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!

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/

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Packing - Round 1

Packing is without a doubt one of the most challenging processes involved in taking a trip. I am now two weeks out from my departure day and am thrilled to announce that I have completed my first round of packing. I generally follow a “3-round packing” rule. Each time I cut out some unnecessary items and increase the open space in my suitcase – thus justifying a little more shopping on my trip :).

This trip I have instructed my crew that we will only be taking one carryon bag. This is proving to be an issue, but I think it will work out for the best in the end. Now that I am mostly packed, I will be helping each member of my travel team with their packing challenges. Tonight is Whitney’s turn. Let’s just say this will be the biggest hurdle :) Last year we took a trip to Central America for two weeks. Whit packed three large suitcases and a purse large enough to fit a toddler in…needless to say we won’t be repeating that step on the 2010 trip!

Currently packed in my suitcase:
2 pairs of pants
1 pair of pajamas
10 shirts
16 pairs of underwear
6 pairs of socks
1 pair of high heels
5 scarves
1 pair of high heels (I will be wearing 1 pair of practical shoes)
1 dress
90% of toiletries (1 bar of shampoo, yes bar)
1 camera
1 video camera (flip camera)
1 Passport
1 European phrase book
1 travel journal

15 Days and Counting...