this private school where classroom sizes are much smaller and there is the opportunity to give more individualized attention. There were more conversations between students and teachers which only helps with fluency and confidence-building. My observations clearly saw the auditory, oral, written, and spoken word being used throughout the 50 minute class. Duo Lingo seems to be an app that is used by several of the teachers in the world language department both for individual work at home as well as in the classroom. Songs and videos were a big part of the lessons in the classrooms. The most important part of each classroom lesson was the laughter and caring by the teacher with all of the students. One of my highlights was being able to teach the last block of the day to Lanessa Davis' Spanish II class. She invited me to share my Oaxaca trip with her students through my blog site. The students were attentive, respectful, and shared their thoughts and feelings about some of the traditions of the Oaxacan culture. Thank you Dublin School.
Wednesday, December 2 Pinkerton High School
"Minds are like parachutes. They only function when open." (unknown)
Welcome to Pinkerton Academy (student population around 4000) which has just turned 200 years young in 2014. You can feel the history (and herstory) nurtured in the building. Today I was honored to be a part of the academic setting with three inspirational teachers, Madame Josee Frenette, John Eric Hamel and Peter Schmidt. These teachers put forth all of their enthusiasm and energy to teach French, Latin and Spanish, respectively.
Welcome to Pinkerton Academy (student population around 4000) which has just turned 200 years young in 2014. You can feel the history (and herstory) nurtured in the building. Today I was honored to be a part of the academic setting with three inspirational teachers, Madame Josee Frenette, John Eric Hamel and Peter Schmidt. These teachers put forth all of their enthusiasm and energy to teach French, Latin and Spanish, respectively.
(The secret is out; Madame Frenette teaches in the same classroom as did Robert Frost!) I imagine her teaching with the same enthusiasm of her subject material as that of Robert Frost; only in the French language. Her French 1 class sang a rappe tune as a gift to me...not only once, but twice! The students were having too much fun! It was a joy to watch Madame juggle in the class to gain attention and to listen to her voice sing in the target language. This was the invitation for her students to participate 100 %. There was movement, interviews, technology, and story telling...all in the target language. Josee uses animation in everything she does. This represents not only her passion for what she teaches but part of her Quebec cultural upbringing. I look forward to using voice recording with the students on their iphones and androids to get a better sense of their pronunciation.
The Spanish 3 students were learning the difficult task of using indirect and direct objects in a grammar lesson with Senor Schmidt. It sounds dull unless you sit in Peter's classroom which is full of puns and acronyms (P.L.A.C.E for Estar and
E.D.O.C.T.O.R. for Ser). I chuckled my way through his classes with his pun usage in both Spanish and English. I need to purchase a red flag like Senor Schmidt to wave for all of those warnings of grammar accidents. Mr. Hamel was working on similar grammar lessons as Senor Schmidt but in Latin. He also had 100 % class participation through his calming and non-pressuring methodology. He announced how they are learning "Pronoun Magic!" Now that's a keeper statement. He worked around the room giving individual attention and watched the students help one another to work out the grammar. His final statement, "Why not go backwards? It's a good thing," invites the students to go back and relearn what they need to move on. It also explains how the English and Latin languages form sentences.
E.D.O.C.T.O.R. for Ser). I chuckled my way through his classes with his pun usage in both Spanish and English. I need to purchase a red flag like Senor Schmidt to wave for all of those warnings of grammar accidents. Mr. Hamel was working on similar grammar lessons as Senor Schmidt but in Latin. He also had 100 % class participation through his calming and non-pressuring methodology. He announced how they are learning "Pronoun Magic!" Now that's a keeper statement. He worked around the room giving individual attention and watched the students help one another to work out the grammar. His final statement, "Why not go backwards? It's a good thing," invites the students to go back and relearn what they need to move on. It also explains how the English and Latin languages form sentences.
"La cortesia vale mucho y cuesta nada." "Courtesy is worth a lot and costs nothing"
I was given the opportunity to teach in a Spanish Level 1 class unexpectedly. One of the teachers called in sick, but his lesson plans didn't come through on the computer first thing in the morning.
I offered to teach the class to the Department Head and she excitedly said, "Are you sure?"
Of course I was ready to jump right in.
We put the sabbatical blog up on the screen and I was able to speak in Spanish and explain about my travels to Oaxaca and other parts of Mexico as well as my present day experiences of Day of the Dead. The students were fascinated by the travelogue and the unexpected things one finds in another culture. It was a gift for me to be teaching again. Thank you Josee and Pinkerton Academy.
I was given the opportunity to teach in a Spanish Level 1 class unexpectedly. One of the teachers called in sick, but his lesson plans didn't come through on the computer first thing in the morning.
I offered to teach the class to the Department Head and she excitedly said, "Are you sure?"
Of course I was ready to jump right in.
We put the sabbatical blog up on the screen and I was able to speak in Spanish and explain about my travels to Oaxaca and other parts of Mexico as well as my present day experiences of Day of the Dead. The students were fascinated by the travelogue and the unexpected things one finds in another culture. It was a gift for me to be teaching again. Thank you Josee and Pinkerton Academy.
Thursday, November 19 Souhegan High School
Today I was welcomed into Souhegan High School in Amherst, NH, home to over 800 students. This was a special treat for me as I have been waiting for over a decade of my teaching career to visit this school which is part of the NH Coalition of Essential Schools. Little did I know that I was going to taste the richness of an inspirational pedagogical buffet. Thanks to Kathleen Desmond, Department Chair of the World Language Department, I participated in a fully loaded schedule from 7:30 AM through the school day until 2:30 PM.
I was able to participate in Spanish 1, 2, 3, and 4 as well as Latin 1 and 3. After the school day ended, I was invited to share some of my thoughts, feelings, and artifacts from the Day of the Dead experiences I had in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Kathleen and her colleagues offered me an array of language classes of varying levels and skills. The highlight for me was feeling the excitement that each teacher held for their subject matter. You could tell the students were equally invested from all of the inside jokes, the smiles, the enthusiasm to participate in the class, and from the comment that was told to me in Bernie D'Amour's class, "This is the best class of the day!"
What is the gift (the spark) that each of the following teachers brings to their subject matter?
In Jolene's class it was her sensitive smile and patience to help out each student to get to the right answer with an incredible amount of patience and wait time. In Kelli's class it was the excitement behind every character and story that brought the Latin language "alive".
When I heard her say, "love ya!", at the end of her class, my heart just opened wide. In Kathleen's class it was her ability to get the students to have dialogues with one another and watching her dance around to get to every student with 100% interest. In Bernie's class it was his subtle comic style of teaching the imperfect and preterit with his monkey and cat at arm's reach. In Steve Goodwin's high energy class there was not one chance for a student to fall asleep at 7:30 AM. He had quick-fire language skill work and student participation to match his speed. In Steve Hodgman's class he offered the beginning stages of understanding the life behind the Latin words through the storytelling of the history of the Romans and Greeks. I was sorry to miss Michelle Castell's class but she shared a few great game ideas for me to use.
My world language plate is full. It is now time to taste your ideas in my own classroom. I look forward to returning to my classroom with the same amount of enthusiasm, energy, and passion for what you do so well, teach with love and the appreciation of the other person.
I was able to participate in Spanish 1, 2, 3, and 4 as well as Latin 1 and 3. After the school day ended, I was invited to share some of my thoughts, feelings, and artifacts from the Day of the Dead experiences I had in Oaxaca, Mexico.
Kathleen and her colleagues offered me an array of language classes of varying levels and skills. The highlight for me was feeling the excitement that each teacher held for their subject matter. You could tell the students were equally invested from all of the inside jokes, the smiles, the enthusiasm to participate in the class, and from the comment that was told to me in Bernie D'Amour's class, "This is the best class of the day!"
What is the gift (the spark) that each of the following teachers brings to their subject matter?
In Jolene's class it was her sensitive smile and patience to help out each student to get to the right answer with an incredible amount of patience and wait time. In Kelli's class it was the excitement behind every character and story that brought the Latin language "alive".
When I heard her say, "love ya!", at the end of her class, my heart just opened wide. In Kathleen's class it was her ability to get the students to have dialogues with one another and watching her dance around to get to every student with 100% interest. In Bernie's class it was his subtle comic style of teaching the imperfect and preterit with his monkey and cat at arm's reach. In Steve Goodwin's high energy class there was not one chance for a student to fall asleep at 7:30 AM. He had quick-fire language skill work and student participation to match his speed. In Steve Hodgman's class he offered the beginning stages of understanding the life behind the Latin words through the storytelling of the history of the Romans and Greeks. I was sorry to miss Michelle Castell's class but she shared a few great game ideas for me to use.
My world language plate is full. It is now time to taste your ideas in my own classroom. I look forward to returning to my classroom with the same amount of enthusiasm, energy, and passion for what you do so well, teach with love and the appreciation of the other person.
In honor of France, we send our best for prayers of hope and to endure through this moment of pain.
Tuesday, October 20 Keene High School
Welcome to Keene High School, the academic setting where many of my former students from Marlborough School and Wells Memorial School have come to further their education and love for the Spanish culture and language. It is within these motivating classrooms that Senora Charles and Senora Caffrey bring the students to a higher level of achievement and introduce the students to the confidence they need to increase their independent style of learning. I had the chance to observe Sra. Charles' Level 5 class and Sra. Caffrey's level 4 class. The most important gift that I gleaned from both of these classes was the feeling of humor in the dialogues between teachers and students and the sincere interest that both teachers have in their students' involvement in their learning. Both teachers have a passion for the students to speak and understand with fluency. The Spanish 5 class maintained 95% in the target language and because the students were learning"street language" as their lesson, they had the ability to see the humor in the target language. I also enjoyed the surprise reunions with many of my former students. It is with deep respect and excitement that I look forward to coming back and working closely with my colleagues from Keene High School.
Tuesday, October 6 Keene Middle School
THE NORMS: Compassion, Safety, and Responsibility
These are the guidelines in Mr. Iwanowicz's fourth grade classroom and they are posted where every child can see them. The morning started with a handshake and a greeting as each student walked into the room; not just with the teacher but with other classmates as well. I could immediately feel the safety, calm, and compassion that leads the work getting done in this fourth grade classroom. Mr. Iwanowicz has the easy going flare of a 21 year young veteran teaching in the Monadnock region. He speaks softly and with gentle humor ("mostly in cheesy puns" to quote a former student). He has the insight and know-how to understand how to question his students to discover more through their own passion in learning. I was reminded of several methods in which to honor the student and how to give his/her words respect as they learn and discover along the way...'"Henry says" or "Daniella is saying". He put great trust into the students as they worked in groups on their soil science experiments. I was part of a group and observed how they worked together as a team and solved problems on their own without having to go to the teacher for support. Every question a student asked was discussed in depth in meeting circle as Mr. Iwanowicz questioned the child to further ask themselves more questions. "The discoveries never end. This makes for a true scientist." I imagine the students walked away from this classroom feeling respected for all of their inquiries and wanted to ask more outside of the school walls. Mr. Iwanowicz's class is an excellent example of how to teach to respect oneself to become life long learners. This is the nugget that I will take away from this observation today.
These are the guidelines in Mr. Iwanowicz's fourth grade classroom and they are posted where every child can see them. The morning started with a handshake and a greeting as each student walked into the room; not just with the teacher but with other classmates as well. I could immediately feel the safety, calm, and compassion that leads the work getting done in this fourth grade classroom. Mr. Iwanowicz has the easy going flare of a 21 year young veteran teaching in the Monadnock region. He speaks softly and with gentle humor ("mostly in cheesy puns" to quote a former student). He has the insight and know-how to understand how to question his students to discover more through their own passion in learning. I was reminded of several methods in which to honor the student and how to give his/her words respect as they learn and discover along the way...'"Henry says" or "Daniella is saying". He put great trust into the students as they worked in groups on their soil science experiments. I was part of a group and observed how they worked together as a team and solved problems on their own without having to go to the teacher for support. Every question a student asked was discussed in depth in meeting circle as Mr. Iwanowicz questioned the child to further ask themselves more questions. "The discoveries never end. This makes for a true scientist." I imagine the students walked away from this classroom feeling respected for all of their inquiries and wanted to ask more outside of the school walls. Mr. Iwanowicz's class is an excellent example of how to teach to respect oneself to become life long learners. This is the nugget that I will take away from this observation today.
Thursday October 1 Great Brook School
A Bird's Eye View...It is the beginning of the year and most teachers are still building up the routines that make a strong academic setting for the students in their classrooms. In Senor Lee's Spanish class there is an inviting circle of chairs that awaits the students as they glide onto the seats in the opening circle with smiles. They know they are about to have a fun 40 minutes of Spanish lessons. John brings a joy and humor to all of his students while they sing songs, greet each other, play games, and learn new ways to say things. There is a mutual respect between students and teacher in the room that allows for easy and fun learning. A perfect place to take risks and enjoy learning.
THe Super Moon and Lunar Eclipse
September 27
In awe of this historical astronomical event, I feel it is necessary to post a comment in honor of the lunar eclipse creating a blood moon. It has occurred during this sabbatical time and the next time I hope to be watching it I will be 76 years young.
View this you tube for a wonderful explanation of this astronomical performance.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/09/25/blood-moon-lunar-eclipse-super-moon-need-to-know/72790162/
In awe of this historical astronomical event, I feel it is necessary to post a comment in honor of the lunar eclipse creating a blood moon. It has occurred during this sabbatical time and the next time I hope to be watching it I will be 76 years young.
View this you tube for a wonderful explanation of this astronomical performance.
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/09/25/blood-moon-lunar-eclipse-super-moon-need-to-know/72790162/
century RIde from my front door in Hancock
September 26
The 100 mile ride began at 7:30 AM from the front door of 21 Bittersweet Lane, Hancock, NH and ended in Brattleboro, Vermont 9 hours later. Ron met met me at the 50 mile mark in Hinsdale so he could enjoy this fresh Autumn day while being my partner in finishing off this century ride. The morning air was cold at 40 degrees, but that didn't stop the geese from flying south and honking in the background to let me know they were on their way. I was prepared with neck warmer and mittens. A loon on Lake Skatutakee called out to its mate from the sunrise side and the mate's response was loud and clear as she flew over my head in Harrisville. There was mist rising on all ponds and lakes as I sped by at that time in the morning. There were many squirrels playing "chicken" with me as they crossed the road, mouth full of fat acorns, directly in front of my wheel. So many of the roads were freshly paved and that made for smooth sailing. I loved flying downhill into Marlborough and seeing all the familiar places that are so much a part of my life now. I stopped at the infamous Pickle Festival in Winchester and then followed the Ct. River into Northfield, Ma. and onto Montague Center. This spot is always a nice place to reflect next to the waterfall. The last leg of the century ride took us into Turner Falls, following the river through Vernon, Vermont, and then gliding into Brattleboro. We were held up by the passing "Montrealer" train heading north along the railroad tracks. The warmth from our household wood stove welcomed me back home.
The 100 mile ride began at 7:30 AM from the front door of 21 Bittersweet Lane, Hancock, NH and ended in Brattleboro, Vermont 9 hours later. Ron met met me at the 50 mile mark in Hinsdale so he could enjoy this fresh Autumn day while being my partner in finishing off this century ride. The morning air was cold at 40 degrees, but that didn't stop the geese from flying south and honking in the background to let me know they were on their way. I was prepared with neck warmer and mittens. A loon on Lake Skatutakee called out to its mate from the sunrise side and the mate's response was loud and clear as she flew over my head in Harrisville. There was mist rising on all ponds and lakes as I sped by at that time in the morning. There were many squirrels playing "chicken" with me as they crossed the road, mouth full of fat acorns, directly in front of my wheel. So many of the roads were freshly paved and that made for smooth sailing. I loved flying downhill into Marlborough and seeing all the familiar places that are so much a part of my life now. I stopped at the infamous Pickle Festival in Winchester and then followed the Ct. River into Northfield, Ma. and onto Montague Center. This spot is always a nice place to reflect next to the waterfall. The last leg of the century ride took us into Turner Falls, following the river through Vernon, Vermont, and then gliding into Brattleboro. We were held up by the passing "Montrealer" train heading north along the railroad tracks. The warmth from our household wood stove welcomed me back home.
Culture and art in oaxaca
September 20
October and El Dia de Los Muertos is quickly approaching which means two things for me....My flight to Oaxaca, Mexico on October 25 is almost here and my desire increases daily to be in Mexico during the Day of the Dead holiday. I have been doing much research for this trip and have made connections with two wonderful hostesses, Marina Vasquez, who is from Xochimilco, Oaxaca and with Linda Hannah who is an American folk artist who has been living in Oaxaca for almost 30 years. I will be living with both of these new friends during my stay there. My goal is to take in as many artists and art traditions as possible in my short stay there. The more I research the deeper I get into the center of this profound and rich cultural art center of Mexico. As a true archaeologist would say, "The deeper I dig, the more treasures I find."
October and El Dia de Los Muertos is quickly approaching which means two things for me....My flight to Oaxaca, Mexico on October 25 is almost here and my desire increases daily to be in Mexico during the Day of the Dead holiday. I have been doing much research for this trip and have made connections with two wonderful hostesses, Marina Vasquez, who is from Xochimilco, Oaxaca and with Linda Hannah who is an American folk artist who has been living in Oaxaca for almost 30 years. I will be living with both of these new friends during my stay there. My goal is to take in as many artists and art traditions as possible in my short stay there. The more I research the deeper I get into the center of this profound and rich cultural art center of Mexico. As a true archaeologist would say, "The deeper I dig, the more treasures I find."
WHY IS OAXACA MEXICO'S ART CENTER? There are 6 Theories
1. Hot coffee and hot chocolate (locally grown) enhance an artist's productivity.
2. Gran Maestros (great teachers). Francisco Toledo and Shinzaburo Takeda live there.
3. City Gallery. Many walls in Oaxaca have a mural display of local and international artists.
4. Linguistic Diversity. At least 12 indigenous languages are spoken.
5. Class Mix. Local Oaxacan artists rub shoulders with academically trained painters.
6. Birds of a feather flock together. This is a place for artists to converge.
Take a look at this virtual gallery for purchasing art
http://www.indigoarts.com/gallery.html
painting by Fernando Olivera
1. Hot coffee and hot chocolate (locally grown) enhance an artist's productivity.
2. Gran Maestros (great teachers). Francisco Toledo and Shinzaburo Takeda live there.
3. City Gallery. Many walls in Oaxaca have a mural display of local and international artists.
4. Linguistic Diversity. At least 12 indigenous languages are spoken.
5. Class Mix. Local Oaxacan artists rub shoulders with academically trained painters.
6. Birds of a feather flock together. This is a place for artists to converge.
Take a look at this virtual gallery for purchasing art
http://www.indigoarts.com/gallery.html
painting by Fernando Olivera
Rufino Tamayo https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yaEcTE16j88
THerapeutic touch at pumpkin hollow retreat center
October 9 - 11
"Therapeutic Touch is a holistic evidence-based therapy that incorporates the intentional and compassionate use of universal energy to promote balance and well-being in all aspects of the individual: body, mind and spirit. Learning Therapuetic Touch becomes part of a life-long practice."
"Therapeutic Touch is a holistic evidence-based therapy that incorporates the intentional and compassionate use of universal energy to promote balance and well-being in all aspects of the individual: body, mind and spirit. Learning Therapuetic Touch becomes part of a life-long practice."
This past summer I was fortunate enough to meet two teachers of the Therapeutic Touch therapy in Whitefish, Montana. We were camping near them in a field and had the opportunity to talk a little about this holistic practice. At some point during the day I was attacked by a few young yellow jackets; they have been having a hard time this summer with drought conditions and were being a little more aggressive than usual. I talked with my new friends and they applied the non-touch therapy to my hand and within one hour the swelling had subsided. I was taken aback and vowed that I would start learning this therapy when I returned back to new Hampshire. I have signed up for two courses in New York over this year to become a little more versed in this holistic therapy and to use it for the rest of my life.
The Smithsonian Institution comes to 21 Bittersweet Lane Hancock, Nh.
September 10
Sue Lutz, research assistant from the botany department at the Natural History Museum, Smithsonian Institution and Zhumei Ren, visiting researcher from Shanxi University of China, have come to Swanzey, New Hampshire to collect sumac galls from the sumac trees that run along the Ashuelot River. It has been an honor to walk the road and river edges in search of these mysterious aphids that form beautiful reddish galls on the underside of the tree leaves. Susan and Zhumei have set up a make shift lab in our garage to index everything they have culled and to press the sumac specimens. It has been an enjoyable visit with my former college roommate, Sue, who has been working for the Smithsonian for over 25 years and Zhumei, evolution scientist, who has visited the United States for her third time.
Sue Lutz, research assistant from the botany department at the Natural History Museum, Smithsonian Institution and Zhumei Ren, visiting researcher from Shanxi University of China, have come to Swanzey, New Hampshire to collect sumac galls from the sumac trees that run along the Ashuelot River. It has been an honor to walk the road and river edges in search of these mysterious aphids that form beautiful reddish galls on the underside of the tree leaves. Susan and Zhumei have set up a make shift lab in our garage to index everything they have culled and to press the sumac specimens. It has been an enjoyable visit with my former college roommate, Sue, who has been working for the Smithsonian for over 25 years and Zhumei, evolution scientist, who has visited the United States for her third time.
AUTUMN BOOK READS for new Perspectives
It is always good to read the perspectives of others to begin to hone in on your own perspectives and what you have held for truth for so long. I believe the first two books listed will have a great influence on how and what I do in my classroom upon my return. One book gives insight into the foundations of the history of our country from a First Nations Peoples point of view. The other gives a teacher the foundations of what makes a champion teacher in their classroom. I highly recommend reading both. The third book is an inspiring story of the first woman to walk the Appalachian Trail in 1955. It teaches you how to aspire to do the best that you can, take risks, and enjoy the people you meet along the way.
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Welcome in the new Season
Meet Emme Rose September 1
With great sadness we lost our beautiful 15 year young cat, Lita, prior to leaving on our westward journey. As all good things come to an end the cycle of life affords us the opportunity to greet the new. Emme has joined our family and is only 9 weeks olde. She is a breathe of fresh air in our household and loves big dogs like Sage and Maya (see opening canoe picture).
Bienvenidos a Emme Rose.
With great sadness we lost our beautiful 15 year young cat, Lita, prior to leaving on our westward journey. As all good things come to an end the cycle of life affords us the opportunity to greet the new. Emme has joined our family and is only 9 weeks olde. She is a breathe of fresh air in our household and loves big dogs like Sage and Maya (see opening canoe picture).
Bienvenidos a Emme Rose.
The Beauty of an east coast Autumn August 20
With all of the beauty we saw out west one cannot help but notice the beauty of our east coast states as well. Welcome Autumn.
With all of the beauty we saw out west one cannot help but notice the beauty of our east coast states as well. Welcome Autumn.
Timing is The Keystone Of Life
Heading back East to Family August 10
After a fantastic four and a half weeks of walking barefoot in parks, biking through all types of landscapes, and sleeping in a tent along rivers, in pastures, along lakes and stream beds we met up with family along Lake Huron on the Sunrise side of Michigan and in the mountains of the Poconos in Pennsylvania. All the luxuries of civilization were offered to us (amazing meals, showers, and a bed). We had completed our western journey safe and sound (7500 miles) with more respect than we could have ever realized for the people and the beauty of our country. We have a better understanding of how quickly this could all be gone in the flash of one fire out west during these hot, drought-like conditions that are being experienced all over the western United States.
After a fantastic four and a half weeks of walking barefoot in parks, biking through all types of landscapes, and sleeping in a tent along rivers, in pastures, along lakes and stream beds we met up with family along Lake Huron on the Sunrise side of Michigan and in the mountains of the Poconos in Pennsylvania. All the luxuries of civilization were offered to us (amazing meals, showers, and a bed). We had completed our western journey safe and sound (7500 miles) with more respect than we could have ever realized for the people and the beauty of our country. We have a better understanding of how quickly this could all be gone in the flash of one fire out west during these hot, drought-like conditions that are being experienced all over the western United States.
Glacier National Park (Whitefish and Swan Lake) August 5
The trip from Thompson Falls over to the Flathead Lake Reservation was on quiet back roads of Montana. The hills were rolling and we couldn't quite imagine the peaks that we were about to experience. The NPR stations were hard to find and so we listened to Native American news stations and traditional songs as well as good "ole" cowboy and cowgirl music. We settled ourselves in Whitefish near the Flathead River region and discovered the foothills of The Glacier Peaks by bicycles, of course. Glacier National park was having forest fires most of the summer. Our good fortune followed us once again because as we were getting ready to head back east, the road "Highway-To-The-Sun was finally opened to car traffic to drive through the park. We passed smoldering fires and saw the destruction of thousands of acres of forests on all the hillsides. We headed back east with heavy hearts.
The trip from Thompson Falls over to the Flathead Lake Reservation was on quiet back roads of Montana. The hills were rolling and we couldn't quite imagine the peaks that we were about to experience. The NPR stations were hard to find and so we listened to Native American news stations and traditional songs as well as good "ole" cowboy and cowgirl music. We settled ourselves in Whitefish near the Flathead River region and discovered the foothills of The Glacier Peaks by bicycles, of course. Glacier National park was having forest fires most of the summer. Our good fortune followed us once again because as we were getting ready to head back east, the road "Highway-To-The-Sun was finally opened to car traffic to drive through the park. We passed smoldering fires and saw the destruction of thousands of acres of forests on all the hillsides. We headed back east with heavy hearts.
Thompson Falls, Montana (We made it!) August 1 RABBIT-RABBIT
Ron and I were lucky enough to drive out from Driggs, Idaho early in the morning and under the luck of a Blue Moon. (That is when there are two fulls moons in one month: this past July). The Blue Moon was still sitting pretty full and high in the sky when we pulled out of Wendy's and Tony's driveway in Driggs. This next stop in our travels was our most western destination and the opportunity for Ron to reunite with his life from 1956 when he worked for the National Forest Service as a ranger atop one of the many peaks in Lolo National Forest (anywhere from 5000 to over 7000 feet.) We found some of the most beautiful places in the world in Lolo National Forest and some of the friendliest people from western Montana. The following pictures represent some of the places we visited, camped, hiked, and biked. The last photo is of Bud Yrion, a retired forest ranger, that was stationed on a peak in the same summer that Ron did his summer forest fire look out. The trip was a brilliant success.
Ron and I were lucky enough to drive out from Driggs, Idaho early in the morning and under the luck of a Blue Moon. (That is when there are two fulls moons in one month: this past July). The Blue Moon was still sitting pretty full and high in the sky when we pulled out of Wendy's and Tony's driveway in Driggs. This next stop in our travels was our most western destination and the opportunity for Ron to reunite with his life from 1956 when he worked for the National Forest Service as a ranger atop one of the many peaks in Lolo National Forest (anywhere from 5000 to over 7000 feet.) We found some of the most beautiful places in the world in Lolo National Forest and some of the friendliest people from western Montana. The following pictures represent some of the places we visited, camped, hiked, and biked. The last photo is of Bud Yrion, a retired forest ranger, that was stationed on a peak in the same summer that Ron did his summer forest fire look out. The trip was a brilliant success.
Mesa Falls Rail Trail Ride Driggs, Idaho July 29
This agricultural valley is surrounded by enormous peaks. The volcanic geological features abound as you ride along the miles of olde railroad beds that have been converted into rail trails. The enormous Teton Peaks are always watching over you in the background.
This agricultural valley is surrounded by enormous peaks. The volcanic geological features abound as you ride along the miles of olde railroad beds that have been converted into rail trails. The enormous Teton Peaks are always watching over you in the background.
Driggs, Idaho July 26
What a delight to be in this Idaho valley bordered by the Grand Tetons to the east of us. I watch the sunrise over the Grand Teton Peak from Wendy and Tony's front window each day. There was snowfall on July 28th on the peak. Reminders of what will be coming to us on our trip in August as we fast approach the end of summer. Enough of that! Enjoy the scenery with me from my bike rides and hiking in Driggs in the photo gallery below.
What a delight to be in this Idaho valley bordered by the Grand Tetons to the east of us. I watch the sunrise over the Grand Teton Peak from Wendy and Tony's front window each day. There was snowfall on July 28th on the peak. Reminders of what will be coming to us on our trip in August as we fast approach the end of summer. Enough of that! Enjoy the scenery with me from my bike rides and hiking in Driggs in the photo gallery below.
"In order to heal Our Grandmother Earth we must unify through peace" Sitting Bull
THe Native American Memorial at the Little Bighorn Battlefield in MOntAna
The Roads Less Traveled July 24
The roads and highways of several states are behind us now. Ron and I have journeyed through Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. I still feel that the state of New Hampshire is truly home to me. We have seen outstanding and dramatic landscapes and we have walked in the footsteps of many Native Americans and early pioneers across the countryside as well. We have camped in state parks, along the roadsides, and in recreational areas. Each site has given us a chance to appreciate our lives, the beautiful gifts from our Earth, and what people have done to care for the earth as well as what they do to harm it. We do our best to walk lightly on this planet and take in as much history and herstory that we can from the local people as well as from the historic landmark sites. Some of our highlights can be seen in the following photos from our trip. Much of it has been on bikes and walking the pathways and woodlands of our country. We are very enthusiastic about the daily surprises yet to come in the next three weeks of our journey....through the rain, winds, extreme heat, and voices we meet along the way. "Generosity, Compassion, and Sacrifice" Sitting Bull
The roads and highways of several states are behind us now. Ron and I have journeyed through Ohio, Indiana, Iowa, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho. I still feel that the state of New Hampshire is truly home to me. We have seen outstanding and dramatic landscapes and we have walked in the footsteps of many Native Americans and early pioneers across the countryside as well. We have camped in state parks, along the roadsides, and in recreational areas. Each site has given us a chance to appreciate our lives, the beautiful gifts from our Earth, and what people have done to care for the earth as well as what they do to harm it. We do our best to walk lightly on this planet and take in as much history and herstory that we can from the local people as well as from the historic landmark sites. Some of our highlights can be seen in the following photos from our trip. Much of it has been on bikes and walking the pathways and woodlands of our country. We are very enthusiastic about the daily surprises yet to come in the next three weeks of our journey....through the rain, winds, extreme heat, and voices we meet along the way. "Generosity, Compassion, and Sacrifice" Sitting Bull
Badlands in South Dakota July
July 15 Heading westward
The long paved trail west takes us with car and bikes through many states and out to our final destination of Montana. We hope to climb the fire tower where my husband had a lookout in the Bitterroot Range when he turned 21 years young. We will be celebrating his 80th birthday by climbing back up to the tower and we will look out for bears and lightning storms; just like he did when he was 21 years old.
The long paved trail west takes us with car and bikes through many states and out to our final destination of Montana. We hope to climb the fire tower where my husband had a lookout in the Bitterroot Range when he turned 21 years young. We will be celebrating his 80th birthday by climbing back up to the tower and we will look out for bears and lightning storms; just like he did when he was 21 years old.
Montana...Here we come!
July 15 departure The chickens are bidding us a fond farewell. My bike is ready to hit the trails of the northwest.
Bienvenidos a Juarez, Mexico July 4th, 2015 (Welcome)
There are great celebrations in coming back home from a very fruitful trip at Centro Victoria in Juarez, Mexico. The word of the week is bendiciones (blessings). The 18 people from the Monadnock region who helped create the new school yard by making and pouring yards of concrete in over 100 degree heat are las bendiciones. The children who make us smile every day with their hugs and deepest appreciation for what we are doing with them are las bendiciones. Having a thermos full of clean water on hot and humid days while working is una
bendicion. Creating new friendships with people in our group and with our friends across the border is una bendicion. The joy of completing another project for the future of these children has filled my heart once again. I return to the United states full of new children songs and games from my Mexican students for my Spanish students. In exchange I have shared a few English songs with them. Ideas are brewing for new service projects to work on with my MS students when I return to class next year. Bendiciones a todos. https://youtu.be/5ojqyRQLN5M "Detroit Industry" by Diego Rivera 1932 -33
Detroit Institute of Art June 2015
How lucky can one get? I was in Detroit at a family affair and had the chance to visit a special art exhibit on Frida Khalo and Diego Rivera at the DIA. This begins my study of Latino artists that have influenced our world view in a grand way. I was able to find and purchase several books for my students to use when researching artists and their art when I return in 2016. September - June Monthly visitations in SAU29
The goal is to observe and participate in world language classrooms throughout the district all year long. Hopefully, there will opportunities to visit classrooms in other districts as well. October / November in Mexico City
It has been a dream of mine to visit the house (La Casa Azul) where Frida Khalo spent much of her time being influenced by all aspects of her Mexican heritage. I hope to spend several days visiting this museum along with several others enjoying the artwork of famous and not so famous artists of Mexico. The colors are astounding in the cemetery in Oaxaca, Mexico.
La Casa Azul
Museum of historic resident Mexican artists
Frida Khalo and Diego Rivera January Envisioning the New Year, 2016
Exploring Amelia Island off the cost of Florida with family. One of the southernmost of the Sea Islands, a chain of barrier islands stretching along the east coast of the United States from South Carolina to Florida, Amelia Island is 13 miles (21 km) long and approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) wide at its widest point. Eight flags have flown over Amelia Island: French, Spanish, British, Patriot, Green Cross, Mexican, Confederate, and United States. |
(We fit everything in that we needed...including bear spray to protect us from grizzly bears) The car is packed and we will be hitting the road by 4:00 am. Ron and I have discovered rail trails (railroad beds that have been restored into bike paths) that will take us in and out of valleys and canyons in South Dakota, Idaho, and Montana. We will visit Missions and Native American sites and take in as much history as we can. Juarez, Mexico July 2015 The project to create a schoolyard was completed in Centro Victoria.
The 73 children who survive each day with smiles and hugs for all of us are LAS BENDICIONES. Dr. Annika Brown offered a physical exam and eye exam to all the children and staff at Centro Victoria. In all of my years visiting Centro Victoria this was the first time medical care was offered. Another BENDICION.
The boys' dormitory at Centro Victoria
March Visitation of Maya ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula Continuation of my exploration of archaeological sites in Mexico. The hopes will be to get back to visit the Maya ruins of Chichen Itza and Uxmal and then to further explore a new one for me, Dzibilchaltun, outside of Merida, Mexico. January Birding all over Florida
Payne's Prairie Sate Park Paynes Prairie is biologically, geologically and historically unique. This park became Florida's first state preserve in 1971 and is now designated as a National Natural Landmark. More than 20 distinct biological communities provide a rich array of habitats for wildlife and livestock, including alligators, bison, horses and more than 270 species of birds. Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge
The Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge is a 147,392-acre wildlife sanctuary is located west of Boynton Beach, in Palm Beach County, Florida. It includes the most northern remnant of the historic Everglades wetland ecosystem. Wakodahatchee
Wakodahatchee has a three-quarter-mile boardwalk, and along the way, you will see birds that are so used to the passing people and you can get extraordinarily close. More than 140 species of birds have been identified here, Green Cay
Green Cay Nature Center is the county's newest nature center that overlooks 100 acres of constructed wetland and provides educational opportunities about this unique habitat. The wetland features 1.5 miles of elevated boardwalk featuring interpretive signs about the habitat and takes visitors through various habitats, including cabbage palm hammock, cypress swamp, wetland hammock, and tropical hardwood hammock. Great birding right next door to my Dad's home. |
October 23 - November 12 Vamos a Oaxaca, Mexico
The departure at the end of October brings us within one week of the celebration of Day of the Dead (El Dia de Los Muertos). This holiday takes place on November 1. My intention is to be part of the pre-celebration rituals of this Aztec rooted holiday within the the market places, the cemeteries, the archaeological sites, the artisan communities and with the local indigenous people. The city of Oaxaca is surrounded by artisan communities such as wood carvers, weavers, mask makers, painters, ceramic makers, and pottery makers. Much of this folk art will come alive in my classroom upon my return.
The departure at the end of October brings us within one week of the celebration of Day of the Dead (El Dia de Los Muertos). This holiday takes place on November 1. My intention is to be part of the pre-celebration rituals of this Aztec rooted holiday within the the market places, the cemeteries, the archaeological sites, the artisan communities and with the local indigenous people. The city of Oaxaca is surrounded by artisan communities such as wood carvers, weavers, mask makers, painters, ceramic makers, and pottery makers. Much of this folk art will come alive in my classroom upon my return.
June 27, 2015
It all begins with one footstep away from the doors of Marlborough School and follows through with the footsteps of an adventurer. I begin this sabbatical year with my first stop in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico to offer service work once again at Centro Victoria. Centro Victoria gives a home, offers meals and delivers education to children who no longer live in the safety of their homes or with family. Please follow this website to learn more about Centro Victoria. http://www.hopeinjuarez.org/
It all begins with one footstep away from the doors of Marlborough School and follows through with the footsteps of an adventurer. I begin this sabbatical year with my first stop in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico to offer service work once again at Centro Victoria. Centro Victoria gives a home, offers meals and delivers education to children who no longer live in the safety of their homes or with family. Please follow this website to learn more about Centro Victoria. http://www.hopeinjuarez.org/