This is not the first solo trip for Galia Moss, the adventurous woman was the first Latin American to cross the Atlantic Ocean alone in a 9000 mile trip from Spain to Mexico in 2006, completing the journey in 41 days. Her attempt to sail from Mexico to Israel in 2010 was abandoned because of hurricanes in the Atlantic, but that did not stop her from planning even bigger excursions.

The Latin America journey is not only an adventure, it is a means of promoting a social cause. Galia Moss is highlighting the needs of children in Mexico, particularly in education. For every 10 nautical miles sailed, one child will be sponsored, with the length of this journey, approximately 1450 children will receive assistance to help them further their education. Each child will receive school supplies, uniforms and books and money once a month, all of which will go a long way for children in need. For every 1400 nautical miles sailed, one school will receive much needed assistance, including upgrading of their very infrastructures. The dedication of Galia Moss not only to her own adventures but to helping children in Mexico is truly inspirational.

In the moments before her departure for her six month journey, Galia Moss spoke of being nervous, sharing that this is the longest she will have been alone at sea, away from family and friends and dealing with all challenges of the ocean and the climate. She spoke excitedly of her great confidence in her custom-built vessel, the “El Mas Mejor II”, constructed specifically to meet the needs of the Mexican sailor by the French designer Marc Lombard. The vessel is 10.4 meters long and 4 meters wide, with a light-weight hull and a 360 degree view from inside the cockpit, allowing for great visibility even in inclement weather. She will be in occasional contact with her family and team members, updating them and hearing the comforting voices from home.

The farewell was a joyous occasion, hundreds of people lining the shores and floating in the crystal-clear waters of the Xcaret lagoon to wish Galia luck on her journey. Family and friends and team members shared white roses with the brave sailor, as they hugged and kissed goodbye and shed a few tears. A Mayan blessing was performed, the scent of copal wafting on the breeze in the heat of the midday sun. Dolphins leaped beside the “El Mas Mejor II” and a flock of wild parrots flew overhead as the traditional Maya “canoeros” acted as escort, leading Galia to the open sea. A boat carried a few of us behind her as she departed and she joked about a lack of wind, before filling her sails and finding her rhythm in the waves.

You can follow this incredible journey and keep up with the great adventures on the official Galia Moss website, http://galiamoss.org/. Track her progress on the map and read about her experiences as she updates her blog daily. The world is watching this historic trip and applauding the dedication of Galia to exploration of the world and her social efforts in aiding the children of Mexico. Buen viaje Galia, we are all supporting you!

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Día de los Muertos, also known as “Day of the Dead,” is a holiday celebrated in Mexico from November 1- 2. The first day celebrates the children that passed away and is often referred to as Día de los Angelitos, meaning “Day of the Little Angels” or All Saints Day. The second day which celebrates the adults is known as All Souls Day. On this holiday, families remember and celebrate their loved ones that have passed away. Although it is associated with the dead, it is not a morbid occasion but rather a happy and festive one. Families prepare for this annual holiday weeks in advance to ensure that the departed have everything they could possibly want and need.

Skeletons, skulls and marigolds are the main symbols of Day of the Dead. Marigolds are the official flower and are known as the “flower of the dead” because they only bloom for a few weeks in October. The gorgeous orange color and sweet smell of the flower is said to attract the souls of the dead. Skeletons and skulls of various sizes can be seen in windows, dancing in the streets, and as sugar sculptures.

Each year, the families build a special and private altar for the deceased that will include elements that symbolize earth, wind, water, and fire. How each element is displayed depends on the individual, but each altar always includes a container of water for the souls who traveled a long distance to be with their living relatives. Earth is represented by food because it is believed that the souls are fed by the aroma, wind is represented by a moving object such as tissue paper and fire is represented with a vast amount of candles. In addition, the altars include a mirror so that evil spirits won’t eat the food, a picture of the deceased at the highest point of the altar, and offerings that include favorite foods, pillows and blankets, toys for the children and alcohol for the adults.

Food is an important component of Día de los Muertos. “Pan de muerto”, moles, tamales, candied pumpkin and sugar skulls are just a few of the delicious items that are prepared. The delectable pan de muerto or “bread of the dead” is a soft sweet bread that is often made in the shape of a bun and decorated with pieces in the shape of bones. Food items such as moles and tamales are extremely popular because they are typically only made on special occasions. Sugar skulls, better known as “calaveras de azúcar,” are inscribed with name of the departed on the forehead and are decorated with icing to enhance the features of the skull. Calaveras are one of the main symbols because they represent the past ancestors of Mexico and are thought to be the source of energy.

Although different regions of Mexico celebrate Día de los Muertos in various ways, the underlying theme remains the same. Some families choose to celebrate by cleaning and decorating the gravesites, bringing picnic items, and socialize with others. Other families choose to build a private altar in their homes. Some families do both. This holiday is a spectacular two-day event full of history and meaning.

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