February 15, 2008

¡Buenos Dias!

As I mentioned yesterday, La Quemada is always a student favorite and this year was no different.  After an hour-long drive to the archeological ruin, the students spent two hours hiking through several hundred years of pre-Columbian history.  It was a beautiful day: sunny, blue skies and crisp morning air to enjoy. The only disappointment came when several students reached the top of La Quemada after a long hike only to discover that the snack bar is located at the bottom of the ruin, not the top.  After returning in the early afternoon to Zacatecas we visited the cathedral and Governor’s Palace mural in the city center. 

Students have been talking about the impact of this trip on their worldview and growing sense of their own place in the world.  They have also been telling us that they have been learning a lot about themselves and their peers.  Many of my favorite moments have been listening to students reflect on the day’s events over dinner, ice cream, or from the hotel rooftop terrace. 

Today is our last full day in Zacatecas before departing Saturday afternoon.  Look for one mores update tomorrow morning.

¡Hasta Luego!

Kathy Bieser

February 14, 2008

Hola from Zacatecas! 

After a delicious buffet breakfast yesterday morning of chiliquiles, pancakes, yogurt, fresh fruit, and more, all of us here in Zacatecas were eager to explore the city.  I joined Ms. Fitch’s and Ms. Moore’s group at Mina El Eden where we traveled close to a mile into a mountain to learn about the chemistry behind mining and the role that mining has played in the history of the city.  Several students did a phenomenal job translating the tour into English for the entire group. Later, I met Mr. McQuillen’s and Ms. Perret’s group as they stepped off the teleferico (sky ride) from La Bufa and we sat down for a leisurely lunch at a local hotspot.  My afternoon was filled with a walk to the aqueduct and the bull ring at the Quinta Real hotel with Ms. White’s and Ms. Ramirez’s groups.  A hotel employee gave us a quick tour of the hotel and shared that the bull ring was the first built in Mexico and the second in Latin America.  While I was in the city center, Dr. Breidenstein’s, Dr. Nordine’s, Ms. Arnolds, and Mr. Dehart’s groups were visiting the Colegio de Guadalupe, the teaching college that trained the Franciscans for their journey north. 

After dinner out, each travel group joined each other in the main plaza for a spirited game of soccer before heading to bed for the night.  Tomorrow we head to the archeological ruin, La Quemada, always a student favorite.

Look for pictures on the ISA website later today of our journey thus far.

Hasta Luego!

Kathy Bieser

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Dear ISA Sophomore Families,

¡Buenos Noches!  Hemos llegado en Zacatecas, Zacatecas (Good Evening!  We have arrived in Zacatecas, Zacatecas).

We spent our first day in Mexico at El Museo del Historia Mexicana (Mexican History Museum) and at the Museo de Arte Contemporáneo (Contemporary Art Museum).  At the art museum we viewed an excellent temporary Diego Rivera exhibit and at the history museum we were surrounded by the sites and sounds of Mexican history from the pre-Columbian period through modern Mexico. 

Along with the formal curriculum students have been learning important lessons about international travel as they use ATMs, exchange money, and navigate using maps and friendly locals. 

After a quick lunch in Monterrey, we boarded the buses for the seven hour drive to Zacatecas.  The students watched as the countryside changed and there was a particular interest in the surrounding Joshua Trees, nicknamed Dr. Seuss trees by the sophomore team and kids because of their striking resemblance to the illustrations in Dr. Seuss’ many classic stories.  Prior to our arrival, we stopped for dinner about an hour outside of Zacatecas and filled out stomachs with gorditas, enchiladas, and reportedly some of the best tortilla soup in all of Zacatecas.

One of my favorite parts of the trip is when the students get their first glimpse of Zacatecas and the grand cathedral at night. The plaza, cathedral, and our hotel combine to create an unforgettable welcome. 

Tomorrow the travel groups will begin visiting sites in Zacatecas.  Over the course of the week, I will be spending time with each of the travel groups.  If technology permits, I hope to attach some pictures with my next email.

Hasta Luego!

Kathy Bieser