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Last Day of Conferences

It’s been fantastic working with a great group of mathematics educators. Many of whom I’ve read their work before but, never met. We completed our last workshop today. My session went well and it was fun to hear the perspectives of the Nepalese teachers. I can’t definitely say this trip has made me a better educator in ways I’m still trying to process.

After the conference, we made a quick visit to the Bouddhanath Stupa. It was a beautiful afternoon and the architecture was so unique.

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A Six Hour Bus Ride

We were sent out of Itahari in style after finishing the conference. We were given marigolds which is a symbol of honor and headed towards Chitwan National Park. The roads have been either damaged by floods or ripped out to be reconstructed. It was slow going. We did, however, cross the Koshi river and were or maybe were t in India briefly.

We stopped for lunch and had the traditional rice in the middle with sides of curries and chutney. Then, it was back to the bus. During one of our stops we got mangos and ate them on the street. They were amazing!! I didn’t think I liked mangos but these are green and yellow on the outside instead of green and red—they’re delicious.

It was slow going and they kept saying we’re almost there. But some of the road was just dirt. So we definitely didn’t make good time. We did, however, arrive after 11 hours. It was a long day full of seeing the countryside.

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Whirlwind

The last few days have been packed. I met my Mathkind group and we did a temple tour around Kathmandu organized by the Nepalese Math Council. It’s been fun getting to know everyone.

Then, we took a prop plane to Itahari where we were greeted by local school children. We are treated like dignitaries and presented with gifts at the different schools. We were able to visit their school and observed classes. Today we went to a different school and met with their math teachers and discussed challenges they are facing in the classroom.

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A Bittersweet Goodbye

I am so grateful for my time with Sunil and his family. It is rare to be welcomed into someone’s home and treated as a member of the family. I will remember their kindness and generosity for years to come. I learned to make chiya, momos, and many curries. Thanks to Kabita for allowing me to learn and be part of the process and laugh when I got in the way. I loved sitting on the front porch with AMA as she greeted passers by and neighbors that stopped in. Saksi for her generous explanations of family life and cultural traditions. I will miss our conversations and walks through the neighborhood. And of course, thanks to Sunil for making it all possible. I had heard much about Nepal from our time at Clemson and deeply appreciate the opportunity to experience it. It was difficult to leave and I definitely teared up as we pulled out of the driveway on the motorbike and headed to the hotel to meet up with the group of math educators I’ll be working with for the remainder of the trip. I’m going to miss running back and forth trying to keep my shoes on/off in the correct room.

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Santaneshwor Mahadev Temple

Another day, another walk (8mi). This time we headed to a hill off in in the distance. We took small walking paths through the terraced fields, dodged traffic on a main road running through town, and sat out a few rain showers. We kept a steady pace until we reached the top and we’re met with panoramic views of the Kathmandu Valley. The temple was built in the 16th century and is popular during specific festivals.

We stopped at a small family run restaurant for tea after exiting the temple. We enjoyed chiya and sel roti, a ring shaped fried rice bread. After a quick snack we continued home. 3/4 of the way back we stopped at another restaurant for momos and tea.

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Raksi Kind of Day

At home, I am constantly in motion and looking for the next thing to do. Here, I’m slowly learning to ease my pace and find contentment in being still. Everyone is busy and there are things to do be done but, there isn’t a sense of urgency. For example, Sunil, Kabita, and I went on another hike yesterday. And yes, once again, it was uphill. It took us about an hour and a half to reach the top of the foothill where a Hindu temple rests.

The views were spectacular and it was interesting to see different aspects of the temple and their meaning. I spent the next several minutes walking around and taking in the views. Then, I noticed Sunil and Kabita were just sitting there relaxed and enjoying the moment. I followed suit and allowed myself to be content in the moment. I didn’t need to explore every inch of the temple or continue pacing—it was ok to sit and enjoy.

A similar sentiment is apparent when chiya is served. It’s a time to relax, catch up, and just enjoy the tea. There is internet at the house and I’m sure they watch shows at times (I haven’t seen a tv), however, it’s been refreshing to sit and chat at night. Our nightcap yesterday was raksi, a homemade sort of Nepalese moonshine. Sunil served up small glasses and we cheered. I was about to take it like a shot before I realized Sunil was sipping on his. In true Nepali fashion his pace was slowed so he could enjoy the moment. Let me just say raski burns and I was unable to finish mine. I did, however, sleep like a rock.

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Oil and a Show

Again the day started with chiya and small talk around the kitchen table. Ama joined us shortly entering with joy and a bounce in her step. She went to the kitchen and returned with something in her hand. She asked permission and then proceeded to coat my hair with oil. I guess I should ask more questions before agreeing to things. She smiled and went on. Nothing a cold shower can’t remedy. I thoroughly enjoy our interactions and can’t wait to see what she does next.

Due to the heat (a ridiculous amount of sweating) and the limited number of clothes I brought, it was time to do laundry. Again, things are done with care and diligence here. I was given laundry detergent and a bowl. I brought them out on the patio to begin washing my clothes. It wasn’t long before a crowd of neighbors had formed. I get the feeling my technique is a little different. I smiled and waved and we all had a good laugh. Regardless my clothes are clean and drying. Mission accomplished!

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Ice cream and Paneer

Yesterday, I went to the city center with Sunil. He had a meeting so I walked along random streets and took in the sights, sounds, and smells of Kathmandu. I stopped in a local restaurant for a cold Coke out of the bottle and followed it up with an ice-cream cone. Getting the ice cream was a little more challenging than anticipate. I didn’t realize the icecream cart in front of the store was affiliated with the grocery chain. So when I ordered, I was given a written note and told to go inside to pay. I then brought the receipt back and received my chocolate ice cream. Totally worth the effort! By this time Sunil had returned and I jumped on the back of the motorbike and continued eating my cone.

Sunil had arrange a meeting with the president of the development board for Nepal University. I loved arriving for academic meetings via motorbike! A group of academics are striving to start a new university to address issues they see in higher education and within the systems of Nepal. They are still waiting on approval from parliament but, continue working to develop curriculum and set a vision for the university. It was a pleasure speaking with Dr. Karki and a few other board members. Hearing their passion for Nepal and their description of Nepal’s history and current state of affairs was a privilege. Additionally, I am honored to be asked to help support the project in the area of curriculum development. I look forward to seeing how the collaboration continues.

Later that evening, Kabita’s sister invited us to her home for dinner. We made the 2km walk and were ushered in for water and chiya. The family was so warm and welcoming. Although the majority of conversation took place in Nepali, I enjoyed hearing the sounds of family and taking in the experience. The food was amazing: rice served in the middle, cauliflower curry, cucumber chutney, and paneer. The family served the guests first and gathered around the table as we ate. They were impressed that I was able to eat in the traditional manner using only my hand and delighted that I enjoyed the food. It was such a cool experience.

After dinner, we made our way back. Kabita stopped to show me a small local temple where she does yoga every morning. Upon reaching home, we sat on the terrace shared a beer and many laughs. The pace of life is a little slower and I’m beginning to find myself more than content in its rhythm.

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A Lesson in Chiya

This morning began with a tutorial on how to make chiya. My techniques still developing but, I hope to be able to recreate the process when I return home. I look forward to putting my skills to the test tonight as I have been charged with making the evening tea.

Step 1: If making without milk, measure out the number of cups of water that correlates with the number of cups of tea you want to make.

Step 2: Add some chiya (tea) to the water as it comes to a boil.

Step 3: Crush up cinnamon and add to the water.

Step 4: When the water comes to a boil, poor the tea into cups as you strain the spices and chiya.

Step 5: Relax and enjoy.

As we sat to drink our tea Ama (Sunil’s mother), sprinkled water over us and placed a flower in our hair as she smiled and laughed gently. My understanding is that is a type of blessing.

After tea lessons, Sakhi and I went for a walk among the fruit trees and wandered through terraced gardens. To be honest, I’m not sure we were supposed to be in some of them. She showed me the community bath (water source) that is used to a much lesser degree since the forming of the water commission has brought clean drinking water to peoples homes. We also picked plums from a neighbor’s tree—with permission of course. The walk was peaceful and it was nice to continue exploring new parts of the neighborhood.

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Everyone’s a Doctor

I now more fully understand the complete Nepalese saying, “every time is tea time and everyone’s a doctor”. I’ve spent the last several days enjoying tea from strangers, getting snacks from little shops and eating 18 different kinds of curry. My digestion was totally fine until last night. Then, my 1 km walk turned into more of a sprint and a prayer. Fortunately, I made it back in time.

I, however, was unable to eat dinner and Sunil’s family was highly concerned. Kabita, Sunil’s wife, crushed up oregano and brought me a glass of warm water. I had my doubts but, due to my lack of preparedness this was my only hope for the night. I woke up totally fine. The local methods totally worked. This morning everyone watched closely as I ate roti, spinach, dahl, rice, and okra curry. They were pleased with my vast improvement and so was I.

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Every Time is Tea Time

The day began with a breakfast of fried rice, a side of dahl, and a lemon. Eating here is a bit of an art and I’ve been encouraged to just mix everything together “it tastes better”. And honestly it does, I had my doubts about fried rice, a squeeze of lemon, and dahl but I was pleasantly surprised. It really did taste better together.

Sunil and his family own land in Chattre Deurali in the Dhading District. It’s about 60 km away which meant we would be taking motorbikes. I hopped on the back of Sunil’s bike and away we went down the dirt road towards the city center. I could tell Sunil was cautious which I appreciated as the traffic wzzed around us. There is something really freeing about riding on a motorbike. I loved the wind in my hair as I took in the sights and sounds of Kathmandu. We drove through the city center until we reached another foothill and began our ascent. Once, we reached the top I the views were amazing. Terraces and small homes lined the foothills. We continued weaving our way until we reached his family’s land.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by a family working on the land. They invited us to take a break on their front porch and made chiya for us. In Nepal, everyone leaves their front door open to invite visitors and it is common place to offer tea. Apparently, they have a saying “every time is tea time. After three cups of chiya, I’d have to say that’s an accurate sentiment.

After tea, we walked the property and picked unripe mangos. They will be used to make a type of pickle. On our way back we stopped in a small restaurant in the village for a sweet treat and cold Coca Cola. I had the best time and was able to see a part of Nepal few visitors get to experience.

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Momos and Homemade Peach Wine

I continue to be spoiled in terms of food. This time, however, I was able to contribute to the process. Everyone pitched in tonight to make momos, Nepalese steamed dumplings. The process is time intensive and begins with making the dough and filling composed of cabbage, herbs, and chicken. Then, the dough is rolled out thinly and cut into circles of about 4 inches in diameter. My part was taking the cut dough, adding filing, and folding them into dumplings. My first several attempts were messy, but I got the hang of it. I discovered sound effects help the folding process. Finally, the dumplings are placed in steamer pans to cook.

The final product was so good. Again, I was served more food than I could eat but the dumplings topped with a spicy chutney were well worth the labor. For the most part, everything is grown in their garden and the food is made from scratch. They even harvest their own rice and wheat for flour. I also tried some homemade peach wine. It reminded me of the wine my grandpa used to make. Finished the night off with another round of chiya, milk tea.

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Death by Curry and Chiya

Since arriving I’ve eaten my weight in curry. The food is amazing and my hosts are so generous with their portions. It has become abundantly clear that I need to learn how to politely decline more food. Every time I turn around there is another snack or meal. I’m going to need new pants soon. Breakfast was perhaps my favorite meal so far. It was composed of roti, potato curry, and scrambled eggs. It was so good I ate every bite. I would later regret this decision.

Sunil had made arrangements to visit the local school on the hill. So, after breakfast we began initially on the road and then wandered through a forested area before catching the dirt road again. Each step was uphill—gained about 800ft of elevation. It was a steep climb and we walked almost an hour to reach the top. I could feel the potato curry and chiya (a hot milk tea that somehow has a hint of almost cinnamon) swishing in my stomach as we made our ascent. Between the heat, elevation and my new found eating habits I thought I might puke. Kathmandu valley sits around 4,000 feet of elevation. I, however, powered through and pretended to be in shape. The effort it took was more than worth it.

We encountered children walking to school, exchanged warm namastes with neighbors, and were offered water along the way. The culture here is so warm and you can feel the sense of community. Once we reached the top we reached a small school that contains grades 1-3 and serves 22 children in the area. I was able to meet with the principal and discuss changes she has implemented over the last year as she has assumed her new role. Under her direction the school has more than doubled the number of children attending. She also described some of the challenges they face in terms of funding, how difficult the school is to access due to its location (children must be able to walk to the school), and the availability of trained teachers. We spent about an hour taking and drink chiya before she treated us at a local restaurant.

The restaurant was situated at the top of the hill with views on both sides over looking Kathmandu. The food once again was awesome. The middle of the plate contained about two cups of rice and was surrounded by a spicy chutney, chicken curry, pumpkin greens and potato curry, fresh slices of cucumbers and carrots. Then yogurt and dahl were placed in small bowls on the side. We ate in the traditional style with our right hand. As good as the food was I could not possibly eat all of it. After lunch m, we sat outside the restaurant drinking chiya and took in the views.

The trek back down the hill was an adventure. We took a shortcut walking over terraces, slipping between barbed wire fences, and occasionally following the road. By the time we arrived back at Sunil’s, I was exhausted, so hot and sweaty it looked like I took a shower with my clothes on, and still so full. After a quick snack of watermelon and iced coffee, I took my afternoon rest. I feel so privileged to be so welcome and able to see and experience Nepal, the people, and the education system. I do, however, feel that if I continue eating curry and drinking chiya at this pace I may die—but what a way to go!

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Welcome to Kathmandu!

After several delays and much anxiety about having the right visa and documents, I made it! I was greeted by a dear friend of mine through a sea of voices as I dodged the chaos of people crisscrossing from every direction. We hopped in a cab he had waiting and headed to his home. There is something about the noise of a city, especially one I’ve never experienced before that makes me feel alive. I don’t think happy is the right word—I simply feel more.

Upon arrival, I was greeted by his mother with a marigold and a local red flower. As more family members and neighbors came forward to meet me, my namastes just felt a little awkward. Their kindness, however, put me at ease.

After a rest and conversation (I understood about 60% of), I was shown to my room on the third floor. It’s beautiful with tons of windows and a terrace overlooking the city. The bed is one made of the traditional mattresses. Firm is an understatement but, maybe this is what’s missing in my life because it’s awesome.

We had a snack around 3 o’clock of chutneys, flat rice, and pickled mango. I was so full. Then my friend’s daughter showed me around the top terrace and explained the city from the views. Followed by a quick neighborhood walk. And you guessed it more food. The food was amazing: mutton curry, chicken curry, and lentil curry with rice of course.

We had a night cap of local beer on the terrace full of laughs and burps (I guess it’s a thing) often in combination. I feel at peace and happy. I’m not sure I’ve ever felt so welcomed in a home. They have truly gone the extra mile to ensure I have the best of what they have available and that I’m comfortable. I hope to take this away and become a better host myself.

Funny side note—there are so many cultural things about shoes that I just don’t get. I had read and knew to take my shoes off outside before entering their house. What I didn’t know is there are house shoes and shower shoes. There are also designated rooms where no shoes are worn. I’ve definitely made mistakes but, my hosts are super understanding. I’m sure I’ll catch on but, in the meantime I’m running all over the place switching shoes.

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Tranquila

Today I awoke to fog clearing the view of the Villarrica volcano in the distance and shades of mustard colored leaves in the foreground. The hostel I’m staying in has Japanese style rooms with mattresses on the floor and a low angled ceiling. There is a sunlight you can open to look at the stars and a small side window to view the volcano. I moved a little too close to my side window and fogged up the glass obstructing my view. I decided to open the skylight instead. I was basically standing on the roof, soaking up the cool still morning air. Hindsight, I probably should have put pants on first. Something that only occured after a cool breeze caught me by surprise. After clothing myself, I stood there and breathed in the day. I couldn’t wait to see what Pucon had in store.

Yesterday was amazing and I wanted to remember every second; today was proof that wishes really do come true, I could literally feel every step from yesterday’s hike making it impossible to forget. I mean there are muscles in my backside I didn’t know existed. I needed to let my body recover so I decided a trip to one of the local hot springs could aid the process. The bus didn’t leave for the hot springs until 10:30, so I wandered around town and ended up near the lake. I sat on some large boulders near the water’s edge and ate my breakfast consisting of a pastry filled with ham. It may be the hardest I’ve worked for a pastry. Much like the rest of Chile everything opens late around here. I probably walked a mile and a half before I encountered a store that was open. I made my way inside and tried to place my order but all of the employees were occupied preparing for the day. I waited patiently trying to embrace the phrase I’ve heard many times here, tranquila. I also hope to take this sentiment with me, sometimes it’s nice to slow your pace, take a deep breath, and just appreciate the moment. Even if that moment is waiting for a pastry. Often things will fall into place if I allow them to do so. Instead of struggling and manufacturing the small things, it just might be better to let go and let the day come to me. The wait was worth it, the crust was flaky and the ham inside was delicious. So I sat on the rocks, gazing up at the ever present volcano reflecting off the lake and enjoyed the pastry I paid for in all coins, welcoming the day.

Five birds gathered at the edge of the water: skinny red legs, and a beautiful yellow underbelly, with a long black beak. Their chatter cut through the cold air and brought a smile to my face. Then the bird in the back crapped all over the beautiful painting I was orchestrating in my head. With the mood altered I decided it was time to pack up and continue walking around the lake. I was searching for Playa Negra and quickly stumbled upon its shores. The sand was a deep black composed of weathered volcanic rock. Once again the views stopped me in my tracks, it was gorgeous. The fog was still lifting over the mountains and the wind had painted an intricate pattern in the sand to the water’s edge. I almost hated to step in the sand for fear of undoing nature’s handiwork but I saw tire tracks and decided to make my way through the tracks to the edge of the lake. I sat and tried to embrace my new catch phrase tranquila, it appears that I still struggle to relax but a girl can dream.

I had to move, it was time to catch the bus. As usuall upon boarding I clarified with the drive the route and conveyed that I was on my way to Los Pozones. When I arrived, again in the middle of nowhere, the thermal area was closed. I panicked briefly, worse case I just relax and catch the next bus in a couple of hours. Fortunately, in the midst of my worry a woman opened the gate and I was able to pay my fee and head to the thermal baths. The first thing I noticed was not the panoramic fall mountain views but rather the downhill trek to relaxation. My knees hurt, my ass hurt, my shoulders hurt, every step was a dull but very real pain. Why didn’t I take one of those 600 mg ibuprofen I picked up a few days ago. Tranquila.

Thankfully, I made it to the baths fairly quickly. I was so ready to let my tired muscles soak in what I hoped would be healing waters. The thermal baths were a little more primitive than I had envisioned but they were situated next to a river and the setting couldn’t have been more enjoyable. I quickly changed into my tank top and shorts, I forgot a swimsuit but hey there were only three other people here anyways so I proudly sported my ridiculous outfit and headed for the nearest spring. It was amazing, there is something fantastic about sitting in warm water on cool day. As each minute passed I felt the soreness melt away. I also saw a few layers of skin on my feet disappear, that can’t be good.

After a few hours, I was relaxed but I also felt like my body had taken all the heat it should. I quickly dressed and mentally prepared for my climb back up the mountain to the bus stop. It really isn’t fair to trick your body into a mode of absolute calmness and then demand it carry you up a steep grade. Nevertheless I took it slow and made it to the top with about 20 minutes to spare before the next bus arrived. When the bus rolled up I laughed a little, I mean the one I took this morning was a bit of a junker but this one looked like it was held together with prayers and duct tape. I boarded anyways and found a window seat. I also boticed a sign in Spanish that said not responsible for lost persons, know your surroundings. Haha. When the bus took off I nearly peed my pants, the window rattled so loudly I thought the pane was going to fall out. I switched seats and the rest of the journey was uneventful.

When I returned to Pucon I was exhausted, how could a day this relaxing be so draining. I went to the grocery store with much more restraint than yesterday. I only picked up bread, cheese, salami, and water. I also forgot to weigh my bread which backed up the checkout line for a bit but everyone was patient and the security guard quickly weighed my bread and brought it back. I guess I was so tired from the show I put on checking out that I worked up an appetite and headed to the completo stand for a predinner. All in all, it was another solid day.

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Cañi

Today began like many of my adventures, on a bus to an obscure destination, in this case a trail through a canyon. I heeded the advice provided at my hostel and went in search of a short hike to enjoy the scenery and adjust to my new location, Pucon. When the bus pulled up at the terminal it died a few times but after the driver coaxed some extra diesel into the engine, it started right up without a problem. Upon entering the bus I reconfirmed with the driver that I wanted to go to the canyon.

The bus wound around country roads with stunning views of the nearby mountains and the ominous volcano that overlooks Pucon. Locals casually hopped on and off the bus in what appeared to be the middle of nowhere. After about 20 minutes the driver stopped and began to call back, this is the stop for Cañi. I glance towards the back of the bus at a few other travelers who appeared to be looking for the same hike I was. We all laughed and then proceeded to exit the bus. We were on this two lane country road in the most beautiful and remote place but there was no sign of a trail. Luckily one of the travelers spoke Spanish and asked for directions. We were close, we just needed to walk another 300m down the road.

Now to this point I hadn’t seen the word written and thought I was in for a downhill trek, to my surprise the locals were saying Cañi. It is a sanctuary for a temperate mountain rainforest and the trek is about 17km with a change in elevation of 1200m uphill. Let me just say that my diet of completos and Chilean wine in no way prepared me for this hike. The bus would not return for another two and a half hours so I decided to go for it. I registered and paid my 4,000 CLP.

The first two kilometers were nice easy rolling hills overlooking the valley, the next two kilometers were steep vertical grades. I thought I was dying. I joined a group as they passed by and their guide offered me a walking stick. I spent the next two kilometers trying to keep pace but eventually just stopped to eat my sandwich. Food fixes everything and this was a perfect place for a picnic. Every time I turned a corner the views were stunning, I would just stand there and take a mental picture for a few minutes.

After my short picnic, I decided to keep going, if the views I had seen so far were any indication, turning around was not an option. I made it to the next trail marker, face flush, totally out of air and bumped into the same guide that had given me the walking stick. He encouraged me and said I had made it through the most difficult part. This was not true, but it was motivating so I continued.

I had now ventured into these enourmous trees rumored to be over 500 years old. Their bright white bark and foliage only on the top appeared from another planet, I was in awe again. Fortunately, this part was relatively flat so I walked peacefully through the land of giants as the light played tricks with their leaves. At this point the ground started to transform to patches of frozen dirt and the trees had moss hanging from them, it was a little erie but so cool.

I finally reached Laguna Negra, the second to last marker on the trail. The lake was stunning, partially frozen and reflecting the enormous trees that surrounded it. I was also running out of time to reach the summit. The gentleman that worked the registration for the park cautioned us to start our descent by 3:00pm which meant I had less than an hour to reach the Mirador. I was not about to spend the night on the mountain! It was about a kilometer to the top, how bad could it be?

It was steep, but every switch back revealed a better view of the mountains in the distance and the lake below. I finally made it to the top but let me say it was not graceful. I’m pretty sure I crawled the last few yards but it was worth it. 360 degrees of mountain views. The photos could never capture the magnitude of the place but the mental pictures I took combined with a feeling of awe will stick.

I started my descent about 2:50, I knew I was cutting it close so I picked up the pace but the ground was slick and it was difficult to move quickly. On the way down the birds came to life filling the forest with unfamiliar songs. I was about a quarter of the way down when a couple gentlemen passed me on their horses. I waved and offered a friendly Hola, one of the gentleman slowed his horse and proceeded to ask me in Spanish, how I liked Chile, where I was from, and offered a few suggestions of places I should see in Pucon. Then to my surprise he asked if I wanted to “drive” the horse. I responded in Spanish that I didn’t know how, or maybe I said I’m a professional horse trainer? Because he hoped off his horse and offered me a ride. I was a little hesitant, this was a bit crazy but when in Chile. So I hopped on and then asked how to maneuver the horse. I kept asking how to make the horse stop, and Edward kept telling me it didn’t matter. Thankfully, he lead the horse and I really didn’t do much but it was great and honestly probably the only way I made it down off the mountain in time for the bus.

My heart was happy, more than that I was content. I had been challenged physically to the max but along the way there were people who reached out to help me; from providing encouragement, giving me a walking stick, or letting me ride their horse each of them went out of their way to make my day a little better. It challenged me to take the time to help other people. Sometimes simply reaching out to another person alters their entire day. Mountains tend to sand off the rough edges and today was no exception.

When I made it back to Pucon, I was starving and headed straight to the completo stand. I ordered a completo and coke devouring them in about two minutes. I paid the owner and made my way to the grocery store. My hunger must have lingered because I acted like an unsupervised teenager; I picked up wine, Coco Puffs, off brand sour cream and onion pringles, golden raisens, peanuts, a coke, a gallon of water, and a pack of m and m’s for good measure.

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Gorgeous drive through the Sacred Valley topped off by wine and a painting class.