Sunday, December 13, 2015

Becoming an East Coaster for the Summer

After finishing up year 1 of graduate school, I packed up and moved to Vermont for the Summer to attend the Middlebury Language School, but not without a sprinkling of adventure to make the trip worth while.



Began the Summer relaxing in Napa



Frog's Leap Winery 



Yosemite National Park 






Here begins my journey. We met in West Virginia and drove through WV, Virginia, Delaware, NY, and New Hampshire to get to Middlebury, VT. Only 6 states left at this point until I reach my 50 state goal! Here is the New River Gorge Bridge-- a massive suspension bridge outside of Fayetteville, WV.




Taking a stroll to the James River in Richmond, VA


Colonial Williamsburg: Finally made it after listening to Dr. Schrupp talking about this place since 6th grade





Virginia Beach, VA with pink hair 



On the border of Vermont and New Hampshire





Really intriguing bridge and waterfall in Middlebury


Lookout point atop the Snake Trail


MIDD garden


Ben and Jerry's factory-- I was eating Colbert's Americone Dream



I understand why they are called the Green Mountains 


A MIDD sunset


16 mile day hike on the TAM


Celebrated the birthday at Acadia National Park in Maine




The iconic Maine photograph-- near Portland, ME


Ended the trip in New Hampshire for a few relaxing days on the lake 



And here I am on a normal day in Monterey hanging with my buddies on the pier!

Saturday, December 12, 2015

Pocos Viajes en La Tierra del Espanol

I am very fortunate to have traveled to Peru, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic in the last year.

Dominican Republic:
Quick getaway during winter break, 2014.



Many a beach


Checking out local markets which host a wide variety of my favorite-- tomatoes






Local fisherman 

Trying out some handed rolled cigars



















Peru:
I was working on a research project based in the Peruvian Highlands (outside of Cuzco) with agriculture and indigenous Quechua speaking populations.


The MIIS/MIDD research team 





A local food staple




In the field 


Local market



Trying the "home brew," an ancient corn beer called Chicha 



Celebrating the final crop harvest of the season 



Authentic puppy love 



Maras Salt Flats, Maras, Peru



On cloud nine at Machu Picchu 


Alpaca Love <3<3<3



















Mexico:
Used some miles to get down to PV-- checked out some scuba diving and beaches 



La Zona Romantica, PV, Mexico