tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66349185838317615742024-03-13T08:50:18.744-07:00hi.im.heidihi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.comBlogger43125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-32843880557988474722014-01-21T21:12:00.002-08:002014-01-21T21:13:19.651-08:00MexicoI could write for a week about my experience in Mexico, but I'm in grad school and that is not feasible to my intimidatingly tight schedule. So, I will do my best synthesis and summation of the amazing things I accomplished, the phenomenal people I met, and why I think the organization I went with is starting something that should not end in Mazatlan, Mexico.<br />
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First, let me tell you a story.<br />
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Two years ago I was living in Cuernavaca, Mexico on a study abroad experience with my two children and The University of Washington. We traveled south to Oaxaca for the weekend to see the southern Mexico pyramids, the petrified waterfall of Oaxaca, try real mole (the chocolate sauce found on Mexican menus), and mingle with the locals. We heard of a mercado outside of Oaxaca city, only a few miles per taxi, but were warned that tourists don't usually venture there so we should be on guard.<br />
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The mercado was that of a third world country. Filled with livestock and handmade goods, a dirt walkway, and no tourists. It was beautiful and terrifying in some ways. As we walked through the isles and looked at the booths selling everything from bowls made from tree seeds to sandals made to order, I noticed a little girl standing in the middle of the path. Her mother was seated on the ground next to her holding a basket of gum. The little girl was selling the "chicle" as they call it and started moving down the path. Her mother pushed herself off the ground and it was at this point I could see just below her indigenous dress line that she was an amputee of both her legs. If that wasn't difficult enough, in order to maintain her balance and protect her 'nub' legs, she had placed old soup cans over them to "walk" on. My children looked up at me for reassurance, not wanting to believe what they were seeing. At this point, I became emotional and realized this lady had no options, no wheelchair, no therapy, no assistance or resources, and I knew that my decision to apply to be an occupational therapist was the right one. With a wheelchair, this woman would be given more mobility, less health risks, and could be more independent. I vowed at that moment to return to Mexico somehow and try to start and fix the problem in front of me. <br />
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Fast forward two years and while applying to graduate school I was told about a program called Push International that takes broken wheelchairs to Mexico, rebuilds them, and distributes them to people who need them. Lights started flashing in my head! Fireworks! trumpets! I knew I had to be a part of this. It just felt right.<br />
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On January 11 of this year, I flew to Mazatlan to be a part of an exceptional team of student physical therapists, student occupational therapists, a student COTA, two practicing occupational therapists (one being the co-founder), a carpenter, and the director of Push. Despite the governmental travel advisory not to go to Mazatlan, I felt nothing but welcomed from the Mexican people and their families. <br />
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We worked long days learning about different disabilities, therapy techniques, teaming, building wheelchairs and distributing them. I gained insight on how to be a better therapist by working with children of disability, struggling with how to best help them be more independent, and consulting other students and therapists on what they would do. We made home visits to people that had received wheelchairs in the past years to see if any repairs or alterations needed to be made and to remind them that they were not forgotten, the wheelchair center is there if they need any help.<br />
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I could share a hundred stories of the people I met and how they affected me, but I will leave that to photos. I can't say enough that this experience was one I am immeasurably thankful for. Push International helped me follow through on a promise I made to myself two years ago and one I hope to keep for the future, to distribute independence, therapy, care, smiles, and hope to people who have been treated as hopeless, useless, dependent and pitiful.<br />
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To find out more how you can help Push International or be a part of a distribution team go here: http://pushinternational.org/<br />
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Here are some of the amazing people we helped get refurbished wheelchairs or other adaptive devices:<br />
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Participating in therapy groups: </div>
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Beautiful Mexico</div>
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<br />hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-69224842128993075242013-08-25T11:44:00.000-07:002013-08-25T11:50:27.571-07:00Jungle Funk<style>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I would
like to start by expressing how much I miss everyone back home.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">(insert
long pause here)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">But really.
This trip would not be possible without the love and support of my dear friends
and family. I cant explain how hard it is to be away from all of you.
Especially now. Here is why:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A few weeks ago (I don’t really know which day because I don’t even know what day today is.. Im
on Amazonian time) we boarded a bus. We had a few issues with sick-folk along
the way and a few of our students had to head home (miss you Cody and
Lauren!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>then, we took a 12 hour bus
ride to Puerto Maldonado.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The drive
(for the daylight portion) was beautiful. Incredible.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We drove over the Andes. Really, the Andes!
15, 000 ft elevation, surrounded by glaciers, strange vegetation and llamas.
Some of us experienced a little altitude sickness from making such a steep
climb in only a few hours. I was included in that. Mostly my eyes would not
stay open and I would drift in and out of sleep.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bltTec1xLWg/Uhf2s1mPMPI/AAAAAAAABqs/OOTkYUBb06E/s1600/IMGP2335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bltTec1xLWg/Uhf2s1mPMPI/AAAAAAAABqs/OOTkYUBb06E/s400/IMGP2335.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the drive over the pass</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KRgCZBX84kU/Uhf5DVe3c_I/AAAAAAAABrQ/CalLHbCge9Q/s1600/IMGP2346.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KRgCZBX84kU/Uhf5DVe3c_I/AAAAAAAABrQ/CalLHbCge9Q/s400/IMGP2346.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the Andes </td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The trip
was way too long thanks to our driver being extra cautious on the Peruvian
hiway. We made a stop in a very VERY small town to use the restroom.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Walking into the nearest restaurant we asked
to use the facilities. This one room restaurant was only a few long tables with
a plastic cover and a television that was turned up full blast. There were two
men eating and some children playing in the dark outside. The lady working
there pointed outside and around back and we all followed the pointing. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Around the
corner were 6 outdoor stalls. They were labeled baño 1, baño 2 and so
forth.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The first two were stopped up.
Number four’s light was out and five and six were holes in the ground. Looks
like number 3 for me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After beating that
challenge we boarded up the bus again for another few hours.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n-Tu06J4gOI/UhjcZAHgacI/AAAAAAAABus/dAGlbH6-j6I/s1600/IMG_0531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n-Tu06J4gOI/UhjcZAHgacI/AAAAAAAABus/dAGlbH6-j6I/s640/IMG_0531.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">bathrooms in mining town</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DpgkRzV09wo/UhjcZ3WxM3I/AAAAAAAABu4/ccvENrfGdHk/s1600/IMG_0533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DpgkRzV09wo/UhjcZ3WxM3I/AAAAAAAABu4/ccvENrfGdHk/s640/IMG_0533.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yeah.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODKGrm2yvPY/UhjchRXBkEI/AAAAAAAABvE/5p84PYfWkM0/s1600/IMG_0534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ODKGrm2yvPY/UhjchRXBkEI/AAAAAAAABvE/5p84PYfWkM0/s640/IMG_0534.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the shower (which we didnt use)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We arrived
in Puerto Maldonado around 1 am and headed to bed. The next morning I had to
make a pharmacy run because I was feeling less than “Heidi” so I got some
supplements to make my heart sing. I wish I could describe properly Puerto
Maldonado but try to imagine a Peruvian palm tree biker town where they use
motorcycles as taxis, the women all dress very nicely and wear high-heals on
their scooters, and the humidity is like nothing you can imagine. The thick
sticky kind that makes you want to shower every 10 minutes. We didn’t spend a
lot of time there but it felt like some post apoctolyptic city where civilization
was rebuilding and had limited fuel resources so everyone had a motorcycle. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z0wrP4AAvB8/Uhjeb9m9zEI/AAAAAAAABvg/-e322tF48nc/s1600/IMG_8138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-z0wrP4AAvB8/Uhjeb9m9zEI/AAAAAAAABvg/-e322tF48nc/s640/IMG_8138.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">puerto maldonado</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3e2MZKFvYI/UhjebgxVl8I/AAAAAAAABvk/iS1Rz-wMI2s/s1600/IMG_8140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I3e2MZKFvYI/UhjebgxVl8I/AAAAAAAABvk/iS1Rz-wMI2s/s640/IMG_8140.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">A six
seater taxi showed up at our hotel doorstep and we loaded up and headed out for
the hour drive to the boat port.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The
town we ended at was a small mining village. The town was fairly sketchy but
incredibly interesting. The open businesses were either convenience stores or
boat/motorcycle repair shops. The town people were not incredibly used to
tourists/out-of-towners so we had to be a little more guarded. I had to use the
bathroom (this seems to be a trend) and I walked to the nearby gas station. I
asked the young man working if I could use the bathroom. I was really nervous
because we were told to just “be careful” in the town. He said “yeah” and he
pointed. There were three stalls. I opened the door and found a fairly dirty
and unusable toilet. He came running over and told me to use the one marked
“privado.” This one really wasn’t much better. The place was a germ sanctuary.
I still used it. Then headed out to strike up a conversation with the guy. We
talked for a bit and he asked me where I was from. I told him “the states.” He
said “ahhhh like Nueva York??”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
chuckled and told him ‘the other side.’<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Then I found out that he knows the University of Washington and I was really
impressed. I told him thank you so much for letting me use his restroom and I
headed out. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Also, I
would like to mention I successfully peed in a hole (in a “bathroom stall” in
this town for 2 soles.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">One of our
boats broke down before we boarded…. Sooooo we were able to borrow a supply
boat that was lined with mattresses at the bottom for us to sit on. When I say
boat, I hope you understand this was no cruise liner. This boat mimics a large
canoe with a canopy. One man sits at the back with a motor and controls the
boat. Seven of us fit on the mattresses and strapped on our life vests ready
for the ride of a lifetime down the Madre de Dios river. </span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-At0DSblB8HM/Uhjk0aybnmI/AAAAAAAABwE/DF56QPVimtM/s1600/IMGP2379.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-At0DSblB8HM/Uhjk0aybnmI/AAAAAAAABwE/DF56QPVimtM/s400/IMGP2379.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">laberinto</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6LrGm7d7pkI/UhjkUSTOimI/AAAAAAAABv8/FPcYa3--cro/s1600/IMGP2381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6LrGm7d7pkI/UhjkUSTOimI/AAAAAAAABv8/FPcYa3--cro/s400/IMGP2381.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-B1bZG2MiQ/Uhjlp3xcpMI/AAAAAAAABwY/_MIpONIl7S4/s1600/IMGP2385.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-B1bZG2MiQ/Uhjlp3xcpMI/AAAAAAAABwY/_MIpONIl7S4/s640/IMGP2385.jpg" width="360" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sajACvM4TIs/Uhjll2xCH5I/AAAAAAAABwQ/4TEUKddXoIw/s1600/IMGP2386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sajACvM4TIs/Uhjll2xCH5I/AAAAAAAABwQ/4TEUKddXoIw/s640/IMGP2386.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my professor Ursula getting our boat packed up</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-guzNW3AA6WE/Uhjl7UWqm5I/AAAAAAAABwg/YxcLb4Lln38/s1600/IMGP2388.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-guzNW3AA6WE/Uhjl7UWqm5I/AAAAAAAABwg/YxcLb4Lln38/s640/IMGP2388.jpg" width="360" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dFLdfAW4UXI/UhjnHDtSciI/AAAAAAAABw0/YsYFV48kJSo/s1600/IMGP2391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dFLdfAW4UXI/UhjnHDtSciI/AAAAAAAABw0/YsYFV48kJSo/s400/IMGP2391.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXyuttwKGWw/Uhjm_o0c_GI/AAAAAAAABws/VQ1fweKvTQo/s1600/IMGP2402.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mXyuttwKGWw/Uhjm_o0c_GI/AAAAAAAABws/VQ1fweKvTQo/s400/IMGP2402.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YakA0rQY6x4/UhgKTPjw31I/AAAAAAAABtE/3ICN8IO0VWE/s1600/IMGP2510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YakA0rQY6x4/UhgKTPjw31I/AAAAAAAABtE/3ICN8IO0VWE/s400/IMGP2510.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">some of the jungle view from the river</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We all were
so excited as the boat pulled away from the port in the city of Laberinto, We
waved to the other half of our class boarding the next boat and sped off.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ride was exhilarating (at least for the
first two of the five hours). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Madre de
dios. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The water
was a murky brown red color from its decent from the Andes large intrepid
watershed. Dotted along the river, gold mines past and present, impacted the
banks of the river like cancer. The mines were continuous and slowly moving
more into the landscape, clearing trees, killing wildlife and vegetation, and
polluting the river.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A very dangerous
bi-product of the gold mining process is mercury. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--T6VB5UCijg/UhjrQ-yN8dI/AAAAAAAABxI/0YDXsxxtEl4/s1600/IMGP2417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3IjkUZDu7s/UhjqvKZ5cZI/AAAAAAAABxA/3OSgYtqEuMw/s1600/IMGP2411.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8n5ST5zvWR4/Uhjslj504VI/AAAAAAAABxc/vD76SxYDF1g/s1600/IMGP2436.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8n5ST5zvWR4/Uhjslj504VI/AAAAAAAABxc/vD76SxYDF1g/s400/IMGP2436.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V27Y6BfVkAE/UhjtvfccHqI/AAAAAAAABx0/FyKe_uyEmRE/s1600/IMGP2455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V27Y6BfVkAE/UhjtvfccHqI/AAAAAAAABx0/FyKe_uyEmRE/s400/IMGP2455.JPG" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KgrBjFk-GOg/UhjsmAsitjI/AAAAAAAABxg/_H0ZqJ7gqnI/s1600/IMGP2460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KgrBjFk-GOg/UhjsmAsitjI/AAAAAAAABxg/_H0ZqJ7gqnI/s640/IMGP2460.jpg" width="360" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zMhLdddsepw/Uhjt8CVRXZI/AAAAAAAAByE/8-9DM7zKlUM/s1600/IMGP2497.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zMhLdddsepw/Uhjt8CVRXZI/AAAAAAAAByE/8-9DM7zKlUM/s400/IMGP2497.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a rainstorm while we were on the river(complete with thunder and lightning)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-umvDaSJ0V7w/UhjtQ36ab4I/AAAAAAAABxs/ZM3JIUsZJpw/s1600/IMGP2505.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-umvDaSJ0V7w/UhjtQ36ab4I/AAAAAAAABxs/ZM3JIUsZJpw/s640/IMGP2505.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the after product of the rainstorm</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ohjDwKtBTsE/Uhjt2Bt1tFI/AAAAAAAABx8/Dl1brwG482Y/s1600/IMGP2515.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ohjDwKtBTsE/Uhjt2Bt1tFI/AAAAAAAABx8/Dl1brwG482Y/s640/IMGP2515.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the sunset on the river</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></div>
</div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9GlTLryXwCE/UhjrmMZ2grI/AAAAAAAABxQ/9ncLFE7XrvU/s1600/IMGP2405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9GlTLryXwCE/UhjrmMZ2grI/AAAAAAAABxQ/9ncLFE7XrvU/s320/IMGP2405.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">gold mining operation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3IjkUZDu7s/UhjqvKZ5cZI/AAAAAAAABxA/3OSgYtqEuMw/s1600/IMGP2411.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-R3IjkUZDu7s/UhjqvKZ5cZI/AAAAAAAABxA/3OSgYtqEuMw/s320/IMGP2411.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Gold mining
in the Amazon has become a huge environmental issue as well as social hazard.
Children are being taken from their homes to do the most dangerous work in the
process- the diving. Aside from that people are dipping their entire bodies in
containers with mercury in them. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We arrived
at CICRA, a biological station for conservation.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You can read more about it here: http://www.amazonconservation.org/ourwork/research.html</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We loaded
our luggage up a thousand stairs (well not so much but it may as well have been
a thousand) and headed to our cabin. Our cabin was a large building with
ceilingless rooms, no electricity, and no hot water. Im not complaining. It
definetly built character. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">First thing
I noticed stepping into the Amazon was the amount of insects:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">HUGE
secadas</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">HUGE moths</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">And a
hundred bugs biting my ankles</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2tEetZiF_A/Uhjw9OtaM8I/AAAAAAAABzA/cQ-eJfzUgQk/s1600/IMGP2832.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-J2tEetZiF_A/Uhjw9OtaM8I/AAAAAAAABzA/cQ-eJfzUgQk/s400/IMGP2832.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">madre de dios river</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-szE0caLpf7Y/Uhjwr26xqAI/AAAAAAAABy4/mdOkT0JI8FA/s1600/IMGP2912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-szE0caLpf7Y/Uhjwr26xqAI/AAAAAAAABy4/mdOkT0JI8FA/s640/IMGP2912.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">sunrise in the jungle</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Our rooms
were nice for being in the jungle, but going to sleep was difficult. We did not
have windows, only screens for windows, so all of the noises of the jungle
creeped into our room all night. We slept under mosquito nets and listened to
all the insects out side. Definitely a new experience for me.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sYnzl2kq2w4/UhpKUCYY3EI/AAAAAAAAB0o/dTd0p_e0_aw/s400/IMGP3486.JPG" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">los amigos station eating hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IFhH8rkFtw/UhpKdV8tQvI/AAAAAAAAB0w/hjxSS9ySCjM/s1600/IMGP3498.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IFhH8rkFtw/UhpKdV8tQvI/AAAAAAAAB0w/hjxSS9ySCjM/s400/IMGP3498.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my mosquito netted bed</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The week at
CICRA</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-912uv0kgz0o/UhjvWgc6UeI/AAAAAAAAByQ/1J2nP_qQX3s/s1600/IMGP2655.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-912uv0kgz0o/UhjvWgc6UeI/AAAAAAAAByQ/1J2nP_qQX3s/s400/IMGP2655.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">melastomatacea leaf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We spent
all week researching. My specific project had to do with the m</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">elastomataceae
plant.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> were studying how light, soil
pH, temperature, ect. affected this important plant in the rainforest. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We spent
every day trekking thru the jungle, setting plots and counting plants.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our hikes would last up to four hours
sometimes, which gave us ample opportunity to see all the wild life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Here are
some of the animals we saw:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Capuchin
monkeys</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Squirrel
monkeys</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Emperor
tamerine monkey</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Orpendula</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Black
vultures</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Turkey
vultures</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Egeret (all
three kinds)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Anolis </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sYnzl2kq2w4/UhpKUCYY3EI/AAAAAAAAB0o/dTd0p_e0_aw/s1600/IMGP3486.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sphynx
moths</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Gigantic
roaches</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Huge
secadas</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Tucans</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rxba2IibH9I/Uhjv-eMJMzI/AAAAAAAAByY/9o-lQFL6AM4/s1600/IMGP2679.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rxba2IibH9I/Uhjv-eMJMzI/AAAAAAAAByY/9o-lQFL6AM4/s400/IMGP2679.JPG" width="400" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Parrots</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Maccaws</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Royal
flycatchers</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Giant
turtle</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Cayman
(crocodile)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Roadside
hawks</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Ready Quail
Dove</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Orb weaving
spiders</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Praying
mantis</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Gecko</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Athena
Spider</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Morpho
Butterflies</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Phylomedusa
Frog</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Bats</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fu-HEcIskFw/UhjwM_6DerI/AAAAAAAAByo/Efdy5CeQSXw/s1600/IMGP2744.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fu-HEcIskFw/UhjwM_6DerI/AAAAAAAAByo/Efdy5CeQSXw/s400/IMGP2744.JPG" width="400" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Scorpion</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Crazy
catapillars</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Bullet ants</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Also we
saw/heard:</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Peckarys
(wild pigs)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Jaguar
tracks</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Matapalo
tree (crazy huge strangler tree)</span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rf8zE8RuUbI/UhpKLUk5YVI/AAAAAAAAB0g/4pylCb9WDyE/s1600/IMG_8081.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4HYuiLFDY20/UhpHmwGprWI/AAAAAAAABzg/uoN91Eyqvj0/s1600/IMGP3121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4HYuiLFDY20/UhpHmwGprWI/AAAAAAAABzg/uoN91Eyqvj0/s640/IMGP3121.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SHtLY26oI-I/UhpGsDj5jeI/AAAAAAAABzY/V2cMb2T2l1w/s1600/IMGP3211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SHtLY26oI-I/UhpGsDj5jeI/AAAAAAAABzY/V2cMb2T2l1w/s640/IMGP3211.jpg" width="360" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Wt0ucWh5Ys/UhpHpYlxM4I/AAAAAAAABzw/OCqDrGktLkA/s1600/IMGP3249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3Wt0ucWh5Ys/UhpHpYlxM4I/AAAAAAAABzw/OCqDrGktLkA/s640/IMGP3249.jpg" width="360" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3SzH4v0JnG0/UhpIIgCiGiI/AAAAAAAABz4/p4IGSl_4CpA/s1600/IMGP3386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3SzH4v0JnG0/UhpIIgCiGiI/AAAAAAAABz4/p4IGSl_4CpA/s640/IMGP3386.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">lake edge where we searched for giant otters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7oZO6FqFlN4/UhpIeCAHSPI/AAAAAAAAB0A/PhO0ZFMLJHE/s1600/IMGP3417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7oZO6FqFlN4/UhpIeCAHSPI/AAAAAAAAB0A/PhO0ZFMLJHE/s640/IMGP3417.jpg" width="360" /></a></span></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JI4CJqtWfE0/UhpIuJR_AzI/AAAAAAAAB0I/xHxGgR716Us/s1600/IMGP3439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JI4CJqtWfE0/UhpIuJR_AzI/AAAAAAAAB0I/xHxGgR716Us/s640/IMGP3439.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">animal trap I found deep in the rainforest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CculFy2uOdE/UhpJp9vlKjI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/r4DF-HWNSQQ/s1600/IMGP3480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CculFy2uOdE/UhpJp9vlKjI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/r4DF-HWNSQQ/s640/IMGP3480.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">capuchin monkeys outside our cabin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aXUGUrjOd-c/Uhjv_es_qFI/AAAAAAAAByg/8XrzEYdj8fU/s1600/IMGP2812.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aXUGUrjOd-c/Uhjv_es_qFI/AAAAAAAAByg/8XrzEYdj8fU/s400/IMGP2812.jpg" width="225" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">At one
point we had 20 squirrel monkeys swinging over head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another point I watched 5 shooting stars from
a lookout over the Madre de dios river. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6YiAu7e8Y10/UhpKlhcY5sI/AAAAAAAAB04/W4aI1DCYNfg/s1600/IMG_8092.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6YiAu7e8Y10/UhpKlhcY5sI/AAAAAAAAB04/W4aI1DCYNfg/s320/IMG_8092.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my poor feet</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">During my
stay I acquired 120 bug bites, chiggers all over my body, and I even had a tick
buried in my hand. Also, jungle funk is a real thing. If you don't know what it smells like, I pray you never will. It seeps into your clothing, your hair, your skin. You try to wash it off in the shower and it maybe works for a minute, but its in the air and it will find you. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I got a
super awesome opportunity to help my good friend Alyssa Boettger with her
birding project. She set up nets at 5 a.m. and waited in half hour increments
to see what she could catch. Then she measured and banded each bird and then
let it go. She did this repeatedly for a few days and recorded all of her data into a global birding site. My friends are so cool. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">One of the
most interesting things was the fact that we were neighboring non-contacted
villages. Indigenous Peruvians that have never seen a white girl from the U.S.
We were told to stay away from these areas because there have been attacks on
researchers in the past, rare, but it could happen. I partially wanted to run
into them because of my extreme interest in ancient cultures. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oKKNk6omBbo/UhjwiTAXP_I/AAAAAAAAByw/681q3xaTIN0/s1600/IMGP2824.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oKKNk6omBbo/UhjwiTAXP_I/AAAAAAAAByw/681q3xaTIN0/s640/IMGP2824.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2IFhH8rkFtw/UhpKdV8tQvI/AAAAAAAAB0w/hjxSS9ySCjM/s1600/IMGP3498.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rf8zE8RuUbI/UhpKLUk5YVI/AAAAAAAAB0g/4pylCb9WDyE/s1600/IMG_8081.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rf8zE8RuUbI/UhpKLUk5YVI/AAAAAAAAB0g/4pylCb9WDyE/s320/IMG_8081.jpg" width="240" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span>After 8
days of the jungle, we headed back to a relaxing evening in Puerto Maldonado,
then headed back to Cusco the next morning. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">My experience in the Peruvian rainforest was something unforgettable. Really difficult and lonesome at times, and completely phenomenal at others. I was challenged in unimaginable ways and came out a better student and a stronger woman. </span></div>
hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-87093150243035341502013-08-04T13:45:00.002-07:002013-08-04T13:47:59.049-07:00Worms, Salt, Guinea Pig, Textiles, Ceramics, Chicha, Machu Picchu, OH MY! My second week in Peru<style>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
Holy Peru Batman.<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">So Many
Good Things.</span>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Some things about Peru:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">many houses on the outskirts of the city are made with clay and mud</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">clothing made from alpaca is sold on every corner of every street cause it is so incredibly cold</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">the last Incan was supposedly killed by the spanish in the main plaza of Cusco</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">there are too many children on the streets selling trinkets and sleeping in doorways of restaurants</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">the people that I've met so far are very hospitable and welcoming </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">People here love to party, dance, and stay out til the wee hours of the morn</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Worm farm </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This week
has been a whirlwind of one amazing adventure after another. I don’t know how
to fit all of it in, but… you know I’ll try.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If you
would have told me a month ago that I would be digging in the dirt at a
sustainable worm farm in the hills of Urumbamba Peru, I would have laughed at
your insanity. </span></div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oyKnaqhtU3k/Uf2aZWn5kiI/AAAAAAAABXk/Wfk4QjGhFTo/s1600/IMGP0797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oyKnaqhtU3k/Uf2aZWn5kiI/AAAAAAAABXk/Wfk4QjGhFTo/s400/IMGP0797.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Well look
who’s laughing now (still me) because that’s exactly what I did. With my class,
I drove by bus to the far stretching mountains beyond Cusco, to visit a
sustainable worm farm. Our humble host for the afternoon was a Californian
named Jeff. Jeff has been working on the farm for 18 years now and passion for
sustainability and the livelihood of the townspeople poured from him. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He had four men working there with him on the
day we visited, who he employed from the local village. Regular visits from
school children will hopefully ensure that organic worm farming will carry on into the future and people will use less pesticides in their fertilizer. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our job was to help the men sort thru the
piles of soil that and pick out all the California Red Wigglers so they could go back to work in the next pile of dung. Did I mention
the soil used to be a huge pile of horse poo? Chyeah. But the sustainability of
the farm and the efficiency of the worms cut down any smell.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was virtually odorless. </span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8UITaSGJVHE/Uf2deWTs5TI/AAAAAAAABZI/gdum2nDvWmA/s1600/IMGP0835.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8UITaSGJVHE/Uf2deWTs5TI/AAAAAAAABZI/gdum2nDvWmA/s640/IMGP0835.jpg" width="360" /></a><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I could not
complain about the location either. The landscape was phenomenal. The tall
Peruvian mountains had a likening to our Eastern Washington backdrop, but on a
grander scale. We had no bathrooms or running water. I used a Peruvian bush to
do my business behind. The only downfall was these darn mosquitos that bit the
crud out of my ankle leaving me swollen and red spotted for a week. </span>
</span></div>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">
</span>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We worked
then shared a really nice picnic then headed on a cool walk around the
property. The changes in scenery were astounding. It felt dry like a desert in
the area we were working, but a beautiful river ran down the mountain supplying
the property with refreshing clean glacier water. Green trees lined the river
and we felt instantly hydrated. I made friends with the men working there and
they taught me phrases in Quechua, which I definitely cannot remember! </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Quechua is
the second official language of Peru and it is not easily written. It is taught
in schools, but is a very difficult language to learn unless your family has
traditionally spoke it. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z5HJfdlQULc/Uf2dcxZysCI/AAAAAAAABZA/jt9BTGNjs08/s1600/IMGP0851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z5HJfdlQULc/Uf2dcxZysCI/AAAAAAAABZA/jt9BTGNjs08/s640/IMGP0851.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If you are
interested in making your own worm farm go here:</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.tumbleweed.com.au/WormFarming/WormFarmingFAQs.aspx">http://www.tumbleweed.com.au/WormFarming/WormFarmingFAQs.aspx</a></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Also, one
thing that struck me about these men I talked with. They were incredibly proud
to be Peruvian. “I am so thankful to be born in this country,” one said.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was a beautiful thing to me. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Salt mines
of Maras (Las Salinas De Maras)</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">“Pass the
salt.”</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Salt is on
of the most important commodities of the world. The word “salary” actually
comes from the word “salt,” It’s that important! </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We had an
amazing opportunity to visit the Salt mines of Maras, Peru. It is an
indescribable place (but I’ll try). </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">These mines
are located in the Sacred Valley. Two communities run the mines and they have
all been handed down generation after generation since Inca times. The mines
themselves are large salt lined shallow pits in the ground about 4 square meters.
Highly concentrated saltwater flows slowly into each pit. Workers take care to
maintain the amount of water going into each pit using rocks to block the flow.
With the evaporation of the sun salt is created and the farmer comes to mine
it. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The salt is
mined by men, women and children and sold in the local market, and really all
over the world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spoke to a little girl
who worked there with her family and she talked to me for a few minutes about
the mines. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The Center for Traditional Textiles</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br /></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Meet
Nilda.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Nilda’s passion is to keep alive
the ancient art of textiles, to provide jobs for women in the community, and educate
children so this art form does not disappear in the future (and feed hungry volunteers that come to work in her shop- yes, that's guinea pig) .<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The center that we visited lay in the small
town of</span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Chinchero.
The women, all very talented, ranged in age from very young, maybe 20 to 87.
They all had specific tasks to do, and that is what we came to help with. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span>
</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We were
able to be a part of a 600-year-old dying process. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We started
with crushing roots using a rock and a piece of wood. Then boiling the
choppings in a huge vat of water heated by open fire. We put in the woven
alpaca and let it boil while one of us stirred with a huge stick. After a while
the dyes had set in and we had to remove the yarn from the boiling water using
huge sticks! </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Then after
three water baths to remove sediment, the yarn was ready to dry. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We worked
at the workshop for hours until we were covered in stains from the dyes. Our hands
hurt, we couldn’t breath well from all the smoke and our muscles were sore from
moving around all the huge pots. The women that work there, and have worked
there for years, do this every day. It was amazing. And they love to do it. I
talked with many of the women and they told me about their designs and their
dresses. I played with their children and bought some of their art. These 118
women support their families by upholding the beautiful tradition of textile
weaving. Their work is beautiful and if you are interested in supporting their
organization by purchasing one of their many woven pieces check it out here:</span><span lang="EN-US"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="http://www.incas.org/center-for-traditional-textiles-of-cusco">http://www.incas.org/center-for-traditional-textiles-of-cusco</a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Seminario
Ceramics</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">There once
was a man who lived in the hills of Urumbamba, Peru who lived in a shack with his
wife and his son. At home he would make little carvings or paintings and take
them to the street and try and sell them to tourists to make money to feed his
family. He says now with a grin speaking about his wife, “I don’t know how she put up with me for all
those years.” The man traveled to Cusco and asked to learn about the ancient art of clay
sculpting, pottery. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">He learned
the techniques and what tools to use to perfection. Starting with
architecture and sculpting houses, now this man, Pablo Seminario, uses Peruvian red clay
and sculpts “what he feels like sculpting” and sells it all over the
world.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His pieces are not native
contemporary art as they have been called; they are products of his
imagination. A beautiful imagination at that. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">If you are
interested in clay art of Seminario Ceramics check it out here: http://www.ceramicaseminario.com/en/</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Our tour
guide for the ceramic studio was Pablo’s son Kusi Seminario Behar.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">Kusi </span>discussed the way in which the clay was carefully sculpted and formed into the beautiful pieces in the gallery. The studio was awe-inspiring, compete with animals for petting (llama, turtle) and even parrots to ride on your shoulder while you are strolling through. The studio employs many people from the community, men and women. The men sculpt the clay while the women delicately paint the Inca designs of hummingbirds, flowers, fish, or the giver of life, the sun. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> Kusi is also a very talented photographer, which as you can imagine,
sparked my interest. We chatted about photography, cameras,
locations, lenses, and people. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Please take
a minute to check out his photography </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"></span></span><span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/kusi.seminario.fotografia">https://www.facebook.com/kusi.seminario.fotografia</a></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Chicha</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Corn beer,
the staple beverage of Peru for hundreds of years. Chicha is made from sprouted and fermented corn and has been said to be the beverage handed to the Inca when making the long trek from Cusco to Machu Picchu at the Gate of the Sun. We were fortunate to stop on our drive out to Aguacalientes from Urumbamba to meet a family that has been making it for generations. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">"Chicha Bar" it said in hand painted letters over the opening of the door. A shy middle aged woman welcomed us and invited in to sit and learn about the brewing process. Men of all ages sat around in the open spaces drinking and talking together. She told us how she is very careful and her "bar" is the cleanest around thanks to her mother's guidance, who passed down the recipe to her. She was right, the small room where we sat on little wooden benches was very clean. Vats of brewing chicha sat delicately covered with white linen. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I met her daughter who was just as shy as she was, but so giggly. I imagined how their life must be. They are the center of the community, where everyone gathers. Even children drink chicha because it only has about 1-2 % alcohol content. They were so happy to be there together and providing the space for passer-bys and towns people to sit and play games or chat about their lives. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Machu Picchu</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I have waited a really long time to go to Machu Picchu. That sounds silly because I suppose someone would only wait as long as they waited until they went. What I mean to say is that through the years since I was a child, my interest and excitement about other cultures has grown. I told myself 3 years ago that I was going to make it possible for me to go to Machu Picchu. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">I have done it. I am here. Being here cultivates my adult imagination. I dream of what it was like 500 years ago, the colors, the smells, the music and the people. I am not writing a lot in this section, I will just post photos, but come here, if you can, sit on the highest spot and look around at the beauty of the earth. </span></div>
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hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-81188290063303518292013-07-27T20:28:00.003-07:002013-07-27T21:20:36.458-07:00cuzco; the beginning of my journey<style>
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I’m in Peru. Estoy en Perú.</div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For tres
dias now I have made mental notes of all the sights and sounds of my
experiences and could not wait to get to my macbook and start writing. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Besides a
few misunderstandings through customs in Lima, we had a pretty easy trip here.
I can’t say I entirely enjoyed the 14 hours of flying time, but I was pretty
elated to finally set foot in South America.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I will spare you the details of my boring trip and move onto the
exciting stuff.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Flying into
Lima, I looked out over the city of 7.6 million people and saw so much poverty.
Most of the homes had no roofs, and all were made from clay and mud. That’s not
to say there aren’t wealthy people there, but the amount of pobreza is
staggering. The view was strikingly familiar to that of Mexico City so part of
me felt a comfortably factor I wasn’t expecting.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">The flight
from Lima to Cuzco only lasted an hour but it was turbulent. That is to say I
really wasn’t prepared for the amount of wind here… seriously its so cold. We
landed at the smallest airport I have ever been in and made our way with the
crowds of people into the luggage area to grab our things. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">First
impression of Cuzco.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Brown.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know that’s not a great description of the
city I have waited so long to come to but that was mine.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>All the buildings where we landed were dark
with clay roofs. I was happy to see that downtown Cuzco was a little (a lot)
different.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We pulled
into the Plaza de Armas (the main square of Cuzco) to see a grand square with a
cathedral, a garden, many restaurants and street hustlers. Our hostel isn’t far
off the main stretch but we had to wind through a very narrow cobble stone
street to get here. The streets here are different than I’ve ever seen. Old
stones, with water canals and short sidewalks where people cling to the walls
in hopes that the speeding geo metro taxi’s won’t run them over. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a three day festival in the streets
for Cuzco’s day of Independence, with many many police standing watch. The
festivities begin around 8 am with loud cannons and cheers and big band music. This
city never sleeps… seriously. A big band with trumpets and drums marched down
the alley around 3:45 in the morning. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We found
the main entrance to our hostel and headed in. Our room was waiting for us. Its
very quaint and very cold. The water works sometimes and when it does it isn’t
very hot.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At this moment I am bundled on
my bed at 7:00 pm, with a freezing wet head and two pairs of socks. But,
honestly, I don’t mind. Our room is very clean and the staff is really nice. We
even have a tiny t.v. in our room, which we have never turned on. They provide
coco leaves for tea to cure traveler’s sickness and there is a resident cat who
is very very friendly and may possibly be in heat. Our room has triangle shaped
windows that look out into the shared hostel space and the walls are thin as
paper. We can hear the dance club music from outside all night long. I am
bunking with my long time friend Alyssa and we have two other classmates
staying here. </span><br />
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Last night
we met up with our classmates and decided to hit the town. We went to a bar for
travelers called Indigo where they play things like Green Day and Third Eye
Blind. They had eclectic paintings on the purple and red walls, and a porch
swing for seating. They also had enlarged photos of interesting people from
different cultures, like a photo of a girl from Africa and a print of an old
man on a swing from South America someplace. Groups of foreigners sat around us
smoking hookah and laughing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was a
great place to start and I hope someday to return.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After
eating a bit we headed to explore a part of Cuzco that we hadn’t been. We found
a high end Pisco bar called Museo de Pisco. I tried Pisco for the first time
and it was really good. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Pisco is the
national alcoholic beverage of Cuzco and there are many variations depending on
the age and variety of grape used.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I had
mine mixed with fresh mango juice and it was divine. My second was a chocolate
Pisco, and if you know me you don’t even need to ask if it was good. ( I am
sitting at this moment eating salted Peruvian chocolate) At the Museo, they set
out little bowls on our tables filled with corn kernels for munching and a band
was setting up. We made good friends with our waiter and tried a few different
specialties. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The music started and we
had so much fun listening to them we followed the band like Cuzco groupies to
the next place they played.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They played
“Knocking on heaven’s door” and invited us to do a sing along. Then before we
knew it, Alyssa and I were on stage with the band singing “La Bamba.” We danced
with a group of Dominicans and chatted with people from Switzerland<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and Canada and had a great time. Also,
apparently the very native looking singer of the band is a Cuzco celebrity. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We walked
our friends home and headed back to our hostel for the night. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">One thing
about Cuzco, the streets are littered with stray dogs. Limping dogs. Ferocious
and tame dogs. Hairless dogs. But the funny thing is most of them are wearing
clothing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is very cold here and I
would like to believe that the people do their best to care even for the
strays. Our teacher says the dogs are “free spirits” and come and go as they
please.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Another animal typical of being
in the streets is Alpaca. They are everywhere, although usually attached to a
native Peruvian woman selling bracelets or mittens. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">One of the
people I have met who made an impact on me is a local Peruvian native girl
named Carmen. I don’t know much about her. She sits on top of a church
courtyard cliff (A very important Cuzco church that contains the remains of the
founder of Cuzco) and sells hand made dolls and jewelry. She is quiet and shy
but dressed in the traditional Peruvian woman style with heavy cloth skirts,
vest, and straw hat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She sits in the
corner, playing with her younger brother and feeding her alpacas. Her mother
and grandmother sit with her and they laugh about things I can only imagine.
But. What I can see is the relationship that Carmen has with her family is the
same as the relationship that I have with mine. They play, fight, love, tattle,
and get irritated. They live in poverty, but they are content with each other.
They know no other life. We can look at Carmen and think of how she lives so
simply, but we cannot understand its complications because we have not been in
her Peruvian shoes. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0MBZVTDNvWc/UfSMPLy9PII/AAAAAAAABUY/3vpYoWKem20/s1600/IMGP0391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0MBZVTDNvWc/UfSMPLy9PII/AAAAAAAABUY/3vpYoWKem20/s640/IMGP0391.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">carmen</td></tr>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Today was
the most amazing day thus far on my trip.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Remember the waiter we became good friends with over Pisco, well he
escorted us on a horse-back riding trip through the ruins and caves of Cuzco.
Pretty phenomenal.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He speaks some
English but not much so I did a lot of translating, and honestly I amazed
myself with my vocabulary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We took a
questionable taxi up the winding cobblestone streets to a street where we were
dropped off in front of a worn trail. We hopped out and another man named Abel
walked us back to a hidden horse ranch. We were greeted (somewhat) by two young
men, Ronald y Pablo, who were to be our horse guides.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We mounted up and headed out. Once Ronald
realized I could speak Spanish he didn’t stop asking me questions. He wanted to
talk about the Spanish conquistadors and education in The United States, his
Incan heritage, and he even told me about the process of how they bridle the
horses and prepare them for these tours. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was such a cool kid and I loved to see the
passion he had for the animals and his history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Our first stop was the incan caves of Huayana Picchu. These were a
series of 30-36 cave paths that crossed in the middle. In front of the caves
were ancient Incan walls famously pressed together perfectly using no
tools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The caves were cool. Literally.
It was refreshing to step out of the intense Peruvian sun rays and touch the
cool quartz rock.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We had to squeeze
through the tight passages and climb up ragged rocks out a small opening at the
top of the cave. Honestly, I was scared to death, but so happy I did it. It was
such an achievement to stand on top of that mountain knowing that I had just
conquered one of its inner workings. <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BY1wh-31-fc/UfSaB3RC2kI/AAAAAAAABWM/xQt3lGqHOAI/s1600/IMGP0586.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BY1wh-31-fc/UfSaB3RC2kI/AAAAAAAABWM/xQt3lGqHOAI/s400/IMGP0586.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">im on a horse</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YFw07XtTttY/UfSTGiJ8DTI/AAAAAAAABVI/QGV4QXifEtk/s1600/IMGP0564.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YFw07XtTttY/UfSTGiJ8DTI/AAAAAAAABVI/QGV4QXifEtk/s400/IMGP0564.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">our group after cave climbing</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4cmSZt6Myt4/UfSUZ66vbmI/AAAAAAAABVc/qzmdnfhjM_k/s1600/IMGP0627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4cmSZt6Myt4/UfSUZ66vbmI/AAAAAAAABVc/qzmdnfhjM_k/s400/IMGP0627.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">incan sculpture at las cuevas de mono (a headless monkey)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYIVMDpJvq8/UfSVCssBINI/AAAAAAAABVk/6zHg6ILYHf0/s1600/IMGP0631.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KYIVMDpJvq8/UfSVCssBINI/AAAAAAAABVk/6zHg6ILYHf0/s400/IMGP0631.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a view of an old incan villiage from the top of templo de la luna</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EPOkqdGOy0U/UfSaIN-m7iI/AAAAAAAABWU/Cbu_OY6W3pA/s1600/IMGP0576.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EPOkqdGOy0U/UfSaIN-m7iI/AAAAAAAABWU/Cbu_OY6W3pA/s400/IMGP0576.JPG" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ronald</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Ronald
talked about the Spaniards who came to conquer the Inca people. As we walked
through las cuevas de los monos he described how the Spaniards cut off the
heads of every animal sculpture the inca had made. He proved his point more as
we headed to the Templo de la Luna where the side of the mountain had been
carved into a huge elephant head. Headless serphant and puma sculptures surrounded
the walkway between the elephant’s head and ear. At this point we were told we
were entering sacred land and had to remove our shoes. Entering the sacred cave
was a feeling I cant describe. The smooth rock interior was impressive and at
the end of the walk was a large smooth sacrificial stone. I looked up to see a
hole in the ceiling rock and was informed that at midnight the moon shines
through and animal sacrifices were performed to ask for good health of a loved
one or cursing of an enemy. We were given a few minutes and as respect to the
Incan sacred place, I placed both hands on the stone and stood in silence for
two minutes, asking for blessings of good health for me and my children. After
leaving the temple a woman sat selling bracelets and replicas of the Incan
cross (which I bought for 10 soles) with her two sons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I spoke with her a few minutes and learned
her name was Margarita. She was shy but happy. She had a kind face and her
children were well behaved sitting next to her. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"> <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IyfXBduK8uw/UfSMdH5YMhI/AAAAAAAABUg/zO1mdEyKqaU/s1600/IMGP0633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IyfXBduK8uw/UfSMdH5YMhI/AAAAAAAABUg/zO1mdEyKqaU/s640/IMGP0633.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">margarita</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Our horse
ride continued and ended at a small community of shack style homes. I had to
pee at this point and asked if there was a restroom I could use. Our friend
Pepe<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>walked into the nearest store and
asked for me. The old lady behind the counter was reluctant at first but then
offered to let me inside. Walking into the store I realized that this was also
her home. She pulled back the curtain and invited me to walk through her home.
An old man sat perched in the dark (they had no electricity) surrounded by
flies and buckets of household items. The floor was mud, the walls were mud and
clay, and the doors were linens hanging from rope. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I said “buenas tardes” and he said the same
almost with a surprised tone. I passed through their one room home to be led
back outside. The lady pointed down the hill and told me if I followed the
narrow path it was down there to the right. I did.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I got to the bottom I found a mud walled
3x3x5 ft enclosement with a curtain door and a bucket outside. I gently pulled
back the curtain to find a hole with places to put your feet. My heart sank.
Not for myself but the fact that this is how these people relieve themselves on
a daily. Needless to say I didn’t use the ‘bathroom’ for sanitary issues. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3muXas58ag/UfSLLUq947I/AAAAAAAABUA/Ukvx-Jb-lxs/s1600/IMGP0668.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Y3muXas58ag/UfSLLUq947I/AAAAAAAABUA/Ukvx-Jb-lxs/s640/IMGP0668.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">maximo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t4q3zP2Tl-8/UfSK3uxfmSI/AAAAAAAABT4/zMQU-gmp1Ds/s1600/IMGP0688.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-t4q3zP2Tl-8/UfSK3uxfmSI/AAAAAAAABT4/zMQU-gmp1Ds/s640/IMGP0688.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rwb8A_mw7Q8/UfSMhSYVKrI/AAAAAAAABUo/wLPcal0_tDY/s1600/IMGP0707.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rwb8A_mw7Q8/UfSMhSYVKrI/AAAAAAAABUo/wLPcal0_tDY/s400/IMGP0707.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We headed
back down the cliff to the Cristo Blanco, the large Christ statue overlooking
Cusco. Here I met Maximo. An indigenous Peruvian flute and guitar player. He
was thrilled to talk with me about the United States and his instruments. We
also met a little girl and her baby alpaca, who we took photos with, something
she was very used to from all the tourists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8V_2OYYWUc/UfSKq0ZzzFI/AAAAAAAABTw/MGb_lKBfFMI/s1600/IMGP0675.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i8V_2OYYWUc/UfSKq0ZzzFI/AAAAAAAABTw/MGb_lKBfFMI/s640/IMGP0675.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For me,
Cusco has made such an impact in only three days, I am excited about the
culture and the people I have yet to come to know. </span></div>
hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-53345169882494975612013-06-27T15:20:00.001-07:002013-06-27T15:35:23.673-07:00Help me fund my Peruvian research and photo journal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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</style><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eMTpbn7_180/Ucy6q8eAbdI/AAAAAAAABSU/5fo3LsJT6RA/s640/IMG_1395.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eMTpbn7_180/Ucy6q8eAbdI/AAAAAAAABSU/5fo3LsJT6RA/s320/IMG_1395.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times;">Hi. I’m Heidi.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Sometimes in our lives we have to take risks. Risks as small as asking
someone to share in coffee conversation or risks as big as traveling to a
third-world country suffering extreme poverty, environmental damage and losing
indigenous traditions to tell them that there is someone who hasn’t overlooked
them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Someone who wants to share their
rich culture’s beauty with the world. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">This July I will be traveling to Cusco, Perú on a tropical ecology and
community field study with the University of Washington.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was chosen along with 13 other students to
travel to remote areas of the Amazon to sit in the sacred valley of the Incas,
to weave baskets with the indigenous women tribes, to explore wildlife and
nature conservation of the</span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> cloud forest of the eastern slopes of the tropical
Andes, and to explore the historical and majestic Machu Picchu. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After being accepted to this program I realized that I could do more for
the people of the country. My strength is my photography; my ability to
creatively and uniquely capture people and places in a way that maybe others
have not seen, to present beauty and personality and also to capture the
connection that we all can feel through a photograph. I will be photographing
my trip start to finish and upon my return I will be publishing a full color
photo journal to raise money for a non-profit organization in Perú that helps
to build community from the foundation; their children. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In order to take this trip, I have to leave my own children. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They will be making rounds to stay with
friends who have offered their homes for a week at a time and I am forever
thankful. Leaving them is the hardest thing I will ever do. However, out of it
will come so much good benefiting not only our community but also a community
struggling with poverty and the loss of their culture.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That is a gift I want to share with my boys. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">After the loss of both my parents I wondered how I could continue to
live without their direction and encouragement.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>I realized that they live within me, they are my driving force, they
watch over me and when I feel scared and alone, they make it apparent that they
are watching out for me. It is from losing them that I recognized life is
short, do good, be everything and take risks that you know in your heart are
worth it. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you would like to help me realize my dream of publishing my photo
journal and help hundreds of people in Peru as well as educate the people of
our own community, I am accepting donations to make this trip successful. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">For more information about me or my project, you can email me at hvladyka@gmail.com</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">To support me, you can deposit money to my paypal account: hvladyka@gmail.com
or send it to Heidi Vladyka, 2906 N. 21<sup>st</sup> #3, Tacoma, WA 98406</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: Times; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thank you.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-3761115745664099782013-05-15T12:13:00.000-07:002013-05-15T12:23:07.378-07:00Chapter Next.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">What a life. Four years ago my life took an unexpected, but invariably
desired, path down the road of higher education.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Jumping in with both feet, I continually grew
to crave the concept of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">conocimiento</i>,
(knowledge, awareness, conceptual understanding).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">My life has been crowded with chapters, more than, at times, I’d care to
review. Within each chapter has been a different Heidi, one learning about
herself, her strengths, her abilities, what pushes her, what hurts her, and
what/who she loves. She’s acquired different life titles; Daughter, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Amante</i>, Friend, Competitor, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Estudiante</i>, Mother, Teacher, Artist,
Musician, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Creadora</i>. Marvelously
wonderful and definitively terrible people have come and gone, and here, I
stand, empowered. I have found IT, the ultimate ambition of what it is to be
human. <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Estoy contenta</i> within <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">mi mismo</i>. Inside of myself I have found
peace. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">On June 14<sup>th</sup>
of this year I will be attending my own graduation ceremony with proud students
of the University of Washington as a graduate of the Global Studies Program
minoring in Hispanic Studies. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">With teary eyes, I am compelled to separate that sentence from the rest
of my words, because of the profoundness of that statement to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Late nights of black coffee and half opened
eyes, stressing over quizzes, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">pruebas</i>,
tests, mid-terms, finals, exams, graduate school application packets,
conjointly with the responsibilities of motherhood, friendship, music, art and
community. Often, I sit in a window sill of a study room hall at the university
surrounded by Spanish literature, books on cultural studies, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">reglas de</i> <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">composición</i><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>history, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Pasajes</i> , and I think of my
parents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How much I miss them and how
the continuation of life was seemingly impossible at their passing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Yet, I am alive; the most alive that I have
ever been, and they are alive within me. </span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">As the end of this quarter nears, I advance by turning that last page to
find myself looking at the title page of a bright new chapter.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>What it will be called, yet, <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">no sé</i>, I don’t know, but I am ready and
excited to see what titles Heidi will be given, what her strengths will be, who
she will love, what will hurt her, and what will push her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will be flying off to Peru to begin my own
independent photo journal about the indigenous women, the history, the amazon,
the social struggles, and Machu Picchu in which will be privately published
upon my return with the proceeds benefitting those communities. If you or
someone you know would like to assist me in my financial responsibilities at home
during this time I will be accepting donations.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Thank you to everyone who has stood by me through all of it, this long
journey, you have made an impact <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">inmenso</i>.
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Adémas</i>, I am so thankful for my life,
even the saddest, loneliest parts, because within these parts arrived the <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">conocimento</i> that I have the strength and
ability to achieve anything. </span><br />
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<br /></div>
</div>
hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-11395354644748264442012-10-24T15:31:00.000-07:002012-10-24T15:54:19.222-07:00Dia De Los Muertos ExhibitSometimes life just gives you a great big slap in the face and says.. oh hey, remember, you have responsibilities.<br />
Thats how Ive felt since I got back from our trip. <br />
I love my life. I really do. I have huge goals and I don't plan on letting any of them go.<br />
We have been back in Washington now for about 2 months.. and in it full force. We are just sooo busy.<br />
Parker is playing basketball and Noah is being Noah. School is going alright for the both of them.<br />
As for me, I'm back in classes full time, teaching ESL at MFL in S. Tacoma, working on the band part-time, and shooting photography in my spare time.<br />
I started this blog because I wanted to share with you my recent art installation at The Tacoma Art Museum.<br />
I was asked to help install an 'ofrenda' or altar to Carlos Fuentes, author, for Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead. Some people aren't really aware of this Mexican tradition or think its just about some folks dressed up as skeletons and dancing in the streets. It is not.<br />
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Dia de los Muertos is a celebration of the cycle of life. It gives the living an opportunity to remember and celebrate those lives who have touched them in some way. On the altar are many symbolic items. Water, because the journey from life to death is long, the passing may become thirsty. An arch of flowers, represents the passage from one life to another. A photo of the person or people you are honoring. Candles symbolizing life and eternity. Honestly, I find it to be a beautiful holiday and I was honored to be a part of it. <br />
<br />
If you are interested in viewing the displays, they will be up until Nov. 4th along with many activities for Day of the Dead.hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-32586577629557319362012-08-10T12:41:00.000-07:002012-08-10T12:48:42.392-07:00And thats, that. Fun facts about my last 3 weeks.<style>
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The last few weeks have gone by so fast. I haven’t had the
opportunity to write much because I’ve was sitting behind a wheel for 4,000
miles seeing the sights of the U.S. </div>
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Now I am sitting on a comfy carpet next to my bed at Ray’s,
drinkin my coffee, and thinking about my trip.</div>
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I wish I could write about spotting a UFO (cause Lord knows
I looked) but I can’t so…</div>
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Here is a summary of what has happened. </div>
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<u>Viva Las Vegas.</u></div>
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We were able to find a place outside of Vegas in Henderson
NV. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Beautiful resort.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Two Pools and on Lake Las Vegas. We had so
much fun just playing in the pools and hanging out at the hotel that we only
went into Vegas one day. </div>
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I was pretty excited to show the boys Vegas Architecture. We
drove through (twice) and looked at all the cool buildings. We saw where they
film “Pawn Stars” and we watched the water show at the Caesar’s Palace. </div>
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It was sooo hot, so we dipped into a buffet for lunch. Then
we headed to Circus Circus for playtime. </div>
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In the evening we headed to Old Vegas to catch the Fremont
Experience… it was pretty cool.</div>
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I think our experience in Vegas was the most relaxing time
I’ve had this entire summer. I really enjoyed the sun and the fun and I would
definitely do it again. </div>
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<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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Interesting facts about Vegas, the entertainment capital of
the world:</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Over <b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">60,000
pounds of shrimps</span></b> are consumed in Las Vegas every day, almost
as much as in the whole United States.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The <b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">world’s
biggest mechanical neon sign</span></b> is that of the <b><span style="font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">cowboy in Las Vegas</span></b>. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">They say it is so big that it can be
seen from outer space.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Elvis Presley performed in 837
consecutive sold out shows in Vegas (and he’s not dead). </span></div>
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<u>Flagstaff, AZ</u></div>
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I love driving through the country. I love the land,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the climate changes, the colors, and just the
time spent listening to music and chatting.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We left Vegas and headed to Flagstaff to stay the night.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The countryside was so interesting with the
huge rocks and hot weather and then dramatically shifting to tall trees and
rain.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If you didn’t know you were in AZ
you would think you were in WA. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We enjoyed the cool weather and stayed in a
comfortable hotel where there was a Mexican wedding going on… how fitting <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
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We got up early and ate in a really cute diner on Route 66,
then headed to the Grand Canyon south rim. </div>
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We stopped at “Flintstones Land” and had a blast running
around all the stone houses and the awesome theater where they show Flintstones
re-runs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then after the lightning and
rain showers started we decided to head out.</div>
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Disclaimer: the last time I went to the Grand Canyon, I was supremely
disappointed. Nick and I ventured to the North Rim and it looked so much like
Washington I cried, literally sobbed, because it wasn’t what I expected. This
time, I was happy.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Despite the massive lightning storms and clouds we were able
to see how grand the canyon was.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was
beautiful … and grand. </div>
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<br /></div>
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We took quite a few photos, trying to snap the perfect one
of the lightning bolts, but alas, they were too quick for us.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We continued on to Monument Valley.</div>
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<br />
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Fun facts about AZ:</div>
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<br /></div>
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Arizona has 3.928 mountain peaks and summits.. more mountains
than any one of the other mountain states.</div>
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Yuma is the country’s highest producer of lettuce</div>
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Out of all the states in the U.S., AZ has the largest
percentage of its land designated as Indian Land. </div>
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Billy the kid killed his first man, Windy Cahill, in Bonita,
AZ.</div>
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<u>Mexican Hat Rock, UT.</u></div>
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Yeah. We did it. We stayed at a town called “Mexican Hat
Rock:” A town smaller than Mossyrock and named for an actual rock that looks
like a sombrero.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The hotel we stayed at
was nice and situated along the river, although we didn’t really spend much
time there. </div>
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<br /></div>
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We headed out to see Monument Valley.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I loved it, we spent a few hours driving
around the self guided tour where you could gawk at “monumental” size rock
formations in the shapes of everything from Russian guards to waving
hands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The colors were amazing, bright
reds and oranges and the weather held out staying at around 97 degrees until
the storm came.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Also, I happened to stop along a long stretch of hiway to
snap a photo… the one that is my background photo on FB right now, and randomly
Justin and I noticed a sign to the right.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>“Forrest Gump ended his trip here” it said. Amazing!! We stopped at the
same point as Forrest.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was pretty
exciting so we took some photos and went on our way. </div>
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<br /></div>
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One thing I forgot to mention was the crazy lightning and
hail storm that we drove through out of AZ to UT. Seriously, I don’t think I
have ever been this scared in a storm in my life. Huge balls of hail smashed
down on our jeep from every direction and cars were strayed all over the
road.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The lightning would light up the
cloud that surrounded us every 3 minutes or so and I was terrified, although I
managed to capture some video. Never again do I want to experience this type of
weather.</div>
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<u>Kanab, UT</u></div>
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After leaving Monument Valley, we drove back up to UT toward
Zion National Park.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We passed through a
small town and it was getting late so we decided to grab a cheap motel and
squat.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The town was named Kanab and it
was a good thing we stopped cause the hail and lightning returned almost
immediately after receiving our keys.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The kids were dying for some microwavable food (I don’t
know) so we grabbed some hot pockets and some microwavable cauliflower and sat
on our beds and watched the Olympics.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>This ended up being our every night activity. Olympics and food. <span style="font-family: Wingdings; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span></div>
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**<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kanab is known as Utah's Little
Hollywood because of the large number of motion pictures that are filmed in the
area.</span><br />
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<u>Zion National Park, UT</u></div>
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If you know me, you know that I have wanted to go to Zion
for so long, even planning the trip to Utah based around it. </div>
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The park was beautiful, complete with a mile long tunnel
through the mountain. It was soooo hot outside and packed with people that we
opted out of the mountain bus tour. We pulled on the side of the road somewhere
and treaded our own path down the canyon. We stumbled upon an area that is
usually underwater, where the stones are smooth and curvy and there is mud
below your feet that is in the shape of waves. It was beautiful. I could have
walked forever, but the yearn for a bathroom and some non muddy shoes was
stronger.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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We didn’t stay long because we knew we had one more park to
see before heading to Salt Lake, and that’s a lot to do in one day!<br />
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<u>Bryce Canyon, UT</u></div>
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Geez.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The weather was
not on our side. The lightning storms were strong and almost stopped us from
going to my other fascination, Bryce Canyon. </div>
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There was a small town on the way up the hiway to Bryce and
I can’t remember the name but the town couldn’t have been more than a mile
long. Within this mile was three separate Rock Shops. Utah likes their rocks
and I like their rock shops. We stopped into one that was shaped like a giant
rock, chatted with the crazy shop keeper and ate some soft-serve.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Maybe Utah really likes the Flintstones too
because they had a replica of a yabba dabba doo car in the front. In any case,
it was a much needed stop before continuing on to Bryce.</div>
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Bryce was the quickest stop we made to a National Park. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We entered the park and went straight to the
canyon. The clouds were ominous and grey but beautifully covered Bryce’s long,
tall, skinny red rocks. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I noticed as we walked out to the viewing
point that all the women that were standing outside had hair that was sticking
straight up. It dawned on me that the lightning<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>storm that was on its way was causing so much static electricity that
your hair stood on end.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It wasn’t safe
to stay long, so we jumped back in the car and headed for Salt Lake. </div>
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<u>Salt Lake City, UT.</u></div>
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We made it and we were staying for a few days. It was nice
to get a small break from driving. I really loved Salt Lake. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The most amazing sunset presented itself as we drove into
town, the thick sticky kind with pinks, reds, blues, purples, clouds, sun,
sunrays, mountains and water. The most beautiful I’ve ever seen. </div>
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In Salt Lake, we relaxed and did some shopping, bowling,
mini-golf, eating, reading, and tanning. It was hot, again, but I loved
it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went to a dollar theater and
watched “The Hunger Games,” (sorry Macy) and watched more Olympics in our
hotel.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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I think the best part of Salt Lake City was when we went to
see Journey and Pat Benetar. Seriously, the kids and Justin were soooo excited.
And, Journey killed it. Phenomenal show.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Justin and I decided that instead of paying for another
hotel, we would just drive all night to Idaho. So we did. </div>
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Fun facts about Utah:</div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Levan, is "navel" spelled
backwards. It is so named because it is in the middle of Utah.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Mormon Temple in Salt Lake City
took 40 years to complete. The Mormon temples in St. George, Manti and Logan
Utah were completed before the Salt Lake Temple.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">State symbol: The Beehive symbolizes
thrift and industry. (and its on every sign)</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Beaver is the birthplace of two very
famous individuals of the past, Philo T. Farnsworth, the inventor of television
and Butch Cassidy, the notorious western outlaw.</span></div>
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<u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Coerdelaine, Cordalane, Coeur D’Alene</span></u></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">First of all, I can’t tell you how much
trouble we had spelling the name of this town. Second, everyone and their
cousin were here. Its like they followed us from Salt Lake to Idaho just so we
had nowhere to stay.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We were so tired
after the long drive through the night. We stopped in Montana for some chow and
gas<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>then made it into Idaho and relaxed
all morning in a park. In Coeur D’Alene there was a festival going on, which
was awesome, it gave us all something fun and cheap to do. We ate and played
soccer in the park. It was a really relaxing day. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Our purpose of going to northern Idaho
was to go to Silverwood theme park. Oh man, it was fun. We spent two glorious
fun filled days there riding rollercoasters (which Parker hated) and jumping in
waves in the wave pool (which Parker loved). We had so much fun I would like to
make it a regular family vacation, probably<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>with camping next time.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Northern Idaho is beautiful, covered in
lush green forest and blue rivers, the sun was out and the temperature was
perfect. We were pretty happy up there.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fun Facts about Idaho:</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Idaho is the 13th Largest State in the
U.S.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The deepest river gorge in the North
American Continent is Idaho's Hells Canyon - 7,900 feet deep. Yes, it's deeper
than the Grand Canyon.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">One of the largest diamonds ever found
in the United States, nearly 20 carats, was discovered near McCall, Idaho.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A person may not be seen in public
without a smile on their face in Pocatello, Idaho.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">A treasure is said to be hidden in
Beaver Canyon near Spencer, that has never been located. The buried cache is
said to be that of the Montana sheriff turned outlaw, Henry Plummer's.</span></div>
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<u><br /></u>
<u><br /></u>
<u><br /></u>
<u><br /></u></div>
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<u><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Heading Home. </span></u></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">On the way to ‘home’ we stopped at two
other ‘homes.’ The town of Union Gap where my father grew up and Mossyrock
where I grew up. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">It was really fun showing the boys the
places that I hold so many memories. We ate burgers at Minors in Union Gap and
I took them to the “G” theatre in Mossyrock and down Baker Drive.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Parker was so interested in knowing every
detail of my childhood there. </span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Getting home was interesting. Its
strange to be away, seeing new faces every day and having new adventures, and
then just coming ‘home.’</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What a long and wonderful trip. Filled
with new people and places and memories. I will place them in a box and keep
them forever. But now, here I am.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The saying “home is where the heart is”
rings true for me because even though I consider Washington my residence, Im
not sure it feels like home. Home is inside of me. Home is what I make it, its
my children and its my art. Home is my spirit and my laughter. Home is not a
physical place for me any longer, I think I lost home when my father died. Now,
home is here, wherever I am, and you are invited over for coffee anytime.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Below I am posting what home is to me. Home. </span></div>
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</div>hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-28322435072858545132012-07-26T20:22:00.003-07:002012-07-26T20:22:37.942-07:00Ive got friends in low places.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ip6t4x9_7EU/UBIIzhKPUpI/AAAAAAAABKY/D_vA1khBYUY/s1600/267333_2301599865186_2861676_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ip6t4x9_7EU/UBIIzhKPUpI/AAAAAAAABKY/D_vA1khBYUY/s320/267333_2301599865186_2861676_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Justin is coming tonight to finish the trip with us. I pick him up from the airport at 11:50- YAY! <br />
<br />
<br />hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-66897676989254905272012-07-25T23:14:00.001-07:002012-07-25T23:14:47.082-07:00Make new friends, but keep the Old<style>
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Years ago I had my first day of work at Borders 417. A
friendly face answered the door for me, tall, mildly to moderately handsome,
some band t-shirt that I’m sure was a group only he knew of. “Hi,” he said,
“welcome to Borders.”</div>
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Joe and I became friends in a manner that neither one of us
really remembers, and maybe that is for the best. The thing we both do remember
is that it was instantaneous. Joe and I have had our ups and downs, our backs
and fourths, but we have always found that common ground, even though I would
argue that it’s me that gives the 60% while he remains constant at 40%. </div>
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When Joe moved to Phoenix it was really hard for me because
he became one of my closest and dearest. He is like my brother in a better way
to put it, and I was his family when he lived in WA. I was able to visit him a few years ago in AZ
(pictures available in a folder on FB) and I was so proud of him. We had the
best time, he had grown so much and was finding his way. </div>
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I have looked for every way to make it down to see him, but
haven’t been able to until now. </div>
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I have to be honest. I was nervous. I hadn’t seen him for a
few years, and our busy lives were getting the best of us and becoming an
excuse for non-communication. And this trip I had my boys with me, what would
we all do? Not to mention he had a girlfriend now that I was equally nervous
about meeting in person. I’m so close to Joe, what was it going to be like now
with a girlfriend, and what if we didn’t get along or have anything in common?</div>
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Well, not to worry. Going to his house was like going home.
The boys felt comfortable and happy
hanging out swimming, playing questionable games on the playstation, and
eating pizza all weekend. Uncle Joe was a hit, again.</div>
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Katie, Joe’s girlfriend, is an impressive addition. I love
her. She is beautiful, smart, funny, actually I don’t know why she is with him
(haha just kidding, Joe) I think he was
a little upset at how well we got along.
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The visit was really great. Joe and I stayed up til 4 in the
morning catching up and it made me realize that I don’t have many close friends, I don’t have anyone that just
gets me or is really concerned with my daily life, and it was really wonderful
and much needed to be with Joe and Katie. I can’t wait for them to move to
Seattle. </div>
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We made a really great breakfast that Katie and I enjoyed more than everyone else I think, but it was really good, despite killing a chocolate chip waffle by accident. </div>
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The rest of the weekend we mostly just hung out but Joe
talked me into going to see the new Batman movie with the children. It was a
bit violent, but it was a pretty good movie and not too harmful for the
tots. </div>
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Basically, we had a great weekend, great friends, and fun.
We celebrated Katies birthday with her family and even did a little shopping at
an outdoor mall.</div>
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After visiting with Joe and Katie, we headed to Gilbert, AZ
to catch up with a friend from ELEMENTARY school. Mandie!! </div>
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Oh man, it was so
great to see her. She is married with two really awesome little boys. You can
imagine what it was like for all the kids to be together playing video games…
haha it was crazy, but so great. They made lasagna (even vegetarian for me) and a really great Nilla wafer desert that reminded me of Mexico. We only had a few hours to visit, but I’m so
glad we did, Mandie and her husband are such great people and it was fun to
talk about old memories and newer experiences. </div>
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I cant wait to hang out with them again!</div>
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Arizona is really growing on me.. we have had the warmest
weather, dust storms, friends and family and the scenery is so different from
WA, but all of it really just makes me
realize how much I love Tacoma, and I do love Tacoma. </div>
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Heading out to Vegas tomorrow, picking up Justin, then
heading to our resort in Henderson! </div>hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-42889093241316314262012-07-21T16:10:00.003-07:002012-07-21T16:10:57.628-07:00Arizona Smerizona<style>
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Arizona Smerazona.</div>
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After the last five weeks of taquitos and thunderstorms, we
have planted ourselves (well, temporarily) in Arizona with my aunt and
uncle.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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Sunday we visited with them for a while, then headed out to
see my Grandma Hill. Grandma Hill is my father’s mother. Being a southern
Baptist, a strict political woman, and well, her and I have never really seen
eye to eye. My Grandma Hill is 91 now and she doesn’t remember who I am, she
doesn’t remember much of anything actually. Alzheimers is a terrible disease.
So we went to have dinner with her, my aunt made spaghetti and we sat around
the table reminding her that it was dinner time. My aunt suggested that I play
guitar and sing hymns. I did, actually my aunt, who has a beautiful voice for
harmonies sang and my grandma who prides herself in her singing chimed in. The
three of us sang, three generations, one with Alzheimers, and we had a
beautiful time. I recorded a bit of it but I know my aunt would kill me if I
shared. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We headed home, then we spent the evening playing games and
taking walks. My aunt and I stayed up til 5:30 talking about everything we have
missed for the last 10 years. I think it was necessary. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The biggest lesson I learned this week was that when you
don’t understand someone or something that someone does, it is unfair to judge.
Appearances don’t mean everything, and misunderstandings can come easily. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This week has been a fun week of swimming, talking, playing
games with family, and painting. Finally I was able to paint again. I sat down
to paint and took<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a few minutes to
decide how to communicate my feelings. I thought about my travels and about how
happy it has made me to see more of the world than I ever thought I could.
About how I’ve danced around the Earth and how its freed me as a woman, mother,
and creature of the world. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wednesday night my wonderful Aunt Bonnie made our famous Boyles fudge. Our family has a tradition to make peanut butter fudge, and no one but us know the recipe, actually, its not even written, its just in us. It was divine, reminded me of dad, and I missed it so much!</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Friday I rented a car and our roadtrip is underway. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We are sitting in the one bedroom apartment of one of my
closest friends in the world. Joe and Katie have graciously let us take up most
of the room in their home just so we can all hang out, play video games, and
stay out of the AZ sun. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It has been really great catching up. So great that Joe and
I stayed up until 5 am talking how we talk, as Katie passed out on the
livingroom blow-up mattress. I realized how much I miss my friend as we stayed
up til our eyes could hardly stand to stay open, and I also realized how much I
needed a friend. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
AZ heat is something else. So hot. Everything we do here is
to keep hydrated and try and cool down. Its amazing to me that people can go
out in this weather and play sports. Seriously, its incredibly hot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Im really looking forward to this week. We head out to Vegas
where Justin is going to meet us and stay at a really nice resort in the Mojave
Desert for three days, relaxing, swimming, and catching up with Crandlebox,
before heading to the Grand Canyon and Utah. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Okay. Tonight we are heading out with Katies family to
celebrate her birthday. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hope everyone has a great weekend. </div>hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-87586673003544196192012-07-15T12:46:00.004-07:002012-07-15T12:48:45.707-07:00Undefined. This is me after Mexico.<style>
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<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m sitting in Sun City West, Arizona, at the dining room
table of my Aunt and Uncle’s house. A gecko runs under a flower bus and quail
with their offspring gather in the backyard. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My life has willingly become an adventure novel, full of
daunting tasks, disappointments and achievements. The last five weeks I have:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
climbed ancient pyramids,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
taught orphan children English, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
shared with my family
my love for education and cultural enrichment, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
played guitar and sang at a
Mexican fiesta, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
slept on a bus overnight,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
haggled prices with Mexican artisans,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
stood in a 600 year old cathedral, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
ate cactus, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
witnessed political challenges
and rallies following a presidential election, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
watched a dung- beetle push poo
across a 2000 year old path in the mountains, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
rode in a crazy Mexican taxi on a
winding road in the middle of a jungle, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
learned how to make tequila,</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
walked
thru the same house that Frida Kahlo ate, drank, and slept, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
stood next to a 5
story statue of Christ on a Mountain, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
learned how to cook like a Mexican, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
witnessed a flash flood because of a nearby hurricane, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
hit a piñata with a
stick, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
stayed up til 2 AM watching lightning storms out my window with my
roommate-talking about life, boys, friends, school, everything, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
walked thru
countless museums, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
salsa danced with new Mexican friends, </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
and learned that I am
kind, I am patient, I am beautiful, and that life is about feeling and
experiencing with every sense, growing in love with the Earth and with my
children, and that what makes us different, is what makes us beautiful.</div>hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-51281885717793063442012-07-13T18:53:00.001-07:002012-07-13T19:04:37.779-07:00Mexico Loved Me, but Its time for a new Love.<style>
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Oaxaca.</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sometimes I think I have really good ideas, and sometimes I
decide to sleep on a bus for 8 ½ hours. We boarded at 10:30 and headed out of
Cuernavaca during a lightning storm. Transformers 3 in Español was playing and
although it was captivating, I couldn’t keep my eyes off the lightning storm
outside. Finally I fell asleep. The bus was bumpy, dark, and cold, really cold.
I had the isle so just trying to not break my neck was a task. Im not complaining, I have been on worse
busses, this one was actually very nice, but in comparison to my nice hard thin
mattress at my mexico house, this was like motel 6. We woke up, exhausted and
cold but at our destination. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We hailed a taxi for 50 pasos and headed to our hotel Posada
del centro. This was a quaint hostelesque hotel. Orange walls surrounded a
central garden area, complete with umbrella tables and fresh water. There was a
second floor in the back portion of the hotel with a veranda for drinking tea,
chocolate, or mescal (like veronica and I did).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our room was quaint. We sprang for the private bathroom, but
rooms were available without. Our room had two beds, a tv a couple dressers and
a bathroom. I was pretty happy with it except for the rank smell of the
bathroom, it often smelled like a porta-potty although it was really clean.
(actually many different parts of Oaxaca reaked of poo).</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We sprawled out on the beds in heaven. Kendra took a small
snooze and I facebooked. The boys were just happy to be off the bus. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Sooner than later we headed out into the town. The taxi ride
to our hotel was quick and I was in a daze so the city was a blur. We headed
toward the zocalo. Here is the verdict:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oaxaca is beautiful. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The streets are all one-way lined with beautiful clay
buildings of different colors.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They have sidewalks (wide ones)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oaxaca is more or less flat throughout the whole city which
would make it really bikable.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The archetectura is the most beautiful Ive seen. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The streets are lined with venders for everything, and for
cheap(we ate tamales for 10 pesos, like 70 cents)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
People are more used to tourists here (I even saw a few
whiteys, which made me realize how much I stick out)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a huge cathedral on every corner. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oaxaca is one of the poorest states in mexico, and yet one
of the most beautiful. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There is a different street Mercado everyday, in a different
part of the town, yet everyday there is one huge central one. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Things are cleaner in Oaxaca, food is covered, and usually
kept out of bees way.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The city is very person friendly. I mean its so easy to walk,
and eat wherever.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You need water all the time, it gets blistering hot. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The zocalo is always a party. Always. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
So ill get on to our story. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Everything was overwheliming. The sights, smells, sounds. It
was exhausting and exhilarating. We found a breakfast stop and stumbled in. We
were not disappointed. We were greeted with fresh bread and tortillas. I
ordered a crispy chicken leg with spicy sauce and tortilla chips. It was
wonderful really. During our breakfast
we were serenaded by a live mariachi band. After our bellys were full we headed
out to explore.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The city is hard to describe. I suppose it is the perfect
mixture of a cultural experience and a honeymoon destination. Its so beautiful,
romantic, fun, exciting, cheep and full of life. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We immediately hopped a tourist bus and headed out to Monte
Alban. Monte Alban was built by the Zapotecas in 700-1500AC. It is an archeological dream. Pyramids,
tombs, stones of slaughtered nearby leaders, and the view to rival Machu Pichu.
We met an amazing couple from Seattle. They were retired and boating from
Seattle to Ecuador and back, and taking two years to do so. They started in
October and just started learning Spanish as well. So awesome. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After leaving Monte Alban we headed to the Zocalo to check
out local happenings. We watched a political rally, elderly salsa, and ate
dinner at a small spot similar to taco time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We headed to bed early since we didn’t have much sleep on
the bus the night before.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Saturday morning we got up early and we jumped on another tour
bus, but not until we bought tamales on the street for 10 pesos.. yeah,
breakfast for 70 US cents. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our tour bus was crazy. Filled with People from all over
Mexico and also a guy from Columbia. The
tour bus driver was hilarious and made our 10 hour tour of Oaxaca a blast. We
first headed to see the Arbol de Tule, a
tree that takes 50 men to fit around the circumference. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then we headed more into the desert to Mitla. Mitla is the
most important archeological site in Oaxaca.
It also belongs to the Zapotec culture and was significant for its role
in religion for the tribe. Monte Alban was strictly a political center while Mitla was a place
people in power went to ascend to the next level. The architecture here was
some of the most mystical Ive seen and I wish we had more time to explore.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next we headed deep into Mexico, up into the mountains, thru
the windy roads, and small pueblos, to
see a petrified waterfall. It was beautiful and worth the trip.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We made a few other small stops then headed back to Oaxaca
for some relax time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We spent Sunday running around the markets and visiting
churches. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Verdict: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oaxaca is one of the most beautiful cities. One in which I
would love to return someday. </div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
This week has been a bit of a blur, the final hurrah. Ive
been incredibly sick but thankfully today Im getting better. Now I am packing
and getting ready to begin our new adventure starting tomorrow when we head to
the states to roadtrip thru AZ, UT, NV, ID, CO, OR, and make it back to WA.</div>
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Catch you on the flipside.</div>
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<br /></div>hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-33511539953918176272012-07-05T18:40:00.000-07:002012-07-05T18:40:03.042-07:00Taxco, thunderstorms, and More ancient pyramids.
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I have put off writing this week because I have been so busy
just doing random things, like picking up snacks at the local Superama, or
hanging out at the zocalo, going walking at the centenario. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This week is kind of an important week for
mexico. The presidential elections are on Sunday. Now, part of me is afraid and
part of me wants to be in the middle of it. We went to the Centro this week and
a political rally was underway in the zocolo. It was a crazy party with
confetti, balloons, and clowns. Kendra and parker were scared of the clowns,
and I thought they were hilarious. We decided that as the whitest people in the
crowd, we should probably get a move on. Although we did make it on local news.
We headed home but not without a bunch of gifts for those we love. </div>
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Back to the elections, the state has made it illegal to sell
alcohol starting tonight @6 and ending on Monday. That’s how crazy it gets
around here. I think we will stay in that day and watch on the TV.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Mexico is very political and I think that sparks
a lot of violence as well. </div>
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School has been okay this week just monotonous. However,
during our class we made enchiladas and they were really good. </div>
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We went out Friday night for some dancing again and an
evening walk around the Zocalo. </div>
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Okay. The most amazing part of my week. Today’s excursion. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We left around 8 this morning and headed to
the hills. About an hour and a half later we arrived at Xochicalco. Xochicalco
was founded in 650AD as a trade stop for a group of Mayans. But it was likely
designed as a training grounds. Around 900AD it was mysteriously burned and
quickly abandoned. The grounds are covered in pyramids, steep staircases,
carved symbols of the Mayan culture, and green fields. All atop a tall
mountain, higher than the clouds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The view
is serene and massive. The idea that 1500 years ago, someone stood where I
stood and looked down at the sea of trees framed within the whispy clouds,
connected with my spirit. We found many interesting species of bugs and got to
see an actual ant trail. The ants made their own path thru the pyramid grasses
and you could see the small trail from far away, covered in ants walking single
file and carrying their leafs. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We
climbed the whole area, up and down. It was pretty amazing. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Standing on top of a pyramid like that is
surreal. The scenery is massive and everything about it was indigenous.</div>
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We headed out of the pyramids a little more south to the
most amazing city of silver, Taxco. The streets are cobblestone, with designs
using white stones throughout the whole city. We visited a church from the 15<sup>th</sup>
century that was full of statues within the walls. Something you would have to
see to believe, nothing I could describe.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Perla, Kendra and I took a taxi to the top of the mountain where there
is a huge statue of Christ looking over the city, Brazilesque. A boy of about
ten, took our photos for a few pasos. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The city was unbelievable beautiful and clean.
The people were wonderful. I would like to buy a home here. We had lunch at un
restaurante outside of the zocaco that had a view of the whole city. I ate
fajitas, Parker had some bbq chicken, and noah ate only a little bit of
spaghetti with butter. </div>
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The experience was phenomenal. The downfall however was the
extreme amount in which noah got sick. He got sick while in Taxco and then
vomited all night. It was a long day and night for that matter. </div>
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Sunday we got up and headed to a kids science museum here in
Cuernavaca. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is muy similar to the
children’s science center in Seattle. After, we headed to the most beautiful
ecological park. It was half/zoo and half/ park. Ive never been to anywhere
like it. Cram Pt. Defiance 5 mile drive together with Woodland Park Zoo and you
come close. The pathway is surrounded by huge trees, plants, and flowers of
many different species. Its pretty spectacular. There is a large dome enclosure
that is home to many different types of birds and exotic animals. Down the
pathway there is a river flowing to the final destination of the park, a small
lago, or lake where people paddleboat all around. There is a theater that it
built to mimic an old pyramid ruin. I would be pretty happy if we had a park
like this one at home. </div>
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We left the park around 5 and headed toward the mall. The
mall here is huge and has a very<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>high
ceiling. We bought tickets to go see ice age 4 and then headed to eat at PF
Changs. It was pretty funny to eat Chinese food in Mexico, but it was really
good. </div>
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For our movie we sat in the VIP section, where you sit in
recliners and waiters bring you popcorn or dinner on trays. The movie was
really good and so was the service. I loved it . Unfortunately we didn’t make
it home until pretty late. </div>
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This week has been a blur.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>A lot of rain. A little sun.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Tonight we are heading out at 10:30 pm to take an 8 hour bus to Oaxaca. Oaxaca
is one of the poorest cities in Mexico, and yet one of the most beautiful. We
are expecting to experience new colors and flavors and people.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We are skipping school for tomorrow and<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>staying three days in Oaxaca. We are all
pretty excited, Im just hoping Noah doesn’t get sick on this trip! </div>
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Only about a week left here in Mexico. The time has sped
past and Im really sad about it. Im looking for ways to stay an extra week or
so. </div>
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Hasta luego!</div>
hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-86193679410671867872012-06-25T18:13:00.001-07:002012-06-25T18:13:30.252-07:00Pyramids. Enough Said.<style>
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Disclaimer:</div>
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There are many many pictures of pyramids in this post. I love pyramids and may have gone overboard. </div>
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Fuimos a Teotihuacan </div>
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When I was a little girl and well into my teens I wanted to
be an archeologist. My room was packed with books on Egypt and India and I
watched everything possible about excavation. When I was 17 my father said,
“Heidi, you know there are a lot of large spiders in Egypt?” It freaked me out
so much, I thought maybe I would settle for something less dangerous. </div>
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My love of history has continued to adulthood, so as you can
imagine going to see the great pyramids of Teotihuacan excited me beyond
belief. </div>
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We left at 7 am. Bleh. The way there it was a bit cloudy.
But after the couple hour drive the sun appeared. </div>
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When we pulled up we learned all about the production of
“pulque” and “mescal” two of the oldest fermented beverages in mexico from a
type of Agave plant. We learned about the first paper of this area, also from
the plant, not to mention the first needle and thread, that comes from the
plant as well.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Its difficult to explain
but its pretty cool how it was all done. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was a plethora of Obsidian, the black
rock with a gold tint and they also had looms to hand make paunchos and
blankets and such, naturally died from flowers.</div>
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Side Note: There was some strange dog with no hair in a cage
in front of the tienda and also there was a donkey running thru the parking
lot.</div>
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We took a small tour of the area then hopped back in the van
and headed to los piramides. </div>
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First we went into the museum in front of one of the
pyramids. There was a lot of information about the pyramids and ancient
civilizations. We had a tour guide fill us in on the rest. </div>
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I was taken back by the size of the pyramids and I was so
excited to be standing in front of the pyramid of the sun where human
sacrifices were made to the Gods.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There
were so many people there and we could hardly wait for our turn to climb the
mountain. </div>
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The steps were narrow and tall and it was a small feat to
make it to the top, but we made it.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Looking down I thought of the history surrounding me, every stone, the
mountains in the background. It was breath taking, probably more so if I wasn’t
totally scared of Noah jumping off the edge. </div>
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Going down was worse than going up, it was sooo steep. </div>
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We made it down and the avenue of the dead between the two
biggest pyramids was lined with vendors. I purchased a hand made flute in the
shape of an ancient mayan and also a type of harpsichord. Im pretty excited to
make some music.</div>
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We stayed thru lunch and until the rains came. They were muy
fuerte and the streets flooded from the water on our way home.</div>
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We made one last stop at the Iglesia of Guadalupe in Mexico
City. It was pretty surreal and very beautiful. Catholicism is very important
in Mexico and the church was lined with people waiting for confession and
hundreds of people attending service. The streets were lined with portraits of
Guadalupe, crosses, and other religious memorabilia for at least a mile
surrounding the church. One side of the church is a pedestrian street, where
people would walk on their knees to to the alter in the church to beg for
forgiveness of their sins. No cars are aloud here. </div>
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Then we headed home. The drive was long. The rain was hard.
Cars were floating in the streets and in Cuernavaca, the water was rushing thru
the avenues. I don’t think I have ever seen so much water in the street, there
was at least 2 feet. But because Cuernavaca is similar to say San Francisco in
hill-ratio, all the water flowed like a river down the streets, and the cars
floated along. </div>
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This morning the sun came out. I got up early to go walking
at a sports arena really close to my house. Here, everyone exercises outside.
There is a huge place where people can go and walk the track, also there are
workout machines outdoors and also fruit stands. Walking outside is wonderful,
especially because its one place I feel at home. At a place with other people
walking the track. Exercise is my therapy, and I plan on going every morning,
if possible.</div>
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<br /></div>hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-10343626496573077432012-06-24T19:37:00.001-07:002012-06-24T19:37:56.980-07:00Di Me<style>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Di me </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10pt;">Questions and Answers</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is an email I received from Justin, so I thought I’d
just post it as my daily blog, just to answer anyone elses questions </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Times; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am really curious about some things:<br />
1. What are the beds like there?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My bed sucks. The sheets never stay on and the mattress is
just a small pad on a wood frame. I’m not complaining though, I could sleep on
anything.<br />
<br />
2. What is your school really like? I.e. how big are your classes? Do u just
cover Spanish or do u learn about the history and politics and the like?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My school is good. My classes for most of the day are only
four people and we talk about everything from guys to drugs to pet
management.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I think the classes are good
but I feel like I’m not learning as much as I should be. I’m not blaming the school,
but the curriculum is different than I was expecting. The last part of my day
is the most fun, we cook or dance or go on an excursion.<br />
<br />
3. What are the restaurants like?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The restaurants are like home, some are terrible and some
are really nice. We went to a restaurant yesterday that was really nice, they
gave us a three course meal (of stuff I had no idea what it was) and gave
souvenirs when we left. But I think they are used to having gringos there.
Everyone speaks spanish, however. <br />
<br />
4. What is a dance club like there and how are the people?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Dance clubs are different. People dance like crazy, and to a
live band.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A guy will ask you to dance,
you will go out and dance for a song or two, then go back to your table, there
is no pressure to give numbers or even talk after dancing. Dancing is just
dancing. <br />
<br />
5. How impoverish is it there; you said the area you are in is somewhat well
off, but how close are the slummy parts or is it everywhere?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Its pretty bad. Right now there is a terrible rain storm out
side, 2 feet of water in the streets, flooding staircases. I cant help but
think of the people who have no roofs or just plastic coverings on their
shacks.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When its hot there is no
protection from the sun. There are lost dogs everywhere, everywhere.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>People eat food covered in flies and bees,
and food that sits in the streets for a long while. There are beggars, and
there are children selling things in the markets. 50% of the country is in
poverty.<br />
<br />
6. Do you use more proper spanish or more slang when speaking to locals and the
family? I only use proper spanish cause im not cool enough to use slang</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">7.
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Do the drivers speak
english?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">NO. Always I have to speak spanish. Almost no one speaks
English. <br />
<br />
8. How does grocery shopping go? Do they shop everyday or is it like here where
they go like once a week?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Im not really sure because I go grocery shopping on my own.
But the grocery stores are different here, its very difficult to find healthy
food.<br />
<br />
9. Have you been painting at all?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No. The rain has stopped me from doing many many things. I
cant go out when there is a lightning storm, because all the shops are outside.
</span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Times; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">L</span></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
10. How different was the orphanage from the U.S.? They must learn and adjust
and grow up faster like any child in foster care? Do the children ever get
adopted there? Do they have foster homes like they do here?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I was wondering all of these things also. The orphanage was
clean for the most part, and the kids seemed as happy as possible. But I don’t
know if<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>many people adopt because
everyone here is already very poor.<br />
<br />
11. Have you been making friends outside of school and the family?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I haven’t really had a chance, once again, the rain has
stopped me from being able to go out a lot. But I would really like to, my
spanish would improve greatly.<br />
<br />
12. I will answer this one privately! </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Times; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
<br />
13. Does everyone there have amazing traditions that they live by within
society or within individual families?<br />
There are many cool traditions. Drinking tequila, shooting fireworks, eating
tacos with strangers. There are many different things here.<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
14. Could a person get by only speaking english if they had to?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">No. And yes. It would be really difficult but if you had all
your addresses written down you could figure it out.. but you would get taken
advantage of. Ive had to talk people down a few times because they try to take
advantage of us. <br />
<br />
15. Are you getting pretty fluent with your spanish?<br />
I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>speak pretty well, but I have a lot to
learn. I can get by, I can understand everything, but I get nervous when I try
to put a sentence together. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
16. Do you really miss me?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Of course </span><span style="font-family: Wingdings; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Times; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-char-type: symbol; mso-hansi-font-family: Times; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;"><span style="mso-char-type: symbol; mso-symbol-font-family: Wingdings;">J</span></span><span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br />
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17. How are the boys coming along with their spanish?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Boys are doing pretty well, they understand better than they
speak it. But that’s to be expected.<br />
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18. Have you been able to play any music there?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I bought a guitar, its crappy but it’s a guitar. I played
for the family and im going to take it to school tomorrow to play for the them.
Other than that I bought a harpsichord type thing and a Mexican flute made out
of clay, like an ocarina :P </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Im going to try and scrape up a few words to say about my
adventure today and I will post it asap. </span></div>hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-26461433667002482332012-06-23T19:59:00.000-07:002012-06-24T19:38:48.101-07:00Mexico, Markets, Jardins, and a Video from Parker<style>
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June 23.</div>
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The last few days have gone by so fast. We have been so busy
here, trying to see and do everything. Today we had scheduled a trip to Puebla,
but it was cancelled so Im taking this opportunity to write a bit about the
last few days. </div>
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School has been good, but dragging. I just want to go
explore so much that I count the minutes of grammar study until I can get out. </div>
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Kendra, the boys and I took a little trip to el Zocalo and
bought some gifts for people. The boys got bracelets with their names on them,
and I bought myself a Mexican blanket, because if you know me, you know Im
always cold. Always. Shopping was fun, but the difficult part was seeing a lot
of children begging or working on the streets as venders. </div>
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The streets here are lined with carts of juices and fruits
and corn, tempting, but everything is surrounded by bees and insects, and it is
never refrigerated. I can just see the stomach pains when I look at the carts.
No thank you.</div>
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Im surprised that Im not eating more here in Mexico. We
really don’t eat that much, and it is all really pretty healthy, which is nice.
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Parker stayed home from school one day sick from food. But I
think part of it was just some nerves from school. That day at school we made
Tostados. They were quite good, even as a
vegetarian dish, and pretty simple to make. I like the use of different types
of vegetables and fruits here, and how they are incorporated in the food. I
think ive eaten more fruit here than Ive eaten in a long time, but also, less
raw veggies. </div>
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Yesterday we went to Jardin Borda where the conquistador
Maximiliano lived. The garden was great with a small lake and many small ponds
with a preliminary water fountain that runs on gravity. It was easy to imagine
myself living there 200 years ago hosting parties in the gardens with the many
exotic species of flowers and trees. There were mango trees everywhere, which
means there were mangos all over the ground. The interesting thing that I
learned was that this was the first place in all of the Americas to have papaya
trees. </div>
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Last night we all went dancing at Los Arcos. It was pretty
fun. I danced like a crazy woman, who just don’t care. Everyone can really
dance here, and I love to dance, but I don’t know how to do the different
types. When asked to dance, I declined saying I really have no idea what im
doing. He said, ‘you can dance, I’ll show you.’</div>
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So we danced and
danced, he showed me different dances and I showed him how to do the fish hook
among other simply silly dances. But we all laughed and had a great time, and
he put up with my inability to be a sexy latina. I pretty much didn’t leave the dance area all
night. Dancing is different here. Everyone dances, and everyone knows how to
dance. Everyone looks sexy doing it. And once you are done dancing with one
person, you dance with another. It was pretty fun, considering how much I love
to dance. </div>
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We stayed until about 11:30 then headed to another place
called “Mambo Café.” This place was crazy too, but in a different way, It was
much more like a club you see in the states, with high ceilings, door men, and
multicolored lighting, but with a huge dance floor and a mexican band. </div>
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The night was a success for the most part. The smoking
indoors was a little much for us, but everything else was really fun. We regrasamos a casa and the boys were
sleeping sound in their beds. </div>
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Today we are gonna venture out to some sort of zoo here. </div>
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Here is a lovely video from Parker. haha </div>
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Tomorrow we head out to the pyramids in Teotihuacan. Im
pretty ecstatic about this guys. Seriously pretty cool, lets hope for sun. </div>hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-89269853039518671262012-06-22T16:16:00.001-07:002012-06-22T16:16:20.159-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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El Orfanato</div>
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It started raining. We were heading out toward the orphanage
and hailed a taxi. There were only the four of us girls, two from Texas, Kendra
and I. The taxi sped around the narrow streets of Cuernavaca and I stared out
the window. The buildings from the school progressively became less attractive,
and the streets less taken care of. The rain became heavy. On the way I noticed
the amount of homeless dogs digging for garbage in the alleys. The buildings
were covered with graffiti, and the ride was silent. </div>
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<br /></div>
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The taxi parked in front of a large brick wall with two grey
heavy metal doors and the rain stopped.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>We jumped out of the car. My heart was pounding because I wasn’t sure
what to expect. We pushed the call button and a small peep-hole opened up in
the metal door. Una mujer said in Spanish “Who is it?” We replied that we were
students from the Institute of Kukulcan and we had our credentials with us to
come and teach for the day. She told us to meet here at the other large metal
entrance. I heard the unlocking of several bolts behind the door and she slid
it open. “Welcome!” she said, and she greeted us all with the typical Mexican
hand shake and kisses.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The moment we entered we saw two plates of food and some
girls about the age of 10 coming and going from the food to the playground. The
walls were lined with donation baskets of clothing and games for the children. The
grounds were not huge but decent size with three connected houses. Children
were playing everywhere and they had an old golden retriever as a pet. I
couldn’t help but think of the movie “Annie.” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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The four of us were much more bashful than any of the
children, and I think that helped me feel less like an outsider. Inside was a
classroom, with long cafeteria style wooden tables and benches. I heard the
rumble of about 15 young girls running down the stairs to greet us for their
English lesson. They filed in and sat at the tables and whispered amongst
themselves about the strangers standing in front of them. </div>
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I looked at each of them. I looked in their eyes. I smiled,
they smiled, and then I knew we were going to be friends. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I decided to sit at the table with the girls and talk with
them. Our conversation quickly turned from learning English to discussing
life.. they wanted to know where I was from, what I was going to be when I grow
up, what high school I go to (haha), and then they wanted me to draw. Draw
tinker bell, draw mini mouse, draw birds, dogs, cats. They all were so happy
that I was there. They were playing with my hair and talking about life. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I looked around at all the black haired, brown-eyed girls, I
couldn’t help but imagine myself being born in that situation. I thought about
my own life and where I’ve been, where I’m headed. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I thought about these poor girls and how at
times I’m not much different than them. My parents have passed, and maybe
theirs have to, or maybe their parents just didn’t want them. Either way, I saw
the long road ahead of them. I thought about my struggles as a single mom, as a
friend, as a worker, as a member of society. I thought about how much it has
changed me, and made me weary of letting people in. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Also, I thought about how great achievements come out of
great struggles. I mean, look at where I am, in an orphanage, thousands of
miles from my home, sharing my day with children that have no parents, and
laughing with them, playing with them. </div>
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One of the girls said “Que quiere ser?” What do I want to
be, what do I want to be. It just went over and over in my head.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wanted to ask her the same question, but by
the time I could, we were on a different topic. </div>
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<br /></div>
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One girl slowly made her way over to me. She had smiling
eyes, nice skin, and a round face. She looked wise, like the kind of person who
watches and listens, and has been through too much already. Her name was
Blanco, like the color, and she was about 14. She had a shy smile on her face.
“Te gusta dibujar?” she said. “Yeah I love to draw,” I said. She said she loved
to draw too and the remainder of our time there she sat close to me watching
every move of my pencil. </div>
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Melonie, one of the other students I was with tapped my
shoulder and said it was time to leave. Just like that our hour was up.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Every girl in the classroom ran over to hug
us before we left. Blanco stood and just looked at me smiling. My eyes watered
for her. I was ushered out, but turned to her and said, “keep drawing, just
keep drawing.” She nodded. </div>
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<br /></div>
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Driving up that small street I didn’t know how I would feel
when I left. I am grateful everyday. I am grateful for small things and for big
things, I am grateful for my children, and for my health. This day however, I
am grateful for those little girls in that orfanato who smiled, and laughed,
and cared for me. </div>hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-2625308918027951942012-06-19T16:42:00.000-07:002012-06-19T16:43:47.647-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is June 18<sup>th</sup>. The day the second of my
lifelong best friends was born. My little Noah. </div>
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I love my two boys with all of my existence. </div>
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Sometimes life is hard, and then, it gets harder. But all
Ive ever prayed for is that my two little lights will grow up understanding
humanity. I hope that they will always see that we all are family, every one of
us, and we are connected mentally, physically, and spiritually. </div>
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Today, a family that is not ours, became our own. That is
humanity. That is beauty, and that is why I came here. To show my hijos of an life that is very different than theirs, culturally, physically, and still
understand the one universal.. a smile. </div>
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Smiles were abound this evening. Here is how the day went:</div>
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School was good today. I saw a few parrots during my outdoor
conversation class. That was pretty neat-o. I was exceptionally tired today, I
think the weekend was catching up with me. Classes today were good but boring…
we discussed Frida and Diego, and also Frida’s importance in art. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In our second class we discussed drug use among minors and
possible solutions. I learned of a program in mexico “operation backpack” in
which children are searched before and after school for drugs.</div>
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During my cultural class, we learned the words to “cielito
lindo” and sang for a few hours, then danced to shakira. </div>
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It was a pretty good day at school, despite my tiredness. </div>
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<br /></div>
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I felt pretty good about my spanish today as well. We went
to pick up the piñata at a small piñata store next to our school. I bought noah
a huge Spongebob piñata and filled it with dulces. We stopped in at Wal-Mart to grab extras for
the party. The one here has underground parking with a taxi service. Then we
made our way to a ‘pasteleria’ where we
purchased the cake for noah. There were so many beautiful cakes there and it
was difficult to choose, but we settled for chocolate. They threw in helatino
for us as well, which is a type of jello but with leche and blueberries. For
birthdays here, they prepare Mexican hot chocolate to drink with the cake. </div>
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The piñata was so much fun. The abuelo stood on the balcony
and pulled the string as the kids swang their best to break it open. Luckily the storm didn’t start until after
the party when we were all inside painting faces. </div>
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Things Ive noticed recently in mexico:</div>
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People have small businesses in garages around the city and
they are all specialized in something.. radios, refrigerators, toys, ect. </div>
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They have escalators in walmart to take your carts down to
the parking area</div>
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There are no seatbelts in the taxis</div>
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They drink coca-cola like it is water here</div>
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There is graffiti everywhere, its hard to tell la tiendas
from the graffiti</div>
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People really know how to dance here.. seriously… salsa for
reals</div>
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No one takes visa, and the lines to get cash are ridiculous</div>
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There are so many different types of plants here, like huge
ferns and cactus</div>
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Cars honk constantly.. basically any time someone starts, or goes. </div>
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Now I must do work. I am waiting patiently for the sun to come back out. Its
been cloudy and rainy for at least 4 days now.. 4 days too many. I didn’t want to bring the rain with me!!</div>
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Adios!</div>hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-91166912271483201882012-06-17T21:34:00.000-07:002012-06-17T21:34:12.612-07:00Slug bugg<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JYOuc9KlNDk/T96gyuZHH2I/AAAAAAAAAZk/f4-1pDz-Kwo/s1600/IMG_0392.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JYOuc9KlNDk/T96gyuZHH2I/AAAAAAAAAZk/f4-1pDz-Kwo/s320/IMG_0392.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me and kendra</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Today is fathers day. I miss mine, with all my heart, and I hope all of you are enjoying yours. <br />
<br />
<br />
If
you are a die-hard slug-bug game fan, you should come to D.F. There are
slug bugs of every variety; big ones, small ones, black ones, blue
ones, old ones new ones, and even slug bug taxi’s. I was worried about
the long van ride with the boys, but had nothing to worry about because
it is infested with slug bugs and now my arms are bruised.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">parker and I </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYS1Oe8HGHQ/T96hUtMHN4I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/qh1s16rOSpk/s1600/IMG_0622.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bYS1Oe8HGHQ/T96hUtMHN4I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/qh1s16rOSpk/s320/IMG_0622.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">dinner made at home, enchilladas</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br />The part of Mexico City that we went to was really cool, the streets were more familiar and the buildings were beautiful. <br />
So
today has been the day Ive been waiting for FOREVER. We headed out to
Mexico City around 9 am.. straight to Frida’s house. I was so afraid as
we pulled up that I was going to be incredibly disappointed. (I went to a
Frida exhibit in at TAC and was a little sad, wishing there was more to
the collection) But dun dun dun… I was really happy to pull up to this
beautiful blue casa. If you dont know much about Frida Kahlo here is a
short-very-compact-history. <br />
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She loved art as a girl.<br />
When she was young she was in a terrible bus accident in Mexico City.<br />
She spent a lot of her life in a body cast and in terrible pain.<br />
She started painting when she was bed-ridden. <br />
She married Diego Rivera who she said was the second biggest wreck in her life. <br />
She had a miscarriage of her only child while in New York. <br />
She painted about internal sufferage, always with a straight face <br />
She spent most days of her life in pain, mentally and physically<br />
She died in her own bed in 1954<br />
<br />
Out side the house sits a huge garden área surrounded by the large wall
fence. There is a small pyramid in the yard as well. The house looks
just like its name and is all blue. It was pretty surreal to see her
paintings in the house that she painted them in. I bought a few things
and took a few photos.. but it was really awesome. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KTmGebUhORI/T96h2LbDKPI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/qYEzIZm5HjM/s1600/IMG_0626.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KTmGebUhORI/T96h2LbDKPI/AAAAAAAAAaQ/qYEzIZm5HjM/s320/IMG_0626.JPG" width="239" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this is actually Frida Kahlos house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rlJh2VLqGio/T96h31BKECI/AAAAAAAAAaY/NZ0P4Bv7MWc/s1600/IMG_0627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rlJh2VLqGio/T96h31BKECI/AAAAAAAAAaY/NZ0P4Bv7MWc/s320/IMG_0627.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the boys and I at the blue house</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LuEGweqUw3k/T96h5IQdJFI/AAAAAAAAAag/Cj9adJFGZoM/s1600/IMG_0628.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LuEGweqUw3k/T96h5IQdJFI/AAAAAAAAAag/Cj9adJFGZoM/s320/IMG_0628.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">me at the blue house</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kI0rFEd8Z40/T96h67vcEgI/AAAAAAAAAao/J2PA29PCki4/s1600/IMG_0640.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kI0rFEd8Z40/T96h67vcEgI/AAAAAAAAAao/J2PA29PCki4/s320/IMG_0640.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">kendra and I enjoying the rain in Mexico City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V9rHNMhWUbY/T96h8ZXTsuI/AAAAAAAAAaw/FpifeptaEHY/s1600/IMG_0643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V9rHNMhWUbY/T96h8ZXTsuI/AAAAAAAAAaw/FpifeptaEHY/s320/IMG_0643.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A beautiful church in Mexico City</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parker on the van ride</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NSzW1YB6S8Y/T96kqNwamlI/AAAAAAAAAb0/ag2nytEyTWI/s1600/IMG_0674.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NSzW1YB6S8Y/T96kqNwamlI/AAAAAAAAAb0/ag2nytEyTWI/s320/IMG_0674.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
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</tbody></table>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">spiderman lives in DF</td></tr>
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Xochimilco was our next destination. If you have never heard of it,
you should look it up. It was the coolest esperience despite the rain
(by rain I mean buckets of water pouring down. You ride in boats along
the water way, kind of like a Mexican Venice. The boat held our whole
group and floated down the water next to other boats of mariachi bands,
comida, cosas to buy, and small restaruants on the shore. We paid
$100pesos and a mariachi band connected to our boat and sang La Bamba!
It was the coolest experienced so far. <br />
<br />
Once we left
Xochimilco, we headed to dinner. The menú was soooo difficult to read, I
mostly just need to make sure I didnt end up with a cow tounge on my
plate. I got a chili relleno, Parker and Kendra had enchilladas, y noah
had tacos.<br />
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Our van ride home was an experience, there was some accidento on the
freeway so we had a long drive during which we listened to Christian
Rap in Spanish. One guy in our class knew all of the words and before
we knew it the whole van was singing along. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">musician on the water singing for us</td></tr>
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By the time we got home it was 8 pm. We had some friends over because
they were locked out of their house. Unfortunately, we also had a
cockroach. Haha. I screamed and jumped up onto the sofá, kendra grabbed a
shoe and went at it!! She smashed it, and I swear it was in like three
pieces, but then when we went back to look it was gone!!! It was still
alive! But Kendra saved the day.<br />
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Spanish is becoming easier for me, especially to understand. But I
cant help feeling like I am behind still. There is so much to learn and
my accent is still pretty thick. Having the boys here is wonderful, and
is difficult. Each day there is a new stress, but hopefully the wrinkles
will smooth out soon. <br />
hasta la pasta!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">it really does taste different</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<br /><br />hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-29229358670216332952012-06-17T11:59:00.000-07:002012-06-17T11:59:41.716-07:00A note from parker<br />
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So far Mexico is great the past nights have been loud always a thunderstorm or really hard rain. There are all kinds of foods that I’ve never eaten and some I don’t want to eat. School is very hard 8 half hours a day 5 days a week just like any other school except its in Spanish. ¾ of the day is in Spanish the last part of the day is English class I A+ that class. I’m a little home sick but I hope ill get better I try to do things that involve writing in my spare time such as writing a book, journals, drawing pictures ect.. But sometimes I watch TV every TV show sounds different spongebob sounds even more weird and annoying. And I play on my phone but I cant call or else I have to pay for roaming:[ I communicate with friends in Usa by Skype, email, and facetime once again Im homesick but it might go by fast <br />
Well as they say in Mexico Adios or something like that <br />hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-49594853104714300132012-06-15T22:18:00.000-07:002012-06-15T22:18:00.788-07:00Mole, Mariscas, My poor Son.<br />
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Basically Noah has been a bit sick, by sick I mean that his body is covered in a type of hives and his face looks like a fat kid that got a bee sting. Yesterday after an hour on the phone, I finally got a hold of someone who gave me a doctor in Cuernavaca. When I called the doctor we found out that he was only an intern and didnt see kids. I had to think fast because his face was ballooning, so I hailed a taxi with my abuelo and went to the closest red cross. The moral of this story is: 1) Im angry at BlueCross, and the whole insurance system, and 2) I need to learn spanish better. The mexican system is very different than Im used to and I had to pay cash for everything. <br />
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We learned that Noah is allergic to the sun in mexico. Yeah, thats right, my luck struck again, my son is allergic to the place that I brought him for the summer. Any way, we got some perscription creme for his skin, and he has to stay in the shade for a while. <br />
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Yesterday in class we made ‘mole.’ And sang a song about it. It was pretty good. I’m posting pictures. This was my first time tasting let alone making mole, so we had fun dancing and singing around the kitchen.<br />
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Okay. So today we went back to the Palacio Cortes, but this time we toured it. Im posting pictures from it. I think the coolest thing about the castle was the Diego Rivera mural. It was really cool. It was a brief history of the indigenous culture of mexico. I took photos of the mural and of Diego Rivera’s signature. <br />
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Mexico is always loud. Always. During the day, there are Fireworks going off everywhere, for peoples birthdays, and who knows what else. Mexico votes for its next president on July 1, so there are constant political parties with mariachi bands. Our casa is directly next to a church and they have service in the evenings. We can here singing and cheering from 7-9ish. Also, this morning around 8 am someone was on a flute, I think for a political rally. There are constantly dogs barking, inscets cricketing, and birds chirping. Speaking of birds, I have never heard some of the sounds these birds make before. Its pretty cool. <br />
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At my school we have so many different plants and animals and insects and we see butterflies constantly. There is a banana tree, papaya, avacado and hibiscus. It feels like we are in the jungle especially with how many insects there are.<br />
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After my first week here, I am feeling a little better, and the boys are too. Parker is mostly smiles and now noahs face is slowly returning to normal. Although I am exhausted, I am excited for the weeks to come. <br />
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Now we are headed to go out Salsa Dancing. We learned how in class day yesterday and it was really fun. Okay hope everyone is well, Hasta mañana!<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal"><span lang="ES-TRAD">Okay.. just got home from dancing in the Zocolo. That place is crazy and really cool. We had so much fun doing the salsa and listening to the live band. Noah got sick while we were there so we left. We took a cab home and then it started raining, the kind that soakes you to the bone but still is somehow warm. The cab driver was really, really friendly and asked for my number… for future services… ha.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But It was a good night. Next week I will<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>go again… sans children</span></div>hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-81684807882777868822012-06-14T18:11:00.001-07:002012-06-14T18:11:54.630-07:00I've decided to just post pictures to catch up on all my stories that I have told to this point. So the following are: Al Centro and Market with Parker, Palacio Cortez, My school Kulcucan, and a few from my trip to Plaza Cuernavaca. Enjoy todays Post!<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHwiKLQLqZU/T9lpTjZjZII/AAAAAAAAAQk/iqgNXA65Zzk/s1600/IMG_0461.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHwiKLQLqZU/T9lpTjZjZII/AAAAAAAAAQk/iqgNXA65Zzk/s320/IMG_0461.JPG" /></a><br />
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<p><p>The Pool at our school (one of them)<p><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Wjki8HNrj4/T9lpRs_O0pI/AAAAAAAAAP0/9tHE2vLXGFU/s1600/IMG_0454.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="239" width="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Wjki8HNrj4/T9lpRs_O0pI/AAAAAAAAAP0/9tHE2vLXGFU/s320/IMG_0454.JPG" /></a><p><p><br />
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A restaurant in El Central <p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rGsE09LE2nc/T9lpSGYOnmI/AAAAAAAAAQA/NBi1k_aaTA8/s1600/IMG_0455.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rGsE09LE2nc/T9lpSGYOnmI/AAAAAAAAAQA/NBi1k_aaTA8/s320/IMG_0455.JPG" /></a><br />
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<p><p>A fountain at mi casa that belongs to the abuelo<p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5C7qnr8vCnk/T9lpSUjMsxI/AAAAAAAAAQM/menckX-ZPGk/s1600/IMG_0458.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5C7qnr8vCnk/T9lpSUjMsxI/AAAAAAAAAQM/menckX-ZPGk/s320/IMG_0458.JPG" /></a><p><p><br />
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In the bathroom at my school.<p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ucj9in2x_io/T9lpS0qCwTI/AAAAAAAAAQY/_U6NFBP1zF8/s1600/IMG_0459.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="239" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ucj9in2x_io/T9lpS0qCwTI/AAAAAAAAAQY/_U6NFBP1zF8/s320/IMG_0459.JPG" /></a><br />
<p><p>in the same bathroom<p><br />
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<p><p>El Central<p><br />
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<p><p>Parker really really enjoying Mexico<p><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qhywB5jneBA/T9lnvhPwqHI/AAAAAAAAAPE/0wPVKAmKpHo/s1600/IMG_0445.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qhywB5jneBA/T9lnvhPwqHI/AAAAAAAAAPE/0wPVKAmKpHo/s320/IMG_0445.JPG" /></a><br />
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<p><p>in the market<p><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLWCKg8Pras/T9lnwYoIuxI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/F7SwR4woPhs/s1600/IMG_0447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="239" width="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TLWCKg8Pras/T9lnwYoIuxI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/F7SwR4woPhs/s320/IMG_0447.JPG" /></a><p><p><br />
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Palacio Cortez<p><br />
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Palacio Cortez<p><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7HhHijJheE/T9lrCe9UrVI/AAAAAAAAARg/GLKvalkrwJs/s1600/IMG_0516.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c7HhHijJheE/T9lrCe9UrVI/AAAAAAAAARg/GLKvalkrwJs/s320/IMG_0516.JPG" /></a><p><p><br />
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This is mi casa. Our apartment is the two story building with the pool. Only the boys, Kendra and I live here.<p><br />
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Me at my school<p><br />
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Palm tree at my school.<p>This is the door I walk thru every morning to get into the school grounds<p><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zdn-DuRtmgw/T9lrBqgr2lI/AAAAAAAAARI/CaF_Rue-9zY/s1600/IMG_0472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Zdn-DuRtmgw/T9lrBqgr2lI/AAAAAAAAARI/CaF_Rue-9zY/s320/IMG_0472.JPG" /></a><p><p>A view from my waiting room in mi casa.<p><br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vq7ZvZxlr44/T9lrCDxYXkI/AAAAAAAAARU/JirHGy7Lfk8/s1600/IMG_0473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="239" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vq7ZvZxlr44/T9lrCDxYXkI/AAAAAAAAARU/JirHGy7Lfk8/s320/IMG_0473.JPG" /></a>hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-83743056380673715602012-06-13T08:14:00.000-07:002012-06-13T08:14:27.541-07:00<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kxQ6KHAwWd0/T9gcjvb2i_I/AAAAAAAAANo/JlfIQ_gNRUo/s1600/IMG_0374.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="239" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kxQ6KHAwWd0/T9gcjvb2i_I/AAAAAAAAANo/JlfIQ_gNRUo/s320/IMG_0374.JPG" /></a>
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Im a Brown baby<p>
June 12. <P>
Hoy fue lo mas difícil. Last night the Little one got a bit sick. He went to the cine with our family to watch Madagascar 3 in español and then just played futbol with the children all night. By the time I got home at 9 pm, he was puking. I think he just needs to adjust to the heat a bit, I think we all do. (fun fact numero 1: When traveling to places like Mexico, your ability to “hacer un poop” is lessened. ie: constipation) The night ended with many tears and began the same way, but I’ll get to that. <P>
Last night we visited Palacio Cortez and Al Centro (sin Noah, who was at the cine). We rode the bus again, and our host papa came with to make sure we made it okay. During the busride we all had to stand and hold on to the seats, and if you have ever been on a bus in Latin America you know how difficult this is. The bus ride was about 30 minutes because it was a high traffic time. Things I noticed along the way:
You have to pay to use public bathrooms (4 pesos)
Cuernavaca es much bigger than I thought
Mexicans don’t wear sunglasses (which made us stand out like a sore thumb)
Giving Parker 3 pesos made his night
Bus routes have no signs (i asked my host papa how he knew where the bus was gonna stop and he said to me something along the lines of “ because this is where it stops.”)
Once again, people drive crazy here, there arent many stoplights, and no lines on the road.<P>
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We finally arrived to Palacio Cortez and it was packed. The Zocalo is the center of Cuernavaca with street venders and dancers. We walked the market and then stopped at a restaurante for refrescas y jugo. Parker was a bit uncomfortable because he was stressing about being in a different country, not knowing the language and complaining that everything was different. Pretty much then it started to rain. When it rains here, it rains. It doesnt last too long but you will get soaked. We got a taxi for 50 pesos and made it home dry.<P>
As a side note. I am learning where I live, for some reason, the taxi’s never can find it, and the host father and I have gone for walks a few times and now I can get around, at least a little. <P>
As a second side note, I have not met a taxi driver that wasnt friendly. All have talked to me about Cuernavaca, about the United States, and about the school. Y por eso, I feel more safe.<P>
Well the night ended about how I described earlier, with a late evening, and very hot rooms.<P>
<b>Family.</b><P>
I mentioned earlier about the morning beginging with tears. Parker had a really hard time accepting that we are in Mexico and that he has to go to school. He has a really hard time accepting anything that is different, diferente, and doesnt like to be uncomfortable. The family here is sooo nice, they really just want him to be happy. They told him (with my translation) that he is home here and they are his family. If you know me, this was very touching and the tears were overwhelming. They said, “Nosotros somos tus abuelos aquí, y este es tu casa.” They invited him to attend a football practice after school and that perked his interest. Something familiar. Then they headed off to school, and all my strength left my body, I sobbed, but Kendra was there to console and off we went to school.<P>
Our classes today were fun because we got to meet different teachers. We also met students from other colleges. Our classes in Cuernavaca are in the middle of what looks like a jungle, una selva, with huge banana trees, aloe plants, butterflies, birds, and well, mosquitos. Today I stopped in our café and the cook made me taquitos de papas and café. It was sooo delicious I wolfed it down since I couldnt eat this morning. I think I forgot to mention that we have another student that lives somewhere in our estate, Corrina. Corrina is in her fourties and lives in Philidelphia. She is a Professor de Francés. She also speaks German, French, Spanish, and English and is an avid runner. Her children are in Philly, and her daughter is severely handicapped. I imagine its very difficult for her to be away, but it would have been just as difficult to bring her. Corrina impresses me, she has such an energy about her and maybe she is just very ‘worldly’ but I like her.<P>
After school, we recieved a taxi and headed home to find two happy boys. Parker had a great time at school today, and finally ate his dinner!! (oh dinner is actually around 3:30 here, with a snack around 9 pm) He played futbol and smiled at least three times.. which is a great improvement.<P>
<P>
Kendra and I are headed into Plaza Cuernavaca por autobús to purchase some things.
A regalo for Noah (his birthday is on monday)<P>
Benedryl(because kendra is allergic to everything) <P>
Bottles for water<P>
And… dum dum dum..<P>
Painting supplies<P>
I have been so inspired to paint while ive been here. The colors, the people and the differences sparked a creative desire to paint in the country of gran pintadoras like Diego, Frida, Siquieros, Orozco, and Guyasamin. <p>
Im finding out more about my family little by little or ‘poco a poco’ as they always say to me. They have five children. Their daughter died two years ago from Leukemia and that is why there are so many children in the house. One of their daughters never married, and stays home to take care of those who lost thier madre. The abuelo of the house spends the most time taking care of the children and me. They are so friendly, and care very much about us being happy. <P>
Today I learned:<P>
Some escascaletors do not have stairs. So when you try to step on stairs you look like a silly foriegner.<P>
Taking the bus isnt so hard, even for gringas<P>
Mosquitos suck<P>
Sign language Works well when you dont know the Word for toothpaste.<P>
There are insects/lizard that make kissing sounds and eat scorpions<P>
I have a lot to learn<P>
This concludes your daily broadcast. <P><P>
Ciao!!hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6634918583831761574.post-1461988548799769822012-06-11T21:29:00.001-07:002012-06-11T21:29:54.799-07:00<b>On my way</b><p><P>
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Disclaimer; Because of the nature of my trip and the country in which we will be residing, I have opted out of taking my SLR camera. Although it pains me, I am forced to use a camera phone. Any photos herein posted are taken using an iphone 4 and are only a preliminary example of my soon to be developed iphonology skillz, which I’m told is a real and true study.<P>
Well, here we are. June 11, delta flight 1634… delayed due to some generator issue. So, I’m going to take this opportunity to recap on the last few days. <P>
<b>Turbulence</b><P><P>
It’s been a crazy week of moving and packing, and moving and packing, shows and pho. We have been living out of suitcases for close to two weeks. I spent this last week studying for finals and my last one was on Thursday for my Modern China class.<P>
Friday night my friends put together a send-off shindig for me. Josh and Mel were so gracious to host the occasion, and I must say I was not disappointed. Hot Dogs, Burgers, Grilled Veggies; hugs and sobby ‘I love you’s’ it was pretty wonderful. The best part was sitting around the campfire until 4 in the morning pounding on instruments and singing altogether.<P>
Awards are as follows:<P>
‘most enthusiastic singer’ is tied between Mel and Macy.<P>
Jordon receives ‘most played instruments’ of course.<P>
Alex wins ‘radical inprov song about Heidi leaving for mexico.'<P>
Pancho gets ‘mvp’<P>
Justin receives ‘we couldn’t have done it without you'<P><P>
(certificates will be delayed, and may not come at all, but they are printed in my forever memory)<P>
Favoritism is not my thing, and I really love everyone that came. For realz, you made me teary eyed. <P>
Saturday was a very busy day; finishing last minute purchases and getting accounts squared away while I’m gone. I managed to get a pedicure, which never happens, but I figured in the land of the sun it is a necessity. <P>
It seems they are getting the plane up and running, which means we might make it to our next flight. This whole trip feels like some strange out of body experience. So many times this week I have just sat and cried, staring at my luggage, in disbelief. I have worked so hard for this moment, and here I am, on my way.<P><P>
<b>
<b><b>La Cucaracha</b></b></b><P>
Today is June 11. Yesterday was such a long day. Our plane was delayed and that made flying into Mexico City a little difficult because we were running to catch our flight in Utah. Pero, todo fue bien. We made it, not without a few grumpy children, however. <P>
The aeropuerto en Mexico City is completely different than I expected. Every turn they are checking your bags or taking your picture. On the bus to Cuernavaca, the driver walked around with a video camera and took video of our faces. I misunderstood when he came to me thinking that he was asking me if I had lost a camera. I responded with “No, Gracias, no es mio.”<P>
Finally around 7 pm we made it to Cuernavaca, tired, and hot and then had to do orientation for our school and meet our new parents (well for five weeks anyway)<P>
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Our ‘parents’ are actually grandparents. We live on an estate in Cuernavaca that has a huge main house, another family house, and a guest house. Kendra, the boys and I stay in the quaint guesthouse. We have two stories, two bathrooms, a living room and kitchenette. <P><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-40lyDCFVWRU/T9Z-DHq7SXI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/J_me5TYDoQ4/s1600/IMG_0366.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-40lyDCFVWRU/T9Z-DHq7SXI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/J_me5TYDoQ4/s320/IMG_0366.JPG" /></a>
Cockroaches are gross. On our first night we saw our first cockroach in our house, and ran away leaving it to roam downstairs somewhere. <P>
Our family is huge here, there are so many people I cant remember all their names! We chatted for a while then tried to go to sleep, which was an endeavor in itself. This place is definitely a challenge, but I know it will pay off. <P><p><P>
<b>El primer dia en la escuela</b><P><P>
Imagine waking up in a country in which you don’t speak the language and your crazy mother expects you to spend your summer vacation attending school in that country, where you are the only blonde hair, blue eyed kid. Yeah. Parker was pretty upset at me. All the way to school he looked as if he was going to explode in tears. However, I walked around the school with him and met his teachers. All the kids in the school wanted to meet him and talk to him, and all the girls made eyes at him. Noah had a good day, he has made friends with the boy, Emiliano, who lives with us. <P>
Today was also my first day in Kukulcan, my school in Cuernavaca. The campus is amazing. It is located in a large mansion and has many buildings and two pools. Half of the day is spent in grammar classes and the other half is conversation and then cultural classes. Today we walked to buy our prepaid cell phones. They cost about 300 pesos and have minutes attached. There is a store here called Mega, and it is like a Target, I felt right at home… minus the security guard with the shotgun. And then returned to sing and dance to Spanish songs.<P><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_oU_bBm9Ah8/T9bDs1lDa6I/AAAAAAAAALs/Stq8Soryo98/s1600/IMG_0384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_oU_bBm9Ah8/T9bDs1lDa6I/AAAAAAAAALs/Stq8Soryo98/s320/IMG_0384.JPG" /></a>
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I still cant believe I’m in Mexico, everything really is very different. The houses are these amazing estates with multiple houses, and yet none are visible. Everything is hidden behind walls. Walls with graffiti. The streets are narrow and the roads have no rules. Pedestrians have no rights and in many cases the cars try and run them over. Door bells are actually doorbells that hang from the inside of the house and you pull on a string. <P>
I had my first experience on a real Cuernavacan autobus tonight, I just returned from downtown. They are hot and crowded, but they are much cheaper than taxi. <P>
We are getting ready to go out to el Centro, the Zocalo of Cuernavaca, which I’m excited about because I’m told the buildings and archetectura are very beautiful. <P>
Hasta luego. <P>hi.im.heidihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11324672983038485204noreply@blogger.com1