tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44886011768714174222024-03-12T18:54:12.740-07:00aventurasKathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.comBlogger462125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-83448889721974531732013-08-15T14:17:00.000-07:002013-08-15T14:17:20.300-07:00Back in the U.S. So I have already been back in the U.S. for about a month now, and obviously I keep forgetting to write a ''closing the trip'' post. So here goes :)<br />
<br />
I am so thankful for having been able to travel this summer (and <a href="http://kateinelgin.wordpress.com/2012/07/11/a-get-out-of-debt-fast-plan/" target="_blank">all of it debt free</a>!! Again, so thankful). It was wonderful to see my many friends in Costa Rica and visit more friends in Argentina. All along the way, there were lots of reminders to be very, very thankful.<br />
<br />
I have a few shout out ''Thank You''s too :) :<br />
<br />
Mom and Dad: Who knew that the red set of suitcases you bought me for my first foreign excursion in 2005 would get so much TLC over the next few years? Every time I pick them up off the baggage claim, they serve as a reminder of how much you have taught me and encouraged me to continue growing in what I am equipped to do.<br />
<br />
Trish and Al: Thank you for letting me crash at your place not once but twice. I am thankful for our friendship, no matter how distant.<br />
<br />
Melissa: Thanks for planning our beach trip. So many great flashbacks!<br />
<br />
Familia Rodríguez: Gracias por abrir casa y por darme una bienvenida tan linda a Costa Rica. Espero que nos veamos de nuevo muy pronto :).<br />
<br />
Mejia Simpson Family: Thank you for sharing your vision of an orphanage! I share in your vision and look forward to contributing somehow in the near future.<br />
<br />
Heather: Thanks, friend, for letting me borrow your mega-suitcase. Very necessary for all the gifts I carried with!<br />
<br />
Steve and Becky: Thank you again for hosting me and so willingly and generously showing me around Córdoba.<br />
<br />
Alright, so until next time I travel, folks. :) Now it's time to get back down to the teaching business!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-88995854602701000662013-07-11T21:04:00.000-07:002013-07-11T21:04:00.150-07:00Bad English Makes Me Smile <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I wish I took more photos of some of the funny English I have seen during this trip, but unfortunately, I only have two examples to share with you: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RCDbq97rR1A/Ud4hgjb1tzI/AAAAAAAADDk/oJ9n_K1HUwU/s1600/DSC02239.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RCDbq97rR1A/Ud4hgjb1tzI/AAAAAAAADDk/oJ9n_K1HUwU/s320/DSC02239.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Notice how ''pretty'' is spelled...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fn4D7O4x5W8/Ud4hhAUfzeI/AAAAAAAADDo/J-Eb3O2Fa50/s1600/DSC02301.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Fn4D7O4x5W8/Ud4hhAUfzeI/AAAAAAAADDo/J-Eb3O2Fa50/s320/DSC02301.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
If you read carefully, it says ''fit under your sit'' instead of ''fit under your seat''. Spanish phonics snuck into this translator's English spelling...</div>
<br />Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-9472413130766875282013-07-11T09:00:00.000-07:002013-07-11T09:00:02.271-07:00Buenos Aires from the Bus Window<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While I was not able to spend much time touring the giant (well, it seemed giant after my time in Villa de Totoral) city of Buenos Aires, I was able to capture a few glances from the bus window. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5vhHfn3KqvA/Ud4gqHy3pKI/AAAAAAAADCc/lAvpSX9dWxc/s1600/DSC02302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5vhHfn3KqvA/Ud4gqHy3pKI/AAAAAAAADCc/lAvpSX9dWxc/s320/DSC02302.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The highway <i>Nueve de julio</i>. It widens to 10 lanes in some areas of the city (5 going one way, 5 going the other)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLsMy240XyA/Ud4gq121GpI/AAAAAAAADCs/t3e9ZyM4NQA/s1600/DSC02311.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bLsMy240XyA/Ud4gq121GpI/AAAAAAAADCs/t3e9ZyM4NQA/s320/DSC02311.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Taxis are black and yellow (I feel a song coming on, lol). </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pc4uTyQl_lU/Ud4grXGOY2I/AAAAAAAADC0/mJ3vyAFIEvo/s1600/DSC02313.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pc4uTyQl_lU/Ud4grXGOY2I/AAAAAAAADC0/mJ3vyAFIEvo/s320/DSC02313.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A ship in the harbor.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQ0rQsWyIM0/Ud4g7-f6WCI/AAAAAAAADC8/VAAUo94UHxU/s1600/DSC02309.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NQ0rQsWyIM0/Ud4g7-f6WCI/AAAAAAAADC8/VAAUo94UHxU/s320/DSC02309.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Translation: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Attention Mr. Pedestrian, Cross at the crosswalk in front (of this roadblock) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hO8GiFP4WAg/Ud4g8Q3w3EI/AAAAAAAADDE/m0a9omol1OY/s1600/DSC02322.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hO8GiFP4WAg/Ud4g8Q3w3EI/AAAAAAAADDE/m0a9omol1OY/s320/DSC02322.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bored on the bus :) My purse, scarf, and pants</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dVsSZFB9mGw/Ud4g9HWwWzI/AAAAAAAADDM/mzNx3wTPn8w/s1600/DSC02325.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dVsSZFB9mGw/Ud4g9HWwWzI/AAAAAAAADDM/mzNx3wTPn8w/s320/DSC02325.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Apartments</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xB4OqTT3kHo/Ud4g93s01AI/AAAAAAAADDY/kPmton4-Deg/s1600/DSC02331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xB4OqTT3kHo/Ud4g93s01AI/AAAAAAAADDY/kPmton4-Deg/s320/DSC02331.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And back on the plane I go for another 24 hours of travel... Destination: Chicago O'Hare! </div>
<br />Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-12234225091923780262013-07-10T20:56:00.001-07:002013-07-10T20:56:13.126-07:00DIY Spice Rack with Becky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Becky had an idea. Becky had the $$$ to back up her idea. I enjoyed making the idea happen! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ya5J5gHhCdM/Ud4gGSaHJ3I/AAAAAAAADCE/lpk8JB6XiyI/s1600/DSC02204.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ya5J5gHhCdM/Ud4gGSaHJ3I/AAAAAAAADCE/lpk8JB6XiyI/s320/DSC02204.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
First, Becky bought 24 empty mini-jars. She already had green chalk paint on hand.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3smEtyf6o4o/Ud4gG5asUQI/AAAAAAAADCI/o21oajQtPmQ/s1600/DSC02296.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3smEtyf6o4o/Ud4gG5asUQI/AAAAAAAADCI/o21oajQtPmQ/s320/DSC02296.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After two coats of paint, we carefully poured Becky's spice collection into the jars and labeled them with chalk. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4iHuQrXeXDM/Ud4gHi2cuyI/AAAAAAAADCU/jMHKjYRXjwA/s1600/DSC02297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4iHuQrXeXDM/Ud4gHi2cuyI/AAAAAAAADCU/jMHKjYRXjwA/s320/DSC02297.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ta-da! The wire on the rack (made by Steve) holds the jars in place. </div>
<br />Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-14020152227132181162013-07-10T20:52:00.000-07:002013-07-10T20:52:14.949-07:00Foreign Toilets Anyone who has travelled outside the U.S. will understand that foreign toilets are mysteries (ha!). These white thrones come in all shapes and sizes (and not all are white...). Here's my foreign toilet experience in Argentina:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbhd4MHw-is/Ud4dMnggrkI/AAAAAAAADBo/4txaYJx16cw/s1600/DSC02298.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bbhd4MHw-is/Ud4dMnggrkI/AAAAAAAADBo/4txaYJx16cw/s320/DSC02298.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The toilet bowl with a pipe into the wall...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YAyVviq6Kug/Ud4dNjd8FgI/AAAAAAAADB0/wNxxYt8-Y4I/s1600/DSC02299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YAyVviq6Kug/Ud4dNjd8FgI/AAAAAAAADB0/wNxxYt8-Y4I/s320/DSC02299.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...and then the toilet tank high on the wall. In order to flush, you have to pull the chain twice (an art I did not perfect during my visit... So embarrassing to have to ask others to help me flush the toilet!).</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RmP2_ooxd1s/Ud4dMFsGG0I/AAAAAAAADBk/KhA96zzXYxo/s1600/DSC02095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RmP2_ooxd1s/Ud4dMFsGG0I/AAAAAAAADBk/KhA96zzXYxo/s320/DSC02095.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Here's a distant look at the toilet set-up. Now I know why in Spanish they say, ''Jale la cadena'' (literally <i>pull the chain</i>) to say ''Flush the toilet''. LOL! </div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-76528544112651590902013-07-03T15:58:00.003-07:002013-07-03T15:59:44.165-07:00Playing the Part of Tourist<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We left the Diems' house in Villa de Totoral behind for a few days to explore more of Argentina. Some of the places they had already been and others were new to all of us. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H0DekzkPySQ/UdOQkTRxNDI/AAAAAAAAC8M/68PFunM8-zg/s1600/DSC02227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H0DekzkPySQ/UdOQkTRxNDI/AAAAAAAAC8M/68PFunM8-zg/s320/DSC02227.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We drove by this lake on our way into the mountains, and I just had to stop for a picture! So beautiful! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OARgzetY_8k/UdOQlPTAvwI/AAAAAAAAC8U/pWeXhA4pJMk/s1600/DSC02228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OARgzetY_8k/UdOQlPTAvwI/AAAAAAAAC8U/pWeXhA4pJMk/s320/DSC02228.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Again, gorgeous.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YH3ud4XVfTY/UdOTNCkLW_I/AAAAAAAAC_o/n8lh1U5K4LU/s1600/DSC02294.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YH3ud4XVfTY/UdOTNCkLW_I/AAAAAAAAC_o/n8lh1U5K4LU/s320/DSC02294.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We stayed in a vacation house owned by a family friend.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxk2a1tSArA/UdORWb-nk8I/AAAAAAAAC84/B6LbbA1s2-4/s1600/DSC02245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mxk2a1tSArA/UdORWb-nk8I/AAAAAAAAC84/B6LbbA1s2-4/s320/DSC02245.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our first adventure day, we spent time in Villa General Belgrano, a German settlement southwest of Cordoba. Here's a German-inspired store.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9FMnzpi4MT4/UdORT70X-VI/AAAAAAAAC8g/LK6BBYx0c70/s1600/DSC02240.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9FMnzpi4MT4/UdORT70X-VI/AAAAAAAAC8g/LK6BBYx0c70/s320/DSC02240.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There were lots of tourists and photo opportunities in the downtown area. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JH1WNYBQeaM/UdORUeK_6tI/AAAAAAAAC8k/i272p7urqpk/s1600/DSC02243.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JH1WNYBQeaM/UdORUeK_6tI/AAAAAAAAC8k/i272p7urqpk/s320/DSC02243.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I found it funny that they celebrate Oktoberfest all the way in Argentina! This was not the only sign I saw announcing the October event. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlI8I9aKXHM/UdORWM-_J1I/AAAAAAAAC8w/6anJX68fCK4/s1600/DSC02244.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WlI8I9aKXHM/UdORWM-_J1I/AAAAAAAAC8w/6anJX68fCK4/s320/DSC02244.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A view of the main street. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCkUpDDeZYs/UdORXHkNfCI/AAAAAAAAC9A/I45voOu5aL4/s1600/DSC02246.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iCkUpDDeZYs/UdORXHkNfCI/AAAAAAAAC9A/I45voOu5aL4/s200/DSC02246.JPG" width="150" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DwEsrBNgXnM/UdORZrWdonI/AAAAAAAAC9I/6UkooyJiYAc/s1600/DSC02247.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DwEsrBNgXnM/UdORZrWdonI/AAAAAAAAC9I/6UkooyJiYAc/s200/DSC02247.JPG" width="150" /></a> <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TrIKESlMCro/UdORa7Lgc0I/AAAAAAAAC9Q/Jp_-GUsJSJU/s1600/DSC02248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TrIKESlMCro/UdORa7Lgc0I/AAAAAAAAC9Q/Jp_-GUsJSJU/s200/DSC02248.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
At the park, there were two zip lines that were super fun! Elliott and Josiah were entertained for hours! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pom4y0mIxXI/UdORaz_NIvI/AAAAAAAAC9U/C-RRbt9S8bQ/s1600/DSC02249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pom4y0mIxXI/UdORaz_NIvI/AAAAAAAAC9U/C-RRbt9S8bQ/s320/DSC02249.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kn9Gy9O-lzY/UdOS-WLE8hI/AAAAAAAAC9o/43TeulsNGBI/s1600/DSC02250.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Kn9Gy9O-lzY/UdOS-WLE8hI/AAAAAAAAC9o/43TeulsNGBI/s320/DSC02250.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Our second adventure day was in the town La Cumbrecita, also southwest of Cordoba. It was a ''pedestrian-only'' town, and you had to park your car before you could cross the bridge into the town. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-el_1AjmlPQ4/UdOS-x175SI/AAAAAAAAC9w/sDFOAZCmGuY/s1600/DSC02253.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-el_1AjmlPQ4/UdOS-x175SI/AAAAAAAAC9w/sDFOAZCmGuY/s320/DSC02253.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Becky and I on the foot bridge</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dL5uEiwwLR0/UdOTMHMLmCI/AAAAAAAAC_g/JQIoNG5tGCw/s1600/DSC02289.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dL5uEiwwLR0/UdOTMHMLmCI/AAAAAAAAC_g/JQIoNG5tGCw/s320/DSC02289.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
There was a hiking map that was quite extensive. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NsTWZHPFv4U/UdOTKk_JGEI/AAAAAAAAC_I/fufVOHnvnnU/s1600/DSC02285.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NsTWZHPFv4U/UdOTKk_JGEI/AAAAAAAAC_I/fufVOHnvnnU/s320/DSC02285.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The view from the mountainside</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kHxw_xux6Ho/UdOTCYAyznI/AAAAAAAAC-I/6_upVZoO4-o/s1600/DSC02259.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kHxw_xux6Ho/UdOTCYAyznI/AAAAAAAAC-I/6_upVZoO4-o/s320/DSC02259.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ironically, even though the city was <i>peatonal</i>, there were somehow cars parked at the hotels. Hmm...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G7SNd8VM-BA/UdOTK_AdrXI/AAAAAAAAC_M/MTQYSIgMzqs/s1600/DSC02286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G7SNd8VM-BA/UdOTK_AdrXI/AAAAAAAAC_M/MTQYSIgMzqs/s320/DSC02286.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Again, there was lots of interesting architecture. This house was literally nested in carved rock. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ysn7b82ULFA/UdOTC9333EI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/DrnaqhfBy5c/s1600/DSC02263.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ysn7b82ULFA/UdOTC9333EI/AAAAAAAAC-Q/DrnaqhfBy5c/s320/DSC02263.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQzA1j70IPg/UdOTDgtfAZI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/wvj_kCl0eLI/s1600/DSC02267.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SQzA1j70IPg/UdOTDgtfAZI/AAAAAAAAC-Y/wvj_kCl0eLI/s320/DSC02267.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I couldn't help capturing some of the beautiful greenery. Winter in Argentina doesn't mean that everything is gray (like it does in the States). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNkO1bWG63o/UdOTGgudYnI/AAAAAAAAC-w/jXprDsWbKro/s1600/DSC02278.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNkO1bWG63o/UdOTGgudYnI/AAAAAAAAC-w/jXprDsWbKro/s320/DSC02278.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We found a trail with the promise of a <i>cascada grande</i> (large waterfall), so of course we decided to try it out.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ErCMsNs0iv4/UdOTE_mF4QI/AAAAAAAAC-g/hwGaFbsnJEY/s1600/DSC02270.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ErCMsNs0iv4/UdOTE_mF4QI/AAAAAAAAC-g/hwGaFbsnJEY/s320/DSC02270.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Josiah and I made it to the waterfall first, but it wasn't as big as we had hoped.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t5NKz8cAzJw/UdOTFtgb53I/AAAAAAAAC-o/JoZz-m4gb_Q/s1600/DSC02275.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t5NKz8cAzJw/UdOTFtgb53I/AAAAAAAAC-o/JoZz-m4gb_Q/s320/DSC02275.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The trail was kind of challenging. Lots of rocks and tree roots. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Then Gianna announced that it was her naptime. This was her way of communicating this idea: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eFGTH8VRSCE/UdOTIZROEsI/AAAAAAAAC-4/ylutUb2NhLQ/s1600/DSC02279.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eFGTH8VRSCE/UdOTIZROEsI/AAAAAAAAC-4/ylutUb2NhLQ/s320/DSC02279.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kcadzELn4mo/UdOTJK1xoCI/AAAAAAAAC_A/P6y0N5_m3tA/s1600/DSC02280.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kcadzELn4mo/UdOTJK1xoCI/AAAAAAAAC_A/P6y0N5_m3tA/s320/DSC02280.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Her communication technique was not as effective as it would have been in a town with cars, but it was still funny to capture with photos. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-odBDL22Kx_8/UdOTLXwaBNI/AAAAAAAAC_U/UYcWLUhR2es/s1600/DSC02287.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-odBDL22Kx_8/UdOTLXwaBNI/AAAAAAAAC_U/UYcWLUhR2es/s320/DSC02287.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And finally we adults were just as tired as Gianna and decided some sleep sounded like a great idea. All in all, a great few days of exploring like tourists! </div>
<br />Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-3771129823614033742013-07-03T09:00:00.000-07:002013-07-03T09:00:00.725-07:00Climbing a Mountain (with 3 Kids in Tow!) <div class="MsoNormal">
Adventure time! We buckled the kids in the truck, drove for
about an hour to Cerro Colorado, and chose our trail up the steep mountain.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DRokgAKREQQ/UdONHy0s6aI/AAAAAAAAC6U/5rCpjiGvqsY/s1600/DSC02127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DRokgAKREQQ/UdONHy0s6aI/AAAAAAAAC6U/5rCpjiGvqsY/s320/DSC02127.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We circled the mountain a few times in car before deciding our angle of attack.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i0yQBwnlTBA/UdONIujfL1I/AAAAAAAAC6c/uqRIFqv7g6U/s1600/DSC02133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-i0yQBwnlTBA/UdONIujfL1I/AAAAAAAAC6c/uqRIFqv7g6U/s320/DSC02133.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The land around the mountain was extremely flat, which made the Cerro Colorado even more inviting to climb.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h3v9A3nEGgE/UdONJqjoNII/AAAAAAAAC6k/1f1cVXPQiB8/s1600/DSC02136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h3v9A3nEGgE/UdONJqjoNII/AAAAAAAAC6k/1f1cVXPQiB8/s320/DSC02136.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bringing kids did not stop Steve and Becky from going as high as possible. Some of the rocks were really steep, so we were teaching the kids to stay on ''hands and feet''. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GUfZCBoQ_kc/UdONK4_VhgI/AAAAAAAAC6s/UoT6Nvwb5aI/s1600/DSC02144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GUfZCBoQ_kc/UdONK4_VhgI/AAAAAAAAC6s/UoT6Nvwb5aI/s320/DSC02144.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The boys kept finding caves. Elliott wanted to stop and ''make a fire.'' A <i>gaucho</i> in training. : ) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-muFOLEvBsgM/UdONMefVtDI/AAAAAAAAC60/kVvPVpN7kAc/s1600/DSC02147.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-muFOLEvBsgM/UdONMefVtDI/AAAAAAAAC60/kVvPVpN7kAc/s320/DSC02147.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The red rocks were easy to walk on, even though the angle was somewhat steep.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Unh6cXpvByk/UdONN3IYPVI/AAAAAAAAC7E/hULQZvFVKAg/s1600/DSC02151.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Unh6cXpvByk/UdONN3IYPVI/AAAAAAAAC7E/hULQZvFVKAg/s320/DSC02151.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I thought this plant resembled the aloe vera plant, but it was much thinner and didn't have as much water absorbed into it. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NCK540QNijo/UdONOjk3QWI/AAAAAAAAC7M/DG2JbNtcjY8/s1600/DSC02154.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NCK540QNijo/UdONOjk3QWI/AAAAAAAAC7M/DG2JbNtcjY8/s320/DSC02154.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ouch! Stay back! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K7QzDlZUEtQ/UdONPAeVz3I/AAAAAAAAC7U/V4ks9T4OZdg/s1600/DSC02172.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K7QzDlZUEtQ/UdONPAeVz3I/AAAAAAAAC7U/V4ks9T4OZdg/s320/DSC02172.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Josiah and I held up the boulder together. We're really strong as a team : ) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YudbgAojeIk/UdONP9QjYgI/AAAAAAAAC7c/P3DsEaJ_AhY/s1600/DSC02174.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YudbgAojeIk/UdONP9QjYgI/AAAAAAAAC7c/P3DsEaJ_AhY/s320/DSC02174.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Me and the boys</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cv5SkfSuBwI/UdONQqNo6RI/AAAAAAAAC7k/TPOXYhKDOgg/s1600/DSC02175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cv5SkfSuBwI/UdONQqNo6RI/AAAAAAAAC7k/TPOXYhKDOgg/s320/DSC02175.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gianna on her daddy´s back. She looks so tiny here! </div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QoRQ0xJrP8/UdONTUnQHyI/AAAAAAAAC70/5AUBWCzbusI/s1600/DSC02184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6QoRQ0xJrP8/UdONTUnQHyI/AAAAAAAAC70/5AUBWCzbusI/s320/DSC02184.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Another spiny something. It reminded me of a radish... except the pokey part, haha. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---SGJ-UUpmI/UdONUJJjj-I/AAAAAAAAC78/yg9VsJdkAJo/s1600/DSC02193.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/---SGJ-UUpmI/UdONUJJjj-I/AAAAAAAAC78/yg9VsJdkAJo/s320/DSC02193.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We crawled on our bellies into this cave. This is one of my favorite pictures from my visit with the Diems! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QSZsMarnCsg/UdONRk9Jd9I/AAAAAAAAC7s/zk14YCOwwP8/s1600/DSC02181.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QSZsMarnCsg/UdONRk9Jd9I/AAAAAAAAC7s/zk14YCOwwP8/s320/DSC02181.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We walked back down the mountain at sunset. Beautiful colors! (and whew! We all ended the adventure in one piece!) </div>
<br />Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-24819765606703398902013-07-01T15:00:00.000-07:002013-07-01T15:00:02.815-07:00Casona Tour <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">A Diem family friend, Domingo, gave me a tour of the town’s historic homes. A lover of history and an avid reader, Domingo filled me in on the dates of the houses’ construction, who originally lived there, and who lives there now. Many of the houses are now summer vacation homes for people living in the city. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dOrqqZQew5U/UdDbUoFDDpI/AAAAAAAAC5E/pc-gV-sYVII/s1600/DSC02067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dOrqqZQew5U/UdDbUoFDDpI/AAAAAAAAC5E/pc-gV-sYVII/s320/DSC02067.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ohlt0EfLnII/UdDba_mVC1I/AAAAAAAAC5U/iK3DktCQqbY/s1600/DSC02069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ohlt0EfLnII/UdDba_mVC1I/AAAAAAAAC5U/iK3DktCQqbY/s320/DSC02069.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I loved the wrought iron gates. Such intricate designs!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQnAB6MltVg/UdDbWf-COJI/AAAAAAAAC5M/WFGM5aQAoX4/s1600/DSC02070.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XQnAB6MltVg/UdDbWf-COJI/AAAAAAAAC5M/WFGM5aQAoX4/s320/DSC02070.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u4Avnx_GYe8/UdDbcU2A4xI/AAAAAAAAC5g/LSQRuxmQMXc/s1600/DSC02073.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-u4Avnx_GYe8/UdDbcU2A4xI/AAAAAAAAC5g/LSQRuxmQMXc/s320/DSC02073.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rkJR2xlBdtg/UdDbcSIvQOI/AAAAAAAAC5c/fqkYwK36eL8/s1600/DSC02077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rkJR2xlBdtg/UdDbcSIvQOI/AAAAAAAAC5c/fqkYwK36eL8/s320/DSC02077.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QtWI13j-n2w/UdDbhfen7vI/AAAAAAAAC5s/kDTdatqnrWI/s1600/DSC02080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QtWI13j-n2w/UdDbhfen7vI/AAAAAAAAC5s/kDTdatqnrWI/s320/DSC02080.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNwKu0oY1zo/UdDbj0bx48I/AAAAAAAAC6E/bleamT3Jp9k/s1600/DSC02090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VNwKu0oY1zo/UdDbj0bx48I/AAAAAAAAC6E/bleamT3Jp9k/s320/DSC02090.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fS53K764wN8/UdDbh4kj36I/AAAAAAAAC50/zW_-CZ7Q3Qg/s1600/DSC02085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fS53K764wN8/UdDbh4kj36I/AAAAAAAAC50/zW_-CZ7Q3Qg/s320/DSC02085.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRTjODasR4Y/UdDbh9TuI4I/AAAAAAAAC5w/Hl2RiFsId9A/s1600/DSC02086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TRTjODasR4Y/UdDbh9TuI4I/AAAAAAAAC5w/Hl2RiFsId9A/s320/DSC02086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And introducing Domingo, my tour guide. </div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-63762865438120740892013-07-01T13:00:00.000-07:002013-07-01T13:00:02.888-07:00Teaching English<div class="MsoNormal">
Part of the ‘’pop-in’’ visitors are students asking for help
with English homework. Becky usually helps out the students, but I stepped to
help this week. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Word got out that there was an ‘’English teacher’’ living
with Steve and Becky. The first day, 4 kids showed up for English practice, and
the second day, 5 kids showed up for help studying for an English test. They
were an energetic group that reminded me of teaching my 4<sup>th</sup> graders. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GoQfXVEh78I/UdDXI3mB1MI/AAAAAAAAC4c/XWnw74wDj9s/s1600/DSC02106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GoQfXVEh78I/UdDXI3mB1MI/AAAAAAAAC4c/XWnw74wDj9s/s320/DSC02106.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Diem dining room table full of 3rd graders needing English practice.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O5D61YsfvGo/UdDXJbhcuwI/AAAAAAAAC4k/DNBFOG4dglM/s1600/DSC02118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O5D61YsfvGo/UdDXJbhcuwI/AAAAAAAAC4k/DNBFOG4dglM/s320/DSC02118.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
An energetic bunch! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-suFS63drgGk/UdDXJ-eSO0I/AAAAAAAAC4o/6nZduClV73Q/s1600/DSC02120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-suFS63drgGk/UdDXJ-eSO0I/AAAAAAAAC4o/6nZduClV73Q/s320/DSC02120.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We drew pictures of a house to help the kids remember the names of the rooms.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2uRfPcmyLLI/UdDXLuGdSzI/AAAAAAAAC40/p0TPR6XE6To/s1600/DSC02214.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2uRfPcmyLLI/UdDXLuGdSzI/AAAAAAAAC40/p0TPR6XE6To/s320/DSC02214.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: start;">A college student, Lorena, also stopped by for English exam study help. She was really fun to work with, and we laughed a lot together! </span></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-56724865878195371812013-06-30T18:07:00.002-07:002013-06-30T18:07:27.495-07:00La Siesta and Té de Yerba Mate<div class="MsoNormal">
The Argentine sense of time schedule has me completely
confused (not to mention I started off with jet lag from a 30 hour trek to get
here!). Here’s a look at the typical weekday schedule: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9:00am - 12:00 noon – Stores are open. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
12:00 noon – 5:00pm – Stores are closed. In theory, everyone
goes home for lunch and an afternoon <i>siesta</i>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uHHsn6iLyPA/UdDUEYKHdWI/AAAAAAAAC3s/p5Q30V1GTqA/s1600/DSC02027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uHHsn6iLyPA/UdDUEYKHdWI/AAAAAAAAC3s/p5Q30V1GTqA/s320/DSC02027.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The ''midget doors'' on the storefronts are for letting out last-minute customers. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y0N-U7n2bOo/UdDUF2vvQyI/AAAAAAAAC30/eNsl1n7xBJg/s1600/DSC02041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y0N-U7n2bOo/UdDUF2vvQyI/AAAAAAAAC30/eNsl1n7xBJg/s320/DSC02041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The streets are abandoned during <i>la siesta</i> time. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5:00pm – 9:00pm – Stores are open again. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
9:00pm – Dinner. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
10:00pm – 2:00am – Social life time! Bible studies, gym
workouts, birthday parties, and mate tea drinking with friends</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2:00am – 8:00am – Sleeping</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I have not adapted to staying up until 2:00am very well… I
have attempted it but then slept in until 11:00am the next morning, haha. I
think the jet lag is still affecting me too. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The school schedule has two sessions: the <i>mañana </i>session and the <i>siesta</i> session. <i>Mañana</i> session is from 8:30 to 12:45, and the <i>siesta</i> session is from 1:00 to 5:15. Kids attend one of the two
sessions, and teachers have at least 30 students in each session, giving each
teacher a total of at least 60 students. I had the opportunity to observe in a
kindergarten classroom and a 3<sup>rd</sup> grade classroom, and I was reminded
of how many resources I have access to while teaching in the U.S. I was left
feeling in awe of the teachers’ perseverance here and very grateful for what I
have access to! </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Mate</i> tea is another daily priority for Agrentines. You fill
the cup with tea leaves (<i>yerba mate</i> tea to be exact) and then drink the water
through a metal straw (a <i>bombilla</i>). Then you pour more water into the cup and pass the cup
to the next person. Everyone drinks from the same cup (strange for my germ-a-phobe mentality as a teacher, haha)! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2qf-2JoybA/UdDUp1t5HiI/AAAAAAAAC4M/7LdHUIHjOM8/s1600/DSC02236.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c2qf-2JoybA/UdDUp1t5HiI/AAAAAAAAC4M/7LdHUIHjOM8/s320/DSC02236.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The <i>yerba mate </i> aisle at the grocery store. Lots of varieties to choose from! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PiCkp54O5WQ/UdDUmpvXssI/AAAAAAAAC38/HJDcVAXU8Nw/s1600/DSC02205.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PiCkp54O5WQ/UdDUmpvXssI/AAAAAAAAC38/HJDcVAXU8Nw/s320/DSC02205.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The typical cup and straw for drinking <i>mate</i>... here I am preparing for my first taste.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fu6wsWOAuxU/UdDUoF_QpuI/AAAAAAAAC4E/IxmVmqNuxb0/s1600/DSC02209.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Fu6wsWOAuxU/UdDUoF_QpuI/AAAAAAAAC4E/IxmVmqNuxb0/s320/DSC02209.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Meh... I tried not to offend my hosts by telling them that I don't like bitter flavors... I'm not sure my ecuse worked. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-59024640094953281902013-06-30T17:51:00.004-07:002013-06-30T17:51:57.452-07:00Culture Confusion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
So obviously I know that there are many different cultures around the world, but somehow I think that everyone lives like me (contradiction, I know!) Here’s some of my revelations to the contrast of ‘’my culture’’ versus the culture I have experienced while traveling this month.</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Diet: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
U.S. Diet: My idea of a healthy diet would have lots of
veggies, lots of protein, and some carbs. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gzoFQr5FIkc/UdDRyQhzHzI/AAAAAAAAC3U/LufI9yRxMtI/s1600/Gallo+Pinto.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gzoFQr5FIkc/UdDRyQhzHzI/AAAAAAAAC3U/LufI9yRxMtI/s200/Gallo+Pinto.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Costa Rica Diet: Lots of rice and beans with a little salad.
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IBGCb4yEKJ8/UdDRy_hzh7I/AAAAAAAAC3c/fFz_J54b6l8/s1570/Asado_argentino.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IBGCb4yEKJ8/UdDRy_hzh7I/AAAAAAAAC3c/fFz_J54b6l8/s200/Asado_argentino.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Argentina Diet: Meat and potatoes. Delicious, crispy,
grilled meat with lots of fat makes up about half of your plate, and the other
half of your plate is potatoes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Time: </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
U.S. Time: Being punctual is understood as being respectful.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Costa Rica Time: I have to clarify if the starting time is
‘’tico time’’ (not punctual) or ‘’gringo time’’ (punctual). </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Argentina Time: Stopping by unannounced shows that you truly
are friends. Expect about 3 or 4 ‘’pop-in’’ visitors per day that will stay for
several hours each. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><br /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a result of these differences, my stomach and sense of
time are very confused right now, haha. </div>
<br />Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-29498152704559510882013-06-30T17:42:00.001-07:002013-06-30T17:42:28.841-07:00The Diem Family<div class="MsoNormal">
Steve and Becky live with their 3 children in Villa de
Totoral in the Cordoba province in Argentina. Villa de Totoral is a very small <i>pueblo</i>, and they have been able to make
a lot of friends with the townspeople over the last two years of living here.
Their purpose in living here is to plant a church by first leading people to
the Jesus Christ of the Bible (in contrast to the Jesus Christ that the
Catholic church and indigenous superstitions have created). Between leading
Bible studies, teaching English classes, working out at the gym, building relationships with the townspeople and raising
three kids, Steve and Becky are very busy!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AhO2fBuB3RY/UdDMPqegxRI/AAAAAAAAC2c/KbCmdxqAmtY/s1600/DSC02139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AhO2fBuB3RY/UdDMPqegxRI/AAAAAAAAC2c/KbCmdxqAmtY/s320/DSC02139.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
L to R: Gianna, Becky, Steve, Josiah, Elliott, and the random street dog that wanted to be in the photo.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RfWY9922aDE/UdDLyHO-hMI/AAAAAAAAC2E/2Fvuva1xe9M/s1600/DSC02140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RfWY9922aDE/UdDLyHO-hMI/AAAAAAAAC2E/2Fvuva1xe9M/s320/DSC02140.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
L to R: me, Gianna, Becky</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2d0kl17irWI/UdDMIi23dKI/AAAAAAAAC2M/-bduHjFDS3Q/s1600/DSC02158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2d0kl17irWI/UdDMIi23dKI/AAAAAAAAC2M/-bduHjFDS3Q/s320/DSC02158.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Josiah! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ihm3Ofjr5NI/UdDMMTMiWWI/AAAAAAAAC2U/LyC1R-JegMY/s1600/DSC02168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ihm3Ofjr5NI/UdDMMTMiWWI/AAAAAAAAC2U/LyC1R-JegMY/s320/DSC02168.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Elliott! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E3B9FJELX9M/UdDMkf798yI/AAAAAAAAC2s/_P7h5qqDwbI/s1600/DSC02178.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-E3B9FJELX9M/UdDMkf798yI/AAAAAAAAC2s/_P7h5qqDwbI/s320/DSC02178.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Gianna! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GPanwdr3cTk/UdDPNf8lEHI/AAAAAAAAC28/M64WS5ETiX4/s1600/DSC02081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GPanwdr3cTk/UdDPNf8lEHI/AAAAAAAAC28/M64WS5ETiX4/s320/DSC02081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
All 6 of us crammed into this truck everywhere we went. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-13208372012749048972013-06-24T14:00:00.000-07:002013-06-24T14:00:03.872-07:00Córdoba for the Day <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Becky and I ventured (without the three kids) into the city Córdoba for the day. We enjoyed uninterrupted conversations and catching up on life. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EUCRC--xwtE/Uceeju2OixI/AAAAAAAAC0E/lLH6aexkntg/s1600/DSC02021.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EUCRC--xwtE/Uceeju2OixI/AAAAAAAAC0E/lLH6aexkntg/s320/DSC02021.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It is winter in Argentina right now. The temperature is like Illinois in the fall and the landscape looks like right after an Illinois harvest. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BAk1aB4aQxQ/UceenpLvXpI/AAAAAAAAC0U/kApmMJAb_XQ/s1600/DSC02025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BAk1aB4aQxQ/UceenpLvXpI/AAAAAAAAC0U/kApmMJAb_XQ/s320/DSC02025.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We stopped by the ''skinniest building in the world'' for a photo. There are apartments for rent if you're interested! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DiBuKDBAaSk/UceenNPFwCI/AAAAAAAAC0M/xPKU-6pcG6U/s1600/DSC02026.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DiBuKDBAaSk/UceenNPFwCI/AAAAAAAAC0M/xPKU-6pcG6U/s320/DSC02026.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I posed for a photo with the skinny building, haha. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uWPAj-DhPRw/UceepVrwbaI/AAAAAAAAC0c/ruLc4J3-B9o/s1600/DSC02027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uWPAj-DhPRw/UceepVrwbaI/AAAAAAAAC0c/ruLc4J3-B9o/s320/DSC02027.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The concept of <i>siesta </i> in Argentina is taken very seriously. We got into the city about 12:30, just as stores were closing their steel doors for the afternoon. We managed to go into a store before it closed, and while we were there, they closed the doors. When we were ready to leave, we had to exit through the small door about half our height. I thought it was funny and had to take a picture. : ) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e-Dy83KdJL0/UceerHk3NKI/AAAAAAAAC0k/RQ169Zl-PPI/s1600/DSC02030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e-Dy83KdJL0/UceerHk3NKI/AAAAAAAAC0k/RQ169Zl-PPI/s320/DSC02030.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Catholic church of Córdoba has mosaics dedicated to Gaucho Gil, a ''Robin Hood'' historical figure. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcPyCMa9FQ0/UceeuQBB4XI/AAAAAAAAC0s/mc6DsSr7KB8/s1600/DSC02032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rcPyCMa9FQ0/UceeuQBB4XI/AAAAAAAAC0s/mc6DsSr7KB8/s320/DSC02032.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Motorcycles everywhere! (Heather Burns, I thought of you and your new motorcycle! : )) </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_CT5M3--HVM/UceexKeXyqI/AAAAAAAAC04/gem5gkrI8ic/s1600/DSC02037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_CT5M3--HVM/UceexKeXyqI/AAAAAAAAC04/gem5gkrI8ic/s320/DSC02037.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The cobblestone in front of the church is laid to create a profile of the church's front. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xFceRt7SlYw/UceezZj2QTI/AAAAAAAAC1E/bkSd2E4tfNc/s1600/DSC02038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xFceRt7SlYw/UceezZj2QTI/AAAAAAAAC1E/bkSd2E4tfNc/s320/DSC02038.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Evidence of lots of pigeons. Seems to be present no matter what city I travel to, haha. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Z1-3oEIrfI/Ucee28ydzPI/AAAAAAAAC1M/gMUfFoEclUg/s1600/DSC02040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3Z1-3oEIrfI/Ucee28ydzPI/AAAAAAAAC1M/gMUfFoEclUg/s320/DSC02040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This building wins the retro award for the day. Love the bonus car in front. Becky said the car is typical of Argentina. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nkTpVGkhoLo/Ucee3PKGxnI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/yEbIh26i4o0/s1600/DSC02041.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nkTpVGkhoLo/Ucee3PKGxnI/AAAAAAAAC1Q/yEbIh26i4o0/s320/DSC02041.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The streets after stores closed for <i>siesta</i>. We seemed to be the only people out and about! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbkfvvQ7gww/Ucee4hVSeWI/AAAAAAAAC1c/7_2avU92yvs/s1600/DSC02042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SbkfvvQ7gww/Ucee4hVSeWI/AAAAAAAAC1c/7_2avU92yvs/s320/DSC02042.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Since stores were closed, we went to lunch at Steve and Becky's favorite restaurant, <i>Mandarinas</i>. I asked for a glass of water and this is what I got. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_89Es0yqj8I/Ucee7tS9wXI/AAAAAAAAC1k/ptye_ov3yPg/s1600/DSC02043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_89Es0yqj8I/Ucee7tS9wXI/AAAAAAAAC1k/ptye_ov3yPg/s320/DSC02043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A delicious salad with chicken, mango, and sesame. Not typical Argentine food, but still delicious! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WSI8yVAoIJU/Ucee73rgHJI/AAAAAAAAC1o/wNTrj4M_vlE/s1600/DSC02044.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WSI8yVAoIJU/Ucee73rgHJI/AAAAAAAAC1o/wNTrj4M_vlE/s320/DSC02044.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And a gorgeous tiramisu! The 3D presentation was not something we expected, ha! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ElTJFWvlMg/Ucee9pR_iXI/AAAAAAAAC10/8lMD-CY9KR0/s1600/DSC02047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2ElTJFWvlMg/Ucee9pR_iXI/AAAAAAAAC10/8lMD-CY9KR0/s320/DSC02047.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Final stop of the day (probably my favorite : )) -- an art market set in a very modern, upbeat part of the city. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Now that I am posting this on the blog, I realize Becky and I did not take a photo together... we'll work on that soon! </div>
<br />Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-77264071495992302012013-06-24T08:00:00.000-07:002013-06-24T08:00:08.815-07:00Country Hoppin' and Jet Laggin' <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I don't think I had ever felt so tired before in my entire life. 30 hours (straight!) of travel certainly takes its toll. I hoped to sleep on the overnight flight, but those chairs couldn't be more uncomfortable after 5 hours (and I still had 5 more hours to go until landing... NOOO!). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OCDLRyoq5oo/UceW1dEhS0I/AAAAAAAACy0/uz0SoxO4nGs/s1600/DSC01981.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OCDLRyoq5oo/UceW1dEhS0I/AAAAAAAACy0/uz0SoxO4nGs/s320/DSC01981.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hour 1 of travel: See you later, Costa Rica! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tvf-9R6Poq8/UceW2Y_sQ8I/AAAAAAAACy8/SLlFRpjs7dc/s1600/DSC01985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tvf-9R6Poq8/UceW2Y_sQ8I/AAAAAAAACy8/SLlFRpjs7dc/s320/DSC01985.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hour 2 of travel: Central America, heading north to Houston. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ACCRoiaAiGU/UceW2wMhYMI/AAAAAAAACzE/iGj5GS_uP6k/s1600/DSC01991.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ACCRoiaAiGU/UceW2wMhYMI/AAAAAAAACzE/iGj5GS_uP6k/s320/DSC01991.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hour 6 of travel: Hello and Good-bye, Houston! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WJTjW2reCz8/UceW51apdSI/AAAAAAAACzM/my4ak00k3e0/s1600/DSC02005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WJTjW2reCz8/UceW51apdSI/AAAAAAAACzM/my4ak00k3e0/s320/DSC02005.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hour 17: Hello and Good-bye, Buenos Aires! Thanks for the hectic bus ride with three suitcases! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bD7D4IbsxyA/UceW6BT9yjI/AAAAAAAACzQ/Urd1SjXj2G0/s1600/DSC02007.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bD7D4IbsxyA/UceW6BT9yjI/AAAAAAAACzQ/Urd1SjXj2G0/s320/DSC02007.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hour 24: First views of the Argentine landscapes. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yaJUBXV9M10/UceW6V00D6I/AAAAAAAACzc/-DFdCre4omo/s1600/DSC02014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yaJUBXV9M10/UceW6V00D6I/AAAAAAAACzc/-DFdCre4omo/s320/DSC02014.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hour 26: Loved seeing how the sunlight broke through the clouds. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YNOoaC5eGoc/UceW_s4Ks3I/AAAAAAAACzw/nI0qqWFmpgo/s1600/DSC02016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YNOoaC5eGoc/UceW_s4Ks3I/AAAAAAAACzw/nI0qqWFmpgo/s320/DSC02016.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hour 27: Looks like the Badlands in South Dakota? </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JxTvv1RwzR0/UceW_WJUnfI/AAAAAAAACzs/gj0BvVWOHSg/s1600/DSC02019.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JxTvv1RwzR0/UceW_WJUnfI/AAAAAAAACzs/gj0BvVWOHSg/s320/DSC02019.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hour 30: Landing in Córdoba... <i>¡por fín!</i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GZdFr9JOvVY/UceW_Pe2ISI/AAAAAAAACzk/O6Z6kJ-3-Io/s1600/DSC02020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GZdFr9JOvVY/UceW_Pe2ISI/AAAAAAAACzk/O6Z6kJ-3-Io/s320/DSC02020.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I saw the sun set twice and rise once while travelling... yet it all felt like one really, really long day. I was so glad to see my friends, Steve and Becky Diem, at the airport, and even more glad to know they had a real bed for me to sleep in (instead of that uncomfortable chair United Airlines offered, haha). </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Before I went to bed Friday night at 10:30pm, Becky told me to sleep in as long as I wanted in the morning. I told her I have a difficult time sleeping in past 9 (very true!). Saturday morning, I somehow slept through the kids screaming, the washer rattling, the dog barking, the kids screaming again, etc. I didn't wake up until 11am! I can't even remember the last time I slept for more than 12 hours! Becky says I had jet lag... I think she's right! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And now I'm on to other Argentine adventures... Even though this blog is ''Kate in Costa Rica,'' I think it's okay to post other travel adventures : ) ... stay tuned! </div>
<br />Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-74310130281779173482013-06-23T21:00:00.000-07:002013-06-23T21:00:00.855-07:00Mejia Simpson Family <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While teaching at Lighthouse, I met a family that I consider to be the coolest. family. ever. Hands down. Someday when I have a family, I hope to be half as cool as they are. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Let me define ''cool'': Extremely generous and hospitable. Adopted 5 children. Foster family to many. Hope to foster many more children. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Ever since meeting them and finding out about their mission to influence as many children as possible for Jesus, I have wondered how I can contribute as a teacher. Talking with the mom, Charlyn, was really good, and I hope to contribute time to the project in the future! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-weTHqNcy8bc/UcZn7L8TBkI/AAAAAAAACyc/OoolDdmvLk4/s1600/DSC01978.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-weTHqNcy8bc/UcZn7L8TBkI/AAAAAAAACyc/OoolDdmvLk4/s320/DSC01978.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A view of their property in the <i>campo </i>of Coronado. They hope to eventually build an orphanage and maybe even a school. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EHxziUBQOYo/UcZn7WfN9-I/AAAAAAAACyg/GY_2rHyQclw/s1600/DSC01979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EHxziUBQOYo/UcZn7WfN9-I/AAAAAAAACyg/GY_2rHyQclw/s320/DSC01979.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
L to R: Ruth, me, Daniela. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While working at Lighthouse, I became connected with the Mejia Simpson family as Ruth was my student and Dani was my co-worker! I love these ladies!! </div>
<br />Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-34702747258978339372013-06-23T17:00:00.000-07:002013-06-23T17:00:04.254-07:00Lighthouse Students <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JwKq5LPJxG0/UcZm7wzRcsI/AAAAAAAACyM/LP8-FkuEDbc/s1600/DSC01975.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JwKq5LPJxG0/UcZm7wzRcsI/AAAAAAAACyM/LP8-FkuEDbc/s320/DSC01975.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
L to R: Ruth, Karina, me, Natasha, Tamara, Nhaia</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I was able to spend some time eating ice cream and catching up with a few of my Lighthouse 5th graders (now almost 8th graders!). While they are growing up, some things have not changed: they love talking, giggling, and eating ice cream :). I never cease to be amazed about past students' memories -- they remember the funniest (and sometimes the strangest) things about our school year together. :) </div>
<br />Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-80185800753232950122013-06-23T12:00:00.000-07:002013-06-23T12:00:00.930-07:00Tico Family Visits <div style="text-align: center;">
While living in Costa Rica, I had some really patient Spanish teachers, a.k.a. Costa Rican families. I arrived in 2008 without knowing any Spanish and I truly believe it was these very patient people in my life that made it possible for me to persevere through learning their language! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-26kFYnaADLY/UcZj8Pdll6I/AAAAAAAACx8/czxWh75YVhc/s1600/cabezas+ramos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-26kFYnaADLY/UcZj8Pdll6I/AAAAAAAACx8/czxWh75YVhc/s320/cabezas+ramos.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Cabezas Ramos family.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
L to R: Rebeca, Blanca, Judit, Manuel Enrique. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While I lived with them in 2009, they included me in everything from <a href="http://kate-in-costa-rica.blogspot.com.ar/2009/01/sunday-afternoon-adventures.html" target="_blank">Sunday family dinners</a> to <a href="http://kate-in-costa-rica.blogspot.com.ar/2009/03/visit-to-earthquake-site.html" target="_blank">visiting earthquake epicenter sites</a>. (Note: I forgot to take a picture while I was with them so I copied the photo from Rebeca's Facebook... <i>¡Gracias! </i>)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-59mLkECOZ_4/UcZj642BVUI/AAAAAAAACx0/R3QH_5-DROI/s1600/DSC01957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-59mLkECOZ_4/UcZj642BVUI/AAAAAAAACx0/R3QH_5-DROI/s320/DSC01957.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Marin Garcia family.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pictured: Santiago (now 4 years old!) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Marilyn (the grandma), Natalia (the daughter), and Santiago (the grandson) were also extremely generous with their time while I lived with them in 2010 and 2011. We spent afternoons at <a href="http://kate-in-costa-rica.blogspot.com.ar/2010/12/parque-la-sabana.html" target="_blank">Parque La Sabana</a> and toured me through the city to see <a href="http://kate-in-costa-rica.blogspot.com.ar/2010/12/city-christmas-lights.html" target="_blank">Christmas lights</a>. Now Santiago is 4 and talks a mile a minute!! It was fun to play with him again. </div>
Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-37467901662426459012013-06-22T19:51:00.000-07:002013-06-22T19:51:40.526-07:00Aydee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M66BWarHghE/UcZg_QdB21I/AAAAAAAACxk/7v3QtLtyUEY/s1600/DSC01951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-M66BWarHghE/UcZg_QdB21I/AAAAAAAACxk/7v3QtLtyUEY/s320/DSC01951.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Trish and I hung out with our Peruvian friend, Aydee, for lunch. She was our <a href="http://kate-in-costa-rica.blogspot.com.ar/2010/06/week-of-relaxing-well-kind-of.html" target="_blank">main source</a> of Christmas gifts during our first years in Costa Rica. While we did not buy any Christmas gifts this time, she is still definitely one of our favorite international friends in Costa Rica! </div>
<br />Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-30532788927059815272013-06-22T19:43:00.001-07:002013-06-22T19:43:26.433-07:00Melissa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
After being friends for several years, Melissa and I finally have a few pictures together! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uI9y7lgMDNE/UcZfszKsigI/AAAAAAAACxM/dHdx40YVBr0/s1600/DSC01960.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uI9y7lgMDNE/UcZfszKsigI/AAAAAAAACxM/dHdx40YVBr0/s320/DSC01960.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Melissa works with ReachGlobal in Costa Rica, and she came to CR during my third year. She was generous to let me stay with her overnight in her San Francisco apartment then, just like she was so generous during this last week to let me stay in her Tres Ríos apartment! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8JLpnKBMPbs/UcZfs5UZy1I/AAAAAAAACxQ/EC7PuPR5oBg/s1600/DSC01962.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8JLpnKBMPbs/UcZfs5UZy1I/AAAAAAAACxQ/EC7PuPR5oBg/s320/DSC01962.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(L to R: Kathia, me, Melissa, Lucy) </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Melissa introduced me to her Bible study girls. At the end of the study, they asked if they could take a picture wtih us. <i>¡Si claro! </i></div>
<br />Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-30397883764033118422013-06-22T19:36:00.001-07:002013-06-22T19:36:28.609-07:00Vineyard Reunion in Costa Rica<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHucTZCyGto/UcZKxuuU3hI/AAAAAAAACw8/QrxrP5r8m8s/s1600/DSC01921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iHucTZCyGto/UcZKxuuU3hI/AAAAAAAACw8/QrxrP5r8m8s/s320/DSC01921.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So Cara and I met briefly in Costa Rica back in 2008. Then we were both back in the States by 2011. I was looking for a Spanish-speaking church, and while in the process, I ran into her again at La Viña! We are both part of La Viña and The Vineyard churches in Elgin, and it was great for her to join in on our Costa Rica beach trip! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-58012450905148132872013-06-15T08:00:00.000-07:002013-06-15T08:00:05.185-07:00An Unexpected Adventure<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bJ-DGSq25iI/UbutkrdZDzI/AAAAAAAACwk/viOXISWNCc8/s1600/DSC01940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bJ-DGSq25iI/UbutkrdZDzI/AAAAAAAACwk/viOXISWNCc8/s200/DSC01940.JPG" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Oh yes, that is me. On the back of a tow truck. Here's how it all started: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OJokw__FP48/UbutK_tfNcI/AAAAAAAACv4/9Y8WT64kRCk/s1600/DSC01926.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OJokw__FP48/UbutK_tfNcI/AAAAAAAACv4/9Y8WT64kRCk/s320/DSC01926.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We (five girls on a beach trip) were driving back from the Pacific Coast to San José. Everything was going smoothly. I dared to think, ''We're making great time!'' Little did I know, the trip had other adventures for us yet.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PUEHJ3Netyg/UbutUaaHQMI/AAAAAAAACwI/maLaVuu1qm8/s1600/DSC01933.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PUEHJ3Netyg/UbutUaaHQMI/AAAAAAAACwI/maLaVuu1qm8/s320/DSC01933.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tZQco1Bmc8s/UbutUM45HcI/AAAAAAAACwA/LQZx-MC6lzY/s1600/DSC01932.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tZQco1Bmc8s/UbutUM45HcI/AAAAAAAACwA/LQZx-MC6lzY/s320/DSC01932.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;">The rain clouds started to roll in... Nothing too unusual. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;">Then Melissa (driving her car) says, ''Guys, the gas pedal isn't working!'' We're heading up a steep mountain. I say, ''Pull over!'' She did. Cars and semis sped by us at unnecessary velocities. Melissa tried to call a friend to see what he thought we should do when a tow truck conveniently also pulled over in front of us. Before we knew what was happening, we had been mounted on the back of the tow truck (we = the car plus all of us girls, lol). Melissa and Cara went up front to direct the truck driver, while Kalli, Kim, and I stayed in the car.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4dKi8zuCHo/UbutVKXCzqI/AAAAAAAACwQ/Q4ajfRw57nM/s1600/DSC01937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="70" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z4dKi8zuCHo/UbutVKXCzqI/AAAAAAAACwQ/Q4ajfRw57nM/s320/DSC01937.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bXh7zYjgC4c/UbutbVWVvtI/AAAAAAAACwY/U8ZXQgSQ_DQ/s1600/DSC01938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bXh7zYjgC4c/UbutbVWVvtI/AAAAAAAACwY/U8ZXQgSQ_DQ/s320/DSC01938.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It felt very strange to be moving in a car without a driver! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdEJ7hQZTbc/Ubutkd4I9GI/AAAAAAAACwg/8ipuwCRfsj4/s1600/DSC01939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZdEJ7hQZTbc/Ubutkd4I9GI/AAAAAAAACwg/8ipuwCRfsj4/s320/DSC01939.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A view through the windshield.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bJ-DGSq25iI/UbutkrdZDzI/AAAAAAAACwk/viOXISWNCc8/s1600/DSC01940.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bJ-DGSq25iI/UbutkrdZDzI/AAAAAAAACwk/viOXISWNCc8/s320/DSC01940.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Whew! We made it home! Good story for later :) </div>
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-84379431459682040172013-06-14T15:00:00.000-07:002013-06-14T15:00:05.583-07:00Beach Trip! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
While the purpose of my Costa Rica trip is mostly to catch up with friends and adopted families from my time living here, I also had one destination I wanted to go to... the BEACH! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eCBGI-kWjV8/UbqDSvViNII/AAAAAAAACvQ/gWdUgv_Bmyk/s1600/DSC01902.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eCBGI-kWjV8/UbqDSvViNII/AAAAAAAACvQ/gWdUgv_Bmyk/s320/DSC01902.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
On the way to the Pacific Ocean, you can stop at a certain bridge to see the crocodiles that wait for tourist treats, haha. I counted about 30 (crocodiles, that is, not tourist snacks :))! Thankfully, there's no fear of being eaten because we are on top of the bridge and the crocodiles are all under. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_huzcplgquE/UbqDQ2UctpI/AAAAAAAACvI/nq8TNNKO1K8/s1600/DSC01904.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_huzcplgquE/UbqDQ2UctpI/AAAAAAAACvI/nq8TNNKO1K8/s320/DSC01904.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The view of the crocodile river.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6xzZ_dY0bI/UbqDT2Vg6TI/AAAAAAAACvY/C2n2zXLXwis/s1600/DSC01916.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="70" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G6xzZ_dY0bI/UbqDT2Vg6TI/AAAAAAAACvY/C2n2zXLXwis/s320/DSC01916.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And the ''gringo beach,'' according to several ticos. The official name is Manual Antonio.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tcqmkiCLC0A/UbqDWDgf6FI/AAAAAAAACvg/ZcYp9opezG4/s1600/DSC01917.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tcqmkiCLC0A/UbqDWDgf6FI/AAAAAAAACvg/ZcYp9opezG4/s320/DSC01917.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pictures just do not do this beach justice. I just wanted to soak in all the mental pictures that I could.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zsuCNMUYoqs/UbqDXqCsZKI/AAAAAAAACvo/0xc6k95Dr78/s1600/DSC01918.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zsuCNMUYoqs/UbqDXqCsZKI/AAAAAAAACvo/0xc6k95Dr78/s320/DSC01918.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-67271750231965603452013-06-14T10:30:00.000-07:002013-06-14T10:30:00.552-07:00Sojourn Reunion<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y-yV_3gWudU/Ubphmg2eTRI/AAAAAAAACu4/tw4MFGPp6Qg/s1600/DSC01894.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-y-yV_3gWudU/Ubphmg2eTRI/AAAAAAAACu4/tw4MFGPp6Qg/s320/DSC01894.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
L to R Mariana B., Gabriel (behind), Camila, Michelle, Miss Siscoe, Melissa, Mariana G. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
It's hard to believe my 4th graders from the 2009-2010 school year are so grown up and in 7th grade! They have excellent memories and immediately reminded me of all my teaching quirks, haha. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-46693692813544454402013-06-13T17:13:00.001-07:002013-06-13T17:13:09.523-07:00Trish and Albin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
How awesome to see my Trish again! I realized it had been since Trish and Al's wedding in December 2011 that we had not seen each other, although we had made several failed efforts. Trish is doing well, teaching at Desarollando Mentes as a learning specialist, teaching online with Open English, and writing for the Bright Hub website. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-54o6FNHrOLE/Ubpe8RO9WmI/AAAAAAAACuc/Ez75b7uV1XA/s1600/DSC01896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-54o6FNHrOLE/Ubpe8RO9WmI/AAAAAAAACuc/Ez75b7uV1XA/s320/DSC01896.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Us at Parque Chino, resting after our delicious meal at our favorite restaurant, A La Leña. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVdPLpdtoc0/Ubpe3NsWNcI/AAAAAAAACuE/y8BzooNo9UY/s1600/DSC01882.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IVdPLpdtoc0/Ubpe3NsWNcI/AAAAAAAACuE/y8BzooNo9UY/s320/DSC01882.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Trish and Al bought a house with a fabulous view. Here's the backyard...</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-54o6FNHrOLE/Ubpe8RO9WmI/AAAAAAAACuc/Ez75b7uV1XA/s1600/DSC01896.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_q5liCNb0qQ/Ubpe7gZfQyI/AAAAAAAACuU/QXTgulk72Sw/s1600/DSC01891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_q5liCNb0qQ/Ubpe7gZfQyI/AAAAAAAACuU/QXTgulk72Sw/s320/DSC01891.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
...and here's the view of San José from their side windows. On a sunny day or clear evening, the view of downtown is breathtaking. But when the rain clouds roll in, there's no seeing beyond the back wall of the yard! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fQfqzBcSRT0/Ubpe6GjauBI/AAAAAAAACuM/V3cKwkeqhH4/s1600/DSC01888.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fQfqzBcSRT0/Ubpe6GjauBI/AAAAAAAACuM/V3cKwkeqhH4/s320/DSC01888.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
So honored to have my artwork hanging in their house :). </div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4488601176871417422.post-56168541802627576792013-06-10T09:57:00.000-07:002013-06-10T09:57:00.371-07:00Familia Rodriguez Villafuerte<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Well, the big interview happened! Three days with my boyfriend Marlon's family (while Marlon is in the U.S.) I think qualifies as the <u>ultimate</u> interview. For both myself and for the rest of the family. All in all, it was a great experience, so I think we all passed the interview.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SWfCJqhEGh8/UbVZ34n4EZI/AAAAAAAACtY/IbMwueaGlIo/s1600/DSC01857.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SWfCJqhEGh8/UbVZ34n4EZI/AAAAAAAACtY/IbMwueaGlIo/s320/DSC01857.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Santiago celebrated his 7th birthday on Saturday. We played Monopoly and did an exercise routine that Tío Marlon had given me to try.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LGfg0UYV5To/UbVaTOLvtCI/AAAAAAAACtg/Q2hmMKYX-Ww/s1600/DSC01864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LGfg0UYV5To/UbVaTOLvtCI/AAAAAAAACtg/Q2hmMKYX-Ww/s320/DSC01864.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
L to R: Marlon's mom, myself, Marlon's aunt<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rkyuVlwnXX8/UbVaf2G-sII/AAAAAAAACto/hd1I8eOaatk/s1600/DSC01872.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rkyuVlwnXX8/UbVaf2G-sII/AAAAAAAACto/hd1I8eOaatk/s320/DSC01872.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
This is a great summary of the three days. Lots of conversation, lots of laughter, and lots of people!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bWY-SPzw4rI/UbVaw3BYdGI/AAAAAAAACtw/uHcWAvj_m7M/s1600/DSC01875.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bWY-SPzw4rI/UbVaw3BYdGI/AAAAAAAACtw/uHcWAvj_m7M/s320/DSC01875.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
And a posed photo. It only took us about 20 tries, lol.Kathryn Siscoehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02074339630917969734noreply@blogger.com1San Francisco de Dos Ríos District, Costa Rica9.9080918 -84.0616708999999679.8924498 -84.08184089999996 9.9237337999999991 -84.041500899999974