And now we have reached our final day...The last two days we have spent on the largest of Belize's islands, San Pedro. While Caye Caulker only had people riding around on golf carts and bikes (with maybe two or three cars on the island), San Pedro is full of cars and vans. The place where we are staying is much nicer than any other place we have stayed, with a pool, poolside bar, a beach, and great rooms. We spend our first afternoon just lounging around the pool and eating chips and salsa. We also hopped on bikes the hotel provided and perused and got to know the town, with many of the girls finding shop after shop that they liked.
The next day the girls and Mr. Gels went sea kayaking through the "rough" Caribbean. They spent a couple of hours paddling out to the reef until their bodies started to tell them it was time to head back to shore. This gave the kids a flashback as to what the indigenous people of Belize must have done to get around hundreds of years ago (so it was basically a history and PE lesson all in one.)
Today, a group of people decided to go snorkeling again while the others lounged around the hotel creating sand art and playing beach volleyball. For the snorkelers, the experience was much different than what we did in Caye Caulker, as the sea was choppier and the water was it bit more murky because of the overcast sky. The snorkelers were taken to Hol Chan Marine Reserve and a different Shark Ray Alley. In Hol Chan, they were able to see similar fish to what was in Caye Caulker, but the fish were bigger, brighter, and there were more of them. For instance, instead of a lone barracuda, they swam with a family of five.
In Shark Ray Alley, they were able to swim with many more Nurse Sharks, where the guide picked them up and let the snorkelers pet it. They also were able to pick up the rays. The overall experience on this snorkeling trip was harder because of the conditions, but what they saw was still spectacular.
We have reached the conclusion of our travel blog for the 2007 excursion to Belize, but thanks to all of you for reading and commenting on our adventures. Please share our experiences with others as we are looking to build on this trip and have many more successful ones into the future!
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Under the Sea
Barracuda!!! As we went out to the beautiful Caribbean Sea for our first snorkeling adventure, we looked over the side of the boat and saw a two foot barracuda staring back at us. Phased by nothing, we hopped into the water and saw some of the most amazing and impressive fish that any of us have seen. Mr. Gels said these reefs and fish were better than the Great Barrier Reef, and this waters far surpassed the seas of Thailand and Vietnam.
Our three stop snorkeling excursion began by an hour snorkel near a part of the Belize Barrier Reef (the second largest barrier reef in the world). The water was a majestic turquoise, clear enough where the students that chose not to snorkel could clearly see much of the marine life. The reef itself was very impressive, with large brain coral, cactus coral, and many other types. We also saw fish big and small, white, gray, yellow, blue, green, purple, and any combination of the above adjectives. We felt like were in Finding Nemo. As we swam throughout the waters, we were hit by various warm and cold patches, and we ran into many schools of fish. There was more of a variety of fish than any of us had experienced.
Our second stop on the tour was to Shark Ray Alley. Here, we were able to swim with the docile Nurse Sharks and gigantic Rays that must have been 3 feet in diameter. Our guides attracted the Rays and Sharks by dropping food into the water, which caused the animals to swarm. We all got a chance to touch the Rays, which were slimy, and most of us swam with the Rays and sharks for a half hour. The experience was surreal.
Our final stop on our snorkeling tour was to a reef garden, which was an hour for us too just explore the reef by ourself. There was another spotting of a nurse shark there, as well as more of the same fish we saw at our first stop.
Caye Caulker has exceeded expectations, as has the entire trip thus far. We look forward to hearing your comments!
Our three stop snorkeling excursion began by an hour snorkel near a part of the Belize Barrier Reef (the second largest barrier reef in the world). The water was a majestic turquoise, clear enough where the students that chose not to snorkel could clearly see much of the marine life. The reef itself was very impressive, with large brain coral, cactus coral, and many other types. We also saw fish big and small, white, gray, yellow, blue, green, purple, and any combination of the above adjectives. We felt like were in Finding Nemo. As we swam throughout the waters, we were hit by various warm and cold patches, and we ran into many schools of fish. There was more of a variety of fish than any of us had experienced.
Our second stop on the tour was to Shark Ray Alley. Here, we were able to swim with the docile Nurse Sharks and gigantic Rays that must have been 3 feet in diameter. Our guides attracted the Rays and Sharks by dropping food into the water, which caused the animals to swarm. We all got a chance to touch the Rays, which were slimy, and most of us swam with the Rays and sharks for a half hour. The experience was surreal.
Our final stop on our snorkeling tour was to a reef garden, which was an hour for us too just explore the reef by ourself. There was another spotting of a nurse shark there, as well as more of the same fish we saw at our first stop.
Caye Caulker has exceeded expectations, as has the entire trip thus far. We look forward to hearing your comments!
Man it's hot out here
The heat here is breathtaking, meaning it's so stifling that we can hardly breathe. That being said, the beauty is amazing, and we have spent most of our time on Caye Caulker lounging in the hammocks on the dock of our hotel and swimming in the clear water. Last night many of us entertained ourselves by creating crazy light pictures, drawing pictures with flashlights while the cameras extended their exposure time. Today, we are going to venture to Shark Ray Alley, feeding the sharks sardines, and hopefully not having them feed on us (just a reminder that these sharks are more like catfish than dangerous sharks.) We will update you after we return.
Friday, June 1, 2007
Unbelievable Mayan Stuff
Hello again,
This trip keeps getting better. In the last two days, we have witnessed two of the most rare, and impressive Mayan ruins that exist. Two days ago we traveled with a Mayan Rasta to a little known cave called "Barton Creek Cave." This cave, basically discovered and explored by our guide David, illustrated the advanced nature and forward thinking that the Mayan culture possessed. We explored the cave in colorful metal canoes, three/four to a canoe, with two people paddling and one person womaning a battery powered spotlight that we act as our eyes in the cave. One would think that the hard part of the tour would be maneuvering the canoes in the cave, but that is an incorrect statement for some; my sister Rebecca and I showed our amazing rowing abilities by getting stuck in multiple stops before reaching the cave. To top that off, we got our first rain of the trip, which made it all the more enjoyable (while also dropping the temperature 20 degrees, making the climate much more bearable).
When we entered the cave, it seemed like a normal cave. However, we quickly learned that this is truly a unique cave. As we floated down the creek, bats flew over our heads and lobsters and catfish swam beneath us. The stalactites and stalagmites were enormous, but the most impressive aspect was how the Mayans utilized the cave. We saw a bridge they built which has withstood 1500 years of beating, as it was made out of materials that are harder and more durable that cement. Pottery shards also scattered the cave, and we even saw half of human skull (which potentially might be an illustration of the brutality of their culture.)
The next Mayan trip we went on was to a massive ruin site called Caracol. This site, only 15% excavated (and recently so), is the massive site of one of the most dominant and successful Mayan people, rivaling only a few groups such as the Tikal in Guatemala. On our hike around the ruins, we learned a lot about the lavishness, social and political hierarchy, and brutality of one of the world's most successful civilizations. When the kings and queens of the Caracol Mayans built temples they didn't hold back. The structures were multiple level, with large chambers for sleeping, massive steps, engravings of animals and gods, and areas for play and social interaction. The temples stood about 136 feet high, the tallest man-made buildings still today in Belize. Standing atop these ruins we felt atop the world.
The lavishness of the kings and queens was also seen in the tombs constructed for them, being just as ornate as the temples (though much more creepy). We also saw the difference between the royal and peasant buildings, showing a distinct division between the people socially and politically. We cannot wait to see what these ruins will look like once they uncover all of what lays beneath the forests surrounding the parts already uncovered.
After exploring Caracol, we went to the most beautiful waterfall and pools where we lounged for hours. One can only explain how beautiful they are in pictures, which you will see soon.
We just got to the islands and Caye Caulker, but my internet time is running out, so check back later and please write comments!
This trip keeps getting better. In the last two days, we have witnessed two of the most rare, and impressive Mayan ruins that exist. Two days ago we traveled with a Mayan Rasta to a little known cave called "Barton Creek Cave." This cave, basically discovered and explored by our guide David, illustrated the advanced nature and forward thinking that the Mayan culture possessed. We explored the cave in colorful metal canoes, three/four to a canoe, with two people paddling and one person womaning a battery powered spotlight that we act as our eyes in the cave. One would think that the hard part of the tour would be maneuvering the canoes in the cave, but that is an incorrect statement for some; my sister Rebecca and I showed our amazing rowing abilities by getting stuck in multiple stops before reaching the cave. To top that off, we got our first rain of the trip, which made it all the more enjoyable (while also dropping the temperature 20 degrees, making the climate much more bearable).
When we entered the cave, it seemed like a normal cave. However, we quickly learned that this is truly a unique cave. As we floated down the creek, bats flew over our heads and lobsters and catfish swam beneath us. The stalactites and stalagmites were enormous, but the most impressive aspect was how the Mayans utilized the cave. We saw a bridge they built which has withstood 1500 years of beating, as it was made out of materials that are harder and more durable that cement. Pottery shards also scattered the cave, and we even saw half of human skull (which potentially might be an illustration of the brutality of their culture.)
The next Mayan trip we went on was to a massive ruin site called Caracol. This site, only 15% excavated (and recently so), is the massive site of one of the most dominant and successful Mayan people, rivaling only a few groups such as the Tikal in Guatemala. On our hike around the ruins, we learned a lot about the lavishness, social and political hierarchy, and brutality of one of the world's most successful civilizations. When the kings and queens of the Caracol Mayans built temples they didn't hold back. The structures were multiple level, with large chambers for sleeping, massive steps, engravings of animals and gods, and areas for play and social interaction. The temples stood about 136 feet high, the tallest man-made buildings still today in Belize. Standing atop these ruins we felt atop the world.
The lavishness of the kings and queens was also seen in the tombs constructed for them, being just as ornate as the temples (though much more creepy). We also saw the difference between the royal and peasant buildings, showing a distinct division between the people socially and politically. We cannot wait to see what these ruins will look like once they uncover all of what lays beneath the forests surrounding the parts already uncovered.
After exploring Caracol, we went to the most beautiful waterfall and pools where we lounged for hours. One can only explain how beautiful they are in pictures, which you will see soon.
We just got to the islands and Caye Caulker, but my internet time is running out, so check back later and please write comments!
Wednesday, May 30, 2007
Fun with the Kids in Benque
Friends and Family,
Our time in Belize has been magical. After a long and arduous trip from Belize City to Benque Viejo del Carmen, the students kept their heads and spirits high as they prepared for their first day of teaching at Mt. Carmel Primary School. Because of their hard work before flying down to Belize, all that is took for the students to be ready for the morning was a good night's sleep and some authentic Belizian Chinese food.
When we got to the school Wednesday morning, the students were broken into four classrooms where they taught about: horses, American football, American dancing, and American folklore. In the "horse" classroom, Kelli Gough and Maggie McHargue helped students understand the difference between Belize and American horses, in size and function. Then the students were able to show off their artistic talents by coloring in pictures of their favorite horse before the students conducted horse races like they hold in Kentucky; it is amazing how long these students were able to pretend to be like horses and run back and forth across the grass. After each race, they ecxclaimed, "Can we race again Mister and Misses?"
The American football class, taught by Rocio Leon, opened the students' eyes to a sport that most of them had not known about. Rocio began by observing the skills the students already had in playing futbol (which were quite impressive and they probably could have taken most Lloyd students), then she explained the rules of how our football worked. After conducting an interactive, explanatory lecture, Rocio led the students through basic passing and running plays which the students loved, although most students did better with catching the football with their faces than with their hands (as they are used to playing soccer with their heads and feet). Then today, Mr. Gels worked on passing routes with the boys as Rocio taught the girls the best Lloyd Juggs cheer ever!
In the folklore class, led by Randi Stewart, the students were told spiders stories and a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story. For the spider story, the students created their own scary spider bracelets, and for the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story, the students created two-faced masks. The spiders were so scary with the googley eyes that they scared Randi half to death.
Lastly, in the American dance class, Krista Gels taught standard American dances such as the "Chicken dance," the "Hokeypokey," and "YMCA." This class was started off by a game of musical chairs that got all of the students fighting for their life to win the game; students were falling all over one another. Then with the other dances, the students portrayed their "happy feet" and arms as they got very into each dance, often with the students ending up on the floor again.
With our students' teaching, the Primary school at Mt. Carmel came to life. The smiles on the kids' faces were infectious, and all we could hear during the school day, that night when we saw students, and this next morning, were "Hello Miss. Hello Mister." Our students were so effective with their teaching that the administration begged that we come down for at least a week next time. We also switched what we were doing in our second and final day today to visit the rest of the primary classes we missed, in two hour blocks, so the other students at the school wouldn't feel left out.
This experience has showed us that the students here are passionate, smart, and eager to learn. They thrive on personal attention, and that is what our students are able to provide them. The kids' gratitude can be seen in their smiles, the bounce in their steps, and through the little presents many of them have given to their teachers (our students).
We hope that this, our first interaction with Mt. Carmel Primary School, is only the beginning of a long friendship between the students of Northern Kentucky and Mt. Carmel Primary School.
Please leave any comments you have and we will try and respond as quickly as possible. Also, PICTURES TO COME!
Our time in Belize has been magical. After a long and arduous trip from Belize City to Benque Viejo del Carmen, the students kept their heads and spirits high as they prepared for their first day of teaching at Mt. Carmel Primary School. Because of their hard work before flying down to Belize, all that is took for the students to be ready for the morning was a good night's sleep and some authentic Belizian Chinese food.
When we got to the school Wednesday morning, the students were broken into four classrooms where they taught about: horses, American football, American dancing, and American folklore. In the "horse" classroom, Kelli Gough and Maggie McHargue helped students understand the difference between Belize and American horses, in size and function. Then the students were able to show off their artistic talents by coloring in pictures of their favorite horse before the students conducted horse races like they hold in Kentucky; it is amazing how long these students were able to pretend to be like horses and run back and forth across the grass. After each race, they ecxclaimed, "Can we race again Mister and Misses?"
The American football class, taught by Rocio Leon, opened the students' eyes to a sport that most of them had not known about. Rocio began by observing the skills the students already had in playing futbol (which were quite impressive and they probably could have taken most Lloyd students), then she explained the rules of how our football worked. After conducting an interactive, explanatory lecture, Rocio led the students through basic passing and running plays which the students loved, although most students did better with catching the football with their faces than with their hands (as they are used to playing soccer with their heads and feet). Then today, Mr. Gels worked on passing routes with the boys as Rocio taught the girls the best Lloyd Juggs cheer ever!
In the folklore class, led by Randi Stewart, the students were told spiders stories and a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story. For the spider story, the students created their own scary spider bracelets, and for the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde story, the students created two-faced masks. The spiders were so scary with the googley eyes that they scared Randi half to death.
Lastly, in the American dance class, Krista Gels taught standard American dances such as the "Chicken dance," the "Hokeypokey," and "YMCA." This class was started off by a game of musical chairs that got all of the students fighting for their life to win the game; students were falling all over one another. Then with the other dances, the students portrayed their "happy feet" and arms as they got very into each dance, often with the students ending up on the floor again.
With our students' teaching, the Primary school at Mt. Carmel came to life. The smiles on the kids' faces were infectious, and all we could hear during the school day, that night when we saw students, and this next morning, were "Hello Miss. Hello Mister." Our students were so effective with their teaching that the administration begged that we come down for at least a week next time. We also switched what we were doing in our second and final day today to visit the rest of the primary classes we missed, in two hour blocks, so the other students at the school wouldn't feel left out.
This experience has showed us that the students here are passionate, smart, and eager to learn. They thrive on personal attention, and that is what our students are able to provide them. The kids' gratitude can be seen in their smiles, the bounce in their steps, and through the little presents many of them have given to their teachers (our students).
We hope that this, our first interaction with Mt. Carmel Primary School, is only the beginning of a long friendship between the students of Northern Kentucky and Mt. Carmel Primary School.
Please leave any comments you have and we will try and respond as quickly as possible. Also, PICTURES TO COME!
Monday, May 21, 2007
Greetings!
Welcome students, parents, and northen Kentucky community members who are viewing this brand new blog. We are excited to be taking students down to Belize for a service learning trip beginning May 28th, 2007, and two weeks later leading a group of students on an eco-tourism trip to Costa Rica on June 10th, 2007.
In this, our inaugural year taking students to Belize, we will be taking 6 students on an unforgettable experience. For the first part of our 10 day trip, students will be teaching in an elementary school called Mt. Carmel Grade School in Benque Viejo del Carmen, a border town of Guatemala. Students have prepared lesson plans that compare and contrast elements of Kentucky and Belizian life. This is an opportunity that will enable the students to learn how to master and teach material, learn about how other cultures function, and it will help students appreciate a way of life compeltely foreign to themselves. Students will engage in various extra-curricular activities with the kids of the Benque community and they will have an opportunity to make some home visits. While in Benque, students will also be able to visit various Mayan ruins, learning about the rich and vast history of this impressive cultural dynasty. The largest of the ruins we will be visiting is called Caracol.
After staying in Benque, we will move towards the coast and stay on two islands off the coast of Belize: Caye Caulker and San Pedro. This jaunt will allow the students to experience one of the most impressive reefs in the world. Students will get to snorkel, swim with nurse sharks and rays, and kayak around Caye Caulker. The students will be seeing things they have only seen pictures of in biology class.
This trip is something we hope many students from northen Kentucky will partake in in the future. It is an invaluable experience that will make the students more aware of their surrounding and make them more worldly people. Please share your thoughts!
In this, our inaugural year taking students to Belize, we will be taking 6 students on an unforgettable experience. For the first part of our 10 day trip, students will be teaching in an elementary school called Mt. Carmel Grade School in Benque Viejo del Carmen, a border town of Guatemala. Students have prepared lesson plans that compare and contrast elements of Kentucky and Belizian life. This is an opportunity that will enable the students to learn how to master and teach material, learn about how other cultures function, and it will help students appreciate a way of life compeltely foreign to themselves. Students will engage in various extra-curricular activities with the kids of the Benque community and they will have an opportunity to make some home visits. While in Benque, students will also be able to visit various Mayan ruins, learning about the rich and vast history of this impressive cultural dynasty. The largest of the ruins we will be visiting is called Caracol.
After staying in Benque, we will move towards the coast and stay on two islands off the coast of Belize: Caye Caulker and San Pedro. This jaunt will allow the students to experience one of the most impressive reefs in the world. Students will get to snorkel, swim with nurse sharks and rays, and kayak around Caye Caulker. The students will be seeing things they have only seen pictures of in biology class.
This trip is something we hope many students from northen Kentucky will partake in in the future. It is an invaluable experience that will make the students more aware of their surrounding and make them more worldly people. Please share your thoughts!
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