Janelle Diller's Blog, page 9

Mystery of the Lazy Loggerhead Is Here!

It’s officially launch day!

If you’re looking for a spooky mystery in time for Halloween, Mystery of the Lazy Loggerhead is here!

Sofia and Júlia visit the coast of Brazil. It’s fun in the sun until they notice mysterious markings in the golden sands. Someone or something is after the loggerhead sea turtles. But why? It’s up to Sofia and Júlia to uncover the truth before it’s too late.

If you haven’t read the first book in the Pack-n-Go Girls Brazil Adventures, Mystery of the Troubled Toucan, don’t miss it. It’s a 2016 CIPA EVVY award winner. You don’t have to read them in order though . . .

Nine-year-old Sofia Diaz’s world is coming apart. So is the rickety old boat that carries her far up the Rio Negro river in Brazil. Crocodiles swim in the dark waters. Spiders scurry up the twisted tree trunks. And a crazy toucan screeches a warning. It chases Sofia and Júlia, her new friend, deep into the steamy rainforest. There they stumble upon a shocking discovery.

And we’ve got plenty of other mysteries to spook you through Halloween, to give thanks for through Thanksgiving, and to merrily read through Christmas. Check them all out on Amazon or on our website.

Now is also a great time to remind everyone that Pack-n-Go Girls Adventures are not just for girls. Boys love the series as well because there’s plenty of adventure. They’re great mysteries with lots of fun stuff like like dolphins, sea turtles, toucans, jungles, and boats! So if you haven’t thought about Pack-n-Go Girls for the boys in your life, give it a try.

Last but not least, if you’re planning a fall trip, don’t forget your Pack-n-Go Girls Color Your World coloring book. This coloring book takes your young artist to Austria, Brazil, Mexico, and Thailand along with the Pack-n-Go Girls. With 70 pages filled with entertaining activities and engaging illustrations to color, it’s the perfect way to keep busy in a car, on a train, on a plane, or just out to dinner.

We are so happy to have you along on our adventures around the world.

Happy Travels and Happy Reading!

Read & Craft: Halloween Edition

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s a great time to read a ghostly mystery and create some halloween decorations...

Read & Craft: Halloween Edition

With Halloween just around the corner, it’s a great time to read a ghostly mystery and create some halloween decorations to go along with it.

Read

Take a trip to a haunted castle in Austria and solve Mystery of the Ballerina Ghost with Brooke and Eva.

Nine-year-old Brooke Mason has lived all her life on a ranch in the Colorado Rockies. Now she’s headed to Austria with her mom. Brooke can’t wait! They even get to stay in Schloss Mueller, an ancient Austrian castle. Even better? There’s a girl Brooke’s age to play with! Eva, the girl who lives in Schloss Mueller is thrilled to meet Brooke. Unfortunately, the castle’s ghost isn’t quite so happy.

And if you want to read more mysteries, check out the second and third books in the Austria adventures, Mystery of the Secret Room and Mystery at the Christmas Market.

We always like to bring all the senses to a reading expedition, so pair Mystery of the Ballerina Ghost with a ghostly craft activity.

Craft

After reading a few chapters, take a break and create your own ghost. It’s fun, it’s easy, and you probably already have all the supplies you need.

Supplies

A square of white material

Cottonball

Marker or Sharpie

String for hanging

Step One

Wrap the material around the cotton ball.

Step Two

Tie the string around the neck and tie a knot. Then tie the string at the top to form a hangar.

Step Three

Use the sharpie to add eyes.

For Fun

You can certainly color your material to make your ghost more unique or add on sticky jewels or foam decorations.

Last but not least .  . .

Add your ghost to your halloween decorations.

Hopefully it won’t keep you awake at night!

Happy Halloween from Pack-n-Go Girls

Award + Sneak Peek of the Next Book

We’re celebrating! Mystery of the Troubled Toucan just won a CIPA EVVY award in the children’s story books division. We’re grateful...

Award + Sneak Peek of the Next Book

We’re celebrating! Mystery of the Troubled Toucan just won a CIPA EVVY award in the children’s story books division. We’re grateful for the recognition.

With the Olympics just finished and the Paralympics just kicking off in Brazil–and the award from CIPA, we thought a second Brazil book would be a great addition to the Pack-n-Go Girls Adventures.

Mystery of the Lazy Loggerhead is coming soon. Here’s a sneak peak and a first look at the cover. Don’t be surprised if things change a little when it comes out. We are always fine-tuning up until the last minute.

We are hoping to release the book October 1st, but pre-orders are available on Amazon now.

 

Book Preview

“What’s that?” Sofia Diaz asked.

“Onde?” Her Brazilian friend, Júlia Santos, scanned the edge of the beach. She squinted from the early morning rays of the sun. A few seagulls floated by on their morning beach patrol. They squawked at the girls. “Where? I do not see anything?”

“It’s moving.” Sofia kicked her new Havaianas off her tan feet. She made sure to pick them up. They were only the most famous flip flops in the world. She did NOT want to lose them. Sandals safely in hand, she dashed down the beach. The familiar smell of the salt air filled her lungs. The sand kicked up behind her speedy feet.

“Wait—” Júlia sprinted to keep up with her.

“Yuck!” Gobs of dark green seaweed squished between Sofia’s toes. She looked ahead to find the spots with the least seaweed. Then she hopscotched her way through. “I hate seaweed,” she scowled.

“I did not know gym girls could . . . run so fast,” Júlia panted. She bent over to catch her breath. Long strands of dark brown hair fell out of the clip holding it back. “I thought you just did flips and cartwheels.”

“Yeah, but I’m a bear too, remember?” Sofia put her arms up and growled softly. “Bears can run fast!” Her mom had told her she’d cried so loud when she was born she’d scared all the nurses. They started calling her “the bear.” Sofie-Bear. She still liked that nickname. It gave her speed when she wanted it. And courage when she needed it.

Sofia stopped a few yards away and pointed. “It’s a sea turtle. See her giant head and big jaws? And the reddish-brown and yellow color of her shell? I think she’s a loggerhead.”

Júlia’s dark brown eyes opened wide. “Uma tartaruga marinha?” A sea turtle? She lived on the edge of the Amazon rainforest in Manaus. So she’d seen lots of animals. Sloths, pink dolphins, monkeys, snakes, poison dart frogs. You name it. She’d seen it. She’d sworn she’d even seen a jaguar run through the bushes beside her once. But she’d never come face-to-face with a sea turtle. She wondered how similar they were to the river turtles she’d seen.

The sea turtle pulled herself slowly along the edge of the water with her flippers. It looked like she dragged a heavy checkered stone on her back. How hard must that be with only flippers?

“Yeah, a sea turtle. And definitely a loggerhead.” Sofia shadowed the turtle.

“How do you know she is, how do you say, logger—head?” Júlia asked.

“I know a little about sea turtles. My grandparents in Florida live near a sea turtle rescue place. I go there every time we visit. I’ve seen loads of loggerheads there. And she looks the same. I didn’t know they had loggerheads in Brazil though.” She kept trailing the turtle. “She seems slow,” Sofia observed.

“Turtles are all slow, no?” Júlia giggled. Her brown eyes sparkled. Her light brown skin glowed in the sun.

Sofia spun around and smiled. “Yesssss. But she seems really, really slow. They are usually all gone by morning. I hope she’s not sick.” She shook her head. “Strange,” she murmured.

Júlia shrugged her shoulders. “Preguiçoso? Maybe she is lazy?”

“We should follow her and see what she does,” Sofia said.

“Sim. Yes. But we should stay far away from her. So we don’t scare her. That is the right thing to do.” Júlia had her sights set on being an Amazon ranger when she grew up. She knew leaving animals alone was always best.

The girls followed the lazy loggerhead. They walked farther away from the white lighthouse that overlooked the beach. Palm trees lined the shore as far as their eyes could see. The palm fronds swayed in the light wind. A lone fishing boat bobbed in the surf. They could hear a seagull’s cry above the sound of the waves hitting the sand. Each wave that rolled in covered their feet with cool water. A hint of orange lingered from the morning sunrise.

“I love the sunrise,” Júlia said. “Lindo maravilhoso! So beautiful. It is the prettiest time of day.”

“Really? I’m more of a sunset girl myself,” Sofia replied. “I like all the colors in the sunset. The reds, oranges, purples, blues . . . it’s like a different painting every evening.”

“But the sunrise is a new day. A new beginning. And each new day can be a great day.” Júlia sighed dreamily.

Sofia nodded. She stared at the sea turtle ahead. “I like that thought – about new days being great.” She looked over at Júlia and smiled.

“Yes, like today. A new day. And a great one because you are here!” Júlia gave Sofia a quick hug. “Que saudade! I missed you so much! I jumped up and down when I heard our dads had a meeting near Salvador. I hoped we would have another Amazon adventure. But I am happy to see you anywhere.”

“Yeah. I hoped we’d see our bird buddy, the troubled toucan, again. NOT.” Sofia snorted and gave her friend a wry smile.

“Não se preocupe. Don’t worry. He is not troubled anymore!” Júlia smiled brightly. “And now we both get to see more of Brazil.”

Sofia agreed. They’d have a different kind of adventure in Praia do Forte. And any adventure with a beach would be a good one.

“How are things with your parents?” Júlia asked.

“It’s been hard with them apart.” Sofia looked away. Her brown eyes started to tear up. “But we’re still trying to be a family. My brothers and I split our time with them. One week with my mom. And one week with my dad.” She breathed in, stood a little taller, and tightened the pony tail in her dark brown hair.

“I’m sorry,” Júlia replied. She put her hand on Sofia’s shoulder.

“Well, there is a bright side. I’ve gotten really good at packing my bags to go places. Maybe someday I’ll be a world traveler.”

“You already are,” Júlia said.

Sofia froze and pointed at the sand next to them. “Look at this!”

Júlia stared at the strange markings in the sand. “They look like small tire tracks.”

Sofia kneeled down to inspect the tracks. “They are tracks. But not from tires. From a loggerhead turtle.”

“Do you think the lazy loggerhead made them?” Júlia scratched her head.

“Maybe.” Sofia looked up and scanned the beach. The lazy loggerhead still crawled slowly along the water’s edge. More tracks made zig-zag patterns on the beach ahead.

Júlia knelt down and brushed her hand over the tracks. “Or do you think she led us here?”

“Well, normally, I would say no. But after the troubled toucan . . .” Sofia tilted her head to one side. “Never say never.”

 

40 Fabulous Travel Tips

Has school really started already? Can’t we squeeze in one more trip—even if it’s just a long weekend? Sigh. It’s a good thing that it’s never too early to start planning the next adventure. These forty fabulous tips should make it easier to create the best trip ever.

Planning:

1. Thinking about visiting a US national park? You won’t find a better site for information than this!

2. Traveling outside the US? The US State Department checklist is a smart place to start.

3. Want to familiarize yourself with the local language before you arrive? Here are some great language websites that offer free or low cost language study. Duolingo is my favorite free one!

4. So which travel site gives you the best deals? Here’s a quick rundown.

5. Do you know when your passport REALLY expires? If you’re traveling internationally, this is the most important link to click on in this entire blog.

6. This CDC site makes it easy to know which vaccines you’ll want or need before traveling to another country.

Air Travel:

7. Do you have your eye on a particular destination, or are you always on the lookout for great deals to visit the grandparents?  AirfareWatchDog let’s you put in your locations and they email you when a great deal pops up.

8. Here’s the scientific answer for when to book the cheapest airfare, whether you’re flying domestic or international destinations.

9. Fun fact. Type “everywhere” in the destination box at Google Flights and see what pops up for your next trip idea. Don’t you love surprises?

10. This takes a little more thinking ahead, but here are some crafty ways to get more miles to use for more free flights.

11. Seat Expert and Seat Guru give you a fighting chance for a better seat on a long flight.

12. Plan your next summer’s vacation around the three cheapest weeks of the summer.

13. As much fun as traveling can be, it can also be stressful. Here are 10 tips for reducing the stress.

14. You’ll find information here for planning a route that avoids the airports with the worst delays.

Traveler Rights:

15. Flight canceled? Get bumped? Know your rights!

16. WHOOHOO! You CAN cancel your flight for a full refund!

17. Lost luggage is such a drag. At the very least, you should know your traveler’s rights.

Packing:

18. Avoid vacation spoilers with great packing tips.

19. Traveling with kids? Check out these easy travel tips for how to pack, go through security, and survive airport layovers.

20. Never lose a bag again with these cool tracking gizmos.

Survival tips:

21. Want to know what the airlines don’t want you to know? Then you’ll be thrilled to find these 10 tips–including the real value of being bumped.

22. When should you complain to an airline? And no. it’s not “all the time.”

23. Jetlag is a killer. It can shave too many days off your true vacation time. These 6 simple tricks will give you a few of those days back.

24. Worried about bedbugs in hotel? Here’s a cool gizmo for traveling that kids can even use.

25. Let’s talk about airport survival. And yes, it is possible.

26. Check out these 10 gadgets to help you sleep when you travel. Some don’t even take up much suitcase room.

27. Afraid to fly? These 10 helpful tips can reduce your anxiety.

28. Layovers require a mindset shift. You’d be surprised at where this takes you.

Food:

29. Worried about Montezuma’s revenge when traveling? Avoid these 7 foods!

30. It’s not just about what you shouldn’t eat. Here are 7 foods you should eat before flying.

31. No question about it. The world is a germy place. Avoiding these 10 germiest places will keep you healthier.

Cheap ways to travel:

32. Vacations can be cheaper than you think. Every major city (and most small ones) have intriguing lists of free things to do.

33. Bet you never thought of this one: RV rental companies need drivers to move RVs from one rental location with lots of vehicles to another site without enough. Sometimes you can get the RV for as little as $1.00 a day. You might even get free gas!

34. Even day- or a single-overnight trip is a great way to escape. You’re probably within hours of one of these (mostly) free destinations.

Kid travel:

35. Just what every family needs: 5 easy tips for traveling with kids!

36. Wait! We found 5 more easy tips for traveling with kids!

37. Our favorite Pack-n-Go Girls shares her 10 best travel tips. So young and so wise.

38. And here are 30 more great tips for traveling with–or without–kids.

39. Don’t forget to capture the memories with a journal. These 10 questions to open young traveler’s minds are a perfect place to start.

40. If travel isn’t in the budget at the moment, do the next best thing and read about it. Pack-n-Go Girls take you to Thailand, Brazil, Mexico, and Austria. In December, Pack-n-Go will take you to Australia, too!

Brazil: 9 Cool Things to Talk to Your Kids About

Well, the Olympics in Brazil are officially here. And if you’re raising a global kid, it’s an opportune time to learn more about the world. You can talk about each of the countries that are participating, as well as dive deeper into the host country, Brazil. To get you started, introduce your kids to the following cool things about Brazil.

1. The Amazon & Brazil’s Animals

This is probably one of the most amazing things about Brazil. Around 60% of the Amazon Rainforest is located in Brazil. It is home to the most diverse and numerous species in the world. And, did you know that Brazil has the greatest variety of animals of any country in the world? There are over 600 mammal species, 1,500 fish species, 1,600 bird species and 100,000 different insects.

2. Futbol

Obviously, you can’t talk about cool things in Brazil without mentioning futbol. It’s only the nation’s most popular sport. If you’re an American, this means “soccer.” Great legends such as Pelé, Garrincha, Ronaldo, Kaká, and Ronaldinho have played for Brazil. Every city in Brazil has at least one soccer stadium. And they have won the World Cup a record five times. Keep a close eyes on them during this Olympics. After their loss to Germany at the World Cup, they will be in it to win it.

3. Music & Dance

Brazil is known for its lively atmosphere. And music is a big part of that. Brazil brought the world samba and bossa nova. Samba has its roots in Africa and came to the northeastern part of Brazil, Bahia, during the slave trade. It is recognized around the world as a symbol of Brazil. Bossa nova is another genre of music that Brazil made famous. The phrase “bossa nova” means “new trend.” This music was grew out of a fusion of samba and jazz.  Listen to some samples of famous Brazilian music here.

4. Snake Island

Brazil is home to over 650 different reptile species, including anacondas, boa constrictors, and emerald tree boas. Snake island is the home to 2000-4000 poisonous golden lance head vipers. How did so many snakes get on one island? They were trapped when rising sea levels covered up the land that connected the island to the mainland. They say that there is one snake every 3 feet! As you can imagine, the island is closed to visitors. The only people who can visit the island are scientists. A safe alternative to visiting might be to create your own tree boa to bring a little amazon into your home. Try it out here! 

5. Fitas

When you are little, dreams can come true. And wishes are a daily part of life. In Salvador, at the Senhor do Bonfim church, you can find a bracelet called a fita. The church was built in the 18th century and is believed to grant miracles. Senhor do Bonfim became a guardian of the city and provider of miracles and granter of wishes. The tradition goes that someone ties the bracelet on with 3 knots. For each knot, you make wish. You have to keep it on until it falls off for the wish to come true! Oh, and don’t tell anyone your wishes, of course.

6. Projeto Tamar

Any turtle lovers here? Did you know that the coast of Brazil is one of the largest habitats for sea turtles? Yup. And Brazil is on the forefront of protecting the sea turtle population. Projeto Tamar is an organization with several sea turtle rescue centers along the coast of Brazil. Here they not only rescue injured sea turtles, but also protect the turtle nests that are laid every year on their beaches. Our next release, Mystery of the Lazy Loggerhead, is inspired by the work of this great organization. Check it out here. The U.S. shares in this work with many turtle rescue centers along its east coast as well.

7. School & Playground Games

True or False? Most kids in Brazil go to school 8:30 – 3:00. Answer: False. Most kids go to school in EITHER the morning (7:30 – 12) or the afternoon (1:30 – 6). They usually eat their lunches at home. Also, the school year runs from February through December. Summer vacation is from mid-December to early February. School kids play similar playground games though. Games like bola de gude (marbles), queimada (a game similar to  dodge ball), barra-bandeira (capture the flag), and cabo-de-guerra (tug-of-war) are popular. If you are game, maybe try one that is a little different: Luta de galo is Portuguese for “fight of the roosters” and is a fun game you can play outdoors or in your classroom if you have space to clear the desks from the center of the room. Any number of children can play. Split the children into pairs. Unlike other games, partners are not teammates, but opponents. Ask each child to tuck a handkerchief or piece of cloth into their belt or waistband, cross their right arm across their chest, and hold up their left leg. Players must hop around one-legged and use their free arm to snatch their opponent’s handkerchief. If a child puts their left leg on the ground or unfolds their right arm, they’re out. All you need are some bandanas!

8. Haviainas

Haviainas are the most popular flip-flop in the world. They’ve been making them since 1962. While they have been popular in Brazil for a long time, it wasn’t until the 1990s that they became a fashion trend. The original Haviainas had white insoles and colored outsoles and straps. It became fashionable to flip the soles upside down to create one color flip-flops. Now the company offers all sorts of designs. Why not be on the look-out for these fun sandals on the feet of spectators during your Olympic watching – kind of a Where’s Waldo activity. Count how many different types of Haviainas you can find!

9. Brigadeiro

Can you make those chocolate things again, Mom? I just got asked that question yesterday. And I get it at least once a month. Brigadeiro are essentially balls of gooey chocolate rolled in sprinkles or other toppings. Who can resist that? No one. If you’d like to do some hands-on exploration, make these tasty treats with your kids and enjoy while watching the Olympics. Get our recipe here.

And if your kids want to take a trip to Brazil without leaving home, try a good book. We happen to know one.  Adventure into the Brazilian world of shadowy rainforests, wild animals, and tropical beaches with Sofia and Júlia in Mystery of the Troubled Toucan.

Nine-year-old Sofia Diaz’s world is coming apart. So is the rickety old boat that carries her far up the Rio Negro river in Brazil. Crocodiles swim in the dark waters. Spiders scurry up the twisted tree trunks. And a crazy toucan screeches a warning. It chases Sofia and Júlia, her new friend, deep into the steamy rainforest. There they stumble upon a shocking discovery.

And . . . if you’ve already read that book, keep your eyes open for the next one in the series, Mystery of the Lazy Loggerhead is coming soon.

Mystery of the Lazy Loggerhead

Sofia and Júlia visit the coast of Brazil. It’s fun in the sun until they notice mysterious markings in the golden sands. Someone or something is after the loggerhead sea turtles. But why? It’s up to Sofia and Júlia to uncover the truth before it’s too late.

If you want to be the first to know about the new release, sign up for our newsletter on the Pack-n-Go Girls website.

 

Explore Brazil with your Child: Read, Cook, and Craft

With the Olympics set to kick off in Brazil in a few days, it’s a great opportunity to teach kids about the world and explore cultures together. As part of the Multicultural Kid Blogs Olympics for Kids series, here’s a book, recipe, and craft activity about Brazil brought to you by Pack-n-Go Girls! So, take a few minutes and explore Brazil with your child.

Read

You don’t need to leave home to visit Brazil. That’s the beauty of a book! Join Sofia and Júlia as they solve a mystery in the heart of the Amazon. Plus, you can learn a few Portuguese phrases in the “What to Know Before You Go” section to practice while you are watching the Olympics.

Mystery of the Troubled Toucan

Travel with Sofia and Júlia deep into the Amazon rainforest where crocodiles swim in the dark waters, spiders scurry up the twisted tree trunks, and a crazy toucan yelps a warning. There they stumble upon a shocking discovery. Can the little girl in your life solve the mystery?

And coming soon is the next mystery in Brazil, Mystery of the Lazy Loggerhead. This book is set on the northeastern coast of Brazil in the beach town of Praia do Forte.

Sofia and Júlia visit the coast of Brazil. It’s fun in the sun until they notice mysterious markings in the golden sands. Someone or something is after the loggerhead sea turtles. But why? It’s up to Sofia and Júlia to uncover the truth before it’s too late.

We always like to bring all the senses to a reading expedition, so pair Mystery of the Troubled Toucan with a yummy treat and a craft activity.

Cook

Explore the taste of Brazil with Brigadeiro. If you like chocolate, this one is for you! And it’s super easy to make too, which is a requirement in our household.

Ingredients

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 tablespoon of butter

3 tablespoons of cocoa (use Nesquik for a more authentic flavor)

Sprinkles (chocolate and/or rainbow)

Directions

Mix the first three ingredients together in a sauce pan.

Cook on medium heat until it thickens.

Allow it to cool to room temperature.

This is where it gets fun! Butter your hands. Yup, butter them!

Form the chocolate mixture into 1-inch balls.

Roll each ball in the sprinkles.

Bite into the yummy chocolate goodness of Brazil!

You can find this recipe and what to know before you go to Brazil in the back of our latest Pack-n-Go Girls Adventure in Brazil, Mystery of the Troubled Toucan.

Craft

After reading a few chapters, take a break and create an Amazon tree boa to hang in your house. It’s fun, it’s easy, and you probably already have all the supplies you need.

Supplies

1 Paper Plate

Scissors, Glue, and Crayons

String for hanging

Tin foil, cut into triangles (10-20 pieces)

Step One

Color the plate. The whole plate. Anyway you want. As fast or as slow as you want.

Just color!

Step Two

Cut the plate in a circular path from the outside to the inside. I drew a blue line on to the plate to help my daughter. You can draw it on before or after the coloring.

Step Three

Add the tin foil “scales.” Draw on the eyes or add googly eyes. You can also cut out a tongue from red paper and glue that on.

Step Four

Punch a hole in the head area. Add string, and hang your snake!

Hopefully it won’t keep you awake at night.

We hope you had a great trip to Brazil!

Don’t forget to check out Multicultural Kids Blog Olympics for Kids series! The Olympics are a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about the world and explore cultures together.

 

Today, you can find more about other travel posts about various countries thanks to our participating bloggers:

Book review: Emmanuel’s Dream: The True Story of Emmanuel Ofosu Yeboahw – Multicultural Kid Blogs

Latino Kids Lit Featuring Mexico – Mommy Maestra

Children’s Books Featuring Chile – La Clase de Sra. DuFault

5 Popular Dutch Children’s Books – Expat Life with a Double Buggy

Kids Books Set in Jamaica – Kid World Citizen

Children’s Books Set in South Africa – Colours of Us

Children’s Books about the Amazon – Hispanic Mama

Portuguese Favourite Books for Under 6′s – the piri-piri lexicon

Explore Brazil with Your Child: Read, Cook, and Craft – Pack-n-Go Girls

 

Don’t forget that you can also download our Summer Games Unit activity pack to learn more about the world and have fun during the Olympics.

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Back to the Past: A Historical (and fun) Family Travel Itinerary through America’s Southwest

“Okay. Time circuit’s on. Flux capacitor, fluxing. Engine running. All right.”

- Back to the Future

When it’s time to go back in time, head out to America’s southwest. Catch glimpses of our country’s Native American past going back more than 1,000 years. You don’t even need a souped up Delorean. Start off in Taos, New Mexico, and wind your way around the four corners area back to Durango, Colorado.

Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO world heritage site, is considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited community in the US. The two main structures, Hlaauma (North House) and Hlaukkwima (South House), are thought to be over 1000 years old. Taking a walk in the pueblo is like walking back in time. The buildings look a lot like they did when the conquistadors came through. But talk to the people of Taos Pueblo, and they’re Americans making a living just like the rest of us. Tribal members embrace tourists from all over the world, sell handmade drums, flutes,  jewelry, dream catchers, and other beautiful cultural goods, and are often happy to engage and share the stories of their ancestors, talk about the weather, share their artistic endeavors, tell about the people they’ve met (like Julia Roberts), or just inquire more about where you are from. While the pueblo buildings inspire a historical awe, you can build a lasting memory and learn more in one sincere conversation.

Taking the high road from Taos to Sante Fe, head on down to Chimayó. The name Chimayó comes from the Tiwa language meaning “superior red flaking stone.” Taking in the landscape during the winding drive through small Native American pueblos and vast vistas, you can see where the area gets its name. During the late 1600′s, the Spanish encouraged settlers from New Spain (Mexico) to head north and settle. Many came to the Chimayó valley. Descendents of these settlers now own the Restaurante Rancho De Chimayó, a timeless tradition for dining in this small town between Taos and Santa Fe. A stop for lunch is always on the agenda for any family friendly itinerary.

After lunch, make a quick stop at the nearby Santuario de Chimayo. Many people make a pilgrimage to this shrine for its sacred dirt, which is said to have healing powers. The hallway outside “el pocito” – the small pit of Holy Dirt – is lined with pictures of those requesting prayers and healing, along with crutches and other signs of the successful healing power attributed to the holy dirt.

The legend of Santuario de Chimayo, also called the Santuario de Nuestro Señor de Esquipulas, says that the santuario was built after a local friar performing penances saw a strange light burst from a hillside near the Santa Cruz River. Curious, the friar went to look for the source of the light. The light was coming from the ground, so he started digging in the dirt. He uncovered a crucifix that he christened Nuestro Señor de Esquipulas. The crucifix was taken in a procession to the village three times. Each time, it disappeared and was found back in the hole in the hillside. A that point, the people decided the crucifix should stay there, so they build the santuario. Then stories of miraculous healings began. There are, of course, other versions of the story, but the miracles speak for themselves. Thousands of people visit each year, and this makes a great storytelling stop.

Follow the high road further south to Santa Fe. Architecturally, Santa Fe is one of the most memorable cities in the US. Red chili peppers hanging from bright blue windows adorn the clay-colored adobe buildings. It is also filled with history. After a good night’s rest, start your day at the Palace of the Governors, built by the Spanish in 1610 as a government building. It is our country’s oldest continuously occupied public building. Visit the museum inside to take in the history of Santa Fe and New Mexico. And visit the famous Native American artists selling their wares right outside.

Next, check out Loretto Chapel. What’s so special about this church? Aside from being built in 1878, its main attraction is its stairs. Really. Legend has it that the sisters of the chapel prayed to St. Joseph, the patron saint of carpenters. Their prayers were answered when a man showed up looking for work. After his work was complete, he left without pay or thanks. What was left behind was a spiral staircase built without nails and with no apparent means of support. The design was way ahead of its time. Was it St. Joseph himself? That’s a mystery yet to be solved. What kid doesn’t like a good mystery?

Enjoy the rest of your day in Santa Fe (there are plenty more churches, artist galleries, museums, or hikes to entertain you) or head west into the Navajo Nation.  Along the way, there are opportunities to stop and sample traditional Fry Bread or Navajo Tacos. Head through Gallup, New Mexico to Chinle, Arizona. Canyon de Chelly feels more intimate compared to its neighbor the Grand Canyon. Plus, it is yet another glimpse into our past. Stay the night at one of Chinle’s hotels or at one of the campgrounds in the area to get a fresh start exploring the canyon the next day.

Here in the canyons people have lived for nearly 5,000 years. You can see images etched and painted on the canyon walls telling the stories of the first people who lived here. The Ancestral Pueblo people followed, building the dwellings such as White House Ruins shown in this picture. As the Pueblo (750-1300) and Hopi (1300 – 1600) migrated away, the Navajo arrived (around 1700). The Navajo people, or the Diné, withstood much warfare over the years with other tribes, the Spanish, and the US military. Today, they preserve their culture and retain the spirit of their ancestors. Tourists can drive the rim of the canyon and hike into the canyon on one trail to White House Ruins. However, to truly understand the history and spirit of the canyon, hire a Navajo guide for a hike or 4-wheel drive into other areas of the canyon. In the Diné way, the guides often share the stories of their ancestors – a truly unique living history. Or, at a minimum, stop by the Cowboy Coffee held in the mornings at the visitor center to chat with the locals. We spent a few minutes discussing what life is like growing up here in the canyon versus in our hometown or in New York City . . .

After exploring the canyon, head north to Four Corners. After a brief stop battling tourists from Kansas, Ohio, and Texas to get your turn to take pictures standing in four states at one time (your kids will think it’s cool – really), head further northeast to Mesa Verde National Park. Plan at least two nights at Mesa Verde so you can get a full day to tour. There is plenty to see.

Like Canyon de Chelly, Mesa Verde preserves cliff dwellings from the Ancestral Pueblo people who lived here around 1200. Of the 600 cliff dwellings in the park, you have the opportunity to visit a few of the larger and more well preserved dwellings. Be sure to stop at the visitors center first as you will need to make reservations to tour some of the dwellings. Visit Cliff Palace (reservation required) in the morning to tour the largest cliff dwelling in North America. It had about 150 rooms, nearly 75 open spaces, and 21 kivas. Rangers tell the stories of its discovery, provide a history of the area and culture, as well as elaborate on the building, layout, and structure of the dwelling. For adventurous children, but not for infants or toddlers, tour Balcony House next (reservation required). You’ll climb three long ladders on the cliffside, navigate a steep trail with some exposure, and crawl through a short tunnel. This is one place where history meets adventure park. It’s interesting to reflect on why the dwellings were built as they were, especially at Balcony House, where the tunnel was the only entrance at the time. What were they protecting themselves from? Add on to that the unsolved questions about why the Ancestral Pueblo people moved on around 1300. Was it a drought? Social conflict? We can take clues from the archeological finds, but no one knows the real answer. More mysteries to unravel. To further explore these mysteries, take a walk down to Spruce House (no reservation required). Climb down a ladder into an enclosed kiva. In today’s pueblos, kivas are used for religious observances, social activities, and weaving. Were they used the same way in the past? It’s fun to speculate with your kids what might have been happening at the time. What does history tell us, and what stories can they imagine?

Now that you’ve had your history tour, hop in the Delorean and head back to the future where you can make a pit stop in the wild west of Silverton, soak off the dusty past at Pagosa Hot Springs, wonder if you’ve time-traveled to the wrong planet at the Great Sand Dunes, or, if you’ve gone too far, run into a few aliens from the future at the alien watch tower.

It’s all right here waiting for you in the southwest. Engine’s running.

-Lisa

4 Kid-friendly Ways to Explore Myanmar

I love adventure travel. It’s a gift from my father, who carted our family of six through Latin America in the early ‘60s and, in later years, the world beyond. It shaped me in countless ways. We slept in thatched-roof huts in the Amazon jungle, survived twelve-hour 200-mile bus trips, and explored sensory-exploding open markets, with their hanging meat carcasses, buzzing flies, and rainbow piles of ripening fruits. It taught me to appreciate differences in people and cultures, to embrace new experiences, and to live resiliently.

If you’re looking for a glorious adventure to take your children on, Myanmar is a perfect destination. It’s changing fast, though. Five years ago, you wouldn’t have spotted more than a handful of tourists. Today, the backpacker crowd has discovered it, which means the rest of the world is only a few steps behind. In spite of the nascent tourism industry, you’ll find lots to do. Most hotels (you’ll find plenty that are clean, comfortable, and cheap) can hook you up with a tour guide for the day if you’re not ready to explore on your own. Here are just a few kid-friendly ways to discover the country:

Taste the street food. The rule of thumb is that if it comes hot out of the oil or off the grill, it’s safe to eat, even if the “kitchen” wouldn’t pass the usual food safety inspector’s tests. Try the fresh potato chips or roasting ears. We took a pass on the deep fried birds. If you’re brave, buy a glass of the juice squeezed out of a sugarcane stalk.  Myanmar’s borders have shifted many times over the centuries, and so their food is heavily influenced by neighboring China, India, and Thailand. You’ll find lots of fresh fruits, curries, rice, and noodle dishes, along with the familiar spices from those countries: basil, chili, coriander, garlic, ginger, and lemongrass. The English controlled Burma for over 100 years, so you’ll also find Western foods. We had a fun moment when we read the Coke can. It turns out it was manufactured “for you with Love and Passion” by the local Myanmar bottling plant. I have to tell you, I enjoyed my Coke that day even more than usual.

Explore the markets. Bogyoke Market in Yangon has over 2,000 tiny shops, which are clustered in the space of less than a city block. While it’s fascinating to just meander through the seller stalls, with their piles of goods, it’s also a great place to discover Burmese handicrafts, antiques, jade and ruby jewelry, clothes, and local food, as well as lots of trinkets. Your kids get extra points if they do their own bargaining with the vendors.

Discover the pagodas and temples. In Yangon, the Shwedagon Pagoda is the gem to visit. Outside of Mandalay, the Mahamuni Buddha Temple is the one to see.

Even better, journey to Bagan, where it’s estimated that at one time the arid plains held over 10,000 temples, monasteries, and pagodas. Today over 2,000 remain in an area of about 40 square miles. You can rent bicycles or electric bikes, which are really just low-tech motor scooters. If your kids aren’t ready to ride the roads themselves, and you’re not ready to carry them on the back seat of your e-bike, you can always hire a horse cart to take you from place to place. Cars are another option, but you’ll miss the more remote temples since the interior roads are at best sandy jeep paths.

Travel by rail. If you’re truly up for an adventure, the 17-hour train trip from Yangon to Bagan is a must do. For just over $100(US), you can book a full sleeper car. When we booked our tickets, our Burmese travel agent warned us that trains in Myanmar are not up to “international standards.” It was a gentle way of saying there could be delays, wouldn’t be air conditioning, and would be slow and rather dirty. All true. The agent forgot to mention the train tracks are bad and the cars have no shocks, so we did a lot of rocking and rolling. The fabulous upside? We got a window into Myanmar that we would never have gotten otherwise. If you go, pack your own food and water. Vendors sell food and drink at the stops, but the stops are only a few minutes long. Along the way, you’ll see the smoky fields where they make bricks, sinewy farmers in their traditional pasos (long skirts) tilling the dry rice paddies with oxen, woven bamboo houses, and children joyfully waving as the train passes.

The best trip is the one that makes you want to return for more. I’m already itching to discover more in this amazing country!

Read about it first!

If you’re thinking about a trip to Southeast Asia with your kids, go on an adventure first with Jess and Nong May in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in Mystery of the Golden Temple. It’ll have your kids dreaming of jungles and temples and elephants. ~Janelle