So Snake left this week to go to Peru on a school trip. His school is on the trimester system, where the school year is divided into 3 sections as opposed to 4 quarters/2 semesters as most schools seem to be. The problem is that the school year doesn't divide evenly into 3; there are a few leftover weeks. So Snake's school devised what they call "mini term". Mini term is two weeks of 2 classes per day that are sort of fun but have some educational component to them. The teachers get to teach classes in areas they might have a particular interest in or passion. For example, last year Snake took Archery and "Snap, Crackle, Pop - Your Brain on Drugs", a science course on what physically happens to your body when you take drugs. There was a history/cooking class that followed the Spice Trade in Asia and why that was both historically and culinarily important. There was a course on hiking the many trails in our area, a photography course, usually a few sports oriented courses etc. In addition, usually a trip or two that kids can sign up for (for an additional fee, of course)that have a community service component to them. Last year for example, the kids went to Louisiana and worked with Habitat for Humanity and helped rebuild an area still devastated by Hurricane Katrina.
This year the trip is to Peru. They had an overwhelming response but could only take so many students. The administration wanted to leave it open for a wide variety of students, so each student had to fill out a questionnaire and write a short essay about why they would be a perfect student to take on this trip. Snake pointed out that in addition to speaking Spanish fairly well, he was a well-seasoned traveller thanks to our short overseas assignment. He included anecdote about being held at immigration when he was travelling between London and US by himself. (Apparently, being an adult as far as flying alone on the airlines is not the same as going through immigration as an adult. A minor, under 16, must have someone waiting for them on the other side before they can be released.) Snake wrote about the incident as an example as to why you have to be flexible when you travel. Things happen and you have to learn how to roll with the punches, especially when you travel. He thinks, and I believe he is correct, that the essay was a good portion of why he was chosen.
There has only been one potential disappointment. Several weeks before the scheduled departure, there was a horrible mudslide/flood at Machu Picchu, the pre-Colombian Inca city. The roads and more importantly, the railroad tracks have been flooded and are inoperable. The Peruvian officials have no idea how long it is going to take to clear the site, although they are motivated as this is the number tourist attraction in Peru. So for now, they don't think they are going to be able to go, which is a shame. However, the chaperones are keeping an open mind and if by some miracle it opens while the group is there, they will try and get there.
The rest of the trip will include both hotel stays and stays with local families. The students will take language classes as well as classes in salsa, cooking and ceramics. They will work with younger children in preschools helping them learn a little English. They will also get to sight see and try a few Peruvian delicacies. I think it will be a fantastic experience.
Oh, and just in case you are worried about what Chizz and I doing while our nest is empty. Don't. We are going south, baby. To Carmel. Where we plan on not helping any children in pre-school, hanging out at restaruants, doing some, ok ALOT, wine tasting, taking some driving tours, going to a movie or two.
I think it will be a fantastic experience.
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