Friday, January 9, 2009

Welcome Introduction from Brady

Hi everyone!

As you have probably heard by now, my name is Brady Wheatley and I will be your Student Affairs Manager (SAM) in Mexico! I am very excited for this semester, as I am sure you are too. To explain my job a bit, first and foremost I am in charge of health and safety for the program, ranging from doctors visits to cleaning cuts and helping decide if its too choppy to go out in the boats. In addition I work with community relations and service opportunities for you to participate in. There are a lot of other things I do, but most importantly I am here for you guys. I will be checking this blog at least once a day for the next week to answer any questions, concerns etc that might be popping up for you. Hope to hear from you soon and be sure to check back frequently to see what other people have been asking as well!

Hasta pronto,

Brady

68 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hello everyone!

    I just wanted to let you all know in order to post a comment you need to choose one of the options below (google/blogger, openID, name/url or anonymous - if you choose to do anonymous please leave your name). The easiest option if you are not too internet savvy is to just choose Name/URL or Anonymous. Please feel free to email me if you're confused!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hey Everybody-
    My name's Pat McGettigan, and I'm a junior transfer student at Boston University. I'm stoked for our semester, and I'm looking forward to getting down there and getting to know everyone. Marine Science major...I like nature...fill everyone in on the rest when we all start talking.

    Brady:
    I keep hearing that it will be both hot and cold at the site, should I pack more for warm weather though or split it equally?
    And just how much should I pack? with the wetsuit and sleeping bag, I think I'll have trouble packing everything for the semester in one piece of luggage.
    By the way, just how cold will the ocean be?

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Everyone!

    I am Larissa Liebmann, and, like Brady, I am a Brandeis student majoring in International and Global Studies. I am also majoring in Environmental studies and have always loved the ocean, so I am very excited to spend a few months with everyone at the beach!

    Brady:
    I have two questions concerning camp equipment: I was wondering if most people bring self-inflating sleeping mats or regular foam sleeping mats to the program, and if people tend to bring raised stool-like camp chairs, or folding chairs that rest on the ground.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Hey Pat,
    These are questions I think everybody is wondering about. For packing, I have never had a student be able to fit everything in one piece of luggage, they have always brought 2. If you are trying to minimize stuff, we do have enough sheets at the center for everybody now that previous students have left, so you don't need to bring those. Another bulky item that is on your list are rain boots- if you don't already have some you can definitely purchase those in town the first week, and that will save some room.

    Students generally end up wishing they had brought more warm clothing, but layers are key! Spring semester is rather cold in Puerto San Carlos. I usually wear pants and a sweater or sweatshirt to start most days, and in the afternoon have a t-shirt on, then back to the layers. On the boats is when you will be the coldest doing turtle-monitoring at night, so be sure to have thick socks, long sleeves, a good fleece, a hat and even gloves. I now bring long underwear for the spring semester for the boats. As the semester progresses it will warm up significantly so it is good to have a couple pairs of shorts and some t-shirts as well.

    The ocean varies a lot, in December I was swimming in the Pacific for a couple hours without need for a wetsuit. However, it has cooled down A LOT since then and you are encouraged to bring a wetsuit. I can't give you specific water temperatures, but from experience I would say it gets to be similar to the Atlantic in the Northeast in May. Like the weather, the water will warm up again eventually but especially for snorkeling when your body isn't moving around too much it can get pretty cold. Hope this is helpful! If you have any other questions just let me know, Brady Wheatley

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hey Larissa!
    Welcome to the program. IGS is a great major at Brandeis, if I do say so myself! As to your questions, self-inflating mats are much more comfortable and we do a considerable amount of camping. However, if you do not already own one, a regular mat works just fine, as most of the surfaces we camp on are sandy beaches.

    Camp chairs- It really varies depending on the student. Some people bring teeny fold up chairs, and other huge camp chairs. It seems like a pain to bring a bigger chair, but you do use these a lot. We have three main camping trips for several days at a time, in addition to monthly turtle monitoring trips. You will also use these chairs for field lectures away from campus. So, my long answer is it is a personal opinion. I would add the stool-like triangle chairs have often broken and been the least favorite chairs of students. Hope this helps! Anything else that comes up feel free to ask and I look forward to meeting you soon! Brady

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hey there,

    My name is Alicia Barlow and I am a biology major at Clark University. I'm not specifically interested in marine biology, but there are very few science-oriented abroad programs offered at Clark so I thought this would be fun. I'm really excited to meet everyone though, is anyone else flying out of Boston?

    Brady:
    Could you tell me how many students will be in this program? I'll have more questions later but I need to think about it...

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi! My name is Amelia Johnson and I'm a junior at the University of Pittsburgh. I'm majoring in Environmental Studies and love to swim! I'm really excited about studying in Mexico!

    Questions for everyone:
    1.What kind of sunscreen is everyone bringing? I've been thinking about buying biodegradable sunblock because my aunt showed me some articles on how sunscreens can harm coral reefs. Does anyone have suggestions on the need for biodegradable sunblock or any brand recommendations?

    2.What does everyone flight itinerary look like? I booked with the SFS travel agent and will be flying Baltimore-Charlotte-Mexico City-La Paz. Does anyone else transfer at these places?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Alicia,

    I can tell you about the student breakdown. We currently have a total of 15 students: 14 girls and 1 guy! I will be sending out a list of everyone's name and info sometime next week.

    Cheers,

    Jessica

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi! I'm Kimberly Schubert, a junior environmental science major at Maryland (College Park) who barely speaks a word of Spanish. I can't wait to meet all of you.

    I was wondering if bikinis are socially/culturally acceptable? Or should I invest in some one-piece suits? Have students preferred rolling suitcases or duffel bags?

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hi Amelia and Kimberly! I will answer your questions together...

    Biodegradable sunblock would be amazing of course, especially for one camping trip where we are snorkeling with coral reefs. However, it is by no means required since the majority of the swimming we do is not with coral reefs. Hawaiian Tropic carries a biodegradable sunscreen, and Burt's Bees has a chemical free 100% natural sunscreen as well.

    I know you didn't ask this, but it brought up the issue of biodegradable and I thought I would remind everyone to bring biodegradable or at least all natural soap, shampoo and conditioner. The waste water from our showers goes to the mangroves, so this is really important, and not available in town. Biodegradable laundry detergent is available in town and we will point out which one etc once you all arrive.

    As for the bikinis- most women in town wear their clothing in the water if they swim, however, they all know that in the US bikinis are very normal, and it should not be a problem. The majority of the time we are swimming we are not in front of people anyway, and to give you an idea, the female staff generally wear two-piece suits as well. We will talk more about culturally acceptable and unacceptable behavior once you are all in Puerto San Carlos. (ie- dont wear your bikini into town at night)

    A one piece is not a bad idea to bring if you already have it in case you swim at the local beach on your free time, but it is by no means necessary. For suitcases, the only time you really use them is to get to the center and to leave, possibly for mid-semester break as well. For camping trips a duffel or backpack works better, otherwise it is up to you!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hey everyone!
    I'm Emma Gildesgame, a junior environmental science major at Colby College in Maine. I love to dance, hike, and be outdoors, and can't wait to meet you all really soon!

    I'm flying out of Boston but I leave on the 1st and am staying overnight in LA. Anyone else leaving around then?

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hey Amelia, I'm flying out of BWI at 7:30am, but connecting to Houston, then arriving at La Paz at 5:20pm.
    Kim

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hey Kim! I fly out of BWI at 5:25am, so unfortunately we will miss each other. I'm arriving in La Paz at 5:30pm. Also, I only have a semester of Spanish, so we will be in a similar boat there.

    Brady: I have another question after reading Kim's post about swimsuit. How conservatively should we dress while in town? Should skirts cover our knees and should our shoulders be covered?

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Amelia,
    Skirts do not need to cover your knees, nor do shoulders need to be covered. Some people in Puerto San Carlos will dress more provocatively than you might in the US, BUT that does not mean we should. We already draw so much attention from people in town (especially from the opposite gender) that dressing smartly is important. Really short skirts are not a good idea, and the more provocative you dress, the more attention you will call to yourself. Tank tops are generally fine, although not skin tight low cut tank tops. Shorts are no problem, just use judgment. Students from past semesters have said they wish they had brought more nice clothes to go out in town with, so keep that in mind as well! Just be warned, you will be hang-drying all of your clothes in the Mexican sun so don't bring your most prized clothing :)

    I will be away from my computer for the afternoon, but if anyone has any more questions keep them coming and I will get back to them soon! I can't wait to meet you all in person, Brady

    ReplyDelete
  16. Kim,
    I will be flying out of Boston on the 2nd but I have a stop in Houston and I arrive in La Paz at 5:20 also, sounds like we're on the same flight!

    Alicia

    ReplyDelete
  17. I'm the only guy? I guess this means I get my own place at the site, haha. That's cool though, I grew up with two sisters in a neighborhood where my parents had us in by dusk, so this will be nothing new.

    I think I'm flying out of New York or Philadelphia, I'm getting the itinerary from Advantage Travel on Monday. Anyone else leaving from either place?

    We need to be in La Paz on the 2nd by what time?


    -The only guy

    ReplyDelete
  18. The only guy,

    •All students are required to meet the faculty and staff at the airport in La Paz, the designated point of arrival, no later than 5:45 PM on February 2, 2009. When making arrangements for departing travel, you should plan to depart the La Paz Airport no earlier than 6:30 AM on May 6, 2009.

    Not to worry, Advantage Travel knows our restricted times and has it under control.

    Cheers,

    Jessica

    ReplyDelete
  19. Hey guys! I'm Meredith Cavanaugh, I'm a junior at Franklin and Marshall College in PA and am majoring in Environmental Studies and hope to get involved in marine biology after undergrad.

    Can't wait to meet everyone!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Hi everyone!

    I'm Cynthia Everitt. I'm a junior at Hollins University in Roanoke, VA. I'm majoring in Biology and hope to go to vet school after I graduate. I love to play guitar, spend time outdoors, hiking, camping, fishing, rock climbing, and more!

    I can't wait to meet everyone! See you all soon! :)

    ReplyDelete
  21. My name is Shahla Farzan and I'm a junior at Mount Holyoke College. I can't believe our program is so small - I'm really looking forward to getting to know all of you!

    I'm leaving JFK on Feb 2 at 9 AM and arriving in Mexico City around 2 PM. If you're going to be on that flight, let me know!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hey all! I'm Madeline Emde, I'm a junior at the College of New Jersey and it looks like I will be the lone Political Science major in the program : )

    It's nice to hear everyone is as excited and unsure about what to pack as I am.

    Is anyone else flying out from Newark, NJ?

    ReplyDelete
  23. Hello, this is Kim again. I thought of a bunch of questions: My mom wants to know the date(s) of visiting day and spring break. Do we have to leave the center during spring break (I'm definitely traveling, but I was curious)? Are wetsuit gloves necessary?

    What is everyone planning for spring break??

    ReplyDelete
  24. hey kim,
    i know we have to leave for spring break, but i dont think the dates have been announced yet. jessica? and i think that visiting day is the day after the break ends, but that's not positive.
    spring break: cabo...who's in?

    -pat

    ReplyDelete
  25. Hi everyone,

    It is great to hear from more people!

    -Mid-semester break dates have not been finalized yet because our camping trips and activities depend on the tides. We will let you know the exact dates asap, but it usually falls on what would be March 18-22 this year. I will keep you posted. The visiting day is Monday after break ends and parents are welcome to partake in activities and classes that day. As Pat said students are required to leave campus for mid-semester break, and don't worry, you will have plenty of time to figure out where you want to go, with whom etc once you are in Puerto San Carlos. I can also share previous student experience, and you will have a chance to see some of the places you might be considering as well.


    -Wetsuit gloves are not necessary (unless of course you get hypothermic very easily).

    Keep the questions coming! If you want more specifics on anything program related just let me know (more packing questions, rules, break, classes, living situation, schedule etc).

    Tambien, ahora seria un buen momento para empezar de practicar su espanol! Solo falta un poco mas de tres semanas, hasta muy pronto, Brady Wheatley

    ReplyDelete
  26. Hello again,

    I just want to let you all know that we have confirmed mid-semester break dates and it will be March 18-22, making visitors' day March 23rd!

    Brady

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hey Brady,
    What about class texts? I heard that there's a course packet online that we can also get a physical copy of?

    -Pat

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hey Pat,

    That is accurate, all of the materials will be available online, or hard copies will be available to share. You will also have the option of purchasing a course packet printed out for each class, it will be your personal choice (some smaller groups of students have sometimes shared, others have bought their own, others just read online) Each course pack costs generally between $5-$30 USD, but usually on the lower end.

    Brady

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hi Brady! Quick question, by any chance can we purchase biodegradable soap, shampoo and conditioner in town?

    Thanks,
    Cynthia

    ReplyDelete
  30. Hi Cynthia,

    As I said above we unfortunately cannot get it in town, sorry!

    Brady

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hey Everyone!

    My name is Monica Joshi and I am a junior at Swarthmore College in PA. I’m a Biology major and am pre-vet (just like Cynthia!). The goal is to become a veterinarian and specialize in marine animals.

    I’m really looking forward to meeting all of you and I can’t wait to start the semester!
    Oh, and I’ll be flying out of Reagan National Airport at 6:00 AM since I live right outside of DC.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Hi Shahla (and everyone else)! I arrive in Mexico City at 12:44pm, but then I don't fly out until 4:10pm. Is that when you fly out too?

    What is everyone doing about phone service? I am not planning on making a lot of phone calls at all, but I was going to meet up with my boyfriend in La Paz at the end of the program and thought a cell phone would be a good thing to have in this situation. Is anyone else thinking about bringing their cell phone? Or have people brought them in the past? I was just going to leave it turned off the whole time until the end if I did bring it.

    And I'm up for any spring break traveling!

    -Amelia

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi Amelia,

    I would recommend getting Skype for making calls, you can call anyone else who has internet and downloads the program for free in any country. You can also pay a really small fee to call from your computer to a landline or cell phone. I plan to use this for all of my communication while I'm there.

    Also, Cabo sounds great, but I would go anywhere!

    Alicia

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'm going to bring my cell phone, just in case. (mostly to make my Mom happy in case of emergency...) I have verizon and apparently chances are good that we'll have service, but there will just be ridiculous roaming charges. I'm planning on just using skype, which has worked really well to talk to friends who are abroad already. I'd definitely recommend it!

    As for spring break, Cabo would be great, but would anyone be interested in finding somewhere to get SCUBA certified? I've SCUBAed a few times and love it, and have been meaning to get certified for years... If we could find somewhere to do it, who else would be in?

    Also, does anyone know what the internet connection is going to be like/how often we'll be able to use it? I'm most likely bringing my computer--is anyone else?

    Can't wait to meet you all!

    Emma

    ReplyDelete
  35. Hey All! My name is Lizzie McNamee. I am an junior at Boston University majoring in marine sciences on the pre-vet track. I love everything to do with the outdoors, but especially swimming.

    I am wicked excited to meet all of you in a few short weeks!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hey Emma! I am already SCUBA certified, but I am definitely going to find somewhere to dive during the break!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Thanks for the skype advice Alicia and Emma! And Emma-I'm also bringing my computer.

    -Amelia

    ReplyDelete
  38. Hi everyone,

    Just to clarify a few things communications wise since questions seem to be coming up...

    We do have wireless DSL at the center, but keep in mind, it is a remote town in Mexico so please have patience with the internet. It is usually pretty good, but if everyone is on skype at once the whole network can shut down, which is no fun. In the past most students have brought laptops, but there are also 5 student desktops available for students to share.

    In addition there is a student lounge landline that people can call you on, and since it is a landline it is usually pretty inexpensive from the US if they get a calling card. There are also 2 student cell phones that when you go into town you can bring to call for a ride back to the center if need be or emergency etc. Those cell phones are pay as you go phones, so if students use them for personal use we just ask that you replace the minutes in town.

    US cell phones often have service in Puerto San Carlos, however roaming charges are expensive depending on your plan.

    Brady

    ReplyDelete
  39. Hello all!

    It looks like everyone is asking great questions! I just wanted to let you all know that there will not be sea kayaking during Spring semester. I know I had mentioned to some of you that there would be, but this has changed. I hope everyone is doing well!

    Best,

    Jessica

    ReplyDelete
  40. Hey guys,

    I'm Alyssa Irizarry, and I'm a junior at Tufts University majoring in Environmental Studies and Art History. I can't wait to meet everyone - so soon!

    Madeline, I'll be flying out of Newark as well!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Hey everyone!

    I'm definitely up for Cabo as well as any other ideas. Also, I'm SCUBA certified already so I would definitely love to go on some diving trips with whoever is up for it! :)

    I have Verizon too and decided to use it only in emergencies since the roaming charges are so expensive. I figured I would just use a webcam and instant messenger to talk to family.

    Can't wait to see you all soon,
    Cynthia

    ReplyDelete
  42. What's up guys. I'm Alisha Cahlan and I go to Williams College in MA. What drew me to this program, other than the environmental aspect, is the Hispanic culture. I love that we get to work so closely with the community and those darn cute kids. Oh and I love the water, but have never gone camping before so I really look forward to attempt roughing it. I'm flying from Vegas to LAX and getting into La Paz at 2:40 pm.

    Questions:
    1) 2 pieces of luggage, right? (including out camping backpacks?)
    2) And how much can each piece weigh?

    Ahh so excited to meet all of you. We're gonna have good times.

    ReplyDelete
  43. Hi!

    My name is Caroline Walz, and I'm also from Hollins University. I'm majoring in Biology and International Studies. I'm looking forward to meeting everyone!

    I have had SCUBA diving lessons, but haven't been certified in open water yet...

    ReplyDelete
  44. Hi Alisha,

    For luggage most airlines now allow 1 piece of luggage and the second is $15, although check with your airline because it is an international flight sometimes you are allowed 2 at no extra cost. The normal allowed weight is 50 lbs per bag, but again, if you check on your airline's website it should have more information. In terms of camping backpacks they are just like a normal suitcase for traveling purposes. I look forward to meeting you soon, Brady

    ReplyDelete
  45. Correction:We have 16 students, 15 girls and one guy.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Hi Brady,

    Do you know how much rain boots would cost if I buy them in town? And we can also buy notebooks for class in town too right?

    Thanks,
    Alicia

    ReplyDelete
  47. Hi Alicia,
    I am not actually sure how much rain boots would cost. We have a few extra at the center, but in town I would imagine they run about $20 USD, more or less. The fishermen in town use them as well so they are sold in town at the hardware store.

    Notebooks are readily available in town as well!
    Brady

    ReplyDelete
  48. Hi Amelia,
    I just checked my schedule and I'm going to arrive in Mexico City at 1:53. I think we'll be on the same flight to La Paz though (leaving at 4:10?) I'll be the one with the giant backpack!

    - Shahla

    ReplyDelete
  49. Hi Shahla,

    Oh yay! I too will have a giant backpack!

    Since we can't sea kayak during the semester, maybe we could do some of that over our spring break? Or go to Cabo. Or do anything else!

    And two question for Brady:

    1. Can we buy things like pens and pencils/general school supplies in town too?

    2. The packing list says to bring a bottle of sunscreen per month. I bought 6 oz. sized bottles-is that about how much people have gone through per month in the past?

    -Amelia

    ReplyDelete
  50. Hey Amelia,
    There is a school supply store in town, so that stuff is easy to get.
    For spring semester 6 oz bottles should be fine, and if necessary you can buy some more in La Paz or use some that previous students have left behind!

    I hope everyone is enjoying break! See you soon, Brady

    ReplyDelete
  51. Hey Alisha I'll be flying from LAX to LaPaz and getting there at 240, you on AS-2603 by any chance?

    I'm flying to LAX from JFK at 7am
    -Pat

    ReplyDelete
  52. Brady (or anyone else)-

    Do you have any recommendations for snorkel gear? Everything I have used in the past has been either rented or crappy quality. I'd like to buy something reliable for this trip, but something that I can also use in the future, but there are countless brands to choose from.

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  53. The most important thing is that the mask fits your face, some stores will let you try them on, others wont. The mask should be airtight without needing the strap. If you can't try it on, at least hold it up to your face to try to get an idea.

    The actual snorkel depends on what you are looking for, often the simpler kind without the fancy contraption for breathing end up having less problems, but really either one is perfectly fine. The flippers just need to fit your feet, and make sure you ask if they are flippers that require booties. If they are, they usually are not sold together (I have seen many students show up without booties and had some trouble keeping their flippers on)

    In terms of brand name or anything like that, maybe other students have a preference, but I have found that price does not really equal quality, it is more just about the fit! Hope that helps a little, and I am sure some of these SCUBA people have more information, Brady

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hi Alyssa! I tend to buy most of my scuba stuff from the website leisurepro.com You can buy full snorkel packages for pretty cheap, but very good quality.

    ReplyDelete
  55. Hello! I'm a huge fan of reading, so I was wondering if the library includes some novels? If everyone brought a couple books, we could all trade and share.
    Pat, I google-imaged "Cabo" and it looks amazing. Does Route 1 stay along the coast all the way to Cabo? That would be a pretty drive.
    Kim
    P.S. Only 17 more days!!

    ReplyDelete
  56. Hi guys, there are some books past students have left, but it is a great idea to bring a few and trade! Likewise with movies.

    I know you will have plenty of time to plan your spring break once you are there, but I do want to let you know that most past students have preferred all other locations over Cabo, and I will show you their reviews of mid semester break once that gets closer! (There are 2 ways to get to Cabo, one on the Western Coast and one on the Eastern) There are some really beautiful places in Baja to explore, and I am looking forward to a great semester! Brady

    ReplyDelete
  57. Hi everyone,
    Just a packing tip I thought I would pass along. It is a very real possibility that your luggage may arrive one-three days after you (usually one or two students a semester have this happen) so make sure to pack some clothes and any necessities in your carry on- toothbrush, pjs, clean shirt etc. If this does happen we will be sure to make sure you have everything you need to stay comfortable and get through the fist couple of days. And don't fret, I have never seen someone's luggage be permanently lost, just delayed! Hopefully this won't happen to anyone this semester, but it is always better to be prepared just in case!

    See you all in a few weeks, Brady

    ReplyDelete
  58. Pat,

    Yeah! I am. Sweeet. See you then

    -Alisha

    ReplyDelete
  59. Hello.
    My mom wants to know more about visitor day. Would she need to provide her own transportation from the airport to the center? Are anyone else's parents planning to visit? And spring break- should I just wait until I get to Baja to worry about it?
    Thanks,
    Kim

    ReplyDelete
  60. Hi Kim,
    Your mom would need to provide her own transportation from the airport to the center. Usually parents who visit come down for mid-semester break and then travel back to Puerto San Carlos with you for that Sunday night and spend Monday with us for visitors' day. If your parents are anxious to plan break if they are coming you may want to start making basic plans, especially airline tickets, but I do encourage you to consider more places than Cabo. Most students who have gone to Cabo for break have told me they wished they had traveled to one of the other beautiful places in the peninsula instead. I will have more information for you once we get there, and there will be plenty of time for you to plan your break once in Mexico. If you have any other questions, let me know! Brady

    ReplyDelete
  61. Hi! Really excited to see everyone in a week!

    I have one quick question for Brady: what is our storage like at the center? Do we have a dresser and/or a closet? And if a closet are there clothes hangers? If not, can one get clothes hangers easily in town?

    Kim: I too like to read! I am currently conflicted about what books I am going to bring, but I think it's going to be Huck Finn and Don Quixote.

    ReplyDelete
  62. Hello! For storage at the center, you will each have a lofted bed with a desk area under it with shelves to store your clothing on. There are not closets, but clothes hangers are easy to find in town. Student in the past have created a little make-shift closet in their cabin, and this semester there will only be 3 students to a cabin, leaving a fourth space empty in each cabin in case you want to store your suitcases or such there! (And of course Patrick you will have ample space being the only guy)See you all in one week! Brady

    ReplyDelete
  63. Hey Brady,

    I have a question about my sleeping bag. I suppose it is what you would call an "old school" sleeping bag, and it's not really compact. Is that going to be an issue for our camping trips, because I'm curious if we're going to hike to the sites with everything or are some of the things taken to our camp site separately?

    let me know, thanks.

    Pat

    ReplyDelete
  64. Hi Brady,

    Is it best to bring a debit card for this trip? As opposed to travelers checks or credit cards?

    Thanks,
    Alicia

    ReplyDelete
  65. Hey Pat and Alicia-

    For your sleeping bag that is fine, dont worry. We are never backpacking to sites, we are always in vans or boats to get there so it shouldnt be a problem at all!

    For money, I use a debit card and most students have found that the easiest. Travelers checks are not very easy to cash and sometimes require that you personally are at the bank, whereas for a debit card a staff member can easily take money out for you if they are going to Consti. Credit cards are not accepted in Puerto San Carlos, and usually have an international fee. For hotels for break and such sometimes credit cards are nice, but make sure to check with your bank for fees first.

    If you plan to use your ATM card, call your bank before you go to let them know you will be traveling to Mexico so that they don't close your account when you are suddenly taking out money from another country. You also might want to ask about the fee for withdrawing money (ie- my bank charges me $5, so I just take out larger amounts of money less frequently. I have a safe in my office that you can store money and passports in)

    Hope that helps! Right now the sun is coming up over campus and it looks like another beautiful day here! See you all soon, and I will be happy to answer any last minute questions, Brady

    ReplyDelete
  66. Hi again,

    If you get this, will there be a place for me to exchange US money once I get to San Carlos? Or maybe I could do it in the airport? I was thinking of bringing extra cash with me so I wouldn't have to keep taking it out once I get there.

    Alicia

    ReplyDelete
  67. Hi Alicia,
    Exchanging money can be done at any bank in La Paz or in Constitucion (the nearby city). It is equally convenient as an atm card, only then you have a lot of cash on you so you wouldnt want to lose it! See you tomorrow! Brady

    ReplyDelete
  68. Good, very good! ! ! Thank you to let me see these articles and pictures, it's cool, I'm very excited, which to me is incredibly, I finally found the soul mate and your works not only real, and vivid! I love to see you as soon as possible, hope you update of work!!!replica fossil watches

    ReplyDelete