Thursday, October 15, 2009
Andean Return
The streets of Cusco smell familiar, an indescribable feeling. I had forgotten about my connections to this part of the world and am excited to be experiencing them again. And being able to speak the language is huge. I almost forgot how convenient that makes traveling. This trip however will be an exploration of the river valleys here in the andean mountains, a different and beautiful view I'm sure. Its only going to get better...
Sunday, October 4, 2009
You head east...
Your Route:
From Montana head east. Through some Dakota and a bit of lake country, turn north into Canada. Don't stop until the farmlands around you look like they are hiding something. A big and powerful river charges through them, breaking the quiet, quaint nature of the surrounding countryside.
Continue east to a river, flat and wide, that flows through a major city, stopping only to create a Big Joe, the biggest wave you have ever surfed. You can't help but hoop-and-holler as the wave throws your boat around.
A student has his boat stolen from the KOA and your stomache turns, imagining how your salary can't support the loss of such a valuable and necessary item to your lifestyle.
Now you turn south. To break up your drive, as Washington DC is no where near Montreal, you are given the red carpet treatment. Or in your case, the steak-dinner-birthday-cake treatment. Between the generous parents of a student and the Harrison's ability to fill the belly and the heart so fully, you and your students are refreshed and gracious at the opportunity to feel a little piece of home. Even if it isn't yours.
Next you find yourself navigating the metro system, Smithsonian circuit and busy city streets of your nation's capital. But don't worry, you have a plan. You know exactly what you are going see and do and where you are going to take your high school students. No problem. Just another day. During free time you and your only female student decided to go shopping as an act of defiance against the boy's locker room you have been living in for the past month.
The past few weeks you might have been immersed in a French speaking culture, fed delicious gourmet meals and paddled some of the world legendary playboating spots, but all you've been able to think about is the Youghiogheny. The weekend in DC couldn't go any slower as you look toward the upcoming week on your favorite river. The people, the towns and the water beckon you, and finally you respond.
The next week you navigate the familiar boofs and drops on the Upper Youghiogheny with both students and long-time friends. You even get the opportunity to show your female student what it is like to paddle with the girls on the Lower Youghiogheny. Both Tuesday and Thursday night you rejuvenate with the world's best yoga class and even find time to throw yourself a birthday party at the pub. The week is complete and you are satisfied beyond words.
Next stop: West Virginia...
From Montana head east. Through some Dakota and a bit of lake country, turn north into Canada. Don't stop until the farmlands around you look like they are hiding something. A big and powerful river charges through them, breaking the quiet, quaint nature of the surrounding countryside.
Continue east to a river, flat and wide, that flows through a major city, stopping only to create a Big Joe, the biggest wave you have ever surfed. You can't help but hoop-and-holler as the wave throws your boat around.
A student has his boat stolen from the KOA and your stomache turns, imagining how your salary can't support the loss of such a valuable and necessary item to your lifestyle.
Now you turn south. To break up your drive, as Washington DC is no where near Montreal, you are given the red carpet treatment. Or in your case, the steak-dinner-birthday-cake treatment. Between the generous parents of a student and the Harrison's ability to fill the belly and the heart so fully, you and your students are refreshed and gracious at the opportunity to feel a little piece of home. Even if it isn't yours.
Next you find yourself navigating the metro system, Smithsonian circuit and busy city streets of your nation's capital. But don't worry, you have a plan. You know exactly what you are going see and do and where you are going to take your high school students. No problem. Just another day. During free time you and your only female student decided to go shopping as an act of defiance against the boy's locker room you have been living in for the past month.
The past few weeks you might have been immersed in a French speaking culture, fed delicious gourmet meals and paddled some of the world legendary playboating spots, but all you've been able to think about is the Youghiogheny. The weekend in DC couldn't go any slower as you look toward the upcoming week on your favorite river. The people, the towns and the water beckon you, and finally you respond.
The next week you navigate the familiar boofs and drops on the Upper Youghiogheny with both students and long-time friends. You even get the opportunity to show your female student what it is like to paddle with the girls on the Lower Youghiogheny. Both Tuesday and Thursday night you rejuvenate with the world's best yoga class and even find time to throw yourself a birthday party at the pub. The week is complete and you are satisfied beyond words. Next stop: West Virginia...
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