Cruisin' to Mexico

Originally posted April 2nd, 2012

Being a proponent of daily growth, I think that great lessons and learning can take place anywhere and at anytime.  This was completely evident about a month ago when my family and I toured the Mayan ruins at Chacchoben, which is near Costa Maya, Mexico.  Our tour guide, Sergio, incorporated several techniques and practices that make up a great teaching / learning lesson.

1. He flipped the lesson by providing a pre-tour planner to our cruise ship cabin.  This guide included a map of the Quintana Roo province, a brief history and cultural description of Chacchoben, a Mayan calendar, and an architect's diagram of the surviving ruins.
2. During the 45 minute bus ride to the site, Sergio established a rapport by telling a story about a Mayan family living in ancient Chacchoben.  He reviewed the supporting documents, and set the collaborative tone for the tour by admitting his English language deficiency, and that we would be learning from each other as we recorded and discussed our observations.
3. Sergio's lesson was cross-curricular.  In two hours, we discussed history, geography, geology, religion, literature, architecture, art, biology, and mathematics.
4. Sergio's formative assessments were authentic and challenging.  He asked the group to compare social-political events from 200 BC to current world-wide events and issues.  We were asked to predict the fate of the Mayan people based upon site artifacts and evidence.  We were given a mathematical problem of identifying our current year based upon the Mayan calendar and asked the significance of the year 2012.  We hiked to the top of several temple ruins and analyzed the layout of the community, and suggested the functionality of the buildings based upon their size and locations.
5. Sergio's tour became a problem-based lesson as he posed this final question to our group of roughly thirty men, women, and children, "How can we share the knowledge and experience of this place while at the same time preserving it's beauty and cultural authenticity?"

My wife, Natalie, is a second grade teacher, I am a high school Technology Coordinator, our four children are enthusiastic, and dedicated students.  We were all enriched by our time at Chacchoben with Sergio.  We had many more questions, but we also creatively discussed a possible solution to his "problem".





There is a small school near Chacchoben were a few dozen students could "connect" with our schools to teach us about the Mayan culture and the Chacchoben ruins in exchange for bringing them some knowledge of our language and culture.

Sergio recognized the value of a common language, and has hopes of bringing this knowledge to area students.  Sergio, Natalie, and I are working through the technical logistics now, but we all recognize the tremendous collaborative possibilities for our students as we look to establish our international connections.  Look for our challenges and progress in future blog posts.

"Thank you Sergio" -  Bob, Natalie, Amanda, J.P, Trevor, & Billy

Apple Canyon Lake

How far do you have to drive to feel free from the strip malls, traffic, and the bustle of activity around suburban Chicago?  How about two hours?  120 miles west of Chicago is a hidden travel gem, Apple Canyon Lake.

Sunset on Apple Canyon Lake

Our family tradition has been to spend part of each summer vacation at my grandparents' cabin near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.  We were looking to accomplish something similar without having to make a ten-hour drive for a lakefront cabin experience.  We were pleasantly surprised to find a lakefront paradise in Northwest Illinois.

28" Walley - 6 lbs.

Our family of six, plus two dogs, and a friend, stayed at
Hazewood Hideaway, a terrific lake home in the Apple Canyon Lake community.  (VRBO 280452)

Our rental accommodations were clean, comfortable, and conveniently located to numerous association amenities including; marina, swimming pool, tennis courts, hiking trails, and golf course.

The private lake is 80 - 100' deep and covers roughly 425 acres.  Boating is popular on the weekends, but the promise of good fishing was a selling point for us, and we were not disappointed.  During our week-long stay, we caught more than enough Bluegill (8" - 10") for a belly-filling fish fry.  My wife caught several largemouth bass weighing between 3 and 5 pounds, and my 28" Walleye was caught right from the dock.

For a change of pace, we spent a day sight-seeing and shopping in Galena, which is about a 25 minute drive from ACL.

While in Galena, we made some new friends over pizza at "Happy Joe's".  But for the most part, we purchased groceries at the "Sullivan's" in Stockton, and stayed close to the lake.



The beautiful, warm weather made the pool and lake inviting for the kids.  We also enjoyed biking and hiking on the hilly trails that surround the lake and community.  Apple Canyon Lake State Park is nearby.  The rocky bluffs, the river, and the natural variety of this area belies the common perception of Illinois flatlands.  In the winter, we will be sure to visit Chestnut Mountain Resort for ski and snowboard action.

You don't have to travel great distances to get a far-away feeling.  Apple Canyon Lake offers tranquil natural splendors, outdoor activity & adventures, and a unique collection of sight-seeing experiences.

The Secret to Secrets Success

In June 2011, Natalie and I traveled to Jamaica to get married.  We spent a week at Secrets St. James resort in Montego Bay.  This is an all-inclusive, adults only resort.  Obviously, the weather, the accommodations, and the beach location were all spectacular.  But what prompted us to return this year for our anniversary?  The secret answer, which shouldn't remain a secret any longer, lies in the over-the-top courtesy and friendliness in which we were treated by each and every Secrets & Apple Vacation representative.  We were treated like royalty even though we consider ourselves to be rather ordinary, everyday people.  Here is a photo montage of thanks to all of those at Secrets who have made our Jamaican experiences so special.

First and foremost, Michelle, our Maid of Honor, and our Jamaican "sister".  She works for Secrets and Apple Vacations - but she made us feel as if she was there exclusively to make our stay elegant and special.  She welcomed us "home" and made us feel like honored guests.

Chris always greeted us with a smile and a song.  Aside from helping with our luggage, Chris's friendly advice and conversation helped to make our stay relaxing and fun.

Carol fried-up three fresh eggs, over-medium, everyday for my breakfast.  She always wore a smile and it was nice to talk about weather, family, and food with her each morning.

Denica was our server for breakfast.  Like Carol, always smiling, always friendly.  And like everyone else we encountered at Secrets, she works very hard, but always had time for friendly conversation.

We ate jerk chicken everyday at lunch time.  He carries a big, sharp knife, but our "Jerk Chicken Man" served us the tastiest snack, day after day.  He just might be the most popular person on the beach at Secrets.

In addition to those pictured here, there were countless other individuals who made us feel welcome and special.  Oraldo filled our water glasses, and sang to us at breakfast and lunch, Theresa cleaned and prepared our room, Petal and Eric served us drinks, smiles, friendly conversation, pool-side.  Devon was our resort guide, Clarvin was our friendly waiter at "Fiesta", Cheryl and Monique pampered us at the spa, and Derika served our dinner and drinks on the beach for our anniversary dinner.


We apologize to anyone that we failed to mention.  We have enjoyed two unbelievably fantastic stays at Secrets, St. James.  It is the friendly service and the attention to detail that will keep us coming back. We hope to visit our Jamaican friends again next year for Easter.  For anyone seeking a relaxing, enjoyable, tropical vacation - we could not make a higher recommendation.  Thank you to everyone at Secrets - "keep it real, mon".  Bob & Natalie Schuetz