Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Second day at Baja
The second day in Baja seemed to go faster than the first one. At least for me.
It seems that a clear theme has emerged for this trip: "let's go with the flow"
After the surf lesson on the ground we had plenty of time to chill down until it was time for lunch. We are still adjusting to the rhythm of the place and learning effective ways to live together and take care of this beautiful site. Water and energy are the main issues. Obviously there it no running water and electricity is provided by batteries that are charged from solar panels. The crew brought plenty of big water bottles that's good for drinking. And the sink have several water tanks to use for washing dishes and showering. That's why it is very important to conserve both water and electricity.
After lunch we took the vans and drove about 20-30 minutes to a close by town to meet some children. Karen, the main organizer of this trip, had a couple of connection with orphanages in the area. But communication with them have been somehow difficult. So we ended up in one of the orphanages just to find out that we were supposed to be there on Wednesday. One our way there an old lady waved at us very vigorously, something that we took as a sign of kindness from one of them locals. But in fact she ended up being our connection to our other destination. We followed her for a couple of miles to the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood. There we met a group of children, and a few adults, at local church (or temple). We were not very clear on what was suppose to happen or what to do there but we went with the flow. I started out with some circle games and songs for us to mingle with the local children. After then they got divided into age groups and they went to their respective lessons. I learned from of of the kids that these were bible lessons and they met one a week, usually on Mondays but this week they changed it to Tuesday to meet us. Out 8th graders helped around in anyway they could: holding signs for the teachers, serving milk to the children, distributing presents, etc. The afternoon ending up wit the olders kids from the church, some teacher and the boys from CLWS playing soccer.
On our way back to or site Mike, one of the drivers, bought ice-cream for all of us! What a treat!
Back at camp we discover that the tide was a little high and conditions were not the bes for surfing. But still there was a group of children (and Jeanie and I) who have not been to the water yet.
I must confess that after just doing the challenging surf training on the ground I was pretty discouraged to try them out on the sea. I could barely do them on the ground! Surfing is a combination of many skills but balance and power (strength + speed) are two of the most important ones. I was able to start having a sense of balance with the exercises on the ground. Quiet poor balance but some sense of it nontheless. When it came to strength the whole force of my 34 years, my 230 lbs and lack of exercise combined showed me that I was up for a hard task. I persisted in trying the exercises on the ground but in my mind I had already decided that on this trip I was going to enjoy surfing from the expectator role. But when we came back from playing with the children at the church I had a little more energy and a different mindset. I always get re-charged with I work or play with children. (That's why I love being a teacher!) So I decided to join the group of students that wanted to go in the water. I put on my wet suit and took a couple of pictures for this rare occasion. I was glad that Jeanie decided to join us, too.
Roger, the main surf instructor, told me to get a surf board. He told me to try that out because since I am very tall I could still use that as a boogie board. A couple of the students had surf boards also but the majority of them just had boogie boards. We were guided Santiago, a very skillful (and young!) surfer who is the son of the other surf instructor. It was a tremendous challenge for me just to stay on the board! Not to mention that I had to paddle, follow the group, wait for the right wave, turn, paddle more, etc.! I was abl to (almost) catch a couple of wave but I definitely manage to have fun in spite of all my struggles. I also experienced the power o the ocean! What a force! I love to be in water (in MN that means my bathtub or the pool at YWCA) but dealing with the ocean is not an easy task. Both physically and mentally. At least for me. I took a short break to change the surf board for a boogie and I went back in to enjoy the ocean once again for a few more minutes. I was little less nervous and just a little more confident so I was able to enjoy it a little more. I am sure that I was quite a funny (or pathetic?) and I served as entertainment for those on the shore. When we were coming out I was quite amused at the fact that a couple of students and I were stuck on the rocky shore. Unable to get up and pushed against that rock by a pretty strong set of waves.
A great dinner (lasagna!) and bonfire followed our afternoon ocean adventure. But those were pretty special, too. (Well, what isn't special when you are on a trip with an amazing group of kids, a skillfull and well prepared crew on a beautiful site by the Pacific ocean) I'll try to describe and honor those moments later.
Now it's time to get some rest. I can feel the force of the ocean down to my bones! I am tired but happy and we still have one whole week ahead!
It seems that a clear theme has emerged for this trip: "let's go with the flow"
After the surf lesson on the ground we had plenty of time to chill down until it was time for lunch. We are still adjusting to the rhythm of the place and learning effective ways to live together and take care of this beautiful site. Water and energy are the main issues. Obviously there it no running water and electricity is provided by batteries that are charged from solar panels. The crew brought plenty of big water bottles that's good for drinking. And the sink have several water tanks to use for washing dishes and showering. That's why it is very important to conserve both water and electricity.
After lunch we took the vans and drove about 20-30 minutes to a close by town to meet some children. Karen, the main organizer of this trip, had a couple of connection with orphanages in the area. But communication with them have been somehow difficult. So we ended up in one of the orphanages just to find out that we were supposed to be there on Wednesday. One our way there an old lady waved at us very vigorously, something that we took as a sign of kindness from one of them locals. But in fact she ended up being our connection to our other destination. We followed her for a couple of miles to the Emiliano Zapata neighborhood. There we met a group of children, and a few adults, at local church (or temple). We were not very clear on what was suppose to happen or what to do there but we went with the flow. I started out with some circle games and songs for us to mingle with the local children. After then they got divided into age groups and they went to their respective lessons. I learned from of of the kids that these were bible lessons and they met one a week, usually on Mondays but this week they changed it to Tuesday to meet us. Out 8th graders helped around in anyway they could: holding signs for the teachers, serving milk to the children, distributing presents, etc. The afternoon ending up wit the olders kids from the church, some teacher and the boys from CLWS playing soccer.
On our way back to or site Mike, one of the drivers, bought ice-cream for all of us! What a treat!
Back at camp we discover that the tide was a little high and conditions were not the bes for surfing. But still there was a group of children (and Jeanie and I) who have not been to the water yet.
I must confess that after just doing the challenging surf training on the ground I was pretty discouraged to try them out on the sea. I could barely do them on the ground! Surfing is a combination of many skills but balance and power (strength + speed) are two of the most important ones. I was able to start having a sense of balance with the exercises on the ground. Quiet poor balance but some sense of it nontheless. When it came to strength the whole force of my 34 years, my 230 lbs and lack of exercise combined showed me that I was up for a hard task. I persisted in trying the exercises on the ground but in my mind I had already decided that on this trip I was going to enjoy surfing from the expectator role. But when we came back from playing with the children at the church I had a little more energy and a different mindset. I always get re-charged with I work or play with children. (That's why I love being a teacher!) So I decided to join the group of students that wanted to go in the water. I put on my wet suit and took a couple of pictures for this rare occasion. I was glad that Jeanie decided to join us, too.
Roger, the main surf instructor, told me to get a surf board. He told me to try that out because since I am very tall I could still use that as a boogie board. A couple of the students had surf boards also but the majority of them just had boogie boards. We were guided Santiago, a very skillful (and young!) surfer who is the son of the other surf instructor. It was a tremendous challenge for me just to stay on the board! Not to mention that I had to paddle, follow the group, wait for the right wave, turn, paddle more, etc.! I was abl to (almost) catch a couple of wave but I definitely manage to have fun in spite of all my struggles. I also experienced the power o the ocean! What a force! I love to be in water (in MN that means my bathtub or the pool at YWCA) but dealing with the ocean is not an easy task. Both physically and mentally. At least for me. I took a short break to change the surf board for a boogie and I went back in to enjoy the ocean once again for a few more minutes. I was little less nervous and just a little more confident so I was able to enjoy it a little more. I am sure that I was quite a funny (or pathetic?) and I served as entertainment for those on the shore. When we were coming out I was quite amused at the fact that a couple of students and I were stuck on the rocky shore. Unable to get up and pushed against that rock by a pretty strong set of waves.
A great dinner (lasagna!) and bonfire followed our afternoon ocean adventure. But those were pretty special, too. (Well, what isn't special when you are on a trip with an amazing group of kids, a skillfull and well prepared crew on a beautiful site by the Pacific ocean) I'll try to describe and honor those moments later.
Now it's time to get some rest. I can feel the force of the ocean down to my bones! I am tired but happy and we still have one whole week ahead!
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
News from Baja, mexico
Tacos at Ensenada, Mexico
Shipwreck at Punta San Jacinto (Pacific Ocean)
Learning to surf on the ground (with Indo Boards)
como estan?
greetings from Baja, Mexico. even though we are in very remote a of
Baja, Mexico (Punta San Jacinto) we do have internet!! Ha ha! Weird!
my monday morning started very early. in fact, i didn't go to sleep
at all on sunday night, i was way too excited! even though we were
meeting at 7a at the Minneapolis airport i was there at 6 am!
everything went very smoothly. from checking, flight, crossing border, etc
we had very long but fun filled monday! after a quick stop in San
Diego for pizza (our last american lunch!) we stopped again at
Ensenada, Mexico for some tacos, the market, the sea food market,
music and more. It was a short but lovely first hand experience with
Mexican culture.
we traveled about 5 hours south on Ruta 1 (Road 1) in Baja state with
some great views from the road. Sometimes the ocean, sometimes
moutains.
We arrived to our camping site, which is much more sofisticated that i
imagined, around 8 pm. After a short orientation we set up the tents.
Jeannie, the class teacher of the 8th grade from City of Lakes Walrdof
School), and I had a blast laughing at outselves and our inability to
put up a tent! We probably won't make great campers in the future but
we have plenty of material for a comedy routine.
The night we't very smooth, too. In a very relaxed atmosphere we had
dinner, chat by the campfire, some playing pool, others contemplating
the ocean. We were blessed with a beatutiful moon!
We were all really tired and it didn't take took long too long until
the only music of voices that could be heard was the sond of the waves
from the pacific ocean welcoming us and singing a lullaby.
One would thnink that we woud sleep late the following morning. But I
think I was one of the last ones to get up and it was about 6:30 am!!
We were off to a good start with a great breakfast and some cleaning chores.
Now we just started our first surf lesson. My legs hurt so bad!! And
he adventure just started!
This is Paulino
from Baja, Mexico
8th Grade CLWS class trip
Monday, May 19, 2008
Leaving to Mexico in a couple of hours!
I am very excited! It's been more than 5 years that I don't get out of
the country!
I'll be in Mexico from 5/19 until 5/28 with a group of 8th graders from
City of Lakes Waldorf School.
the country!
I'll be in Mexico from 5/19 until 5/28 with a group of 8th graders from
City of Lakes Waldorf School.
I'll try to post stuff if I get access to internet!
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Ivory soap quote
If you want to be free, learn to live simply.
La liberté, c'est vivre dans la simplicité.
La liberté, c'est vivre dans la simplicité.
Friday, May 16, 2008
I am going to Mexico!
I leave Monday 19, May with 8th grade class from City of Lakes Waldorf School.
This is their 8th grade graduation trip and it's going to be wonderful. I am very excited to be their chaperon. We are going toBaja , Mexico
We are going to spend time in Punta San Jacinto learning to surf and visiting an orphanage. Then we are also going to Bahia de los Angeles to learn about the ocean and do some turtle research.
I can't wait! I don't know how much internet access I will have but if I have some I'll try to share some experiences here and may be some photos and videos!
How fun!
This is their 8th grade graduation trip and it's going to be wonderful. I am very excited to be their chaperon. We are going to
We are going to spend time in Punta San Jacinto learning to surf and visiting an orphanage. Then we are also going to Bahia de los Angeles to learn about the ocean and do some turtle research.
How fun!
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Sunday, May 11, 2008
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Ivory quote
Happiness is not a destination. It is a journey, pure and simple.
Le bonheur n'est pas une destination...simplement unvoyage.
Le bonheur n'est pas une destination...simplement unvoyage.
Monday, April 21, 2008
The scorpion is coming
I am on tech week for "Border Crossing" a show by Off-Leas Area that opens this Thursday.
I am excited and proud of our work. My favorite character is the scorpion. I play the tail of it. Go figure why I ended that in that part of the (scorpion) body. :-)
I also play the desert... but I can't tell you much more.
See it for yourself.
Here is the info:
"BORDER CROSSING"
WHEN - Dates/Times: April 24 through May 4, 2008: Thur-Sat at 8pm, Sun at 2 p.m.
WHERE - at The Ritz Theatre, 345 13th Ave NE Minneapolis
TICKETS - Call the Ritz Box Office at 612-436-1129; for Information Call Off-Leash Area at 612-724-7372
Border Crossing will be a puppet and dance performance that reenacts the dramatic journey of Mexican immigrants who cross the Arizona/Mexico desert border, as seen through the eyes of the creatures who inhabit it. Off-Leash Area turns the Ritz Theatre stage in NE Minneapolis into the Sonoran desert environment of the Arizona/Mexico border, as dancers portray the traveling immigrants, and puppeteers animate desert creatures who comment on the transpiring events in a poetically styled text. Text for Border Crossing has been excerpted and adapted from a larger body of work by playwright Marcie Rendon.
Development for Border Crossing has been provided in part by an Artists Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.
off-leash area:
contemporary performance works
www.offleasharea.org
CAST: Paulino Brener, Kym Longhi, Katie Kaufmann, Dave Schneider, Taous Khazem, Zeb Henderson, Shreve, John Zeiler, Erin Drummond, Dana Buchwald, Marian Kimball Eichinger, Adri Mehra, Pedro Fonseca, Jennifer Ilse, Paul Herwig, and Citlalitl de Leon
STAFF and DESIGNERS
Created and Directed by Jennifer Ilse and Paul Herwig
Text for Border Crossing has been excerpted and adapted from a larger body of work by playwright Marcie Rendon.
Original Score by Ben Siems
Choreography by Jennifer Ilse
Sets and Puppets by Paul Herwig
Costumes by Kym Longhi
Lighting by Mike Grogan
Marketing by Dana Munson
I am excited and proud of our work. My favorite character is the scorpion. I play the tail of it. Go figure why I ended that in that part of the (scorpion) body. :-)
I also play the desert... but I can't tell you much more.
See it for yourself.
Here is the info:
"BORDER CROSSING"
WHEN - Dates/Times: April 24 through May 4, 2008: Thur-Sat at 8pm, Sun at 2 p.m.
WHERE - at The Ritz Theatre, 345 13th Ave NE Minneapolis
TICKETS - Call the Ritz Box Office at 612-436-1129; for Information Call Off-Leash Area at 612-724-7372
Border Crossing will be a puppet and dance performance that reenacts the dramatic journey of Mexican immigrants who cross the Arizona/Mexico desert border, as seen through the eyes of the creatures who inhabit it. Off-Leash Area turns the Ritz Theatre stage in NE Minneapolis into the Sonoran desert environment of the Arizona/Mexico border, as dancers portray the traveling immigrants, and puppeteers animate desert creatures who comment on the transpiring events in a poetically styled text. Text for Border Crossing has been excerpted and adapted from a larger body of work by playwright Marcie Rendon.
Development for Border Crossing has been provided in part by an Artists Initiative grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board.
off-leash area:
contemporary performance works
www.offleasharea.org
CAST: Paulino Brener, Kym Longhi, Katie Kaufmann, Dave Schneider, Taous Khazem, Zeb Henderson, Shreve, John Zeiler, Erin Drummond, Dana Buchwald, Marian Kimball Eichinger, Adri Mehra, Pedro Fonseca, Jennifer Ilse, Paul Herwig, and Citlalitl de Leon
STAFF and DESIGNERS
Created and Directed by Jennifer Ilse and Paul Herwig
Text for Border Crossing has been excerpted and adapted from a larger body of work by playwright Marcie Rendon.
Original Score by Ben Siems
Choreography by Jennifer Ilse
Sets and Puppets by Paul Herwig
Costumes by Kym Longhi
Lighting by Mike Grogan
Marketing by Dana Munson
Monday, April 07, 2008
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Support Spring Hill School (my school)
The school where I work is having an online auction to raise money and pay our debts! :-)
Please visit the online auction, may be you'll find something you'll like. You bid (and hopefully win) on the item of your choice and you help keep my school going on (and paying my salary) at the same time
go to springhill.cmarket.com
have fun!!!
Please visit the online auction, may be you'll find something you'll like. You bid (and hopefully win) on the item of your choice and you help keep my school going on (and paying my salary) at the same time
go to springhill.cmarket.com
have fun!!!
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
My Birthday today!
Oh yeah! That! I forgot. Today I turn into a frog... no.. I mean... I turn 34!
Leave a gift/comment if you want :-)
Leave a gift/comment if you want :-)
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
The wisdom of Ivory soap
I always like the short quotes on my Ivory soap wraps. Here is the latest.
"Complicating life is easy. The genius is in the simple things"
"Se compliquer la vie, c'est facile. La génie c'est de la simplifier"
"Complicating life is easy. The genius is in the simple things"
"Se compliquer la vie, c'est facile. La génie c'est de la simplifier"
Sunday, December 16, 2007
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