Yellowstone - June 25

Weather is fantastic! Some of us are a bit sore from horseback riding, though. It's absolutely beautiful here. We went rafting in freezing cold water, but that didn't stop the kids from playing in it! The guides here are very knowledgable and great with the kids. Tomorrow we are heading to the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone and Storm Point. We are all looking forward to biking around Old Faithful.

STRI

The kids had a blast in San Blas. Snorkeling was great and they did some beach and water quality studies. Today, their last day in Panama, they are touring Panama City and visiting some of their Brader School friends tonight. They'll be home tomorrow with great stories, videos and pics. This was a fantastic trip from every perspective. A great group of kids and the parents have much to be proud of.

Galapagos - June 21

On Santa Cruz as of 5 yesterday. Will spend 2 more nights here before flying to Quito Monday. Went through lava tunnels and did some shopping. On our way to see Lonesome George, the last of his kind of tortoise. We will arrive 9 Tuesday evening.

STRI-Galeta

Yesterday we spent the day snorkeling at an island near this Atlantic STRI site. We studied the sea grasses, corals, identified fish species and had a wonderful lecture last night from a young PHD candidate from Berkeley on mangroves. So far we have identified over 130 animal species on this trip and the number is growing each day. Today we go back to what the kids are calling "home", Gamboa, and then we are visiting Brader school, home to our two guest students Crystel and Mafe. Brader is throwing us a little welcome party and then we're off to eat a fine dinner of Pizza in Panama City. Tomorrow its off to San Blas, the Kuna indian zone, for more reef studies and snorkeling.
Everyone is healthy, happy and blissfully tired. Fortunately, we've had plenty of internet access so I'm sure their facebook pages are full of info.

Galapagos - June 16, 2010

Spent first night on Isabella Island after all day in and out of the boat. Heading to climb up a large semi- active volcano.(It last erupted 5 years ago) This afternoon we will relax on the beaches of Isabella before having PIZZA night. Though we love our cream soup, fish and rice, we are all very excited. Tomorrow we get to walk through Lava tunnels, see the flamingo pond and the wall of tears. We did see some Galapagos penguins yesterday. Having a great time!

STRI

Wow, we've done so much in only three days. Yesterday, we spent on the pacific ocean at the STRI NAOS research center. We had a great lecture by Dr. Mark Torchin on invasive species studies and then we spent the afternoon focused on molecular bio studies emphasizing genetic studies. Incredible stuff. Also, the kids found a two toe sloth sleeping under the bench at the Punta Culebra station. Needless to say, they got some very good photos. Today we went to Barro Colorado Island, the main STRI field station. Dr. Lewis and his wife Cathy joined us as we hiked through the forest and studied plants, insects, monkeys, birds and more. Probably the best science class they've ever had. Right now, we are just a few minutes before dinner and they are exhausted; happy, but whooped. Tonight, we have a lecture at 7 by Dr. Juan Mate on coral reef diversity as a pre trip briefing on our trip to the STRI Atlantic station Galeta. That part of the trip will include reef studies, water quality studies and mangrove studies. We'll be back at Gamboa on June 18, then to San Blas on the 19th. Kids are all healthy and happy.

Galapagos-Update

Had a great day out on the water. Swam through a volcano channel and saw Galapagos sharks and a school of blue spotted rays before heading to a secluded beach. After lunch we PLAYED with baby sea lions, swam after a sea turtle and had a beautiful boat ride. We are now relaxing before herading to a BBQ. Tomorrow off to Isabella Island. All kids having a great time and remembering sunscreen. We probably will not have service until Friday, so this may be the last blog for a bit.

Galapagos - Monday

June 13 - We are going to swim with sharks today! We will spend our last night on San Cristobal tonight before we start island hopping. Kids and chaperones alike are having a blast!

Galapagos Update

June 12 - the overnight stay with families went GREAT! We headed to the university and did some snorkeling. We are having lunch at the usual spot watching sea lions, pelicans, the beautiful Pacific Ocean and soccer. Then we left the research station and headed into town for two nights. Everyone is having a great time.

Nexus STRI

We arrived safe and sound last night. Kids slept hard and woke up at 5:30 to go to the canopy tower to see the birds and animals wake up. They were amazed to see their first howler monkeys only feet away, at eye level from the canopy tower. We also saw the rare Geoffrey Tamarind and more toucans than we could count. Red Lore parrots were all around and the kids were beside themselves with excitement. Right now, as I type this, they are being lectured by a STRI staff scientist about the history of STRI. All is well and I'll try to send a group email or blog as much as possible. Unfortunately, my international cell is disfunctional here but I am in the process of getting a replacement which I'll have tomorrow. If you need us, please email me as I'll probably check this once or twice a day. In the case of an emergency, Mrs. Mullis does have a contact number for Nelida Gomez, our primary STRI contact.

Just a quick update: Kids are reviewing geology of the canal right now as a larger introduction to the overall course material to be studied this program.

China Update - Back in Lhasa

After a very interesting couple of days in Shigatse, we are now back in Lhasa. Today we visit the magnificent Potala Palace and Sera Monastery. We had a fun birthday party for Jazz, LeAynne, and Danit with a huge Tibetan cake. We definitely think you'll enjoy the video. One day of travel to Beijing then home. Its been a great trip, great group of kids and I've enjoyed traveling with them. I'm sure you'll hear more when they get home.

China - Gyantse Saga Dawa Festival

Woke up this morning to snow covered mountains. We came through a 15000 ft pass and stopped to see a massive glacier which we filmed in the middle of a snow storm. Yesterday, we very much enjoyed the Gyantse Saga Dawa festival. The monks celebrate the Buddhas enlightenment with a huge celebration with music and dancing in costumes. They pull people from the audiences and play embarrassing games. Yesterday, It was Isaiah who was pulled from the crowd and instantly powdered white with the local barley flour. He danced with the evil deamons much to the delight of the crowd of Tibetan pilgrims. All in all, it was a very comical experience for all involved. Today we head to the Panchen Lamas home in Shigatse. Everyone is fine at this end and very ready to get back to their adopted home at Yak Hotel in Lhasa.

China Update - Gyntse

We are in Gyntse today at elevation 13,221 ft. Kids have adjusted well to the altitude. We are on our last grand touring leg of the trip. Today we circumambulate around the Pele Chora Monastery with thousands of pilgrims here for the Saga Dawa festival. Needless to say we are the talk of the town. People stare at us, laugh at our clothes and ask to take pictures with us. Not many American high school students roaming around Tibet. Everyone is doing fine but I think they are ready to get back to Lhasa where they enjoy fine American food at Dunyas. Tomorrow we head to Shigatse where we will visit the Panchen Lamas monastery and after that, Lhasa, Beijing, Norfolk.

Trek Update

We shortened our trek by a day due to several cases of altitude sickness. Everyone is fine and we're now back in Lhasa. Tomorrow we'll take a down day to recover from a very difficult trek and then we'll pick up the itinerary on Monday. Our first night we climbed to and camped at 16175! VERY difficult but the kids discovered something in themselves they did not know existed before. They are a very hardy group of young adults. When everyone sees the video they will understand. Our second night we camped at 13450 feet and because of the lower altitude, everyone felt much better. All in all, it was an adventure and everyone is glad to be back at the Yak Hotel where they will feast on Yak Burgers and fries. Sorry about interactive map, but I fear my lat/long emails are being sensored, or that is what our travel people suggest. Big Brother watches everthing here.

China Update - Tashi Family Orphanage Visit

We spent the day at the Tashi Family Orphanage which is in a small, poor village outside of Lhasa. Although it took some time for the orphans to loosen up, it took no time for our students to hold the orphans, kiss them, hug them and play with them. We donated $300 and the kids brought some great gifts to support the orphans. In fact, after 2 hours of playing with the orphans, I literally had to drag our students away. I think when you see the video, you'll understand.

Tomorrow we embark on the trek for four days. Not sure when we'll have internet access again. Everyone is doing well with the altitude and we're ready to trek. We are heading to several different nomadic camps which should prove to be educational.

Everyone is all well here.

Nexus China Update

We're at the Yak Hotel in Lhasa today. Visited the Johkang Temple and witnessed the prostrating pilgrims. Students beside themselves with the whole experience so far. Beijing was smoggy but interesting. Toured the Great Wall for a day, then the Forbidden City, Tianamen Square and the Temple of Heaven which was a circus of Chinese enjoying themselves in a multitude of ways including kung fu, Tai Chi, singing, dancing and more. Now we're in Lhasa and the students love it. Shopping here is driving them crazy! I've got great video so far and I know they have tons of pics. In a few minutes we're off to a Tibetan Medicinal hospital then tomorrow for our community service at the orphanage. So far everyone is handling the altitude very well and I suspect Diamox has a lot to do with it. We are presently at 11, 684 feet! Please check the interactive map to see exactly where we are. This is the first internet access we've had and we'll be here for two more days, then the trek where you won't hear from us for another 4. I suspect the students will find this little internet cafe and email facebook, friends and parents. All is well here.

Nexus China Blog

We meet at Norfolk Airport at 4:30AM for an early departure for Beijing at 6:10AM. Please remember to check this blog and our interactive map to follow our trip. We should be able to post blogs and GPS coordinates every few days.