The Granaria — Frog and Toad Museum

In Santa Elena, Costa Rica, there is a terrific live museum showcasing Central American species of toads and frogs. The Granaria also serves as a center for the study of these creatures; in their on-site laboratory, natural animal toxins are studied and prepared for use locally as a low-cost alternative to synthetic anestheisia drugs.

The Santa Elena Cloud Forest Reserve (Reserva Bosque Nuboso Santa Elena)

We were in a cloud, at 5,000 feet, straddling the continental divide of Costa Rica. Our tour was tough going. It rained. And rained. And because of the impossible weather this day, we three will remember it well.

The Best Form of Help

On our Nicaragua trip, we witnessed people helping others. Even better yet, we met people dedicated to helping people learn to help themselves.

Classmates

The boys attend classes four afternoons per week, as native-speaking assistants and motivators. Kids want to communicate about soccer, or about whatever strikes them as funny during a lesson. Or about favorite snacks. Or even about elementary school crushes, as my older son is learning.

The Roadschool Goes International

We’re setting off for Guanacaste Province in Costa Rica. Passports? Check. Spanish dictionaries? Check. Bug spray and sunscreen? Double check.

Hell—Bumpass Hell—at 8,400 Feet

Late summer in the High Sierras and South Cascades are such heaven——and so we had to switch it up, and give ourselves a little hell. The name of the place on its own was enough to bring us here!

Modern Art for Modern Boys

How odd, really, that my kids, who are being schooled to do art in a very grown-up way, are having to come to New York to see a bunch of grownups’ art that is outside the lines…that breaks the rules…like what a kid would do.

Zine Production

The Portland zine scene—can it include us, too?

Farmstay Weekend

There’s a lot of down time when one visits a farm in late winter. A person who is used to a scheduled life—one with school bells, bus stops, club commitments, and that familiar “get in the car or we’ll be late!” voice—will find a quiet weekend stay on a farm rather confusing: What am I supposed to be doing now? What’s next?

Just being here…that’s what’s next. Opening up our senses and taking in this beautiful place.

At Sea on Board the MV Sundance

An early-season “school at sea” experience where we learned from the captain and the crew how their 72-foot vessel operates.

Sushi School at The Merry Kitchen

In a class at the Merry Kitchen, you’ll learn why Julie Merry does not own a microwave. You’ll slice, dice, mince, mix, time things, add seasonings, and think about presentation and coordination. You’ll come away a happy kid.