In Episode 52, Mrs. A researches the difference between shrines and temples, and stumbles into the fascinating religion of Shintoism. Contrasting it with Buddhism, she finally starts to grasp all of the belief in luck and fortune.
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In this episode, Mrs. A previews the sites of the Tokyo portion of the trip, and learns about how Japan was closed to the rest of the world for 250 years, the Edo Period, and how in the 1860's it opened up its borders to the modern world. It all comes together by looking at the history of the Imperial Palace and Sesoji Temple. She also previews Harajuku (shopping anyone?) and the eclectic Electric Town.
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In this milestone episode (50!) Mrs. A previews Days 6 and 7 of the Japan trip, learning about the ancient mountain town of Takayama with its unique Gassho thatched roof farmhouses and colorful monkey baby good luck amulets, followed by a trip to the coast to Kanazawa and a visit to the Kanazawa Castle and Garden of the Six Sublimes, Kenroku-en. And yes, it’s got cherry trees.--
Science Teacher Oakmont Regional High School.
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In episode 49, Mrs. A researches the history of the Golden Pavilion, the difference between a shogun and a samurai, how to get lucky in love at the Pure Water Temple, and just how important manga is in Japanese culture while researching the International
Manga Museum, all of which are part of the Kyoto leg of the upcoming Japan trip.
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Mrs. A chats with Juan Carlos Zuñiga from EPI, about leatherback sea turtles on the Pacuare Reserve in Costa Rica and the positive effect of engaging local communities in conservation science. Pura vida! It makes her want to jump on the next plane to Costa Rica and become a conservation scientist.
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In this episode, Mrs. A begins her research on Japan, learning about the hip and modern Osaka Canal street with its ancient hidden temple where her first opportunity for good fortune awaits. She then takes the fast train to Kyoto to climb a mountain to the Shrine of the God of Rice, and has three more chances to change her luck.
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In this episode, Mrs. A chats with Martin Navaraez, a field guide with Ecology Project International (EPI) based on Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. He talks about research students participate in regarding invasive species on the islands and how the endemic giant tortoises are both victims of and partially responsible for the spread of non native plants on the islands.
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In Episode 45, Mrs. A chats with Alexei Desmarais of EPI about student research in Yellowstone, the difference between a bison and a buffalo, and what is up with that super volcano?
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In this episode Mrs. A discusses getting new travelers signed up for trips, and gives an update on the COVID 19 vaccine. What it does, what it doesn’t do, and when can we stop wearing these masks?!
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In this short episode, Mrs. A bids goodbye to 2020 (good riddance!) and lays out her goals for the new year, which focuses on preparing for her Japan trip this summer! Happy 2021!
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