Burning+Questions

= Burning Questions You'd Like Answered =

=== //This page is editable. Simply click on the edit tab in the upper right to begin typing on this page. When you are done, be sure to hit the SAVE button.// Please include your name and type in any color but this shade of blue. All MAD responses will be in this color. Use the "T" with the color globe on it in the tool bar to change the color of your text. **Please type your questions below the dotted line.** ===

The Caribbean and Latin America
With the exception of select flights departing after midnight, complimentary meals or snacks are served on flights to/from the following Caribbean and Latin America destinations:
 * Bogota, Caracas, Lima, Panama City, Port of Spain, Port-Au-Prince, //__**Quito**__// and San Jose (Costa Rica)


 * So, does that mean from Houston? probably.

== Shari M.: Can someone - anyone - remind me how much $$$ to set aside for tipping, and what denominations? I am going to put that amount in a "do-not-use-for-anything-but-tipping" place as I do my final bits of packing tomorrow. Thanks! ==

Also-Weymouth Ladies-what is the final plan for getting to the airport on Wednesday?
_

2/8/13 I COPIED THIS REVIEW FROM THE LODGE THAT WE ARE STAYING AT IN THE AMAZON....THOUGHT IT HAD SOME IMPORTANT INFORMATION. JUNGLE JOY
 * 2/8 from Andrea: **
 * Janine, would I be able to go with you? Do you have room for my 'stuff' and me? Could I also get a ride back when we return? **

We had an incredible time at Sacha Lodge. We were a family of four with a college-age daughter and a 12 year old son. I echo other reviews ... remote and unique location, lovely staff, terrific and varied food, knowledgeable and energetic guides.... However, I thought it would be helpful to provide information for those traveling with children. First of all, I would hesitate to bring any child younger than 10 to Sacha Lodge. This is not a zoo as there is not an animal/bird/reptile to spot every ten feet. Yes, there are squirrel monkeys who frequent the lodge every day, and they are mesmerizing to watch. But, this is the REAL DEAL. In order to view animals and birds, one needs to get up at dawn, hike, climb, sit in a canoe, have patience, etc. My family enjoyed every aspect of the "active" search, but little kids would not have the patience or stamina. If your child is ready for such an active adventure, the "pay off" is incredibly rewarding. I had to "pinch myself" that it was real. GO NOW! A "once in a lifetime." Here are some hints if you go: 1) Don't bring anything cotton, including underwear. You will feel soggy all day long. We wore short-sleeved Nike "DriFit" and UnderArmour "hot gear" shirts with the longest non-cotton shorts we could find so that we could "tuck in" the bottom hems of our shorts into our rain boots. We wore long-sleeves and shorts at night -- more so to keep the bugs away as we were never chilly. We were completely comfortable at all times. 2) Pack light -- there is a reasonably priced laundry service so that you will leave Sacha with clean clothes. 3) Buy bug spray lotion with 40 percent DEET. We bought our supply at REI. It worked wonderfully. Also carry sunscreen and Chap Stick with SPF with you. 4) Bring a bathing suit. 5) Food is varied, plentiful and yummy -- something for everyone. 6) Order a fresh lemonade from bar upstairs for your kids. There is also Coke. A treat after a long hike. 7) On Day 1, buy the book -- "Birds at Sacha Lodge" at the gift shop. Your child can use it as a guide to "mark off" what he or she spots. 8) Use some Spanish with the "local" guide assigned to you. Our "junior" guide was hesitant to speak to us initially as he felt his English was poor. However, by the last day, we were able to communicate perfectly and he showed my kids really neat things -- like how to turn plant leaves into thatch for roofs and how to search for edible nuts. 9) Three nights and four days were adequate. Days are incredibly long -- so we did everything we wanted within a compact amount of time. Our "senior" guide planned each day perfectly -- don't miss the Parrot lick, the rustic zip line, canopy walk, tower, etc. 10) Everyone should have some type of day pack. My daughter used a waist pack that held water, camera, etc., which was lighter than a backpack.

A special "shout out" to our amazing, knowledgable and patient guides, Oscar and Bolivar! Thank you for an incredible adventure! Sacha Lodge far exceeded our expectations. What a privilege to be a part of it!

2/6 Too late on your advice not to get sick. I have such a head cold, but since all the kids are falling appart in school, I can't stay home. I'm drinking lots of Vitamin C and heading off to bed. No fever, but not able to do much after work either. Toothbrush, bathing suit and hikers are all we really need, correct? :) Suzanne Missert

That's all I'm bringing:) Hope you feel better real soon! jo

Dear MAD aka Mom, Thank you for taking care of all of us! Andrea ====

Hi all - Does anyone have a ipad memory card reader I could borrow on the trip? I have a regular ipad2. Thanks! - Katelyn
 * Merideth - Katelyn, I borrowed one from the district for iPad2 which I am happy to share with you. **
 * Katelyn, I will have mine as well. ~mad **

======================================================================================================

Janine- My husband is driving me to the airport. Lynne is planning to come with me, and leaving her car at my house in Medway. We have room if anyone wants to come along.** Janine, would I be able to go with you? Do you have room for my 'stuff' and me? Could I also get a ride back when we return? Andrea ** Merideth in response to Andrea - I can see what is happening. Are you copying and pasting pictures into your blog? If so, every time you update, you lose the ones you previously posted because Blogger has no idea where they are. Also, you have one continuous post rather than separate posts. I am happy to help if you have time on Monday or Thursday at 2:30. I am fully booked the rest of the week. Email me if you want to work together. **Thanks, Meredith. I just emailed you back. I thought you said Tuesday, not Thursday, but Thursday works well since we have Faculty tomorrow. Also, MAD suggested Linda Colby, whom I will see tomorrow. I'll email you back tomorrow afternoon. Yes, I am copying and pasting. There's another way to do it??**
 * From Monday through departure day I have a quote of the day scheduled to appear on my blog. Each has a reflection on its relevance to study travel and a question for educators. If you have a few moments, I'd welcome a few responses on my blog. Thanks! **
 * -Merideth **
 * Janine, Dan, Katelyn and Lynne, **
 * Has anyone firmed up their travel to and from the airport? Dan, are you planning on driving back into Hopkinton when we get back or are you staying in Boston? Jeannine and Lynne, how are you getting into the airport? **
 * Merideth - I think I'm sharing a ride from Swansea/Raynham with MAD and Melanie. Thanks for the invite, Dan! See you at the airport. **
 * Merideth - I think I'm sharing a ride from Swansea/Raynham with MAD and Melanie. Thanks for the invite, Dan! See you at the airport. **
 * ANDREA: ARGH!! WHY AREN'T MY PICTURES SHOWING UP IN MY BLOG? Only the first ones I posted show up. ARRRGHHHHH //spiders and snails and mosquitoes, OH, MY!// **
 * ANDREA: ARGH!! WHY AREN'T MY PICTURES SHOWING UP IN MY BLOG? Only the first ones I posted show up. ARRRGHHHHH //spiders and snails and mosquitoes, OH, MY!// **
 * Yes, there is another way to embed photos. Ask Linda to show you the "insert photo" button and how to upload them from the internet. I'll come by on Thursday if you need help. **

In response to Shari's question below....If I may, I would go easy on bringing a lot of games and books. You will have time to read on the plane, but in all honesty, on these trips down time tends to be almost zero. That is one way that they are very different from a vacation. In fact,often times, participants find it a challenge to get in their daily required journal/blog entries. (You will want a vacation when you return as you will be tired!!) So I guess I would say a deck of cards or something small, light, and easy to pack would be the way to go and plan more for what you would do on the plane. Having said that, this particular trip MAY give us some time in the Galapagos, but I'm not sure and I would encourage you to use unstructured time to explore on your own or to interact with locals. Hope that was helpful.~mad
 * Shari and others, especially first time study tour participants... **

Neither of these is really a //burning// question, but 2 questions nonetheless:
 * 1) I have a number of small card games that would be very easy for me to pack and could be fun for us to play during travel or down-time. In case anyone is familiar with any of them, the games are Aquarius, Timeline, Back to the Future (based on the movie), Set, Guillotine, We Didn't Playtest This At All, The Great Dalmuti, Quiddler, and Typo. I do not want to bring them all, but would bring up to 3 of them. SOme are better for large groups than others. Please let me know if you have preferences; otherwise I'll choose based on past experiences playing them. I also have a travel Scrabble board that I can bring. :)
 * 2) I am bringing my Kindle with a couple of unread books on it, but I am also planning on bringing a paperback book in case it is hard to charge the Kindle. Would anyone be interested in a book swap during the trip? For example, when I finish reading my novel I would give it to another person and take their book (or someone else's). I was actually inspired to ask about this by the snack swap conversation we had a couple of meetings ago.

~Shari M.

=
=========================================================================================

Good morning! I just saw a groupon deal on KIND bars... if anyone is interested in buying these for the trip! - Katelyn

[|Groupon KIND Bars]


 * Andrea.... I have an email out to Alex at EF to see if he has any more updated info on what we can all bring for the school. If you are anxious to buy, then buy small and light and re-usable items. But hopefully, EF will have some specifics to share with us soon. **
 * ~mad **
 * 1/21: mad, I am composing a letter to parents as our team has decided that this trip will be an opportunity for the kids to be involved in a type of 'service project' - Aside from pencils, t-shirts, stickers, etc., do you have any ideas as to what I suggest the kids donate? I'm posting here because I'm sure someone else is doing the same type of thing. Anyone else have any ideas? Andrea **

Jan. 21st: I'm really glad you are all making such great use of this page and helping one another. I have an email out to Alex and Katie about some of your questions regarding the need for mud boots and bed nets. In previous locations, these have always been provided if they were needed, so I will get back to you. Bed nets can be expensive, especially the fine net ones, so let me get back to you all.

//**__Shopping Disclaimer:__** M.A. DeMello and the Hopkinton Public Schools will not be responsible for credit card purchases due to the need to finally own all this amazing outdoor adventure gear that you have always craved, and for which you will now rival the greatest adventurers in modern history... and you'll do it with more fashion sense!!// But please... save some cash for your Ecuadorian artifacts and market treasures!!

As for water shoes.... I did see a few at Kohl's yesterday for $10.00, but you are probably better off for selection going to a sporting good store like Dicks, Sports Authority, REI, or EMS.

Carpooling.... this is always a nice idea. EF is supposed to be arranging for our tickets over the next few days (if they have not already). Once we have a time, it may be easier to arrange in that during a day, a family/friend may be able to help out, but an early morning or really late night may be better suited to a service. ~mad

WE ARE TRYING TO ORGANIZE A CARPOOL/LIMO IN THE WEYMOUTH AREA. DOES THAT HELP YOU?? BUG NET FOR YOUR HAT IS A MUST, SPEAKING FROM EXPERIENCE, ALTHOUGH I WAS IN THE MINORITY LAST YEAR, I FELT IT WAS NECESSARY. JUNGLE JOY 1/19/13

Is anyone organizing a car pool or limousine service to the airport? I'd love to join if one is heading from the south coast area. Merideth E Is anyone leaving from the Hopkinton/Milford area? Andrea

=====

Hi, I ordered a bug net to go over my hat. I'm wondering if we should be looking at nets to cover us during the night. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Thank you! Lauren K. Lauren, we have netting to cover us for at night, so do you think we really need it? I'm getting a bug net to go over my hat, too, just incase because as I said last night...bugs love me! Andrea

=====================================================================================================

Hi, My husband stopped at Sports Authority Milford tonight and picked up a pair of water shoes for $9.99. Janine - HI DONNA B. PRO SPORTS IS IN HINGHAM, ON RT 3A, IN THE MARSHALL'S PARKING LOT. YOU CAN GO THERE AFTER SCHOOL, NOT FAR FROM WEYMOUTH AND THEN GO HOME FROM THERE, OVER THE FORE RIVER BRIDGE, SOUTHERN ARTERY, WOLLASTON BEACH AND THAT TAKES YOU TO NEPONSETT, RIGHT BY THE EXPRESSWAY. (IF YOU STILL HAVE TROUBLE FINDING THE ADDRESS, JUST GOOGLE MARSHALL'S IN HINGHAM AND YOU WILL BE SURE TO FIND IT, BECAUSE IT'S RIGHT BESIDE EACH OTHER.) 1/14/13 JUNGLE JOY TO THE RESCUE!!! ** Thanks Jungle Joy! I know that little store - just didn't know the name of it. ~ DB **

MY BLOG IS GREAT........KIDBLOG IS SO EASY TO WORK WITH, THANKS FOR THE TIP, KATIE!!!!! IF I CAN DO IT, ANYONE CAN!!! === SHARI, I THINK I JUST BROUGHT SOME PJ SILKY BOTTOMS WITH COTTONY T-SHIRTS. ALSO, BOUGHT WATER SHOES AT PRO SPORTS IN HINGHAM FOR $17.99. IS THAT A GOOD PRICE? I WAS HAPPY TO FIND THEM. 1/13/13 JUNGLE JOY Hey JJ - where is Pro Sports? I Googled them but couldn't find an address. Yes, eighteen dollars is a good price for water shoes. ~Donna B. === Andrea: I am really having technology issues with my blog. Whenever I mouse over anything, everything is repositioned. Also, the last 6 pictures I posted did not show up - they were blanks on the blog and when I returned to the editing page, they were also blanks. SOS! ==== From Andrea: Shari, I went to myrashguards.com and got one there for about $20.
 * From Shari M - First of all, thanks to Merideth E for the Sierra Trading Post tip! Unfortunately they were out of rashguards in my size BUT I did get a great deal on simple bathing suits ($45 for 2 after sales and the coupon) and it looks like they have a good return policy. **


 * My question is about pajamas. I am starting to figure out what to pack to wear during the day... but what about for sleeping? Would cotton t-shirts and shorts be a terrible idea for overnight?!?! I'm sure anyone who's been to Peru can answer this question. Thanks in advance :) Hi Shari - I'm not as fancy as Jungle Joy with her Silky Pajamas ;) - I was fine in Peru with shorts and t-shirts at night - whatever you're comfortable in here in the summer - you'll be fine there. One thing I did bring and was happy I did - slippers. It's a lot of walking/hiking and it's always nice to slip your feet into something comfy at the end of the day. Happy packing! ~Donna B. **


 * Sorry I'm late with a response. I linked the "coupon" codes site in the resources section for Sierra Trading Post. Likely we will be "matchy-matchy" with values like this! - Merideth E **
 * Donna B here. Meredith - do you have the coupon code for Sierra Trading Post? Thanks so much! All this packing talk has me amped up to shop! From Andrea: Donna, I know I'm not Meredith, but when I went to order I discovered that you had to buy a minimum of $75 in order for them to give you a code. However, I went on 'live chat' with someone, and I asked her about it, and she was able to give me a discount. She was very helpful in advising me also and actually told me that one item I was interested in would not be a good choice - talk about no sales pressure! Thanks so much Andrea - I'll look into that. Are we all going to be wearing the same Sierra Trading Post uniform in Ecuador? ~ Donna **

Andrea: Thanks for you help, Nicole. I went online after class to Sierra and found both pants and a top. Thanks, Meredith for telling us about the discount coupon, which I was able to use! Also: MAD - I meant to write down the name of the picture book you found. Can you tell us the title, author and ISBN#? Thanks Andrea ===

Nicole: Hi Andrea, If you go to an REI store in your area they may be able to have them shipped to the store for you to pick. I know JC Penny does that too because I've done it in the past.

Andrea: I'm really having a hard time finding light weight zip off at the knee pants. I did find some at REI, but they were $60. Aside from JC Penny in Hanover (way too far a drive for me!), has anyone found any? === To Merideth E.: One good thing, the wik-dry shirts are very light weight, you can pack more than you think and still be at a good weight for the suitcase! 1/6/2013 Jungle Joy

Merideth E - I tend to be an over-packer because I simply do not like to re-wear clothing items before washing. What kind of laundry access will we have? I'm hoping to do a better job of minimizing my load this trip but want to be sure I don't under-pack either or be stuck wearing sweaty shirts twice! Is the hotel room sink going to be my best option? ** MAD here.... Laundry access is unknown. Some places offer an overnight laundry service, but we may not know for sure until we get there. But you will do the most sweating in the Amazon probably and there.. well... you'll just have a sink or shower. I think Dan's advice can come in handy here You may want to want in the shower, or in the sink. **

BTW, I just entered my tentative packing list into Springpad online so I can access it on my smartphone while I'm out shopping this weekend. Works great for those of us with short memories! 1/6: ** OMG, I'm so with you with the short memory! I also downloaded an app on my iPad that is called "Packlists". It's already 'pre-programmed', but I find it useful. Andrea **

=
1/3/13 From Meredith: For people using __**blogger/blogspot**__...I had a hard time getting paragraphs to show up in my published posts, so all my text is all together which is very annoying. Looking for tips/advice on how to get paragraphs. Just spacing didn't do the trick. I also tried to do bullets and they never showed up in the published blog. Hopefully, I'll have this down before the departure date! TIA.

// Merideth E - Meredith, I was able to "paragraph" by using two consecutive returns/enters. In other words, after the final endmark in a paragraph, I hit return/enter on my keyboard twice to create a single line space between paragraphs. I don't think you can indent to show a new paragraph in Blogger. Regarding the bullets, I created a list without bullets, then highlighted the entire list and clicked the bullet tool in the floating toolbar to create an unordered list in Blogger. The same holds true for clicking the numbers tools in the floating toolbar to create an ordered list. If you need a hand, I plan to arrive at our next session 1/2 hour early and stay 1/2 hour late to help with blog issues. // ==========

Happy New Year, Everyone!!! I went to JC PENNY at the Hanover Mall. They have a great active wear section. The clothing is quick-dry and has UV protection for a great price!! 1/2/2013 JUNGLE JOY

Andrea: I can't figure out what I've done to my Blog. I just put my notes/reflections up from our two pre-tour meetings, but now they are at the top of the Blog versus below what I've already written. Can someone suggest something? I thought I'd tried EVERYTHING, but...argh!!

// Merideth E - Andrea, blogs are intended to be read as "most recent first" from the top. That is why you see the January post above the December post. However, there is a way to counteract this if you so choose. [|You'll need to go to the layout section of your blog and edit the Blog Archive.] If you need an hand with blog issues, I'll be at our next meeting 30 min early and will stay 30 min late to assist. // Thanks, Merideth! I'm actually thinking of choosing a different template, too. I love the pottery in the one I chose, but it's a bit difficult to read. Didn't these blogs used to have 'pages' that were available? that would be really neat to have - with a directory, so people could go directly to what they want.

Also, MAD: can you post an example for the KWL charts? I thought you said you did this, but now I can't find those, either. This is NOT a good way to start the new year!! ** Andrea.... go to the //Assignment Samples// page and download the samples. ~mad Thanks, mad. I'm all set, now! ** ===

THANKS FOR THE PACKING AND TRAVEL TIPS........Should we bring our own toilet paper, as we did in Peru?? 12/31/12 JUNGLE JOY Joy.... I say just be prepared as always. Either some TP or Kleenex. ~mad

MARY ANN WILL DEFINITELY SEND US A PACKING LIST. SHE IS REALLY GOOD AT GETTING US PREPARED. I BROUGHT A VERY LARGE SUITCASE TO PERU, THERE IS NO RECOMMENDED SIZE, JUST A SUGGESTED WEIGHT. AND A CARRY ON BACKPACK. AND A FANNY PACK IS A MUST. JUST FINISHED __ QUEEN OF WATER __. FASCINATING BOOK!! HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE!!!

12/ 30/12 JUNGLE JOY


 * Shari Meyer - 12/30 **
 * -When will we have the packing list? I'd like to spend some time the next couple of weekends buying things I'll need for the trip. **
 * -Is there a recommended style/size of luggage? I know the max weight is 44 pounds but I'm wondering about size requirements. **
 * -I've started my KWLs but want to be sure I'm on the right track. Is there an exemplar coming soon? **

Sarah Cannon- 12/29 Are we permitted to use the PowerPoint of our itinerary that Alex shared in our blogs or was it just specifically designed for our eyes only? I will check with Alex and get back to you. UPDATE: Heard from Alex.... you are good to use the PowerPoint on your blog if you would like. ~mad

12/29/12 Hello everyone! It's Melanie Gates from Middleborough. I hope that you enjoyed the Holidays. I am new to MAD's ranks of traveling educators so I will surely be seeking a lot of advice as we go. Here goes my first burning question...What have people used in the past or are planning to use for a day bag during the trip? We have received our EF backpack so should I just use that? Thank you for your time! Happy New Year!! ~Melanie Melanie- Ask away!! Your questions will help everyone- even if we have traveled more! I have found that using the EF bags has worked out well on the past couple of trips- It is a good size and has a spot to hold a water bottle on the side which is nice. Sarah Cannon


 * ~MAD... As for travel bags.... it depends on your own interest. I actually use a slightly bigger back pack, but that's because I have a bigger size camera and bring a small laptop. I usually bring a smaller light, foldup type extra backpack that I can use as another option on light pack days. It really is all personal choice. I will try to bring some samples for the next meeting. **

Thanks Joy. I went with Kidblog. - Donns B.

Also, I remember chatting with some people at the last meeting and we were concerned about the appropriate socks to wear. The ones we had for Peru seem to be too heavy to wear if the weather will be hot when we go to Ecuador. Well, I was in CVS today and found nice, cool sport ankle socks that wick moisture away! No cotton!!!! I bought a bunch. They came two in a pack and were $3.99/pack. Donna, I have been fooling around with kidblog. That is the site that Katy White recommended to me. She uses that site and I consider her an expert on blogging. She is a pro! She does it all the time with her class. And she also has an IPAD. So, hope that is helpful to you..... Donna, didn't you get yellow fever for Peru??? SIGNED, JUNGLE JOY!!

Happy vacation everyone! I've created two blogs but can't decide which platform I should go with - I've been playing around with Kidblog and Blogspot. I have a new ipad - any thoughts on which platform is more compatible/user friendly with an ipad? I'd like to be able to take & upload pictures & videos while we are in Ecuador. Any thought/comments/suggestions would be much appreciated. I'm hoping to figure out any kinks/cool stuff one platform can do over the other - once I figure that out I'll put the link onto the blogsites page here. Thanks! ~Donna Beath p.s. I'm a PC and I'm trying to come to peace with Apple products arrrrggggg!

Hi Everyone, I am f inally joining the discussion. Of course, I checked aqua and have this color. Happy new Year: I am so excited about this trip. The Globe had a blurb on our tortoise friend who died in 2012. I guess they tried to have him reproduce with other tortoises to no avail. What do you expect for 100 years of age? However... Janet Brown 12/11 Suzanne Missert: Hi, Mary Anne, I am having a terrible time with my blog. I wrote my first posting, but it didn't work. I even had Jean Roache try to help me today, but she couldn't figure out why it wouldn't work. I am using Word press. I have arranged to get help from a computer savy friend on Thursday. Didn't want you to think I was slacking. If my friend can't solve the problem, I will let you know. Suzanne... I know that some many people use Wordpress, but most that I know of use Blogspot. You may want to give that a try instead. It is also the most used one among our travel group, so it will be easier to support one another using this. ~MAD

//Shari Meyer//
Thanks Shari--I need some clarification as well. Lynn

__**Endicott folks:**__ First.... Go to the GRADING AND REQUIREMENTS OVERVIEW section and the ASSIGNMENT DETAILS section. I have tried to color code these sections so you can see when an assignment is due. For now in particular, check the **blue** color which indicates on-going assignments and the green color which reflects things that must be done prior to the on-tour trip component. If you are still stuck, call me. __By now you should have....__ 1. Set up your Blog and posted to our wiki. 2. Reflected on our first two meetings in your Blog. 3. Started your KWL's. They will not be done yet, but you should be thinking about what you want to do and started to collect some info. 4.Be at least 2/3 through //The Queen of Water// book and posted in the Discussion Pages. 5. Begun to prepare and think about your Pre-tour presentation or lesson that you will be using to get your students and/or staff engaged in your study tour experience.