A Teacher Who Travels: Recent Episodes
AWCM
In this episode, Mrs A experienced a trip, that let’s just say…pretty much everything that could go wrong logistically, did. Missed flights, missing visas, lost cell phones and a lost passport. This meant 3 days of a trip to New Zealand were gone, and an unintentional extended stay in Australia.
In this episode, Mrs A explores the underground river cave systems created by Rio Camuy, and revisits El Yunque rainforest to see how she is recovering from Hurricane Maria and more recently Hurricane Fiona.
In this episode Mrs. A describes how mangroves helped create the island of Puerto Rico (no cap) and the out of this planet experience of swimming in a bioluminescent bay (think of swimming on Pandora) Both 10 out of 10 experiences!
In this episode, Mrs. A introduces her travelers to the wonders and history of Puerto Rico's unofficial national dish, Mofongo. She dives into the delights of Puerto Rican rice and beans, relishes the refreshingly fruity frozen Limber, and chuckles over a cheesy cup of hot chocolate while reminiscing about setting off the fire alarm in the hotel.
She's baaaaack! After an 18 month hiatus, Mrs. A has returned both to student traveling and podcasting about it! After a quick life update that includes the fact that she retired in June 2022, Mrs. A brings new travelers to Puerto Rico in her first post pandemic trip with students!
In this episode, Mrs. A recounts her summer trip to Luquillo, where her family group did a walking tour of old San Juan and hit up some Instagram famous spots, did a night hike in the rainforest, and experienced some authentic Puerto Rican cuisine and hospitality.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
In this final episode of the series, Mrs. A talks with Jordan, who
traveled to Ecuador and the Galápagos Islands, and Julia who visited Costa Rica, about how their trips impacted them.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
Mrs. A reconnects with Dani, who traveled to the Galápagos Islands in 2017 and how travel as a student changed her perspective.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
In the 5th episode of this series, Mrs. A catches up with Chelsea, who traveled to Costa Rica in 2016 as a sophomore.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
On this instalment of the Travel Talks series, Mrs. A conducts her first group interview with Jarrod, Steph, and Kaitlyn, and discuss how their trip to Costa Rica in 2018 impacted them.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
In the third interview of this series, Mrs. A reconnects with Roisin, who was on her very first international student trip back in 2012, the one that started it all! They reminisce about Costa Rica and how European travel was a way of life for Roisin already, and how going to Costa Rica changed her perspectives.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
In the second installment of the Travel Talks series, Mrs. A has a great conversation with former traveler Kylie, who went with her to Australia and New Zealand in 2019.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
This is the first episode in a series where former travelers talk about the impact their international trip had on them while in high school. Mrs. A reconnects with Ashley, who traveled to Costa Rica in 2014.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
This episode is the beginning of a series devoted to exploring the long term impacts international travel has on travelers. Mrs. A will be interviewing former travelers from each country she has visited, to see how their experience has influenced their current lives. This episode sets the stage for this upcoming series.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
In this episode Mrs. A shares summer travel plans to Puerto Rico and a Cranes for Peace project, where the Japan travelers will make 1000 paper cranes before September 21 International Day of Peace.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
In this episode, Mrs. A travels down to south central Pennsylvania to fulfill a promise she made to herself back in 2004. She gets to see, hear, and learn about the Brood X Periodical Cicada (and eat some, too!)
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
In this episode, Mrs. A answers listener questions about what Geishas are (and are not) and why Japanese culture is so full of cutesy child like things, which is called Kawaii.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
In this short episode, Mrs. A ponders the history behind Cinco de Mayo, a holiday more widely celebrated in the US than in Mexico, and gives some tips on how to have a great celebration of Mexican culture.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
In this episode, Mrs. A learns about Matcha tea, the trendy beverage that dates back to 1191. She talks about its origins, how to prepare it, and the etiquette of the tea ceremony.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
In this episode, Mrs. A dives into all things sushi! The history, different types, why it’s so darn pretty, and sushi eating etiquette.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
In Episode 52, Mrs. A researches the difference between shrines and temples, and stumbles into the fascinating religion of Shintoism. Contrasting it with Buddhism, she finally starts to grasp all of the belief in luck and fortune.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
In this episode, Mrs. A previews the sites of the Tokyo portion of the trip, and learns about how Japan was closed to the rest of the world for 250 years, the Edo Period, and how in the 1860's it opened up its borders to the modern world. It all comes together by looking at the history of the Imperial Palace and Sesoji Temple. She also previews Harajuku (shopping anyone?) and the eclectic Electric Town.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
In this milestone episode (50!) Mrs. A previews Days 6 and 7 of the Japan trip, learning about the ancient mountain town of Takayama with its unique Gassho thatched roof farmhouses and colorful monkey baby good luck amulets, followed by a trip to the coast to Kanazawa and a visit to the Kanazawa Castle and Garden of the Six Sublimes, Kenroku-en. And yes, it’s got cherry trees.--
Science Teacher Oakmont Regional High School.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
In episode 49, Mrs. A researches the history of the Golden Pavilion, the difference between a shogun and a samurai, how to get lucky in love at the Pure Water Temple, and just how important manga is in Japanese culture while researching the International
Manga Museum, all of which are part of the Kyoto leg of the upcoming Japan trip.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
Mrs. A chats with Juan Carlos Zuñiga from EPI, about leatherback sea turtles on the Pacuare Reserve in Costa Rica and the positive effect of engaging local communities in conservation science. Pura vida! It makes her want to jump on the next plane to Costa Rica and become a conservation scientist.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
In this episode, Mrs. A begins her research on Japan, learning about the hip and modern Osaka Canal street with its ancient hidden temple where her first opportunity for good fortune awaits. She then takes the fast train to Kyoto to climb a mountain to the Shrine of the God of Rice, and has three more chances to change her luck.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
In this episode, Mrs. A chats with Martin Navaraez, a field guide with Ecology Project International (EPI) based on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. He talks about research students participate in regarding invasive species on the islands and how the endemic giant tortoises are both victims of and partially responsible for the spread of non native plants on the islands.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
In Episode 45, Mrs. A chats with Alexei Desmarais of EPI about student research in Yellowstone, the difference between a bison and a buffalo, and what is up with that super volcano?
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
In this episode Mrs. A discusses getting new travelers signed up for trips, and gives an update on the COVID 19 vaccine. What it does, what it doesn’t do, and when can we stop wearing these masks?!
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
In this short episode, Mrs. A bids goodbye to 2020 (good riddance!) and lays out her goals for the new year, which focuses on preparing for her Japan trip this summer! Happy 2021!
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
Excited about getting ready to travel again? In this episode Mrs. A rounds up over 50 gift ideas for any sort of travel. You’ll be sure to find something for your favorite traveler or yourself!
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
Mrs. A chats with her friend Haley from Ecology Project International in Missoula Missouri, about why field based science trios for students are so important and how EPI has been operating during the Pandemic.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
Mrs. A reflects on a very special trip she took in 2018 to Mexico, when she participated in conservation science with several teachers from across the USA through Ecology Project International. (And she got to live out her fantasy of being Jacques Cousteau)
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
As preparations are being made to distribute the Covid 19 vaccine, Mrs. A reports on some research done in 2020 on the future of student travel. Do young people feel safe venturing out into the world again? What is their motivation for doing so? What are they saying they want from international travel in a post Covid world?
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
In this episode, Mrs. A reminds herself of all the things to be grateful for, despite a worldwide pandemic that prevents travel right now, and the hope of returning to travel in 2021. She wishes you a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav, and follow me on Instagram @a_teacher_who_travels
In the final podcast of this series, Mrs. A returns to Australia to dive into the legend of the bloodthirsty bunyip (stay out of that billabong!), the terrifying drop-bear (do you have a fork in your hair?) and Frederick Federici, the ghost of the Princess Theater.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
In this episode, Mrs. A recounts 3 scary legends of Costa Rican folklore. La Llorona, the Crying Lady, El Cadejo, the cursed black dog, and La Segua, the beautiful she-demon. Don’t go wandering in the dark. You have been warned.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
In this episode, Mrs. A tells the tales of two places in Central Massachusetts that are said to be haunted. The Woods of Wachusett in Princeton, and the SK Pierce Mansion in Gardner. Are you brave enough to go visit them? Do you dare?
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
In this episode, Mrs. A reports on the state of travel during a pandemic, specifically what it's like to travel by plane and train, and the rise of traveling by RV.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
In today's episode, Mrs. A chats with a fellow traveling teacher, Jackie, about her unique experience traveling to Cuba with Witness for Peace in January 2020. They discuss the importance of how travel helps dispel stereotypes and changes perspectives.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
Before Mrs. A heads home from her trip, she practices her bartering skills at the largest indigenous artisan market in South America and learns about Ecuadorian textiles, music, and paintings from the villagers from the Andes.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
In this episode, Mrs. A chats with a colleague who travels with food allergies, and she shares her tips and experiences on traveling internationally while dealing with language barriers and unknown ingredients.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
In this episode, Mrs. A reads excerpts from her travel journal about Puerto Ayora in San Cristobal and a very special student she calls Tortuga Boy. She visits the statue of Charles Darwin and swims in Darwin's Bay before heading back to Quito
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In this episode, Mrs. A visits the Darwin Research Center on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos, pays her respects to Lonesome George, once known as the rarest organism on the planet, and meets Diego, the tortoise who single handedly saved his species from extinction
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
In Episode 28 Mrs. A finally gets to see tortoises at the Giant Tortoise Breeding Center on Isabela Island, and learns why some have dome shaped shells and others have the saddle back shape! Then she takes a nature walk along the lagoons,marveling at the diversity of life there, including the unique trees like the Cactus Prickly Pear and the twisted scalesta trees, and wildlife including Darwin's famous finches and wild flamingos. Let's check it out!
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
In Episode 27, Mrs. A at last reaches the Galapagos! Passing Cotopaxi volcano on the way, she lands on Baltra Island and does a water crossing to Isabela Island, meeting some exciting endemic animals along the way, and learns the etiquette of popcorn.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
In this episode, Mrs. A reviews her visit to Ecuador by visiting the Dancing Virgin of Quito, running on the rooftop of the Santo Domingo Church, and standing on both the northern and southern hemisphere at the same time at the Intiñan Museum.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
In Episode 25, Mrs. A gives some tips on traveling to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands, and some advice on dealing with altitude sickness
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
In this Episode, Mrs. A gives an update on her 2020 scheduled trips, talks about her own experience with COVID 19, and has some suggestions for homebound hodophiles.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
In this episode Mrs. A discusses the COVID 19 virus, how to prevent it, and its impacts on her Belize trip.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
In this episode, Mrs A recounts her visit to the Embera Quera tribe in Panama, drinking Geisha coffee that costs $803 per pound, and mola fabric from the Kuna tribe.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
In this episode, Mrs A recounts the history of the Panama Canal and her visit there in December.
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In Episode 20, Mrs. A reflects on her 2019 travels to Puerto Rico, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, and Costa Rica, and looks ahead to the travels for next year!
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
Mrs. A announces she will be traveling to Panama in a couple of weeks to celebrate the new year, and shares some tried and true travel tips and hacks to help plan for a wonderful holiday adventure!
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
In this episode, Mrs A gives some tips on how to be a more environmentally friendly traveler, from how to get to your destination, how to behave once in your host country, and the pros and cons of purchasing carbon offsets.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
In Episode 17 Mrs. A recalls the trip that transformed her from tourist to traveler, and forever changed the way she looked at travel. It was on this trip that the fire was ignited that made her become A Teacher Who Travels
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
In honor of Halloween, Mrs. A shares some scary stories from international trips- not scary as in paranormal, but scary as in--What were you thinking?! From lead teachers who disappear for days, to travelers who venture into the forest without permission, Mrs. A hopes you learn their lessons and don't repeat their mistakes. Happy Halloween!
In this episode I interview Vanessa, a senior in college who has traveled both in high school and during a semester abroad. She describes how traveling is more than just going to a physical place, but also how travel can teach you more about yourself, which are attributes you can use for the rest of your life.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
In this episode, Mrs. A visits the most biodiverse area in Costa Rica, the Osa Peninsula! She survives driving through rivers, getting lost on a hike, being ogled by scarlet macaws, and two interactions with large tropical snakes in the wild. Join her on a trip into ancient Costa Rican jungle - Parque Nacional Corcovada...complete with peccaries, monkeys, a snoozing toucan, and cloud of moths masquerading as butterflies.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
In today’s episode, Mrs. A chronicles her quest to see the elusive resplendent quetzal, said to be the most beautiful bird in Costa Rica. She travels high into the cloud forest, and gains an appreciation for bird photography and ... starlight mints?? Enjoy to her misadventures on the road to finding this beautiful bird.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
In Episode 11 Mrs. A finally gets WARM by visiting Cairns. From steamy tropical rain forests complete with giant spiders, killer cassowaries, and majestic cockatoos, to (finally!) meeting members of the Tjapukai aboriginal tribe, to swimming on the Great Barrier Reef, she found her favorite place on the continent. Find out if she dared play the forbidden didgeridoo, or has a scary encounter with a shark on the reef! And most importantly, can she throw a boomerang?
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Mrs. A is joined by a student traveler to get his humorous take on the trip and international travel in general. Does he think international trips are worth the hype?
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Episode 9? Wow! In this episode I talk about Australian foods we experienced including fairy bread and bugs, how the national animals of Australia symbolize how the nation is moving forward, the confusing game of Australia Rules Football, and why opals are associated with Australia.
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
In Episode 8 we look at the history of the Sydney Harbor Bridge and the ways people can climb over its massive structure...or not. We tour the Sydney Opera House, which is a World Heritage Site, and learn how politics nearly erased the contribution of the original architect, Danishman Jørn Utzon.
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Episode 7 summarizes our zorbing, Glow Worm caves tour and Hobbiton experiences in New Zealand. Next we fly across the ditch to Sydney Australia and learn a bit of the history of the penal colony, and visit the Botanical Gardens learning about Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair overlooking the Harbor.
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Episode 6 continues to recount the trip to New Zealand, where the term kiwifruit, kiwi bird, and kiwi the people of New Zealand is explored. We were privileged to learn about the life cycle and conservation efforts of the nocturnal kiwi bird, then the agriculture of New Zealand is discussed with its history of sheep and dairy exports with a trip to the agrodome, and finally the fun adventure park called Skyline Rotorua where one can enjoy mountain biking, a sky swing, luging, or relax and go shopping or enjoy a delicious meal at one of the two mountaintop restaurants. For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav
This episode focuses on the Maori tribe of New Zealand. We were honored to visit the Whakarewarewa Maori geothermal village and learn about their culture, the significance of jade and the silver fern to their people, and participate in a Hangi Feast, where our Chief, Mr. Jones, had to get the hongi blessing of the Maori Mittai Chief. Enjoy and subscribe!
For questions or ideas for future topics, contact me on twitter.com/ateacherwhotrav