Mysteries of Peru's Past

These are Paracas skulls.  They belonged to some of Peru's past inhabitants.  Look at their shapes.  Do you think they looked like us?  How do you explain such odd shapes to their heads?  How do you think scientists have explained these skulls?

Eating is a big part of the adventure!

Ceviche is a famous raw seafood dish and Peru’s national dish. Popular in various South and Central American countries, Peruvian ceviche is arguably the best. Fish is marinated in citrus juices, typically lime, and is topped off with red onions.Other things served with ceviche include really hot red chillis, coriander and you’ll often get roasted salty corn pieces or cancha on the side and other sides.

Mind Your Footprints

I love to travel around the world on my "Great Adventures".   I also think it is important for me to share my adventure with you, my students so you will be more aware of your own global community and see the bigger picture of everything the world has to offer you.  But I also know that my travels can have a big impact on the places I go and I try to be aware of the footprints I might leave throughout my travels. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mr4nbZQazmI

That's why I like to coordinate a lot of my travels with GEEO and Gap Adventures. 

The Difference Between a Vacation and an Adventure

I suppose one's expectations of a good vacation includes guided tours, room service, taking in a show, poolside drinks and a nice tan. But a true adventure includes the unexpected.

Not everything goes as planned on an adventure. How you deal with these surprises separates the tourist from the explorer. I like to try as many new foods as I can. A tourist may taste something "bad" while an explorer taste something strange and knows that's part of the adventure. A tourist is outraged if  he has to take a cold shower while an explorer finds it invigorating or realizes you don't need to shower everyday. 

The whole point of an adventure is to get away from the things you do everyday in favor of the surprise that awaits you around the next turn. I don't want to be the tourist who waste time worrying about the quality of the water or getting a window seat. It's more fun to just jump in with your eyes open. If the train is running late that's a chance to talk to a local in the station. If you drink some iffy water, that's a bummer but it passes and it's something else to talk about when you remember your great adventure. 

One of my favorite days of last year's trek across Eastern Europe was the day I was totally lost in Prague.  I was trying to find someone who spoke English and could direct me to the Black Madona Cafe; where I was to meet an old friend, Lucy.  I wasn't even sure if I could find my way back to the hotel but eventually Lucy found me a few blocks from the cafe and helped me learn my way around Prague. 

Sometimes a little discomfort feels great and it always makes for a good story.

Incacare

The Inca were not only skilled engineers and warriors but also successful surgeons. Five hundred years ago, without the benefit of steel scalpels or antibiotics, the Inca performed a type of operation called trepanation—literally carving holes in patients' skulls. 

Immunizations

I always check with the CDC before I travel overseas to see what immunizations I might need.  Since I travel every year, I usually find that I am up-to-date on most things like; Hepatitis, Typhoid etc... 

Sometimes they recommend Malaria pills if I'm going into a tropical area.  I've decided to save my trip to the Amazon until a later trip and I doubt that there will be many, if any, mosquitos at the high altitude of the Andes.  They may, however, recommend a rabies vaccine since I will be taking a four day hike.  I'll check the CDC website then make an appointment with my doctor.

I also check to see what side effects some immunizations might have.  If I know I might have some sort of reaction, I will weigh the threat of contracting the disease vs. the probable effects and elect to take my chances.

Bitter Sweet

A lot has happened since I started this blog.  We have gone to both the regional and state Visual Art Scholastic Events.  I've been planning my trip to Indianapolis for my friend Ed Sanders' retrospective at the Herron Gallery which will also coincide with a 431 Gallery retrospective at the State Museum; where I will have work on exhibit and serve on a panel. I've applied for the Hilton grant; unsuccessfully.  And, last week my AP students submitted their portfolios.  All of that I've already shared with you. What I have not yet made public is my coming move from Moises Molina High School to the Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy.

I spent today meeting my new students and I'm eager to see what next year will be like in my new classroom. But, it will not be easy saying goodbye to all of my Molina students at the end of this year.  We don't really need to say goodbye.  I'm hoping you will continue following this blog and me to Peru.  So, get your passports ready and let's invite my new students to join us as we hike the Inca trail. 

The horizon awaits us and no one knows where our paths may meet again. 

Bought My Tickets

I just bought my tickets.  I didn't get my grant so I had to make some changes to my itinerary.  I'll be cutting a week off which means I'll be spending less time in Lima and save the Amazon for a later trip.

So, in just a few weeks I'll be flying over the Andes Mountains.