YLC "The Great Debate"

Last weekend, the UA Bears participated in "The Great Debate" as part of the National Hispanic Institute's Young Leaders' Conference in Austin. Led by Mrs. Escamilla (plus a few other fabulous Escamilla family members) and their big-sister UA coaches, our team was strong and well-prepared for the intense competition. The competition was held in Austin at The University of Texas and we were so grateful to have the support of our UA faculty chaperones during the big trip. In the end, our team placed second overall (first runner up) and brought home an impressive 2nd place plaque!

Leaving for Austin!

Looking professional!

Lots of moments of strategy along the way...

Our awesome Cross Examination finalists in action!

The Awards ceremony

Farewell Peru !

How difficult it was to leave our dear friends and sisters in Peru! Here are a few highlights from our final precious moments together :

We left the school a poster of the new Dallas skyline

A farewell faculty luncheon

UA Students & Host Sisters

The students had a farewell party with all of the girls who have visited UA Dallas

We will miss Madre Ester!

Adios y Muchas Gracias a nuestras queridas familias!!

Las Islas Ballestas

Student Hilary S. reflected on our last full day in Peru:

Starting off the day sunless and early at 6:15, we enjoyed scrambled eggs with ham as we prepared for the upcoming excursion: Paracas. Historically, Paracas is a significant site for Peruvians because on September 8, 1820, Jose San Martin, the liberator of Peru, freed the people from the Spanish and began the rest of his campaign from here. Roughly an hour away from our lovely hotel in Ica, Paracas is home to the Islas Ballestas.

Fishermen at Las Islas Ballestas

The Islas Ballestas are a series of protected islands where the native species of fauna flourish and interact. These rock islands are the equivalent of the Galapagos islands. In this area of Peru, fishing is second most important business, so while the islands are protected, boats and fishermen come from all around to try their luck diving for shrimp and other sea creatures.

All aboard the "Pinguino 1"



On our way to the islands!

During the thirty minute boat ride to the islands, we came across a figure on the side of one of the mountains. It stands 177 meters tall and 60 centimeters deep, making it one beautiful site which is believed to have been created by the indigenous people over 2000 years ago! A country rich in legends, the origin of the candelabra remains a mystery. Could it have been aliens or maybe a gift from the native people to their gods? The world may never know, but we do know that this sign is older than the Nazca lines and uses a different technique as it is in a volcanic rock, reinforcing the evidence of Peru's unique and vast history.

The mysterious Candalabra

Just when we thought we might freeze from the chilling wind, we arrived at the three Islas Ballestas. The islands are rock formations jutting up from the ocean but they have arches and caves that would resemble everything from a human face to an entire elephant! As the swells went down and more of the rock was exposed, you could see a line of black which our guide said were muscles attached the rock. The islands, which were all natural with the exception of a wall built 100 years ago, were breathtaking with their blacks, greens, and reds.

Penguins!

As we approached the islands closer, we were immediately greeted with penguins, which Ms. Chinuntdet describes as "so awkward looking" as they tried to waddle on the rocks. Flying overhead were thousands and thousands of birds; the Peruvian pelican, guanay cormorant, Peruvian booby, seagulls, ica tern, and even the red-legged cormorant, which was my favorite with its bright red lips, yellow beak, and black and white feathers. Even more birds could be found resting on the islands, turning what would normally look like brown and red rock into a black land. An interesting tid bit of information we learned about the birds and their guano (poop) is that every seven years professionals climb onto the rock and sweep all of the guano into bags which are then used for fertilizer and other such things. Nearly all of the birds that we saw were non-migratory birds, meaning they indulge on the local small fish year round. Luckily, we came at a time when the pelicans were preparing for the mating season so their necks were a crisp white and their heads a brilliant yellow.  These threatened or vulnerable species were a treasure to see.

One of the many feathered friends that we encountered

Happy Sea Lions

For me, the main event was seeing the sea lions, which, as our guide pointed out, are similar to seals but are much more active. Within the sea lion species, a female tends to have a slenderer head and a lighter coat. The young males, around five years old, start to break off into herds, and in one cave we saw them roaring and fighting. Most of the time, though, they were just sunbathing and smiling for the camera. These creatures give birth in the summer months, January-March, and, since there are no sharks or killer whales around, they can live in peace and enjoy their daily activities of eating in the morning, sleeping all day, and then eating again at night.

Today was one of my favorite parts of the trip! It was full of excitement, beautiful views, savory foods, and a lively atmosphere!

Day 2 in Ica: Nazca by Madeline L.

UA Delegate to Peru, Madeline L., shares her experiences and what she learned on our weekend excursion to Nazca and Ica, Peru:

Today, we drove through many valleys with small towns on our way to Nazca. The first was a valley called the Rio Grande. This specific area doesn't get a lot of rain, but the river supplies enough water for the whole town all year. We pulled off the side of the road to look at a rock in the shape of a face. The people in the town believe that the face in the rock is the guardian of the town. 

UA Delegates and the Face of the Rio Grande Valley
And no, they are not already back in Texas.

Another valley town was named Palpa which means fork because there is a fork in the river near the center of town. This town is known for its gold and copper mining. This is where our guide Raul showed us a cactus bug called cochinilla, which is referred to as “red gold” in English. This insect’s blood was originally used for painting and clothing dyes. Today, it is used to make the red color in cosmetics such as lip stick. Because it is used for makeup color, it is very valuable - one kilogram is worth $400!

The top shows the bugs in their natural state and
the bottom shows the red color used in cosmetics after the bugs are crushed.

Our first stop in Nazca was the Museo Arqueologico Antonini where we learned about the Nazca people and of course, the Nazca lines. We learned about the three different types of pots for parties, rituals, and offerings and also the history of the trophy heads, which is a skull with a hole and string through it. A very interesting topic is the influence of Asian people and culture in the pottery. It is believed that the Nazca people were exposed to people of other cultures because distinctive, typical characteristics such as Asian eyes and beards show up on their painted pots. As further evidence, pumpkins are originally from Asia and many were found in tombs painted with the same designs as the Nazca pottery. The pumpkins were hollowed out and probably used to carry water and other food or drinks.

An ancient circular aquaduct

After visiting a site of ancient aqueducts, we went to a family's house where they make replicas of original Nazca pottery using original Nazca tools found in the desert by the patriarch 40 years ago. The son, Tobi, took us through the steps of how the Nazca people produced their ceramics. These are the same techniques that he and his family use today to produce the replicas.

Toby proudly carries on the family tradition of making Nazca pottery

Now onto the mysterious Nazca lines! The suspected date in which they were made is 200 AD because the same designs were painted on pottery during that time period. The lines occupy a total of 500 square kilometers and include straight lines and different figures such as birds, monkeys, spiders, trees, etc. They were not officially discovered until 1927. There are many theories about how they were formed. Native people thought the lines were some sort of worship to the gods but they never saw the actual overall figures before 1927 (because they did not have flight which is the only way to see the entire drawings). Because Nanazca means “the town made for suffering” in Quechua, many believe the name is referring to the lack of water. Thus, the lines were gifts to the gods to bless the town with water. Another theory is that the lines were left by aliens, which also might be why Peru has the most reported UFO sightings in the world.

A German scientist named Maria Reiche dedicated her life to studying the Nazca lines. Although her work is much respected now, people in the town of Nazca once called her “la gringa loca” because she was always in the desert walking alone next to the lines. She did gain some respect near the end of her life as well.

We went to the top of a tall tower to see these Nazca lines - 2 hands in the desert!

There are three main reasons why the Nazca lines are still preserved. First, the lines are located on flat land surrounded by mountains. So, when harsh sand winds blow over the mountains, the mountains stop the sand. The wind then cleans the lines by blowing away any debris. Secondly, at night during the winters, light rain is not uncommon in the desert which wets the ground slightly turning the soil into clay and keeping the rocks in place. Lastly, during summer, the harsh heat vaporizes the moisture in the ground and the wind sort of bounces off the vapor. This means the strong winds of summer actually never touch the ground.

Our group at the Nazca Lines

We ended our day back to Ica for dinner at Roky's Roasted Chicken. It was a delightful, needed meal and Katherine felt the need to finish everyone's unfinished chocolate cake. It was a sweet ending to a mysterious and intellectual day where we learned a lot and laughed a lot as well!

our last reflections from Wimbledon

It is hard to believe that we are heading back to Dallas tomorrow morning.  The time has flown by and the experience for the students and the faculty members has been fantastic.  On our last day here the students will be giving a presentation to some of the Wimbledon classes on our traditions at Ursuline Dallas, what sets us apart, and, more specifically, the community service in which the students have been involved.  Please enojoy our last few reflections about the time spent in London!

My family is super nice.  Evie has a little sister named Emmaline.  This weekend we went to Cambridge.  It was really fun to go punting.  I am really going to miss the family when I leave.  They have been so welcoming and kind.  It was also really cool to see the Olympic torch! I have had a wonderful time here and I hope Evie can come and visit me in Dallas sometime!
Emily S.

My host family has been very welcoming to me and they have been treating me like their own daughter.  When Natalia came to Dallas, she stayed  with me so we knew each other very well.  I had a great experience on this trip and it is going to be hard to leave.  This weekend Natalia and I went to Camden Market and did a lot of shopping and we went to a birthday party later on.  I have bonded so well with the family that it will be difficult to leave them.

I love my family.  They're so amazing! In the top picture I am on platform 9 3/4. I can't believe I get to visit these amazing places.  I am definitely enjoying the scenery in London.  I also enjoy the weather here.  It's a nice break from the Texas heat.  I would definitely come back to London.  I love it here!  In the bottom picture, we're at Ripley's Believe It or Not!  We are on this ridiculously huge chair and with all of us on it.  I thought it would break.  On the chair with me is my sister, Laura and brothers, David, Robert, and Kenny.  They are so sweet and funny.  I didn't expect to get along with them so well.  This family have made me feel so welcome and I am going to be so sad to say goodbye tomorrow.  I will definitely keep in touch.  - Courtney W.

a little note from our students

On Saturday my host family and I visited the London Tower bridge. The Olympic rings are already in place and ready to go! Cheers!
Sam P.

Today as a group we went to Harrod's department store. The store was huge and sold everything from clothes to animals. After shopping, we headed back to Ursuline High School for lunch and a cooking lesson. During the lesson we made traditional English scones. They were delicious! Everyone has been loving Wimbledon! It is so different from Dallas in so many ways. One of the biggest differences is the weather! Unlike dallas it is usually around 70 degrees and will rain off and on. Another big difference is the house sizes. The houses in London are very close to each other. All the houses and shops are so cute. Also, since the city is so crowded transportation is very different. Everyone travels by walking or going on the bus, train, or  subway.
- Mary M.

Wimbledon Centre Court



Last Saturday I went with my host family to watch the Wimbledon tennis matches. Thursday, as a group, we travelled to Shakespeare's Globe to see the play Henry V. By attending these two events, I learned how the British like to be entertained. It is not completely unlike the things we Americans like to do. Because both sites are traditional forms of entertainment, I am happy to have been able to enjoy them.
- Allison D.

Bringing the Heart of Texas to Wimbledon

On Friday our Dallas girls traveled across the street to the Wimbledon Ursuline Prep School where they were able to teach the youngsters a few important things about Texas. They prepared a lesson to teach the students about the Texas flag, cowboys, bluebonnets, the Texas State Fair, plus much, much more. The also taught the girls how to sing Deep in the Heart of Texas and how to do the "boot scootin' boogie".   After that, they were able to take the students outside for a little bit of fun and games on the tennis court. Plus, with Ms. DLC on the trip, how could the children not learn The Eyes of Texas and how to properly show their "hook 'em horns."

teaching the "boot scootin' boogie"

 

Hook 'Em!

The girls had an absolute fantastic time at the Ursuline Prep School and really enjoyed spending some time with their younger Ursuline sisters!

First Day in Ica by Katherine A.

UA Delegate to Peru, Katherine A., tells of our adventures on our first day in Ica, Peru.

By 5:30 AM, I was up and out the door of my Peruvian sister's home, in time to make it to Colegio Santa Ursula at 5:45. We spent four hours in the car, in which the guide, Raul, gave us a brief history of Ica. Ica was established in 1563. Although located in an extremely dry desert, the area was considered a good choice for a home thanks to its seven lagoons and sources of underground water. As of twenty five years ago when Ica adopted Israeli desert agriculture techniques, the district now is known for its farming of various crops such as asparagus, grapes, and nuts.

Before entering the more developed part of Ica, we visited a small town called Cachiche. In Cachiche we learned about some of the religious beliefs of the people. Many inhabitants of Ica believe in superstitions and mystical things like witches, spells, and curses. First, we saw a pyramid in which witches cast spells and people visited for good luck. Next, we visited a seven-headed palm tree. Long story short, the palm tree was cursed by a witch long ago who said that if ever the seventh head grew, Ica would perish. In recent history, Ica was flooded by seemingly never ending rains, especially for a place that averages about 2 millimeters of rain a year. During these rains, it was discovered that the seventh head was growing. Promptly, the people cut it off and miraculously the raining and flooding ceased. Now, the seventh head is not allowed to grow naturally in order to avoid any further catastrophic disasters.

UA Delegates with the primary formation of La Palmera De 7 Cabezas and our guide for this local legend
Nikki is leaning on one of the chopped off trunks that would have been the seventh head.

Unfortunately, in 2007, Ica suffered a great earthquake that measured 7.9 on the Richter scale. The massive tremors destroyed many buildings, businesses, and homes. As we drove through the city, it was easy to see the people had not recovered well from the earthquakes. Most houses were, though livable, half finished. Also, the guide pointed out numerous churches in ruins--only one church had survived the earthquake intact. In total, an estimated 1,200 people died as a result of the earthquake. Despite the damage however, Ica is still a beautiful place. Although not as developed as Lima, downtown Ica was busy and full of people. The town square was surrounded by yellow buildings. The color yellow was mandated by the capital city of Lima. In Peru, every town square follows the color chosen by the government in Lima. For example, the last color chosen before yellow was red, and for that reason Ica's town square was previously red. Also, two obelisks stood in the middle of plaza which represent the two cultures in Ica: the Paracas and Nazca cultures.

Finally at 12:30, we headed to lunch at a small restaurant called El Cantador where we were served Causa, a typical potato-based Peruvian dish. Potatoes are a huge part of Peruvian cuisine. Most consider Peru as the birthplace of the potato in South America with evidence dating of domesticated potatoes from around 10,000 years ago. There are more than 3800 varieties of potatoes in Peru where the papa amarilla, or yellow potato, seems to be the most popular in traditional Peruvian dishes. 

Causa Limenos is traditionally two layers of mashed papa amarilla with some sort of filling like today's chicken.

After a short break, the group headed to the highlight of the day: the dunes. These larger than life sand mountains entertained us for hours. We attempted to sandboard (basically snowboarding on sand) down the dunes--with only a 50% success rate. Most of us however had one good ride and the rest were face-plants, nose-dives, or complete wipe outs into the incredibly soft sand.

After we tired of attempting to ride our sandboards, we began to climb the giant dunes. Although a grueling trek, every single delegate made it to the top of the dune where we were rewarded with a once in a life time view. It was absolutely magnificent; there are really no words to describe the view and even pictures do not do it justice. To the right, we could see what seemed like all of Ica; to the left more waves of even higher dunes, and in front of us the most amazing sunset I have ever seen. If you, reader, think I am over exaggerating, ask any single delegate what the most impressive, magnificent, awesome part of the trip was and I guarantee you she will say the dunes in Ica.


In this downhill shot from the top of the gigantic sand dune,
Katherine A. encourages Madeline L. as she approaches the summit.
And yes, you cannot see the bottom of dune even at this photo's downward angle.

The UA Delegates at the top ridge line of the dunes
All eight delegates made it to the top in a feat akin to climbing to the top of the Great Wall of China.
Great job, everyone!
But sorry, Hilary, someone had to take this amazing photo, right?

To finish off the long day, we briefly visited the last remaining lagoon, Huaca China, in Ica. Previously I mentioned that there were once seven lagoons in Ica. Now, all except one have been dried up by the sun and overuse. Huaca China is another superstitious landmark. Today, the people believe that when a person dies in the lake, the witch who lives in the waters is lonely and has taken a human to accompany her beneath the murky waters of the lagoon. Fortunately, we were spared the risk of swimming in the lagoon.

The UA Delegates in the hotel next to the lagoon
Senora Betty spent several vacations at this hotel as a child and survived the lonely witch.

Overall, it was a great and memorable day. Tonight, I know we will all be sleeping well after a long day in Ica visiting witches and climbing sand mountains.