The question has been raised, what value is there in learning by study abroad courses. The best possible way to address the question is by comparison. The only comparison I am cable of making is that with my learning by reading, testing, listening, videos, surfing the net, research, memorizing, countless hours in labs and in tutoring.

I do enjoy classroom settings and have not enrolled in any internet courses, mostly due to the fact, that I am a visual and hands on learner. Yes, study abroad is an excellent avenue for learning.

I acknowledge the fact that I have had excellent professors, at Palo Alto College, however, first hand experiences is on a unique level of learning.

You can tell me or I can experience.

For my first study-abroad course, all of my senses were engaged which transformed learned print into learned smells, sounds, sights, tastes and touches.

The stay in Oaxaca provided a concentrated lesson on world economics and politics, and the appreciated facts of poverty. No amount of time spent in lecture can supersede the experience. Ask me, I know, I experienced it, I was there. The brief stay alerted me to events that directly affect anyone concerned about personal pocketbooks and human rights.

The study abroad to Oaxaca, offered enlightenment to the smallest of details as well. I do not believe I would have discovered the fruit guanabana, http://www.tropico2000.com/guanabana.htm, for that matter, drink the juice of it. Also my Spanish teachers would be proud of my attempts, (ok), to converse. The degree plan, as a History Major, allows for two more semesters of Spanish.

Yes, most definitely, I would recommend the study abroad program to anyone. The determining factors for me were the costs involved and the time spent away from home and obligations.

Tomorrow the Presidential elections for Mexico will take place. It will be interesting to see the outcome.

Seeded in the heart of the west side of San Antonio, is Lanier High School, where 99% of the enrolled are of Latino descent. My first ever visit to the School, was an eye-opener and a heartfelt learning experience.

Mr. Orlando Lizcano, who happens to be Melanie’s daddy, greeted us with “Welcome Home.” Initially, I assumed he was making reference to our Oaxaca return trip. He explained that this was the “House”, Home to the teaching staff and students of the Career Technology Department. Mr. Lizcano for 19 years has directed the department of 15 programs such as Automotive, Criminal Justice and Building Traits. However, his students are aware that his position extends to surrogate Father. Here, Mr. Lizcano and his staff implement basic life skills into the curriculum.

When a Lanier High School student enrolls in one of the programs, they receive lessons on mannerism, table etiquettes, appropriate dress, communication skills and how hickeys are negative connotations. Girls are given special instruction on how to be “young ladies.” By the end of the year, the students have made a visible change.

Ms. Tamara Ford a retired San Antonio Police officer instructs the Criminal Justice curriculum. The no nonsense, shoot from the hip style she projects works. When a student arrives late to class, pushups are required. She said, “Nobody is going to baby you.”

Ms. Ford applies inventive techniques to reaching the students, many who are classified at risk. First there must be an understanding of the Hispanic cultural, recognize academic potential and the social and psychological mindsets of the young students. Most importantly, she plants in their minds: be determined to succeed and it is ok to set goals.

Mr. Mike Lizcano, yes he is the son of Mr. Orlando Lizcano, oversees the Building Traits curriculum. He enlightened us with a technique he uses to “get to know the student.” On the first day of class, the lights will be turned off and the students are to close their eyes and meditate on the positives and then the negatives of their lives. Mr. Lizcano then asks them to write them down. Sadly, many have unthinkable events to share with him, but he believes it is imperative to understand their positions. Many of the students come to school and use it as a dumping ground, for their troubles. Many do not come from a “Leave it to Beaver” home environment. When one student is in need, the group comes together in a round table discussion. The kids respond and rise up to the occasion-for they are “family.”

The fastest way to make me cry, is to witness someone else tear up. Mr. Mike Lizcano is a big guy with a heart to match. He discussed the difference between Mexican National and Mexican American students enrolled at Lanier and stressed the importance to appreciate the different cultures. When Mr. Lizcano shared the story of one of his former Mexican National students, Beto, is when my eyes reacted. The young man was required to return to Mexico and go to work. Even though Beto did not want to, he wished he could have stayed to finish his education. Unfortunately, Mr. Lizcano received word that Beto lost his life working in an unstable Mexican mining shaft.

Lanier High School is not immune to District politics, the Career Technology Department had been treated like the “step-child.” Mr. Orlando Lizcano has a budget of $11,000.00 for the 15 different programs with lots of restrictions attached. As Mr. Lizcano said, “Do the math.”

The teaching staff treated our hungry group to some really good breakfast tacos and choice of drinks-Muchas gracias. Especially for your time and for sharing how your successful programs are working and making a positive difference.

Our next stop sent the hurried group around the corner and down the street to 1426 El Paso Street the head quarters to the American Indians in Texas Spanish Colonial Missions, where the Rites of Passage Program operates. In the small colorful transformed home to office we found Ms. Diana Morales who shared with us what the Passage Program is about.

The Program targets males 12-21 who are fathers or at risk of becoming fathers. The mission is to provide them with a model on accepting the responsibilities of man-hood; many have no father figure in their lives.

The program encourages discovering and preserving the young men’s indigenous past and implements native arts and crafts such as creating dream catchers and by using sticks and yarn to create eyes of God. The finished art resembles a colorful patterned square.

Ms. Morales said that a big part of their services include counseling that is available at no cost. Under project base learning, to help satisfy their emotional need.

I was happy to hear that a service such as this exists. So many times babies having babies often result in child abuse and worse, death.

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These are images of a newly expanded part of the River Walk-to think it used to be a parking lot









For the first day of “summer”, the calendar does not acknowledge the thermometer; our adventures included a visit to the San Fernando Cathedral, 115 Mail Plaza, www.SFCathedral.org, and the Spanish Governor’s Palace, 105 Plaza de Armas, www.sanantonio.gov/sapar/spanishgovernorspalace.asp both centrally located down town San Antonio.

Our Professor utilized the Frost Bank parking garage, for she “is a customer”. Any covered parking in this heat is practically a necessity, but it did not seem as hot today.

As you walk into the Cathedral, your eyes are immediately drawn to the back of the Church, where the magnificent golden altar illuminates and beckons your presence. The building is at least 250 years old and does not look it. In 2003, the Church completed a $5.8 million restoration project, contributing to its kept appearance. We, and the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, have the King of Spain to thank for the Cathedral’s existence. Our enthusiastic tour guide, Arlene Regalbuto, relayed the history of the original Canary Island settlers. King Phillip V. of Spain dreamed of 400 families who would cross the ocean and settle in the new America’s under the white and red crossed flag. Only 15 braved the voyage.
The Baptismal Font is the oldest piece of furniture in the Cathedral

Lady of Candelaria
The center of the city of San Antonio is marked with a plaque on the floor, directly in front of the 24kt altar, which, by the way consisted of 15,000 gold leaf applications. The Cathedral is a San Antonio icon, a landmark filled with history, art and a source for spiritual worship. It is the oldest cathedral sanctuary in the United States that despite fires, floods, bullets, arrows and vandalism religious services never ceased. Muy fuerte, (tough)! Kind of like the bloodline of the first settlers who survived external elements, aggressors and disease such as cholera.

Commissioned in the name of Spain, the Franciscan Priest were to convert the local Native American Indians. The different images and statutes of Jesus, Mother Mary and Saints utilized in the Catholic faith eased the transition for the pagan worshipers. A perfect example of confluence between the Native customs and the Catholic faith is la Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe. Every December 12 during the early mass, Indian headdress and attire are worn commemorating the Indian Mother. In San Antonio and in Oaxaca, the dark skinned image of Mother Mary is ubiquitously present. In Oaxaca, the early Aztecs who worshipped “mother earth” were introduced to Christianity through Missionary Fathers. The polytheist practice of the Indigenous, whether here in the New Americas or Oaxaca Mexico, also facilitated the union.
Geographically speaking, the two cities share a centralized Cathedral positioned in front of a park. In Oaxaca, it is called the Zocolo in San Antonio La Plaza de las Islas-named on behalf of the founding settlers from the Canary Islands. The accessibility to the river water made for an easy choice.

This Keystone mounted over the front door, present the coat of arms of King Ferdinand VI of Spain

Mr. Garza explains the legend of the doors.

The Governor’s Spanish Palace is with in walking distance of the San Fernando Cathedral and is not air-conditioned. Mario Garza, who is the curator and manager of the Palace, with a dramatic flair, guided us through the white walls of the tiny structure. “Palace” is misleading, for the structure resembles a hacienda, complete with a master and guest bedroom, chapel, children's room, ballroom, chamber for the creation of governing law and a family room where cards and dominos were a favorite among the adults. Outside, exists a picture perfect patio complete with fountain and wishing well. One could envision horses tied to a post and smell the sweat of the leather saddles.

Chamber Pot

The dwelling was constructed in 1772, as a presidio, or military post, for the state of Texas. From 1772-1821 the Palace briefly served as the capitol of Texas in San Antonio. History reveals the similarity between the power of the Church in early Mexico and Texas. The Church mandated law and order in addition to religious teachings. Since the early colonial time, separation of church and state reduced the power of both clergies.

I have been to San Fernando Cathedral numerous times and will continue to “stop in”. This was the second time I have visited the Spanish Governor’s Palace, the first was about 30 years ago. I seem to remember a second level and the ceilings were not as low. Future visits are in the plans for the rest of my familia. I am sure the Oak trees, which served as a hanging, (capitol punishment), post, will spark some interest.

The trees played hostess to some 26 hangings.

Hasta mañana,

Maria, Maria

Back to the ACCD white passenger van

This mornings first stop: the San Franciscan de la Espada Mission located at the end of Espada RD. (10040), next, the Mission Concepción at 807 Mission Rd. Both Missions reflect the European flavor of the Spanish Colonial architecture, each offering unique examples of the Islamic Moorish occupation of Spain. http://nps.gov/saan/

Acknowledging the threat of the French to the east of Texas, the crown of Spain established presidio or military outposts, and Mission compounds at the Louisiana border. In 1731, the Spanish Missionaries of the Franciscan order, moved the Mission San Francisco de los Tejas to the banks of the river in San Antonio and renamed it San Francisco de la Espada. Of the two missions we visited today, I would say Espada is my favorite. Yes, it is a prejudiced choice, endorsing my family’s roots; my dad, Valdo Sanchez, grew up down the street and I cherish many childhood memories inside and on the walls of the Espada and San Juan Missions and of the Aqueduct positioned between them. Espada’s facade and the interior is not as grand as Concepcion’s Church, however, I love the quaint size. The archway (Moorish), over the front door of Espada, definitely adds to the mystery and specialty of its existence. The two center sections to the left and right are in reverse and upside down positions.

Mission Espada maintained a ranch 30 miles south, near Floresville, Rancho de las Cabras, (the goat ranch).

The Mission Espada Brand
www.nps.gov/saan/visit/RanchodelasCabras.htm Sometime after 1758, the compound was build where the Indian vaqueros (cowboys), over saw cattle, sheep, goat and pig and took part in mass at the chapel when the Priest visited.


Do you see the Blue Dragon Fly?

Serving the Espada Mission, here are 7 of the 12 St. Vincent de Paul Volunteers, who today prepared 60 boxes of food for fellow parishoners in need.

Mission Nuestra Senora de la Purisima Concepción de Acuna, housed the Father President and served as the headquarters for the area Missions. Established in 1731, after the retreat from east Texas, Concepcion’s Moorish influence is evident by archways and décor of seashells.


It is the least restored Mission today. I am not proud to say that this was my first visit to Mission Concepción; do not make the same mistake. I encourage my fellow San Antonians to spend time with our historical treasures and bring your kiddos for an enlightening and delightful time. For these two Missions there is no entry fee however, The National Park Service will accept donations.

Steps to Father President's office

The Missions were an effort by Spain to convert,(Catholic), and educate the local, Coahuiltecan nomadic Indians by stripping them of their “pagan” rituals and belief. Politically the crown of Spain needed more in numbers to extend its power in the New World. The Indian artisans, who succumbed to secularization, influenced the growth and development of Texas and evidence is found through out the city of San Antonio.

Chandelier in front of altar,looking up

Fresco Paintings recently uncovered wall and ceiling.

Image of St. George