Hands-On Explorer Trip Blog - National Geographic Kids

Read about National Geographic Kids' 2008 Hands-On Explorer Challenge expedition team's amazing 12-day trip to Australia. Learn how you can enter the 2009 Hands-On Explorer Challenge!

Tuesday, May 26, 2009
chughes2

Ian

Hi , this is Ian!!! Today we visited the Pisaq market and learned about the Amazon rainforest and the species that live in it. At the market people would walk right up to you and offer you anything! It was so weird!!! I was offered anything from weavings to pictures of me walking out of the airport!!! During this visit I learned that no prices are set and never pay full price on anything. I was able to get an old coin for 3 soles instead of 5 and got everything for much less than was offered. I also learned that if you do pay the full price for anything it is almost considered an insult. Not like a mall anywhere in the U.S.A.

Photo: A woman wearing woven clothing






















I also learned about the jaguar, caiman, and freshwater dolphin from Boyd Matson, an NGS explorer and host of Wild Chronicles. They all are endangered due to over hunting, supposed protection of farmland animals, and bad fishing techniques. I hope that people can learn about all these problems so they can change them and prevent any problems involving these amazing species.

So far this trip has taught me a lot about everything in Peru. I hope you can follow this blog and I will write again when we're in the rainforest. (We can't post until we leave the rainforest because the lodge has no electricity.) See you soon everyone!!!

13 Comments

Ian,
Wow what a great picture. You have learned loads and have made lots of lifetime friends. Sounds like you like to shop--Daria wants to know if you bought her a doll yet!!!! I have a feeling I have lost you to world travel and wildlife preservation. Have fun and keep in contact. We miss you and Dad a lot.
Love
Mom and Daria---we are off to Arizona!!!

You got to meet the host of wild chronicles...! That is wicked awesome! It is so cool that you got to learn about all those different species! Maybe together everyone can help to save those endangered species! I like the picture, very colorful! Can you guys not believe that you are in Peru right now!
~Celeste~

What an honor to meet Boyd Matson! Did you learn anything about whether or not there are any laws in Peru that regulate hunting, trapping, and/or, fishing? it sounds like you have a lot to think about now! Great picture! Captured really nicely! Keep on having fun!

Amy S. (Dewey's Mom)

It is so exciting reading all the kids blogs, but yours is especially important to me. I'm so glad your having such a wonderful time. Hugs to you and your Dad. Find out if it would be possible to get an email or address for the handmade woven goods. I'd love to order something from there that is authentic. Love and miss you, Oma Baer

Wow! You guys are really there! This is so exciting! Tell us more about your experiences and don't leave out any details...we are eagerly waiting to hear more...
Love ya,
Gammie & Grandpa Baer

Lovely photo, Ian!

You must be learning well from Mr. Matson! You caught movement, color, mood, and you make me wonder: what is she lookin at and thinking behind those deep eyes?!?!?

Keep snappin!

Michaelann, Pete's mom

Hi Ian,
This is Lucy's mom. Looks like you guys are having an unbelievable time! We love all of the photos you guys have posted. I wanted to let you know that Lucy's sisters and I loved your photo so much that we made it the wallpaper on our computer so we can see it all the time. Hope you're having a wonderful adventure in the rain forest!
Mrs. Anderson (Amy...Lucy's mom!!!)

Great picture Ian. Hope you and your dad are having a wonderful adventure. Daria has now eaten calammari and has weathered the Arizona heat on the putt putt golf course. (She doesn't like it) The heat that is.
We will be looking forward to seeing lots of pictures and hearing about all you have learned.

Love,

Grandma & Grandpa

Ian:

It's so interesting to read about the culture in Peru and that you are learning about wildlife preservation. What a shame that some species are still at risk with everything we know today. I talked to your Mom and Daria on the WebCam today. It sounds like Grandma is keeping them very busy as usual. I can't wait to hear more about your trip.

Wouldn't it be funny to go to the mall and offer a lower price? You could always say you just didn't want to insult them!

Love to you and your dad.

Aunt Tammy

Dear Ian,

We are reading your blog at school. Sounds like you are having an awesome experience.

Stewie says: Watch your back, you never know where there might be a giant spider!

Greg: I am glad you haven't been eaten by any preditors!

Malcolm: Hope you are having fun.
Aidan:Hi.
Logan:I am very jealous!
Ethan: Me Too!
Mike: Hello- Don't get crushed by those big rocks!
Heather: You are so lucky that you are learning so much!
Sam: Never be first in line while going through the jungle.
Isabelle:Don't be Indiana Jones!
Darcy: You are lucky. Sounds like the people are so generous!
Emily: Don't forget the little percussion toy.
Emma: Camp was really fun. You should have been there.

Ian,

I have saved a backpack and University of Idaho tee shirt for you. Hope you continue to have a great adventure. Be safe!

Mrs. Masteller

Ian, hope all is going well with you and your dad. We are keeping things going here at school. I have to say that I would rather be in Peru on an exciting adventure. I can't wait to here all about it. Take lots of pictures, be safe and enjoy. Make sure that your dad stays out of trouble!

Old Lady Hildahl

We miss you. You would have really loved camp. I could just picture you in the matchstick class as you burned down the matchstick forest- really fun, by the way, second best class- and the Pirates class was awesome. Our teacher was like a British cowboy, not kidding. He had a british accent, a cowboy hat, cowboy boots, a button-down white shirt and faded jeans. Totally a cowboy. It sounds cool there. I'm really jealous of you. When are you back at school?

Emma

:-) I wish I was in Peru. It sounds awesome.

Hi Ian,

Sounds fabulous...maybe you can get the malls here to barder prices when you get back, it would be nice not to pay full prices. lol

Glad you are having a wonderful time and look forward to hearing all about it when you get back...love to you both.

Bob and Sherrie

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