Photo Album

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Photo Album

• by dslater

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What is the B.A.L.A.M. Project? The B.A.L.A.M.
Project is an interdisciplinary
archaeological, linguistic and cultural learning
expedition to Mesoamerica. The project is
offered through the Robert S. Peabody Museum and
the Phillips Academy Spanish Department. Who is
the Trip Open to? This expeditionary learning
project is open to all students, regardless of
which language they study. All applicants must be
interested in learning about archaeology AND the
Spanish language. No prior experience in either
discipline is necessary. Priority will be given
to current uppers and lowers, although strong
senior and junior candidates will also be
considered. What does Balam Mean? Balam is the
word for jaguar in a number of Mayan languages.
Jaguars were arguably the most sacred animal to
the ancient Maya and to many other ancient people
of Mesoamerica.
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Interdisciplinary Learning
1) Archaeology of Ancient Mesoamerica Tours
of ancient ruins Exploration of ancient
ceremonial caves, including caves which
have had no previous archaeological exploration
until this past summer. Museum
visits Lectures 2) Spanish Language
Ongoing Spanish lessons Daily conversation
with locals Linguistic missions 3) Modern
Mesoamerican Culture Exploration of both
modern cities and Maya villages Shopping at
indigenous marketplaces Daily interaction
with locals Culinary adventures 4)
Other Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science
Sustainability Economics Religion
etc!
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B.A.L.A.M. 2010 Itinerary Archaeology, Langua
ge Immersion, and the Local Flavor
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B.A.L.A.M. 2010 at a Glance

• Archaeological Sites
• Chichen Itza
• Uxmal
• Calakmul
• Palenque
• Yaxchilan
• Bonampak
• Cave Sites
• Chichen Itza Sacred Cenote
• Balankanche
• Aktun Kuruxtun

• Mexican Cities
• Mérida
• Valladolid
• San Cristóbal de las Casas
• Modern Maya Villages
• Yaxunah
• Zinacantan
• San Juan Chamula

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B.A.L.A.M. Project 2010 Itinerary
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B.A.L.A.M. Project 2010 Itinerary Yucatan
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Mérida
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Puuc Sites
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Vallodolid
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Chichen Itza
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Xibalba The Place of Flight
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Balankanche Cave
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Cenotes
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Yaxunah
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Caves
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B.A.L.A.M. Project 2010 Itinerary Calakmul Biosp
here Reserve
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Calakmul
The Kingdom of the Snake
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Wildlife of the Jungle
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Other Sites of the Area
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B.A.L.A.M. Project 2010 Itinerary Palenque, Yaxc
hilan Bonampak
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Palenque
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Yaxchilan
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Bonampak
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B.A.L.A.M. Project 2010 Itinerary The Highlands
of Chiapas
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Tonina
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San Cristóbal de las Casas
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The Highland Maya
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B.A.L.A.M. Project 2010 Itinerary Homeward Bound
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Trip Info Dates March 12 March 27,
2009 Available Spots 3 to 5 Cost 4,300 Schola
rships Because B.A.L.A.M. 2009 was cancelled,
students selected for 2009 have first right to
financial aid. As a result, a maximum of 1,500
of aid money remains.
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• This trip is an Adventure.
• You will be challenged both mentally and
  physically.
• We will rough-it at times. Some of the things
  you will
• encounter and endure may not sound attractive,
  but will
• add to the experience. Some of these things may
  include
• Extreme Heat and Humidity
• Bugs, Spiders, Snakes, Lizards Bats
• Being Sweaty and/or Dirty
• No Hot Water, or on Occasion, no Water at all,
  for Showers
• Climbing Very Tall and Steep Pyramids
• Spelunking through Caves
• Hiking Rugged Terrain
• Need for Vaccinations and the Potential for
  Stomach Ailments

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Critters of the Jungle
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A Note about Drug Violence and H1N1 in Mexico
Rampant drug violence in Mexico is centered along
the U.S./Mexican border, and in some other areas
such as Acapulco. B.A.L.A.M. WILL NOT BE
TRAVELING ANYWHERE NEAR THESE AREAS. We will
only travel to politically stable areas and will
keep abreast of any developments in the country
if they arise. Safety is number 1! H1N1 no
longer appears to be a greater threat in Mexico
than right here at home. H1N1 should have no
impact on our plans. However, we will also be on
alert for any new developments and act
accordingly.
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What You Will Learn About on this Adventure

• The Ancient Maya Civilization
• Spanish Language
• Maya Art, Architecture, Cosmology, Math,
  Astronomy Religion
• Modern Mesoamerican Culture
• Real Archaeology vs. Indiana Jones Archaeology
• Archaeological Excavation Techniques
• Ceremonial Caves
• Vocabulary from one or more Mayan Languages
• Survival Skills
• Animals and Environment of Mesoamerica
• Economic Inequality
• Intangibles that may Change your Outlook on Life

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• Application Schedule
• Applications are currently available
• To receive an app, please sign up after the
  slideshow
• Applications will be due on Monday Nov. 2, 2009
• Participants will be selected by Friday Nov. 20,
  2009
• Mandatory multi-day orientation during Winter Term

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Questions? (Preguntas?)