Panterra :: MySchool Journal

Daily Journal

ESSMY

Day 7 and 8

Day 1

Finally the sea settled down allowing us to safely swim with the sea lions.

They're in!

This would be the most amazing snorkel the group
will have this far in their lives. They just don't know it yet.

There were several jellyfish in the waters with us.
However, they did not pose a threat so we carried on!

A small school of Surgeonfish take turns picking at a jellyfish.

A huge school of sardines swim through the area.

One of the students dives down to take a closer look at something.

A sea lion swims past.

Heather is surrounded by a couple of sea lions playing.

A couple of the students are being watched (upside down) by a sea lion.

Here a playful sea lion decides to lay his head on the back of Dr. Bigras.

One of Mariam's daily cartoons.

After leaving the sea lions we made our way
back to La Paz. The group spent the afternoon
shopping and then we headed out for an early supper.

Everyone was happy, healthy and hungry.

The guys are seriously awaiting their supper.
As growing young men they could always be found hungry and eating.

BBQ chicken, ribs, beans, rice and salad.

Day 2

Saying goodbye!!!!!

Sean thanks the Captain and crew on behalf of the group.

There was no way we could leave without hugging Norma and Ester.

The last of the goodbyes!

The group disembarks the boat and hop on the bus for their return trip to Cabo.

Without a doubt, we (the naturalists) were very sad to have
to say goodbye to the group. These were a beautiful group of
students whose parents should be proud of the ambassadorship
they showed on behalf of their school and their families.

Today we woke to calm seas after a bit of a windy day yesterday. It was a very exciting morning because we knew that we would be able to swim with the sea lions. We had breakfast of chiliquillas, eggs, beans and tortillas. After we had filled our stomachs, the captain lifted the anchor and we motored out one last time to the sea lion colony.

Once we arrived and got ourselves organized for snorkeling, we hopped in the pangas and moored in the shallows near the habitat. We all took turns sliding off the panga into the water. It was cold and at first and we were spooked because of the jellyfish. Soon enough, we forgot all about them since the sea lions were ready to play as soon as we entered the water. One sea lion got a really up close and personal look at all of us, to include rolling over and laying on Gilbertos back. What fun we had with them! It was defintely a highlight of the trip.
After the sea lions we knew it was time to head back to La Paz. We all rushed around the boat doing last minute chores, cleaning up our shells, gathering our clothing. It was a great three hour ride that included a fantastic lunch of chicken enchiladas. YUM!
Once we reached La Paz, we headed out to do some shopping. We visited the vendors and some artisan shops collecting treasures for our friends and family. We had a great feast at a restaurant called Rancho Viejo, RIBS and BBQ CHICKEN! Everyone cleaned their plates. It is now 10 :30 pm and the salon is deserted. Some people are packing, some people are spending some time on the top deck, sharing with their friends their favorite memories of the week. This trip was a blast and will be remembered forever by everyone.

Ce matin, nous nous sommes réveillés avec l’agréable surprise de constater que la mer était calme! Nous souhaitions une mer calme afin de pouvoir nager avec les lions de mer, ce que nous n’avions pas pu faire hier matin... Déjeuner à l’heure, nous avons fait le plein de bonnes choses : chiloqui, oeufs brouillés et fèves... un régal! Nous levons l’ancre tout de suite après ce festin et nous nous dirigeons vers la tant convoitée île des lions de mer...

Le temps d’une petite discussion à propos de la sécurité et hop, nous voilà déjà dans l’eau! La température de l’eau nous importe peu lorsque le premier lion de mer vient nous voir. Un d’eux est venu nous voir de près, et même de très près pour Gilbert, puisqu’un d’eux est venu se frotter sur son dos!
Il est difficile de sortir de l’eau en sachant que c’est notre dernière sortie de plongée... Toutefois, il fallait revenir à La Paz... Quelques heures pour faire nos valises et nous revoilà dans la Marina... Nous découvrons La Paz, on nous indique ou magasiner, et nous faisons nos achats!
La soirée s’annonce aussi excitante lorsque nous nous dirigeons vers le restaurant Rancho Viejo, au menu : des côtes et du poulet BBQ, accompagniés d’une variété de plats tous aussi délicieux que les autres! Tout cela au son de la musique d’un mariachi que nous avions rencontré le premier jour de notre périple!
Suite à ce délicieux repas, nous sommes revenus à La Fiesta et nous nous sommes préparés pour notre dernière nuit au Mexique... C’était un voyage fantastique qui nous a permis de nous connaître tous un peu plus... Je n’ai qu’un mot pour décrire cette expérience : grandiose!

Hasta la vista Mexico!

PS For those of you who were aware that Stasia was testing for her black belt in Taekwondo, here are a few pics that were taken at her test.

Stasia's Black Belt Test - May, 25, 2008

Here Stasia is being judged on her form.

Spinning side kick break. It was so cool
watching her break the boards with her different moves.

Stasia has been awarded her black belt.

Congratulations Stasia!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day 1 and 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 - part 1 | Day 4 - part 2 | Day 5 | Day 6 | Day 7 and 8

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