|
Discovering Mexico: A Virtual Exploration of History and Culture, Music and More |
 |
Program Number: |
21036RJ |
|
| Start
and End Dates: |
|
|
4/28/2013 - 5/3/2013;
|
|
| Duration: |
5 nights |
| Location: |
Montreat, North Carolina
|
| Price starting at: |
$558.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city |
| Program Type:
|
History & Culture
|
|
|
| Meals: |
15;
5 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners |
|
|
| Meal
Options: |
Low Fat; Low Salt; Vegetarian; Gluten Free |
|
|
Though Mexico is one of our two closest neighbors, most Americans know it only from what we see and hear on the evening news. Unravel the mysteries and separate fact from fiction as experts lead an exploration of key historical and cultural developments that have defined Mexico and its people.
Highlights
• Learn how this expansive nation on our southern border differs from the U.S. in government, economy, population characteristics, national consciousness, and attitudes towards current issues.
• Learn about the disparate influences that have blended and given rise to diverse kinds of cultural expression in South America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
• Get into the “Latin” beat as you trace the long, colorful evolution of music combining elements from Native American cultures, European colonialists, African slaves — Tango, Calypso, Samba, Mariachi, Bossa Nova — and their enormous influence on popular music in the U.S.
Activity Particulars
All facilities are in one building, with approximately 300 yards walking required; a few stairs. Outside areas are mountainous, with inclines and uneven terrain.
Date Specific Information
4-28-2013
Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.
Coordinated by Montreat Conference Center.
Montreat
Originally founded as a spiritual retreat center, Montreat, nestled on Lake Susan at the foot of Graybeard Mountain, continues to be a peaceful destination for those seeking respite. Footpaths weave through the 4,000 acres of surrounding woodlands and the nearby Blue Ridge Mountains offer other recreational opportunities.
|
Accommodations
Beautiful conference center overlooking small lake in the center of Montreat. Spacious lounges, classrooms, fireplace and dining facilities in same building.
|
|
|
Meals and Lodgings |
| |
Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center |
| |
|
Montreat, NC |
5 nights
|
|
|
| Assembly Inn, Montreat Conference Center |
|
Type: |
Conference Center |
| |
Description: |
This stately hotel overlooks a small lake. It has a beautiful, spacious lobby with a fireplace. The building was made from native stone that sparkles with mica. |
| |
Ship
Information: |
Items to be shipped to guests (UPS/Fed Express, etc.) should be addressed to the participant, c/o Tracy Bailey, 401 Assembly Drive, Montreat, NC 28757. Items sent regular mail should be addressed the same as above, but use P. O. Box 969. |
| |
Contact
info: |
401 Assembly Drive
Montreat, NC 28757 USA
phone: 828-669-2911 x316
web: www.montreat.org/accommodations.htm
|
| |
Room amenities: |
Rooms have a desk, clock radio, kleenex, closets and bed lamps. Blankets, sheets, pillows, bath mat, and a towel set will be provided (clean towels available daily). No phones or televisions in the rooms. |
| |
Facility amenities: |
Internet access (with personal laptop) in the lobby
private baths for all participants. Television and courtesy telephone in the lobby |
| |
Smoking allowed: |
No |
| |
Elevators available: |
Yes |
| |
Additional nights prior: |
Rooms are not typically available, due to retreats. Participants may call to check availability. If no rooms are available, the coordinator will assist them in finding a hotel nearby. |
| |
Check in time: |
4:00 PM |
| |
Additional nights after: |
Rooms are not typically available, due to retreats. Participants may call to check availability. If no rooms are available, the coordinator will assist them in finding a hotel nearby. |
| |
Check out time: |
11:00 AM |
|
|
| Transportation |
|
|
|
To
Start of Program |
| |
Location:
|
Montreat, NC
|
| |
Nearest
city or town: |
Black Mountain, NC; nearest large town: Asheville, NC
|
| |
Nearest
highway: |
Route 9 to Interstate 40 |
| |
Nearest
airport: |
Asheville Regional Airport
|
|
| |
From
End of Program |
| |
Location: |
Montreat, NC |
| |
|
(Additional
transportation information
same as above) |
Travel Details |
| |
Asheville, NC |
From Airport |
| |
Service: |
Commercial Van/Shuttle
Black Mountain Cab
phone: 828-230-1121
Advanced Reservations Required |
| |
Per Person/One Way: |
$55
Prices are subject to change. |
| |
Travel Time: |
45 minutes |
| |
Distance: |
35 miles |
| |
|
Road Scholar coordinator at Montreat can arrange shared rides. The base price is $55, and more is added per person for additional passengers, and the total divided among all. For example, 3 people in one trip would be $75 and $25 per person.
2 people -- $33 per person
4 people -- $22 per person
5 people -- $19 per person
6 people -- $18 per person |
| |
Knoxville, TN |
From Airport |
| |
Service: |
None - Car Required |
| |
Travel Time: |
2 hours, all interstate |
| |
Greenville, SC |
From Airport |
| |
Service: |
None - Car Required |
| |
Travel Time: |
1 1/2 hours, all interstate |
| |
Asheville, NC |
From Bus Terminal |
| |
Service: |
Commercial Van/Shuttle
same as listed for airport
Advanced Reservations Required |
| |
Per Person/One Way: |
$40
Prices are subject to change. |
| |
Travel Time: |
20 minutes |
| |
Distance: |
18 miles |
| |
|
arrange for transport with Road Scholar coordinator at Montreat; she will coordinate times with other participants. |
| |
Charlotte, NC |
From Airport |
| |
Service: |
None - Car Required |
| |
Travel Time: |
2 hours, all interstate |
| |
| Driving
Directions |
| |
From All Points - to Interstate 40 |
come to western North Carolina via Interstate 40; use exit 64 for Black Mountain/Montreat/Route 9 (15 miles east of Asheville, NC). At the exit, turn north on Route 9 (go through one traffic light, across a railroad track and another traffic light, and up the hill to the traffic light). Go straight across where Route 9 becomes Montreat Road, and travel approximately two miles to the Montreat entrance (stone gate). From the gate, continue approximatley 1 1/2 miles to the middle of the conference center. The Assembly Inn is on the hill on the left, across from Lake Susan. |
|
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.
|
Day 1: |
Orientation
(Sunday, April 28)
|
| |
|
| Afternoon: | Arrival at the Assembly Inn, check in between 4 - 5:30 p.m. Spend some time walking around the beautiful grounds. Concrete and gravel path surrounds Lake Susan... or venture out with your map to explore the campus. | | Dinner: | Join us for a scrumptious dinner in the Galax Dining Room, located on the first floor of the Assembly Inn. A full salad bar, choice of two different entrées, vegetables, rolls/bread, fruit and dessert will tempt your taste buds and your appetite! Sweet/Unsweetened tea, milk, coffee, water with tea, etc. Dinner will be served from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. | | Evening: | Our opening program and orientation will be at 7 p.m. in Convocation Hall, also in the Assembly Inn. We'll spend some time reviewing the schedule for the week, and you'll have an opportunity to meet and hear from your instructors. Our evening will close with some "get to know you" activities and fellowship/games/puzzles in the lobby. | |
| |
|
|
|
|
Day 2: |
History and Culture of Mexico
(Monday, April 29)
|
| |
|
| Breakfast: | Assembly Inn Dining Room, Breakfast 7:30 - 8:30 AM. | | Morning: | Our morning classes will focus on why Mexico is different from the United States. We will look at the origins and early development of Mexico, especially its large indigenous population, its Catholic religion, its Spanish culture, and the ways that these contributed to a distinctive national consciousness. We'll have a break for refreshments (coffee and a goodie), and then return to the classroom for our discussion on how Mexico was politically defined. Mexico became independent as a monarchy with a Catholic establishment. Though quickly becoming a republic, its 19th century history was marked by conflicts over the role of religion and education, weak national integration, foreign intervention, and a destructive civil war. | | Lunch: | Lunch is served in the Galax dining room (typically from 12:15 - 1:15 p.m. The lunch menu varies each day, but normally features a salad bar, sandwich fixings, soup, and a yummy (light) dessert to top it off. | | Afternoon: | Our afternoon course focuses on the music of the indigenous cultures. After class time, you'll have an opportunity to explore the Heritage Center and take a guided walk around Montreat. | | Dinner: | Assembly Inn Dining Room, Dinner, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m. | | Evening: | "Fun in the Mountains" recreational program.
Games/cards and tv available in the lobby of the Inn for fellowship. | |
| |
|
|
|
|
Day 3: |
Discovering that Latin beat!
(Tuesday, April 30)
|
| |
|
| Breakfast: | Whether you like muffins, pancakes or waffles, bacon or sausage, grits or oatmeal, biscuits and gravy, or a bowl of cereal and some fruit.... breakfast in the Galax Dining Room, served from 7:30 - 8:30 is sure to please! Breakfast is the most important meal of the day! | | Morning: | Our early morning class focuses on the folk music of Mexico and the European influence. We'll have a break and come back to the classroom for a look at the Brazilian samba and the African influence on music. | | Lunch: | Time to eat again! Lunch will be served in the Galax Dining room on the first floor of the Assembly Inn. Today's feature: Taco Tuesday! Enjoy Mexican dishes... build your own tacos or burritos, make a Mexican salad, All the trimmings make for a delicious and fun lunch... including tortilla chips and melted cheese... sour cream and peppers. Top it all off with some warm peach cobbler and ice cream. Yum Yum! | | Afternoon: | Our afternoon time together finishes up our look at Brazilian samba and the African influence on music.
Following class, there is an opportunity for a hike in the mountains. Led by a Montreat volunteer, who helped to build the hiking trail, you can explore flora (and perhaps fauna) as you walk along a mountain ridge on a trail built specifically with our Road Scholar participants in mind. | | Dinner: | Galax Dining Room in the Assembly Inn welcomes us for dinner from 5:30 - 6:30.
This is typically what we call the "holiday meal." Turkey, dressing, ham, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin pie perhaps?
| | Evening: | More fun for the evening. Let's relax and enjoy a musical concert or a storyteller to tickle our funny bones! | |
| |
|
|
|
|
Day 4: |
History, Culture, and Art of Mexico
(Wednesday, May 1)
|
| |
|
| Breakfast: | Another great breakfast buffet in the Galax Dining Room at the Assembly Inn, served from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. | | Morning: | This morning, we go back to the history and cultural aspects of Mexico. We'll discuss the quest for a new nation. The importance of Benito Juarez, Porfirio Diaz, and especially the Revolution of 1910- 1917, which set the pattern for 20th Century Mexico. After a morning refreshment break, with some coffee and goodies to aid our learning, we'll return to the classroom for our discussion on the problems of 20th Century development. Formulating an ideology of what Mexico is as a nation. Political stability through an all-encompassing party, the PRI. Improving the stand of living through economic development. Incorporating the indigenous population. Internal and international migration. | | Lunch: | Lunch buffet in the Galax Dining Room of the Assembly Inn. | | Afternoon: | Free time in the afternoon for relaxation or exploration of the area. Lots of suggestions and directions will be provided. | | Dinner: | Dinner in the Galax Dining Room of the Assembly Inn, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Have you gained your required five pounds yet? Still a couple of days to work on it.. so don't worry. | | Evening: | Tonight, we'll learn about art in Mexico, and how it has influenced art in other countries. | |
| |
|
|
|
|
Day 5: |
Music of the Islands
(Thursday, May 2)
|
| |
|
| Breakfast: | Breakfast buffet, served from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. If you haven't tried the grits yet, you really should! | | Morning: | Our morning courses focus on the music of the islands. We'll have a refreshment break around 10:15 a.m. | | Lunch: | Lunch buffet in the Galax Dining Room. | | Afternoon: | More music, and more sing along. Discuss the impact which Latin music has had on modern-day popular music in the United States. | | Dinner: | Dinner is served in the Galax Dining Room from 5:30 - 6:30. Thursday night's feature is usally "italian night." spagetti, lasagna, salads, bread, and lots of great dessert. | | Evening: | A fun evening with some local entertainment... either a musical concert or a storyteller.
Games/cards/tv in lobby for fellowship | |
| |
|
|
|
Free Time Opportunities |
|
| Montreat, NC |
Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce
The Asheville Chamber has specific information on Asheville and the surrounding area. Plenty of shops and places to visit! Enjoy a trolley tour of the city... For additional information, visit www.ashevillechamber.org
|
| |
Biltmore Estate
George Vanderbilt's 255-room mansion built at the end of the 19th Century, with a magnificent art collection and gardens covering 35 acres. For additional information, visit www.biltmore.com
|
| |
Black Mountain / Swannanoa Chamber of Commerce
Chamber of Commerce located in downtown Black Mountain.
Phone number 828 669-2300
Quaint small town with lots of unique shops to explore.
Several of these shops are "art" based -- with items the owners make.
Information on all area attractions! For additional information, visit www.exploreblackmountain.com
|
| |
Black Mountain Golf Course
Boasts the world's longest fairway. Beautiful course with views of the mountains on all sides. For additional information, visit townofblackmountain.org
|
| |
Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are part of the Appalachians -- and offer some of the most beautiful scenery anywhere. Hiking trails abound, both in Montreat and in the surrounding area with seasonal flora and fauna.
|
| |
Carl Sandburg Home
A simple farmhouse and goat farm donated to the Park Service by Mrs. Sandburg after the famous author and poet's death. Video about the Sandburgs--his literary work--and hers in breeding goats. House kept as though they could come home any minute! For additional information, visit nps.gov/carl
|
| |
Cherokee Indian Village
The Oconaluftee Indian Village, the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, and Unto These Hills outdoor play (seasonal).
|
| |
Chimney Rock Park
Located in the Hickory Nut Gorge. Enjoy an elevator ride up 26 stores in a granite shaft to the chimney level. Gorgeous views from the top of the "chimney," and lots of hiking trails. Admission fee required. For additional information, visit chimneyrockpark.com
|
| |
Folk Art Center
Home of the Southern Highland Handicraft Guild (located on the Blue Ridge Parkway) in east Asheville For additional information, visit southernhighlandguild.org/folkart.html
|
| |
Grandfather Mountain
Located in Linvolle, NC; attractions include a mile-high swinging bridge, natural habitat area, and hiking trails For additional information, visit grandfather.com
|
| |
Harrah's Casino
Harrah's Casino on the Cherokee Indian Reservation For additional information, visit www.harrahs.com/our_casinos/che/index.html
|
| |
Linville Caverns
A 35-minute walking tour through caverns deep under the Humpback Mountain. For additional information, visit linvillecaverns.com
|
| |
Thomas Wolfe Home
The childhood home of the famous author -- includes a video about him. House has been made into a museum. For additional information, visit www.ah.dcr.state.nc.us/sections/hs/wolfe/wolfe.htm
|