TCS Spanish Teacher Glenda Paulsen in Mexico this past July
This past July, because of a travel grant I was awarded from The Children’s School, I spent ten days on an incredible trip through the Yucatán Peninsula. It was an amazing opportunity to learn and experience new things in a fascinating country! I traveled through the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico with money from the professional learning grant
I visited several Mexican cities like Cancún and Isla Mujeres; Mérida and Playa Progreso, Playa del Carmen and Cozumel; as well as the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichén Itzá (in the Mexican jungle) and Tulum (by the ocean). All of these visits were filled with activities like hiking, rappelling and riding a zip line. I even snorkeled in the most crystal-clear, turquoise ocean and in underground rivers and caves called cenotes.
I had the chance to participate in a very touching Mayan ceremony of thankfulness and blessings. Tasting the authentic Mexican and Mayan cuisine; learning about the Mayan and Colonial architecture as a cultural legacy; and blending with people from all over the world was a very enriching experience.
On the water, cruising to the Islands of Cozumel and Isla Mujeres in a huge catamaran, going beach hopping on a scooter and enjoying the night with mariachis and tacos was, for sure, a great way to experience the real Mexican culture!
Of course, a few funny things happened during my trip:
- I brought my organic chia seeds (made in Mexico) with me to Mexico, and they got taken away in the Cancún airport because they were not allowed in the country!
- The souvenir sellers spoke to me in English. When I answered them in Spanish, they were surprised!
- I was so happy that I was able to use Uber in some little towns and at very, VERY low prices!
I would like to thank The Children’s School’s Board of Trustees and Nishant for giving me the chance to take this life-changing journey. My trip to the Yucatán Peninsula was absolutely a joyful experience from the beginning to the end!
One of the many things to do in life is now OFF of my bucket list!
Glenda
Spanish teacher, PP – second grade
