One of the instructors asked us this morning why we were here. Not just here in Guatemala, but here with Where Threre Be Dragons.

I hadn't really put much thought into it until now. Over the past two days we have been talking a lot about what is a travelor vs. what is a tourist. We talked about how travelors come into this experience with an open mind, and become more a part of the culture then someone who is a tourist. And I realized why I was here with Where There Be Dragons... Anyone can take a vacation to Guatamala, and stay in nice hotels, and do the pony rides, and tubbing adventures... But not everyone has the chance to truly become part of a different culture. It's only been two days here, and I can already feel myself leaving behind my "American Ways"...  Driving down streets with no road signs, passing markets filled with exotic snacks, herbs, and clothing, sleeping in a humid cabin with crazy looking bugs, I feel like I'm truly a part of Guatemala.

I've "traveled" to a lot of places in my life, but only now am I learning what traveling really means. We read an article about this topic- it ended with a paragraph that really made me think about what I wanted from this trip. It described a travelor's trip as a great love affair, it never really ends. I thought about a lot of other trips I have taken, and I realized that they didn't really stay with me- and I hope that when I return to my family, and my home, I can come away with something much greater than just visitng this country, I hope I can come away with a greater understanding of this part of our world and this culture...

And that is why I am here with Where There be Dragons. I feel as though I will get that experience from the people in my group, my home stays, my instructors, and everywhere we go. Because for the first time, with Dragons, I feel like I can call myself a true travelor.

--- sierra

Hello soon-to-be dragons!

My name is Greta and I went on the Guatemala 4 week trip last summer. I'm telling you guys right now, it will be one of your fondest memories in the years to come. I know it is one of mine.

As you draw nearer to your departure date, and that glorious day when you will all meet in the Miami airport, I'm sure you are having mixed feelings. I remember not getting any sleep the night before I left for the airport, wondering if people would like me, or if I would be able to keep up with the group. All of those feelings, and more, are perfectly normal. This was definitely a step out of my comfort zone, as I bet it is for you too, but i PROMISE you. You are in good hands. It's good to be a little nervous, but try not to worry too much. You are in for the best 4 weeks of your life. 

If there was any advice I could give you, it would be these 3 things:

First, don't be afraid to try it all. This is the chance for you to grow and mature as a person, and so embrace each opportunity that comes your way. Never turn something down for fear of failure. You will always surprise yourself. I know I did.

Second, live in the moment. When you are there, try your hardest to leave everything you knew from back at home behind, and look at the beautiful world around you as your new home. Because by the end of that month, it will feel like it. Look at your new fellow dragons as your family, and treat them like it. They are your whole world while you're there, and the people you meet on this trip will be part of you forever. Also, try to avoid things that might take you back too much to home. When you come across little internet cafe's, resist the temptation to spend too much time on Facebook and writing emails. It's fine to let your parents know you're safe, but if you let yourself get too consumed, it will take away from the experience that is happening at that moment.

And lastly, SPEAK! One of the few things I wish I did more of while I was there was speak spanish. I went to Guatemala having only one year of spanish, and so, understandably, I was embarrassed to say anything, for fear I would make a mistake. Honestly, while you are there, seize every opportunity you have to make a conversation with others. Whether it is on a Chicken Bus, or one of your homestay mothers, don't be afraid to talk to them. Their lives are so interesting, and it's so meaningful to be able to learn more about the culture. Immerse yourself in it. I guarantee you will fall in love. 

Anyway, that is all. As I'm writing this, I'm wishing that I could be back in Guatemala for a whole month this summer. I would go back in a second. Do it all over again. I learned so many important things about myself while I was there, and it was an experience I will NEVER forget.

If you have any questions, feel free to email me at gretanagel@att.net, and I'll try to answer them the best I can.

Buenas suerte!

Greta 

Hi guys,

You are probably already involved in reading and researching the places and cultures we will be visiting this summer.

To help you gain a basic understanding, we have prepared a short pre-trip scavenger hunt for you. Try to search for answers online, in books, or with your friends. Please bring the answers with you, either in your heads or on paper.

So, here it is:

enjoy the search....

1. Who was Siddhartha Gautama?
2. Which language family is Tibetan and which is Chinese?
3. What is the Tibetan name for Mount Everest?
4. What is the symbolism of vajra and bell in Tibetan Buddhism?
5. What is samsara and what is nirvana?
6. What is the difference between yak and dzo?
7. Who is the Dalai Lama?
8. Who was Guru Rinpoche and what is the Tibetan name for him?
9. Who was Milarepa?
10. What is tsampa?
11. What is Tibetan butter tea made of?
12. What is bön?
13. Where is Potala and what is it?
14. Who was King Gesar?
15. What is mandala?
16. What is khata?
17. What is sky burial?
18. What is Mantra?
19. What is the symbolism of the lotus in Tibetan Buddhism?
20. What is yartsa gumbu?

View of La Paz from El Alto, with the sacred mountain, Illimani watching over.

Sorata, as seen from the road to "Tutuacaja", where some of you will do home stays! Mt. Illampu presides over the Sorata Valley

"Viva Cochabamba!" A little taste of the Cochabambino pride for their culture.

Taking a dip in the icy, ancient waters of Lake Titicaca.

Leaping to new heights on the Salar de Uyuni.

Saludos, Dragones!

And, welcome, once again!  Here we are, finally, your instructor team, coming at you with a tentative itinerary.  We hope this helps you pack, answers some questions and inspires even more!  Bolivia is vast.  She is rugged.  And a journey through Bolivia is guaranteed to keep you on your toes while your soul soars overhead with the condors…

Please keep in mind that this is a tentative itinerary.  Things often change in Bolivia, and our duty is to embrace those changes and be willing to run with opportunities as they present themselves.  Flexibility is key.

So, without further ado:

June 28: We begin our journey together in Miami International Airport and prepare for our overnight flight to La Paz.

June 29 – 30: We arrive, sleepy and a tad breathless, at the world’s highest commercial airport (El Alto/La Paz) and after clearing immigration and gathering up our bags, we'll head down in altitude to beautiful Sorata for orientation.  Sorata has an eternally spring-like climate, and at a mere 8,000 feet, we will all breathe easier as we dive into workshops on group dynamics, cross cultural communication, backcountry travel and Bolivian history and politics.

July 1 – 3: After spending a few comfortable days on the grounds of the Dragons Program House and getting to know the village of Sorata, we will stretch our legs (and lungs!) on our first short trek!  The foothills of Illampu (the sacred mountain that presides over the Sorata Valley) are filled with inspiring landscapes and tiny villages nestled into hillsides.  We will set out for Laguna Chilata, a glacial lake that sits at around 13,000 feet!

July 4 – 9: Retuning from our first foray into the mountains, we will settle in to our first extended home stays in Sorata.  This week we will share meals with our gracious host families, immerse ourselves in interactive Spanish lessons, meet with guest speakers and enjoy group activities and workshops.

July 10 – 15: After a busy week in Sorata, we will set out for the high mountains of the Cordillera Real.  Our week-long trek will bring us over high Andean passes, to glacial lakes and, if luck will have it, into the home of the condors.  We will continue developing our backcountry skills as we navigate through some of the most beautiful and rugged terrain in South America.  By night, we will camp under the stars (they really do seem closer at 14,000 feet!) and by day we'll trek beneath the powerful Andean sun.

July 16 – 18:  After our trek through the Cordillera Real, we will head to the idyllic lakeside village of Santiago de Okola, which sits on the shores of the legendary Lake Titicaca. We will spend our time in "Okola" learning about the unique agricultural diversity of the Lake Titicaca basin, and will have opportunities for home stays, hikes and will try our hands at traditional crafts such as weaving and spinning wool.

July 19 – 23: After our time in the Altiplano and high Andean regions of the La Paz department, we make our way to the valleys of Cochabamba. During our time here we will visit with NGOs, academics, activists and international organizations. We will coordinate a service project working with a local community and NGO, here you will learn first hand about development projects and community organizing, while also creating relationships you will not soon forget. For centuries Cocha (as it is lovingly referred to by locals) has served as the trading center of Bolivia, goods from both the lowlands and the altiplano crossed paths here. Cochabamba is home to a maze of markets, delicious local food specialties, a vibrant student population and an active and diverse citizenry.

July 24 – 29: As we continue our travels eastward and lower in elevation, we'll come to the Valles region, passing through some very distinct (and beautiful) ecosystems on the way. In Samaipata we will visit with local environmental and conservation organizations working in and around Amboro National Park. We will do some hiking among the giant ferns keeping our eyes peeled for sloth, deer, birds and maybe even a mountain jaguar. In the rural host community of Paredones we will will partner with local families working with them in their fields learning to farm the Valluno way while practicing our Spanish.

July 30 – 31: After our foray into the lowlands, we'll travel back to the city of La Paz for a couple days of re-acclimatization, museum visits and visits to historical sites.  We will also spend time preparing for our last big adventure.

August 1 – 6: The final leg of our journey promises to be one of the most breath-taking (literally!).  Traveling through the rugged, and oft-forgotten-on-the-tourist-circuit altiplano Department of Oruro, we will arrive at the base of 17,000 foot Volcan Tunupa, on the edge of the Salar de Uyuni.  In this stunning place, we will settle in for a few days of disorientation as we prepare for our homeward journey.

August 7 – 8: Arriving back in La Paz one last time, we’ll have time for souvenir shopping on the famous Calle Sagarnaga and a few last meals together before departing our beloved Bolivia for home. 

So, there you have it, folks! Please, continue to use this yak board to introduce yourselves, pose questions and get excited.  Thanks to all of you who have posted recently! Less than one month to go!

Paz,

Helen, Steve & Britta