Field Trip # 3 Downtown Naples: Festival of Lights

An event that has occurred for more than 30 years in Naples is its annual Third Street South Festival of Lights. My cousins, nephew and I decided to go since it had been years since we had gone to one of these Naples events. It's a week long celebration, but kicks off with the lighting of a huge Christmas tree. Its followed by carol singers and an orchestra performing. They also, have fake snow machines which are just bubbles all down the street for everyone to enjoy. Santa is also there to take pictures with children and parents. It's a great family experience and we want to show my nephew wonderful memories later on.

Snow Fest

Every year Naples decides to give its residents a little taste of what it would be like if it snowed in the area. The event is held on a Saturday at Golden Gate Community Park from 10am to 6 pm. I decided to take my 16 month old nephew and meet up with my aunt and my cousin. The day was extremely cold perfect for a day like that. Children don't pay at all to get in and adults pay $1. As soon as we got in we headed straight towards the mountains of "snow." Every age was designated for a specific pile of snow and you were to form a line. When it was our turn my cousin wasn't too fond of it but my nephew just stared at the pile of ice I handed him. He didn't like that fact that it was too cold, but did want to climb the mountain. There was plenty to do at the park from going on rides to eating food or taking a picture with Santa. It was a fun experience for myself and for my nephew, I had forgotten how it was because I had gone when I was little myself.

Family Gathering

Since my dad was at the hospital for a long period of time, my mom decided to give a good welcome home present. His parents were brought from El Salvador to come help me out in taking care of him which of course was a surprise to his eyes. Along with that all the family came over our house to make a huge barbecue. But our barbecue are not like any other, we don't grill hot dogs or hamburgers, we use meat and warm tortillas on the grill. Since my dad is usually the one who does the grilling, it was my moms turn to grill. She did a good job on preparing and cooking the meat. Of course I stepped in and helped her out just in case she tried to burn down the house. In the end everyone was licking their fingers.

Soccer Field

On November 13, I went to watch my nephew play his championship soccer game. The game was at Eagle Lakes Community Park at 7pm. It was somewhat chilly out but the night was perfect for a game.  I went with  my mom and met up with my cousin and his girlfriend. In the league he plays children play two  20 minute halves and both of them were very exciting. The game was very close, but my nephew helped assist in one of the two goals that made his team win the game. In the picture is my nephew with his teams championship trophy. Individually they each receive their own small trophy.

A day at Rookery Bay

For my service learning project I went to Rookery Bay. I drove south on  951 heading towards Marco Island. That day was somewhat windy and cold, but I was somewhat nervous not knowing what to expect. As I approached it was an inviting place everything surrounding the entrance was nicely decorated. When I walked in I was surprised by the artwork on the walls and was greeted by a volunteer. A fourth grade class was taking a field trip to the site and I observed them for a bit. There was so much to see. I went towards the boardwalk to go on the trail but my exit to go back inside I met a black snake fortunately he went to the grass and did not harm me. The second floor of the education center there was much to read and see as well. There were labs where they do different experiments. On the main floor there was a huge aquarium with different species of fish. I really enjoyed visiting because there is much to do.

Field Trip # 2 Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

In September our colloquium class visited Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. I had visited the site prior but it was back when I was in elementary school. Of course I don't remember much just the boardwalk. As we walked around with the class, the trees were enormous and there were restless amounts of plants everywhere. I saw how vines and moss grows on trees and a huge grasshopper walking along the boardwalk.  Although walking around the boardwalk felt like it could go on and on. I really enjoyed learning some of the ways this site helped our environment. What was really intriguing was the "Living Machine" which recycles used water.   Meeting some of my virtual as well as classmates taking the course on campus was a fun experience. Being involved in the virtual class you don't interact much with your classmates, but I also got to meet my professor as well.        

Spending Time Outside

I sat outside for thirty minutes. It had just finished raining, but as a small gust of wind past the smell of wet was in the air. I'm sitting outside in my aunts lanai looking around. Since she lives in the city it was a miracle there wasn't much noise. Sitting outside with no distractions looking up at the sky thoughts go in and out of your head, but eventually it clears your mind. I noticed how tall her fruit trees were getting since I rarely step outside to see. You really tend to appreciate nature just a little more if you take the time to step outside.