Presented by: Black Student Association The Ohio State University. MUNDO The Ohio State University

Transcription

1 Presented by: Black Student Association The Ohio State University MUNDO The Ohio State University

2 2 The Puerto Rico Experience 2015 Getting Started Contents: Getting Started Page 2 About the Experience Page 3 Experience Learning Objectives and Itinerary Page 4 Helpful Information Page 8 Emergency Phone Number/Text: (614) (Julius Mayo) Accommodations: Holiday Inn Express San Juan (Cll Mariano Ramirez Bages, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico; ph. (787) ) Melia Ponce Hotel (Cristina Street #75, PR Ponce, Puerto Rico; ph. (800) ) Air Transportation provided by: United Airlines Substance Free Policy: The Puerto Rico Experience is a substance-free (no tobacco, alcohol, etc.) for all participants regardless of age.

3 3 The Puerto Rico Experience 2015 About this Experience: The Puerto Rico experience (March 16-23, 2015) will provide a hands-on look at life in the Caribbean in terms of multicultural histories and legacies as well as the ecological resources represented by the diversity of life found on the region. The program is designed to take a closer look at how many different cultures have come together to create an island full of history, resources, and vibrancy! Highlights of the experience will include tours of major Puerto Rican cities, a tour of the Bioluminescent Bay, a sampling of local foods, service opportunities, a visit to El Yunque Rainforest, and much more. We will be staying at hotels in San Juan and Ponce, Puerto Rico. The 2015 Puerto Rico Experience resulted from a unique and exciting collaboration between the Black Student Association (BSA), the Multicultural Understanding through Nontraditional Discovery Opportunities (MUNDO) Learning Program, and OSU Student Life Facilities Energy Management and Sustainability About the Collaborators: Black Student Association: Members of the OSU Residence Life Black Student Association at The Ohio State University work to promote diversity, encourage leadership, work for equal justice, offer assistance to those in need, provide activities and strengthen the bonds between students in the African American community. Jasmine Hamilton and Quantá Taylor are will be serving as staff leaders from BSA. MUNDO: (Pronounced MOON-DOUGH) is a Residence Life Learning program and student organization designed to help any interested OSU student learn more about how to integrate community engagement, experiential learning, and residential leadership into their college experience as a way to make a difference in local, national and international communities. Julius Mayo and Leslie Robinson will be serving as staff leaders from MUNDO. The MUNDO student and staff ACTION TEAM planning committee was comprised of: Athena Ermidis, Ryan Mouncey, Moe Samad, Jailyn Soto-Quintana, Nahila Sharif, and Brittany Spaeth. OSU Student Life Facilities Energy Management and Sustainability: is an OSU Student Life office committed to engaging the University and our surrounding community in an effort to promote environmental sustainability practices and to align the Office of Student Life with the following OSU principles and practices as were put forth by the University initially in October, 2006: waste management, energy management, resource conservation, campus planning and design, stakeholder well-being, sustainability awareness, sustainability education and research. Carlos Lugo will be serving as a staff leader from Student Life Facilities Management and Sustainability.

4 4 The Puerto Rico Experience 2015 Learning Objectives and Itinerary Learning Objectives for the Experience Compare and contrast preconceptions and realities of Puerto Rican life in terms of tourism, cultural norms, poverty and hunger, and sustainability in economic practices Give examples of differences in cultural perceptions of native Puerto Ricans and those living abroad in the continental United States Discuss how voluntourism detracts from the goal of creating sustainable social change Explore the significance of African influences on the histories and legacies of Puerto Rico and the Caribbean Itinerary Monday, March 16, 2015 Departure 4:30 AM CABS Pick-up from the Ohio Union 4:45 AM CABS Pick-up from behind Archer House 5:00 AM CABS Pick-up from the Drake Event Center 5:15 AM CABS departure for Port Columbus Airport/Distribution of Airport Snacks 6:00 AM CABS arrival at Port Columbus 7:30 AM Flight UA245 to O Hare International Airport in Chicago (ORD) 9:15 AM Flight UA 1688 from O Hare(ORD) in Chicago to San Juan (SJU) 3:00 PM Arrival in San Juan (SJU) 3:15 PM Pick up from Rico Sun Tours (RST) and transfer to Holiday Inn Express San Juan (Cll

5 5 Mariano Ramirez Bages, San Juan, 00907, Puerto Rico; ph. (787) ) 4:15 PM Group Check-in to Holiday Inn Express Welcome to Puerto Rico Merienda (light snack) and Orientation 6:30 PM Group Exploration (Dinner on your own) Tuesday, March 17, 2015 Histories & Legacies of San Juan 8:00 AM Breakfast in the Hotel 8:45 AM Meet for Departure for the day (Hotel Lobby) 9:00 AM Begin Tour of Old San Juan 1:00 PM Lunch at El Patio de Sam (102 Calle San Sebastián, San Juan, 00901, Puerto Rico; ph ) 5:00 PM Tour Concludes Evening Group Exploration (Dinner on your own) Rest/ACTION TEAM buys dinner/lunch for upcoming days Wednesday, March 18, 2015 Nuestra Tierra 8:00 AM Breakfast in the Hotel 8:45 AM Group Explorations 11:00 AM Lunch (On Your Own) 12:45 PM Meet for Departure for the day, and to pick up sack meal (Hotel Lobby) 1:00 PM Depart for the Caribbean National Rain Forest (El Yunque) 4:30 PM Depart for Las Croabas Beach (in Fajardo)/ Light Dinner in Area (Provided by Program) 8:00 PM Kayak experience at Las Croabas (featuring Bioluminescent Lagoon) 10:00 PM Meet for Departure 11:00 PM Return to Hotel Evening Rest Thursday, March 19, 2015 Reflections 6:00 AM Breakfast in the Hotel 6:45 AM Meet for departure for Banco de Alimentos Puerto Rico

6 6 7:00 AM Depart for Banco de Alimentos Puerto Rico 8:00 AM Volunteer work at the Banco de Alimentos Puerto Rico (Corujo Industrial Park, Hato Tejas, Bayamón, Puerto Rico, ph ) All participants will need to wear comfortable jeans that go to the knees. Open toe shoes are not allowed for safety reasons. Comfortable cotton t-shirts are recommended, but nothing tight or that shows cleavage. 11:55 AM Service Project Concludes 12:00 PM Brown Bag Lunch/Depart for La Hacienda Esperanza (Reservation ) 1:00 PM Tour of La Hacienda Esperanza Begins (ph. (787) ) 3:00 PM Depart for Hotel Evening Dinner on Your Own/Pack for Departure Friday, March 20, 2015 Looking Back, Moving Forward 7:00 AM Breakfast in the Hotel/Bring Luggage down for check-out 7:45 AM Finalize Group Check-out 8:00 AM Depart for Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park 9:00 AM Arrive at Caguana Park 9:30 AM Tour and explore Caguana Park 11:00 AM Depart for San German 11:45 AM Tour of San German 1:00 PM Group Lunch at La Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico - Recinto de San German (Cll Comerio Luna, San Germán, 00683, Puerto Rico; ph ) 2:15 PM Meet for Departure 2:30 PM Depart for Ponce 3:45 PM Arrive at Melia Ponce Hotel (Cristina Street #75, PR Ponce, Puerto Rico; ph. (800) ) Evening Group Exploration/Dinner on Your Own /Rest Saturday, March 21, 2015 Histories and Legacies of Ponce 8:00 AM Breakfast in the Hotel 9:45 AM Meet to depart for the day

7 7 10:00 AM Depart for La Guancha (Gateway to the Caribbean) 11:30 AM Lunch in the Area 12:45 PM Depart for Ponce 1:30 PM Afternoon Tour 5:00 PM Depart for Hotel 5:30 PM Group Reflection Evening Dinner on Your Own/Rest/ Pack for Departure Sunday, March 22, 2015 Departures 8:00 AM Breakfast in the Hotel 8:45 AM Group Exploration 11:30 AM Bring Luggage to Lobby 12:00 PM Depart for San Juan 1:30 PM Arrive in Holiday Inn Express San Juan (Store bags in two rooms) 2:00 PM Group Explorations/Lunch on your own 7:00 PM Optional Group Dinner (confirm with staff leaders on Friday, March 20, 2015) 10:45 PM Meet in Hotel with Bags to depart 11:00 PM Depart for San Juan Airport 12:00 AM Arrive at Airport Monday, March 23, 2015 The Journey Home 1:00 AM Group I departs on UA1671 to Chicago (ORD) 5:24 AM Group I arrives in Chicago (ORD) 6:00 AM Group I departs Chicago (ORD) for Columbus (CMH) 8:14 AM Group I arrives in Columbus (CMH) 2:35 AM Group II departs on UA1653 to Washington, D.C. Dulles Airport (IAD) 6:40 AM Group II arrives in Dulles Airport 8:30 AM Group II departs Dulles Airport (IAD) for Columbus (CMH) 9:50 AM Group II arrives in Buckeye Country/Thank Pilot Morning CABS buses take groups back to OSU

8 8 The Puerto Rico Experience 2015 Helpful Information Getting Ready: What should we pack? o Comfortable Walking Shoes o Lighter clothing (think late summer) o Sunglasses/Sunscreen (if applicable) o Longer pants/at least one longer-sleeved shirt (especially for the rainforest, shorts and short-sleeves are OK on other days) o Flip flops (for the shower) o Camera o Medications o Insect repellant o Light Snacks (no liquids in carry-on, OK for the checked bags) Getting There: Will there be a fee to check bags? o Yes, there is a $25 bag check fee for the first bag, and a $35 fee for the second checked bag o Note: Carry-on bags and handheld items are FREE Liquids, gels and aerosols--the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) allows each traveler to carry on liquids, gels and aerosols in containers of 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less, inside a single quart-size (liter-size) clear, sealable bag. On the Island: Is there a time difference on the island? o Yes, Puerto Rico is 1-hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time (EST) which Columbus, OH is on. What service project will be doing in PR? o We will be working at a food bank or similar site for service, but will be also be focusing on the cultural histories and legacies of Indigenous Peoples, Africans, and Europeans in the region as well through site visits, community interactions, and activities Is there any cool wildlife native to Puerto Rico? o The Coquí is the common name for several species of small frogs in the Eleutherodactylus genus that are endemic to Puerto Rico. (Wikipedia) Will we be interacting/free to interact with the Puerto Rican people? Or mostly tour guides? El coquí

9 9 o The experience planners are working to provide various opportunities to meet with local Puerto Ricans both before and during the in- Puerto Rico experience What foods are popular in Puerto Rico? o Rice, beans, plantains, pork, seafood, beef, avocados, fruits (bananas, mangos, coconut), coffee. In San Juan there are restaurants from many nationalities, plus all the fast food chains from the mainland. o Mofongo (Spanish pronunciation: [moˈfoŋɡo]) is a fried plantain-based dish from Puerto Rico. It is typically made with fried green plantains mashed together in a pilón (which consists of a wooden mortar and pestle), with broth, garlic, olive oil, and pork cracklings (Chicharrón) or bits of bacon. It can be filled withvegetables, chicken, crab, shrimp, or beef and is often served with fried meat and chicken broth soup. [1] Mofongo relleno is mofongo served with stewed meat or seafood poured over it. (Wikipedia) What are good places to interact with locals? o Shopping areas, universities, anything away from the hotel areas. What are some helpful local phrases to know? o Hola hello o Buenos dias- good morning o Buenas tardes good afternoon o Buenas noches good evening o Por favor please o Donde esta el baño? - where is the restroom o La cuenta por favor the bill please o Gracias thank you o De nada- you re welcome o Habla ingles? - do you speak English? What will I need to prepare myself for the rainforest hike? o Comfortable shoes, light, long-sleeved shirt, jeans recommended, comfortable shoes that will be good to walk for a couple of hours at a leisure pace. The trails are well marked and kept, and people of all ages use them. Returning Home: Please be on time to make sure the group is able to travel quickly and together! There will be CABS buses to take both groups back to campus after they arrive in Columbus (one earlier and one later bus)

10 10 Highlights from the Experience (Provided by RST Travel): Old San Juan-- Old San Juan, the second oldest city in the new hemisphere. Travel back centuries and discover our fascinating history. This beautiful old city remains largely as it did 300 to 400 years ago. Over 400 restored 16th- and 17th-century Spanish colonial buildings make this city a magical place to visit. Its narrow streets are covered with blue cobblestones. These cobbles were used as ballast on the empty Spanish trade ships. The ballast was unloaded when the ships were filled with sugar cane produced in Puerto Rico. Our first stop will be San Cristobal Fort, which in colonial times protected the island from enemy attacks. Walk through of the impressive fortress along with a guide for minutes. Walk the blue, grayish cobblestone streets and feel the magic of the San Jose Church, Plaza San José, La Rogativa El Yunque National Rain Forest-- Caribbean National Rain Forest, known as El Yunque, is the only tropical forest in the United States National Forest System. Its rugged land climbs from almost sea level to about 3,500 feet above sea level and is doused with up to 200 inches of rain every year. Nowhere in the world will your eyes observe a greater wealth of beauty than what is waiting for you in the rain forest. According to ancient Indian legend, the good spirit "Yuquiyu" reigned on his mighty mountain top throne, protecting Puerto Rico and its people. Many of the sights you will see today are the same as those that dazzled the first Spanish Explorers more than 500 years ago. You'll see 1,000 year-old trees, strange plants with exotic rainbow colored flowers, and thick vines with great masses of lush red blossoms waving in the cool breeze. From the heart of this breathtaking beauty you'll hear the incessant, yet delightful tow-note chanting of the "Coqui," the chattering of unseen tropical birds and, if you re lucky, the squawk of the endangered Puerto Rican Parrot. Las Croabas Beach (Bioluminescent Bay)-- Our excursion continues to Las Croabas beach in the town of Fajardo where guests will experience a natural wonder. This kayak tour at sunset that lead to the fascinating lagoon at Las Cabezas de San Juan Reserve. Under the blanket of the night sky and the historical lighthouse of Fajardo, you can touch the waters that glow with the bioluminescence organism. It s an unforgettable experience only available in 5 lagoons in the world and Puerto Rico holds 3 of those lagoons. Caguana Park/San German/Ponce-- Caguana Indigenous Ceremonial Park in the town of Utuado. You will learn about the people who lived in Puerto Rico (or Boriken as they called it) prior to the arrival of the Spanish. In this a small area, archaeologists have uncovered many artifacts, petroglyphs and a number of stone-lined areas. Many years later, after further excavations, research and preservation, this area (now operated by the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture) is said to be one of the most important Taino-culture archaeological sites in the Antilles today. Our tour continues to San German, one of the most beautiful towns in Puerto Rico. The beautiful historic pueblo of San German is perched on green mountains that overlook the neighboring town of Lajas and houses Porta Coeli, one of the oldest churches in the Americas. San German is unique for its Old World architecture and the home town of many famous poets and actors of Puerto Rico. By visiting this town you ll get to see a city that resembles the Old San Juan Area. Our tour continues with a visit to Plaza Las Delicias, Ponce Cathedral and the historic and colorful Ponce Firehouse museum. Group can also visit the Serrallés Castle originally the residence for the Serrallés family, owners of the world famous rum distillery that produces Don Q Puerto Rican Rum, the sprawling estate is now one of Ponce s most visited sites. The building, erected during the 1930 s, was designed by Puerto Rican architect Pedro Adolfo De Castro with Spanish and Arabic flourishes, using the Spanish Colonial Revival Style popularized in the United States at the time. In the evening guests can also visit La Guancha Boardwalk.