Ivy Tech - Bloomington ASB 2008

This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Kevin C.

Leaving from Ivy Tech at 3:30 was a killer knowing we were heading to Chicago.
To stay awake Mark had a coffee, 6 espresso beans, and 4 red bulls (with a heart condition).

On the trip I was named colonel because mark said “you know if your middle name started with an F they would be KFC.

To keep everyone in the van alert I would continue to announce the mileage left until Chicago. At one point the miles were being counted every three or four so it was funny for me not so much everyone else.

After getting everyone through security we had to rush so we had McDonalds (compliments of the Ivy).

I was worried about the leg room on the plane so I asked Mark how to go about upgrading to an exit row, so he just told me to ask if there were any available and being my first experience on trying to get an upgrade it did not work (botch). As Mark approached me in the tunnel he had the smile of the Grinch showing me he managed to be upgraded to 1st class (not his 1st rodeo)

While on the plane I was experiencing the McEnergy and after about an hour into the flight I had the wonderful McNap/McCrash. The arrival in San Antonio was quite bumpy which made me a little nervous. I was very excited to get out doors in San Antonio to check out the weather, and I expected it was wonderful.

Within fifteen minutes we were in minivans traveling to the Alamo! This was my first time riding with Don taking the front seat was not a great idea. When we made it to the Alamo don no longer cared where he was going because he was pumping all of us full of information and the History. When I started my adventure through the Alamo it was overwhelming from the history Don was teaching us.

Suddenly as we were in the gift shop I decided to send my parents a post card, and when I was done Don was no longer to be found so I was on my own for the rest of the time.
To avoid and confusion I took pictures of things then asked Don what they were later.
After the Alamo we ate lunch at Saberro (“My favorite city pizza” Michael Scott”)
After lunch we toured the river walk which was awesome, it was full of shops an authentic restaurants.

After explaining to the group that just because we are in Texas the rivers do not flow in a circle. After returning to the beginning we walked back to the vans. As we approached the airport Don refused to lose mark by staying bumper to bumper and yelling at vehicles trying to snake their way in. We had a few hours to kill before boarding Air Mexicana.

With the few hours I called all to give my farewell for the week. After sweet talking my way into an exit row I realized that the seat in front of mine was nonexistent which was really sweet!

When taking off there was this awful noise of engine explosion which made me panic, but when mark finally stopped laughing minutes later he told me it was the landing gear.
The in flight mag was an old 70’s swimsuit catalog as well as the movie (more awkward in Spanish)

When landing the landing gear got me again I thought we were done for sure.
While we were loading our luggage we ran out of space quickly so the taxi driver threw some of our luggage on the roof without strapping it down and the taxi drivers are always in a hurry including (the California stop).
More to come…

Including near elevator death, flat tire, and laying the concrete.

This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Jamie H.

Climbing a Mountain

The first thing that I have to say is that I have already had the time of my life, and the journey has just begun! When I think about the process that I went through to get to be able to come on this trip, I realize that I didn’t really put my best foot forward and secretly wonder why I’m here. In some ways I was complacent in its pursuit, much like I have been with several things lately. While I have kept up with my school work, I have generally put things off to the last minute. And if I have to make any confessions about my extra curricular activities at school, I have been extremely passive. Even thought I have had some good ideas, which probably could have benefitted a great number of students, I have been complacent in execution, and quick to give up when I have encountered any type of resistance. As of late, I have been waning on lots of things. I have just been doing the bare minimum to get by, and sometimes even less. I’ve been pushing the envelope to see how long it would take someone to hold me accountable for my short-comings. That moment has not yet happened as folks seem to think that I will finish what I start.

The city of Calnali is tucked neatly away in the Sierra Madre Mountains. Everything here is beautiful. The natural wonders are abundant, the people are friendly, and life here seems to be slow paced. The house that we are staying in has a balcony on the front, which is only accessible from the men’s dormitory. The view is of two peaks, one is very steep and densely saturated with vegetation. The other is not as steep, but wears a summit like a circular crown. The rock bolts up from the peak and stands towering like a stoic guardian over the quiet city.
The paths up the mountain are narrow, and appear to have carved out by water. They are also used by the farmers here to herd livestock up the mountain so that they may graze. It’s a long, tiring walk up. I guess that would by why we place so much importance on being able to climb mountains.

As the group walked the winding trails were took frequent breaks to talk about the view, the weather, and what we are doing here. The conversation took many turns, with frequent banter. But we kept coming back to the main point, which was that we are here to make an impact on someone’s life. That person is me. When we got a little more than half-way up, some of us (understandably so) felt the need to go back down. This was my chance to finish something I started. This mountain had suddenly become an opportunity to prove to myself that I could finish something that I had started. Did I come here to just climb all the way or did I have the drive and determination to make it all the way to the top? My soul starts screaming yes, and when the question was asked who wanted to go all the way, I was the first to raise my hand. So I and 5 others said that we could go the distance.

By this time, my legs were screaming and all that I could think about was how nice it would be to have a shower and lay down. But I have too clean and well rested for too long. I had to persevere. I needed to prove something to myself. We moved on. After passing through a gate the hill became much steeper and presented a new element. Can you push yourself a little harder to be where you want to be, or would I settle for close. No, I couldn’t. I had to get there. My life almost depended on it. Each step was one step closer to the goal.

Finally we made it as far as we could, because the trees and plants got so thick that light could not even pass through the leaves. Once I reached the top, I felt that I was so high over the earth that at any moment gravity would cease to exist and I could just float away. It was breathtaking to have the view of the stoic guardian. There was also immense personal gratification. Overwhelming emotions stirred as I peered over the city. The air was sweet with victory and sweat. A light breeze fanned my aching body, but all I could feel was joy. A cleansing took place with 5 classmates, and washed away all the doubt that I had let build. In fifty years I may not remember the view, or the fallen tree that I used for a bench, but I will always remember the way that I felt at that moment, and how if I had been alone I would have cried.

Does this Taxi have a Seatbelt?

Flying into Mexico City was a sight to behold. I have never seen an expanse of lights that seemed to go on forever. After we landed and got through customs we were met by Pat, one of the ladies that’s helping out Juana, our host, for this trip. She was there to get us to our taxis and then our hotel. Once we were in the garage we saw our taxi drivers. There were standing next to two older Chevy Suburbans painted maroon and silver with some custom wheels. I could not see how the luggage for 14 people was going to fit into these cars, but he drivers assured us that everything would be fine. Once the truck was busting at the seams with luggage, there were still 6 bags sitting on the ground beside the car. The driver picked them up and threw them on the luggage rack, crossed himself, and said lets go. There were not tied down or anything. I was a nervous wreck, as the main bag that I brought with me was one of those on top. We left the airport and all I could think about was my duffel on top and how at any second it was going fly off the car and into the street and be destroyed by one of the other insane drivers. I have never had such a car ride in my life. Stop lights here are merely a suggestion and I don’t know why they even bothered to paint lines on the road, they are completely ignored. But this does have a happy ending. We made it to the hotel in one piece and with all the stuff, so I guess that he knew more that I gave him credit for.

This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Mindy P.

We’ve had our first night in Mexico! The flight to Mexico City last night was pretty because I had never seen mountains at night from the sky. The people at the motel were very friendly and I enjoyed seeing the lifestyle of the town, It is full of art and artist. I am amazed at the color and texture of the area. I’ve taken so many pictures, I hope I remember what picture I took where. Seeing just what I’ve seen thus far makes me want to stay longer and plan my next visit. I can’t wait to get to Calnali and interact with the people there. I am excited to make new friends share this experience with my friends and family in Indiana.

This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Jenna M.

I would like to give you a brief glimpse into our alternative spring break. We left from Bloomington and drove to Chicago. Then we flew to San Antonio, Texas. We had the opportunity to go to the Alamo. It was a beautiful place that was filled with the ghosts of the tragedy that occurred there in 1836. The chapel was a shrine to the people that were slaughtered there. It was a breath taking experience to see the beautiful structure that was built over two hundred years ago. There were doors that were high enough to have been a second floor. Our accompanying professor, Don Hall, told me that there was a second floor built after the Alamo and the army used the building for storage of supplies. I really appreciate everything that Don Hall was able to tell us about to Alamo. He has a wealth of knowledge about the history of the United States.

Then we flew to Mexico City. The flight was wonderful with a meal served and comfortable seating. It was much more accommodating than the previous flight to Texas. I wonder if this is because it was a Mexicana airline or that is was an international flight. It was enjoyable to fly with such customer service. The drinks that were served on this flight were from Mexico and had Spanish labels. We arrived in Mexico City and stayed at the Hotel Premier. As I laid in bed at two in the morning on Saturday, I listened to the music coming from the place nearby. In the morning we had pancakes and refried beans. The refried beans were extra and we bought two orders which cost twenty eight pesos which is two dollars and eighty cents. They were so delicious that we had to buy more of them. I would love to eat refried beans like those everyday. They had so much more flavor than the beans that I have had in the United States.

We are on our way to Calnali now! The drive through the city is amazing. There are street vendors and the taxi just did a U turn on a red light. I guess that the street lights are an option here because many cars run the red lights. It is seventy degrees and the sun is shining down on us. The dirt on the side of the highway as we leave Mexico City is reddish colored. There are huge mountains beginning to rise up as we leave the city. The houses are a variety of colors and sit nestled on the side of the rising landscape. There is a boy selling fajita shells on the side of a road that is as busy as US 31 in Greenwood. Wow! This is truly the experience of a lifetime.

This post was submitted by Ivy Tech student and ASB participant Brianna P.

I am finally in Mexico and because we have been having SO MUCH FUN I haven’t even the time to write in my journal. But right now we are on the six hour bus ride to Canali so I have plenty of time to tell you all about my experiences.

First of all the bus ride to Chicago was not as bad as I thought. That day was probably the most hectic of my life (crazier than senior prom night). I had work, school and rehersal and had about less than 3 hours to spare to get ready to leave. On the ride, we stopped at a gas station and I bought a sugar-free redbull and it totally pumped me up. I got to know my fellow group-mates better on the trip; we grooved to music and talked about our interests.

The flight to San Antonio was fine. When we arrived, we rented two vans to go to the Alamo. I did not know what to expect but what I saw was amazing. We went inside and saw the gardens where the battle was fought and it was very touching. The town is beautiful and full of life! After we explored the Alamo, we went to the River Walk and the mall. It was here when I think we truly bonded as a “family.” We had a great time as we walked and even got lost on the river walk. Our whole quest was to find a TRUE TEXAN to take a picture with. But ironically we could not find one! No one had an authentic accent and we kept running into people from like Ohio! We finally saw a Texan, cowboy hat and boots and all, he even had an accent! So we took a picture with him, I will be sure to have it posted on the website. Other than that adventure, we enjoyed the beauty and tranquility of the River Walk. It was as if you were in a different world, it wasn’t a specific country since the restaurants were all different, but it seemed like a fantasy world. When we walked out some of us felt like we were back in the real world, so we got ice cream and danced to music, haha. I can honestly say we truly bonded and had a great time in San Antonio, we were satisfied and happy although we would have stayed longer if we could.

After that, we went back to the airport to board onto La Mexicana. I have been on that plane before, but when I was little. I was impressed by its fantastic service! We got a meal, snack, drinks and tea, I was really a happy camper. When we arrived, it was a total different vibe. I was overly excited, and happy I was able to speak Spanish to everyone. We got in two small vans and tried to put our luggage all in the trunk. Unfortunately, it all couldn’t fit so we had to put some on the top of the van, with NO ROPES. It was the funniest thing ever, we kept looking back to see if it would fly off, haha, but it ended up okay.

We were so excited when we got to the hotel, so excited that a couple of us could not even sleep. We got there around 1:30 and we probably stayed up til 4am, it was awesome. We sat on the steps of the hotel and relaxed as the warm air hit our faces, and we listened to the cumbia and salsa music that a bar was playing from across the street. It was amazing to let all that soak in. A few of us also thought it would be cool to search the hotel lol. Four of us got in an elevator meant for 3 and got stuck! Well not really stuck, but the lights turned off and we started screaming, then laughing. Slowly we opened the elevator door to see that we hadn’t moved at all. We bust out laughing (I have a picture of that too), we learned our lesson after that one. After that excitement, me and my roomie went to sleep and turned on the television surprised to find Friends playing! So we stayed up and watched “friends” laughed and talked, we had a great time.

That brings me to this morning, this morning to went downstairs to breakfast (it was delicious) and took showers and got ready to leave to Canali. Right now we are probably still like 3-4 hours away. I am so excited to meet the people there and connect with them. I am so happy with everything, I love my group, and they are amazing. I could not have pictured the trip without everyone. Everyone is different and it adds to the group in a most amazing way. I love them dearly. Being in Mexico has really brought me a sense of pride. Mark asked me back in San Antonio, if I indentify with my African American or Mexican side more. I explained that since I was born and raised Mexican without any outside influence accept urban American…I feel that I am Mexican despite my skin color or whatever other trait that may not be considered “typical” or “normal.” I am excited to meet these people and visit Indian villages who by definition ARE Mexican but have totally different customs, foods, language and appearances. I have learned that being a race is irrelevant since everyone is different within a race, I am who I am and I just happen to love and embrace my Latina culture and I feel that Mexican natives that can sense that. When I talk to them I speak with a smile and sometimes a few asked me what nationality I am or where am I from. I proudly told them I was Mexican mixed with Black and they still offer me that hospitality that they show to other Mexicans. It makes me so happy that I am becoming emotional because of it. This trip is important to me because I want to help people but it has also become a trip of self-fulfillment and a personal quest for understanding my identity. Amor y besitos!

~Brianna

The Ivy Tech - Bloomington Alternative Spring Break volunteers are in Mexico City and rested.

We had a long day of travel yesterday. Starting with a 3:00 a.m. departure at Ivy Tech it went a little something like this:

3:00 a.m. Depart Ivy Tech - Bloomington
9:00 a.m. Arrive Chicago Airport
10:40 a.m. Depart Chicago Airport
1:30 p.m. Arrive San Antonio Airport
2:00 p.m. Depart San Antonio Airport for Alamo, River Walk
7:00 p.m. Arrive San Antonio Airport
9:40 p.m. Depart San Antonio Airport
11:50 p.m. Arrive in Mexico City Airport
12:30 a.m. Depart Mexico City Airport for Hotel Premier
1:30 a.m. Arrive at Hotel Premier
1:30 a.m. Family Meeting
3:00 a.m. Sleep

This post gives our experience so far no justice. When we are at our destination in Calnali about 5 hours from now, we will start to post with real stories (luggage being put on top of our taxis without any straps, paying way too much for our taxis, cockroaches, the “American” breakfast at the hotel, logs burning on the side of the road).

We’ve already had plenty of those ah-ha moments we are looking for and can’t wait to share (just need to focus on getting where we are going, first).

Oh, and the weather is perfect. How is the snow back in Bloomington?

Mark