DESTINATIONS - Spanish Immersion in Western Georgia

For the Spanish aficionados among us, or for those of us who would simply like the opportunity to improve our everyday use of the Spanish language, the Elder Expeditions three day Spanish immersion opportunity is ideal.

While surrounding ourselves with the Spanish language and culture, we will take full advantage of Western Georgia’s serene rivers and creeks, ripe for flat water kayaking, as well as endless hiking and biking trails and equestrian possibilities. Elder Expeditions, which thrives on multi-cultural as well as multi-sport experiences, is pleased to welcome guests to its three day Spanish immersion adventure and learning opportunity in Western Georgia.

During this Spanish Immersion program, every effort is made to converse only in Spanish. However, Elder Expeditions is quick to forgive: no penalties for English (or other language) utterances!

To maximize your enjoyment of the Spanish immersion aspect of this Elder Expeditions adventure experience, you do NOT need to be completely fluent in Spanish, although you should feel comfortable in expressing yourself in basic Spanish.

Minimum participants: 4 | Maximum participants: 10

Languages: Spanish, (English in an emergency)

Day 1: (Arrival Day)
Participants should plan to arrive in historic Pine Mountain, Georgia in mid to late afternoon. For those arriving other than by private car, contact ELDER EXPEDITIONS for directions or pick up arrangements.
Evening: Dinner and orientation at Base Lodging.

Day 2: (Biking)
Morning: After breakfast we will receive our bicycles and bike safety instruction (in English). We then set off pedaling along the well maintained bike trail adjacent to the Chattahoochee River. Our first stop will be the Civil War Naval Museum with a tour that will take us through Columbus’ struggle during the War Between the States. Our next stop as we continue along the river front trail will take us to the large military installation known as Fort Benning.
Noon: Lunch at a delightful Hispanic restaurant near Fort Benning.
Afternoon: We will visit the Infantry Museum, a tastefully done presentation of the history of America’s involvement in armed conflict. On leaving the museum we will return by bike to our starting point from which we will be transferred to our Base Lodging for a bit of relaxation.
Evening: Dinner at Base Lodging.

Day 3: (Hiking and Kayaking)
Morning: After breakfast we will hike through the picturesque woods on Pine Mountain.
Noon: A picnic lunch will be served at the end of the hiking trail, at a site favored by the late President Franklin Roosevelt during one of his frequent visits to Warm Springs, Georgia.
Afternoon: We will head to the river for a delightful few hours of kayaking.
Evening: Dinner at Base Lodging.

Day 4: (Departure)
Morning: After breakfast, we will bid our hosts and fellow adventurers a fond ADIOS.

Those not traveling by private car may make arrangements with ELDER EXPEDITIONS for transportation to Columbus or to the Atlanta airport.

Anyone with additional free time on Day 1 (prior to arrival) or on Day 4 (after departure) may want to consider a visit to nearby picturesque Callaway Gardens where a wealth of activities and spectacular vistas are available. Equestrian opportunities are also available.

2011 & 2012 DATES
November 11 to November 14, 2011
February 17 – February 20, 2012

A single supplement of $200 applies unless a solo Participant agrees to share lodging and Elder Expeditions is able to arrange shared same sex lodging.

The stated price includes all transportation from the meeting point in Pine Mountain, all meals, kayaks, bikes, helmets, and other safety equipment.

The stated price does not include gratuities, alcoholic beverages, or items of a purely personal nature. At lunch on Day 2, tea and lemonade are included. Other beverage will be available but are not included in the trip cost.

A fifty percent deposit is due at the time of booking. The remaining balance (including the single supplement, if applicable) is payable forty days prior to Day 1 of this expedition.

LODGING

Base Lodging will be in a comfortable chalet style cabin boasting home style amenities, surrounded by the lush West Georgia pine forests and within easy access to our various activities. Each bedroom has a private bath.

The local hosts are long time Georgia residents with years of domestic and international adventure travel experience. At least one guide is a native Spanish speaker.

To maximize the enjoyment of this trip, all that is required is a spirit of fun and adventure as well as an open mind and a willingness to try something new. The listed activities do not require any specialized experience or skill level. Sufficient instruction (in English) will be provided for participants who are beginners or who have limited experience with respect to any of the listed activities.

Participants should be generally in good health and able to walk up to 5 miles (13 kilometers).

Sufficient instruction will be provided for participants who are beginners or who have limited experience with respect to any of the listed activities. All that is required is a spirit of fun and adventure as well as an open mind and a willingness to try something new. Elder Expeditions recommends that all participants engage in a physical conditioning and fitness program as part of trip preparation. Our fitness partner, Fit for Trips®, provides custom designed fitness programs designed especially for the activities of each of our ELDER EXPEDITIONS vacations.

INOCULATIONS

All participants should have a current tetanus shot.