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Spent some time after an all day workshop delivered to El Paso ISD touring the city with my friend Tim Holt, Director of Instructional Technology at El Paso ISD. If you do not know Tim, he is quite an interesting guy- an educator with a science background, a photographer with an artistic eye and has many stories to tell.
Southern Most Tip of the Rockies
It was fascinating listening to him explain the history and geology of his city. Highlight of today was standing at the southern most point of the Rockies. In November, I was a keynote presenter in Jasper, Alberta, Canada and was at the northern Rockies. So I have been at both ends now.
I was really surprised at how close Juarez, Mexico is to El Paso. Juarez has been tagged the world’s most dangerous city and is a stone’s throw from El Paso streets. I also couldn’t believe how not intimidating the fence that separates Juarez from El Paso is. I imagined there would be border patrol, lots of desert and guns. And yet people strolled freely along the rather funky El Paso St. shopping and then back home to Mexico.
Rio Grande and Border Fence
Warrez, Mexico from an El Paso view
Tim took me to a restaurant, KiKi’s, that is locally owned and had been featured on the Food Network. He even picked up the bill!
El Paso is built around a solid rock mountain. Tim tells stories of remembering the blasting when they carved a road through the mountain to connect the east and west sides of the city.
We drove to the University of Texas Sun Bowl stadium. I also got several scenic views of Franklin Mountain from lookout points all the way at the top.
It was a great end to a wonderful workshop.
Sun Bowl University of Texas
If you ever get to El Paso look up my friend Tim. He is a great tour guide and will keep you intrigued by the local folklore.
Inside the Sun Bowl
Beside the Franklin, Mountains
Love Tim and he understands hospitality. El Paso is a fascinating city. I know you were doing great things there today.
Sheryl, It was a pleasure to show you my little town. Thank you for your wonderful guidance and training with Will. The teachers had a great time, learned a lot, and are stoked about PLP and digital storytelling.
On a personal note, it was great fun to be with you. I remember showing Marco Torres the same tour ( but shorter) but in reverse…he had the same reaction! You are always welcome in my home and hometown!
Tim
Hello!?!?
I am in town with my son’s AcDec team from Sachse High School in Garland, Texas for the state competition to be held at Coronado High Schoo this weekendl. We were discussing ideas of where to go visit and I brought up the southern most tip of the rockies I had heard about from someone back home. Nobody I have spoken to here really has any idea about where that literally is located. Could you possible tell me. And, sounds like from what I have read, you are quiet the tour guide. Are there any other simple “must see” places you can recommend to see or eat while we are here. Obviously our time is subject to the competition schedule but I thought it would be a great opporunity to make the most of this opportunity for the kids. Thanks for your time.
Have a great day. Michelle