From Jim to the Peru Travelers

Hello Bridge Peru Students,

I don’t know about you, but I’m ready for the summer! My name is Jim Whitmore, and I’ll be one of your co-leaders for Bridge Peru. Right now, I am sweating down here in Honduras where I teach 5th and 6th grade. When not working, snorkeling, scuba diving, hiking, or camping in the cloud forests, just generally traveling around takes up my time. I cannot wait for this summer!
I’m originally from Indiana. Please don’t ask me what a Hoosier is. After college at Ball State University, I moved out to Durango, Colorado and taught middle school for a couple of years. When I wasn’t teaching, I was of course enjoying the mountains and all they offer. The continental divide in the Weminuche Wilderness is one of my favorite places I’ve been lucky enough to know. I’ve now been in Honduras for six years, and plan on returning after our summer together.
This will be my fifth summer leading with Windsor Mountain. My first year, I co-lead the LIA New England trip. I co-lead on LIA Bequia twice, where I had the privilege to work with, and learn from the best: Dianna Hahn. Last year I led Peru! Since we have such an awesome and experienced group, I have no doubt that this program will be a magical experience we all remember. The crew at WMI has been working hard with our Peruvian contacts to ensure we all have a wonderful learning adventure together.
I’m sure you have started researching some of the details of your upcoming adventure. If not, here are some topics you might find interesting: How did Francisco Pizarro treat Emperor Atahualpa? What is Quechua? What is the story behind The Lemurian Solar Disc? What kinds of new foods might you try in your home stay in Cusco? Along with those topics, I do have some personal questions I would like you to answer for me. I will collect them when we first meet and we will discuss them at the conclusion of trip.

1. What are three personal goals you have for yourself on this adventure?
2. How would you rate your conversational Spanish skills?
3. Describe yourself as a traveler and how you represent yourself to people from
other cultures.
4. What do you think will be your biggest personal challenge on this trip?

These should get your brain started. I look forward to reading your responses. Until then, have a great end to your school year, and remember to pack for a variety of weather conditions. Make sure you bring a pack you can carry! I am so excited to see Cusco again, visit the market, see Macchu Pichu, HELLO MACCHU PICHU!, paddle in the highest navigable lake in the world, and learn about the Inca/Peruvian culture. Wow, I’m smiling big! We will be in touch before the trip, so if you or your parents have any questions you can be sure we will talk in June.

Truly,
Jim Whitmore