Field trip to Chiapas

Things have been hectic here since my return from the US. One student returned home today because of a medical problem that needs immediate attention. The 2011-2012 budget revisions were due. There were a few student issues to work out. Details for the summer program are being finalized now that we know the number: 14 students!

Well, it could be 16 if two students I met with last week complete their applications and get everything organized for the May 30 start date. The study abroad office at Central voted me "Recruiter of the Year" when four applications appeared the day after my visits to colleges in the San Francisco area. Two applications are for the summer program here, one for the fall program here and the final one for the Wales program. This was definitely a win-win trip....new students for our programs and a great time for me.

Mainly, however, we have been preparing for our 5-day trip to Chiapas. I have made some changes to the itinerary that incorporates students' recommendations and my own ideas. We board the magical mystery bus at 5:00 am on Thursday. Ilona, don't expect any further posts until Tuesday.

Afghan Cuisine....Seriously

Greetings from California! I arrived late Tuesday night and have had a wonderful week. Food has played a big part in the wonderfulness. Last night we ate at Kabul, an Afghan restaurant in Burlingame. The food was fabulous, absolutely fabulous. Pictured above is a dish made with fresh pumpkin, yogurt and pistachios. We also had lamb and chicken kabobs, some kind of green sauce that was to die for, an eggplant dish, cardoman tea and baklava. Other ethnic groups celebrated this week included Thai, Chinese, Italian and Mexican.

Of course, spending time with friends has been the best part. James, Kurt and Andrew are the best hosts a girl could ever want. Dorothy arrives from Santa Cruz later this morning. I return to Merida on Sunday. Am I ready to go? Sort of.

I've lost my touch

I lost to BOTH Donna and Andrea. It was not a pretty site. I have lost my touch.

(Image courtesy of Google Images. DVD? XL?)

Greetings from Pella

Dutch letters should be declared an illegal substance.

Via Cruces

Had I been able to get close to the action, my own photo might have looked similar to this. Unfortunately, the crowds in Acanceh, a small town near Merida where we go to watch the Via Cruces (Way of the Cross) on Good Friday, was crowded. We did have a chance to say hello to Jesus on his way to his dressing room. Students asked good questions and took many photos. They probably have some that do look like this.

The daily report:
B: Oatmeal, 1/2 c milk, 2 c. of mixed fruit = 4
S: Chai latte = 5
L: PBJ sandwich, mini M&Ms, carrot sticks, apple = 7
S: WW tortilla, spinach, 3 egg whites, 2 t oil = 4
D: Tortelini w tomatoes, spinach and corn = 4
Total: 24
Exercise: Walked 40 minutes

John

Tomorrow is the third anniversary of John`s death. Some of you may never have seen the following video that his secretary at Woodside Priory, Kelly Sargent, made. All of the photos are of school events.

The school built a garden in John`s memory. Kelly said the garden is gorgeous...I am looking forward to seeing it when I am there in a couple of weeks.
http://video.yahoo.com/watch/7241351?fr=yvmtf

The daily report:
B: 3 pancakes, 1/4 c syrup, 1 c mixed fruit = 6
S: McDonalds hamburger (with only bottom bun) = 4
L: Vegetable soup made with white beans = 4
S: Mini popcorn = 1
D: 1/2 pasta, tomatoes, chicken = 4
S: Pineapple/blueberry/banana smoothie w/ 1/2 c milk and 1/2 c yogurt = 5
S: Egg whites, spinach, ww tortilla = 2
Total: 26
Exercise: Walked 60 minutes in am