(Note: This blog is an example of a researched virtual field trip in the form of narrative writing. Once school begins and you (our students) begin to hopefully interact with all the wonderful people Mr. Grimm, Mrs. Hoxie, Mr. Hoxie and I have met while traveling in Ireland, New Orleans, Mississippi, and Belize (as well as other fabulous places!), you will set up your personal blogs the same way by discussing a topic in your blog (it doesn't have to be travel--it could be a current event or personal interest), and embedding quality informative sites in your text. It is my goal that each of you complete at least two virtual field trip blogs this semester. I will give you further instructions once the project begins. I can't wait for us to get started. It is going to be so much fun! Mrs. P)
Hello Everyone!
It is the 3rd of August, and (believe it or not!) our school is just about to start. This summer has gone by so fast. I have had so many amazing travel experiences this summer that I can't help but feel blessed. As you know, I (along with Brian, Bea, and Craig) started this summer by going to Ireland in June on a Fund for Teachers Grant. Since then, I have been many places in between. This past Sunday, I returned from my latest adventure--Ambergris Caye in San Pedro, Belize.
Ambergris Caye is such a quaint place with the most enchanting blue water I've ever seen! My husband and I went with my brother-in-law, Jim, and his wife, Carrie. We had a great time enjoying all the water activities, zipping about town in our golf cart, and eating delicious fresh seafood each night, and (of course!) we met many wonderful people (more about these folks a little later).
We stayed at the beautiful Xanadu Resort which gets its name from Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem, Kubla Khan--a poem that extols the virtues of a mythical paradise. However, many believe that Coleridge was simply retelling a vivid opium hallucination. Xanadu's beach front property, no matter how unbelievably beautiful, was most definitely a real paradise! The two-bedroom starfish suite #12 that we stayed in was artfully decorated and surrounded by a wall of curved windows that looked toward the ocean. Additionally, the staff at Xanadu was amazing! Stacey, the property manager, was so friendly and helpful. She met our every need before and during our stay. She was extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of the island and arranged every snorkeling adventure for us. Likewise, Martin, Robert, John, and the rest of the staff almost became like family during our week-long stay.
Each day we did something adventuresome. The first day we set sail on the No Rush sailing, snorkeling, and fishing excursion with another family (The Coopers--Joe, Jill, Grant, and Russell) hosted by Captain Stephen and his two shipmates, Travis and Ernest. This particular day stands out as a spot of time for me. This was truly one of the most fun days of my life! Even though it rained hard off and on during the day, Stephen, Travis, and Ernest along with Stephen's sister, Jose (pronounced "Josie"), and nephew, Cade, showed us a great time! Stephen took us on a guided snorkeling adventure where he found two inhabited conch shells. When we got back to the boat, Stephen demonstrated how to clean them and Travis whipped us up some fresh conch ceviche' that was absolutely delicious!
While the Cooper boys attempted to catch our lunch, Ernest took off in a smaller boat to try and catch something big enough to satisfy our growing hunger. In just a short while Ernest (our hero!) returned with a 4 1/2 foot Barracuda he had caught that was ready to be sliced and diced and barbecued once we docked on the other side of the island. Once there, Jose and Cade set about collecting sea grapes, a tart and tangy tropical grape that grows wild all over the island, while Stephen, Travis, and Ernest cooked up a very tasty garifuna style fish barbeque with roasted potatoes and tortillas. For dessert, Stephen collected fresh coconuts and demonstrated how to crack them open for their sweet milk/water and flesh. All in all, it was one of the most unique meals I'd ever experienced.
[Special Note: This Virtual Field Trip Narrative is still a work in progress. ]
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