We started by taking the trolley to the airport to pick up rental cars. We traveled a 30 minute drive to the US Mexico border on the coast. We met up with Alex and Daniel. Daniel is a Spanish teacher and an activist, supporting transnational relationships. Daniel discussed Friendship Park, which was created with the intent to connect people despite their differences in nationality. Fifty years ago, Friendship Park was created so loved ones separated by the border could come together. There was originally no wall separating the two countries, but the park has since been increasingly separated because of increasing political tension. First a 12 ft chain link fence was put up, followed by a 16 ft steel wall, and eventually the 30 ft steel wall we see today. For many of us, the Wall was not what we expected. It was something that can’t be understood in just a picture. We believe we all gained a new perspective after seeing the wall today. We ate lunch by the highway, where there are thousands of people crossing the border each day. We were able to see the intense traffic into the US, and the quick flow of traffic into Mexico.
We explored Balboa Park, a historic urban cultural park. On the grass, we played volleyball and soccer, and had our daily circle where we played a fun game, and discussed The Five “Whys.” This is a process that helps with systems-based thinking, involving questions that help narrow down an issue to find a more specific solution. We applied this process to one element of our field of study, separation of families at the border. It helped us brainstorm possible root issues and solutions.
We explored San Diego in small groups in search of dinner, and according to Jake, finding, “the best pizza ever.” Thanks for reading, we are looking forward to tomorrow!!!