About Me

Life is a series of steps that lead you from place to place. At any given time, when you look back, you will see your life’s steps meld together into one of the most beautiful masterpieces – a true expression of who you are and where you’ve been. The dance isn’t about the elaborate or fancy moves; it is about being true to yourself, being happy with who you are, and being filled with excitement for the days yet to come. Let go and dance until you can’t dance anymore!

Friday, December 10, 2010

Things to Avoid - London

In General
  • Getting involved in political arguments or discussions about religion unless you get to know people and their viewpoint very well.

  • Speaking very loudly in public places. You will generally get "glared down" or politely reminded of the need for quiet if you're too boisterous when in museums, libraries and on public transport.

  • Bad Manners - It is imperative you remember to use "Please" and "Thank you". If you need to make a complaint, do so politely.

  • Racist, sexist or phobic comments and attitudes - leave them at home

  • Trying to board trains without a ticket. There are large penalties for this. They are normally double the single fare.

At the Pub

  • Smoking (this is banned in most public enclosed places which includes bus shelters and phoneboxes)

  • Talking very loudly, unless the background noise is also loud.

  • Whistling, tapping coins on the bar, waving notes or clicking to attract the attention of bar staff. These actions will invariably result in you waiting longer for service.
    As a rule, in a pub, there is no table service and you will be expected to pay on delivery of your order.

  • Tipping: Avoid offering money unless the change is handed over on a small tray; instead, when you pay, ask the server to "have one for yourself" or "get a drink on me". They will add the price of a drink but may take the money instead of the drink. Do this with your first order and you will get noticed sooner next time you go to the bar. Further tipping is generally not needed, though it is well received if you make the offer of a drink on your last purchase of the evening.

  • Upsetting a "regular". "Regulars" are identified by their overt friendliness with other patrons and the service staff.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Lessons Learned

Mentor: Someone whose hindsight can become your foresight.

As I prepare for EuroTrip 2010, I must say goodbye to a coach, mentor and friend who has pushed me to see the world and its possibilities in a light I had never been previewed to before. Over the years he has taught me to live in the present: body, mind and spirit. Eventhough his physical presence is gone, his lessons and will be with me today, tomorrow and always.

8 Days and Counting...


With only eight days to go, I am astonished that I have not hit the "Holy Hannah" moment of panic! Everyone is healthy and 3 of 4 travelers are packed.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Currency Ordered - Check!


Big item off the list today - we finally ordered our currency for Europe. The exchange rate was good so we jumped and placed our order. Should be here in 3-5 business days!

Voluntourism: Combining Travel and Service


Have you ever considered combining your worldly travel plans with humanitarian efforts? For many of you, this may be the first time that you have heard of the voluntourism concept. Prior to this you may have been unsure that these two experiences, and the joy and fulfillment associated with them, could be synergized and harmoniously blended into one consumable opportunity. VolunTourism represents the blending of your favorite passions and, perhaps, pastimes.

History, culture, geography, environment, and the recreation of exploration meet the inspiration of your voluntary efforts in serving a destination and its residents. Body, mind, and soul respond to the awakening of thoughts, feelings, emotions, via a labor of gratitude that is offered as a part of your overall itinerary.

The trend of voluntourism is providing our current and future leaders with perspective and balance. Voluntourism programs all you to utilize your “six” senses and interact with your destination in ways that had previously existed beyond your capacity of expectation. This is travel that unites your purpose and passion and ignites your enthusiasm in ways unimaginable.

For more information on voluntourism opportunities, check out the following organizations:
The God’s Child Project: http://www.gcpvolunteers.org/
VolunTourism: http://www.voluntourism.org/
Travelocity – Voluntourism: www.travelocity.com/TravelForGood/voluntourism.html
Cross Cultural Solutions: http://www.crossculturalsolutions.org/