Over It

Priscilla is the type of person that when she is over something- she's over it. When her mind is set, it's set and it's just a point of no return.

When it comes to going out to bars and clubs, I'm over it and I have been over it for a few years. It's been a life closer to my core values which are avoidant of negative behaviors- not for family or friends, but for myself and my belief system. I am allowing myself to return to my 16 year old self caring about books, studying, friendships, learning, and ministry. It was a mind of purity that wanted to avoid negative things. It wasn't perfect, but focused on the core values that were important.

Clubs were never important until I let them become important. I focused on going to the best and most popular places, being VIP, and dressing in a new outfit each time. While I love fancy hotel restaurants, lounges, and bars- my attendance is not a common occurrence. I do enjoy beautiful ambiance in nice hotels, but clubs with drinking and hip hop music or some top 40 non-sense, there is not one drop of interest. I would rather be cooking, reading, writing, exploring art, out in nature, having a real conversation and connecting, or sleeping.

This sweet girl at my hotel asked me to go out again on Saturday, which was a full day for me staying out on the streets until 9:30pm and getting back to the hotel at 10:15 after finally finding my way. I guess this would what people do-go out, but I just wanted to lay low.  Also, I know what she meant with "go out."  It didn't mean upscale, it meant bars drinking beer and vodka/tonics-no thank you and no gracias. While I feel bad saying "No", the desire is just not there. I told her if she wanted to take a run, go hiking, eat some food, take a walk, check out an Art gallery,go swimming, go eat, picnic in the park-basically anything active outdoors I'm interested!

 Sorry girls for not being social, but Priscilla is just oh so over it. 

Drop Extra Baggage

Wow! What a feeling traveling light. All those people I see with those cute, mini suitcases and I just sit and stare at them. "How do they fit it all in?"

Even in my backpack, it's medium weight, but it definitely could be lighter. Packing truly is an art and a beautiful one when you get it right. I found the packing cubes to actually make me pack more because I stuff them up. Maybe those are not the answer for a backpacker or maybe for Priscilla. 

When the lady asks me at Viva Colombia, "Is this all you have?"

I was so proud and happy saying, "Yes."

It's so light it could be 5kg.  This was thanks to my hotel who let me leave my bags there and pack a small bag for my three day trip. Words cannot describe how nice it is to not be carrying a traveling backpack, a small pack, and an extra bag of stuff-it's quite ridiculous and I would never walk around like that in the US, but the backpacker is a different culture abroad. It's acceptable to have a lot of luggage and sometimes appear disheveled.

Of course I try to avoid the disheveled part and look my best when I carry around bags like someone who is less fortunate and lacking money. The backpack can just send this signal of poverty, which is why a lot of Panama locals don't like backpackers. They have this negative connotation that they backpackers are traveling poor. This is true for a certain percentage, but not for all. It doesn't matter because many of them still discriminate, which is why I was happy to drop the backpack for a weekend for Colombia.

Viva Colombia!!!!

Dream Come True

For years and years and years, I have wanted to go to South America. For some reason I just never get there. I told my new South American friends about how much I wanted to visit Colombia. Between Panama and Colombia, there is a boat that costs about $600-$800, which takes about 4 days. The second option is to take a flight for about $500 and I would have to come back to Panama City for my flight on August 28. I had done plenty of research and I did not have another idea on how to get there.

Until one day when Carlito said to me, "Don't you know about Viva Colombia?" They just started flights between Panama City and Medellin, Colombia."

"Yeah, I know about those $500 flights." Pris

" No, they are running a special where it's $50 or $60 each way."

"What? This is seriously the best birthday gift I could ever ask for!" Pris

"Well, you still have to pay for it."

" Of course I do." Pris

"The website is pretty complicated because they want you to get all these add ons, but we can help you."

After an hour of my flight information expiring and starting over again and again, it finally went through and I was ready to go Medellin for three whole days and come back Monday just in time for my flight. Seriously, I was so happy to finally get over to South America. Literally thinking about visiting for a good 8 years.  

Any travel dream you have is possible if you keep the faith and stay positive that one day you will make it happen.   JUST SAY YES!

Save it For Later

When it comes to traveling, I put forth a great effort into full exploration of a culture. Whether I am trying out a local instrument in a village, hiking up a mountain, kayaking down a famous river, visiting museums, or famous restaurants-there full immersion and exploration. It feels excited to visit a new city and it's natural to want to visit things and explore. This is wonderful for tourists to get excited about their trip and their scheduled itinerary they may have.  The average tourist comes with a list of things to do after looking on trip advisor or google. They are prepared to be busy with all the top things to see.

Although, sometimes this need to explore truly takes over understanding a culture.  There is intention to check it off the list and feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.  There is a rush to accomplish everything where sometimes you get home and feel like you didn't have a vacation.

As an avid traveler, I believe in taking in the sights and new food, but sometimes it doesn't need to be all taken in one dose. If you are 25 visiting London, you don't have to see it all at one time.  If there are 10 museums in the city, you pick and choose a few you would like to see. You don't spend spend 15 minutes in each one to say you have seen them all. 

It took 30 years for me to realize, that it is Okay to save some things for later.  With a love for traveling, it's definitely not going anywhere.  When or if I'm married with kids, I would like to explore places with family. I would like to revisit and show friends or family a place. I would like to be able to have something new to try instead of saying, "I've already done that." This need to conquer a city is redefining itself with the ability to wait until next time. The city will not disappear. Of course, one should explore to their fullest and live life like the present, but this doesn't mean that you have to check off everything on that list.  You lived going to Rome and seeing the main sites. You lived paragliding in New Zealand. You lived swimming with sharks in Indonesia. This is living and you should be proud, but not relying on the next activity to keep you busy and going.   This strong need to accomplish fades away a bit when you realize that you have time.  You may or may not visit a destination again, but take the time to enjoy without rushing through a list.

The reality is that it’s much better to spend the time getting to know the real culture than just checking off a bucket list.  This rush to do everything in Iceland does not need to be completed all in one trip. Maybe one day you will revisit the country and you will have the time to do these things.  You will also have more time instead of running from one thing to the next. 

 Those wonders through tours can be seen with your own eyes and no empty pockets. PRIS

Hand Laundry

                      

When you go abroad, people like to think it’s all a typical tourist lifestyle spending $5 to $10 per load to get your laundry done. It’s just doesn’t go that way for me because I rarely pay to get my laundry done. Not only does it feel like a waste of money, but I like the feeling of accomplishment doing it independently.  It’s important to let immerse yourself into the reality of the culture, which  means no washing machines and dryers. Also, it is about the OCD quality control as I like to make sure things are getting washed properly. My clothes are all different bright colors and I have seen people with a pink tank top that used to be white.

With this said, I cleaned my clothing in Guatemala taking me about 3 hours (average time to do a couple small loads of laundry).  It came out beautifully and smelled extra clean as I put in 2 pounds of detergent. Well let’s just say I put way more in the cleaning bowl than necessary. 

In Belize, I was spoiled getting to use the washing machine and then dried my clothes on the line. My lovely friend charged me half price and let me do it myself-not the procedure at all. With it being my last day and limited time, I was not going to decline that offer.   

Being in Honduras on the island, I spent another 3 hours washing my clothes. I used a big red bucket and I even had a little device that looked like an accordion, which you put detergent on and scrub. Unfortunately no accordion sound, just the sound of my annoying voice singing Enrique Iglesias, “Bailando.” My little Oreo was looking at me like I had lost my marbles.

It was an action packed day so I had my things packed and ready to go. All I needed to do was take my laundry off the line and throw it in with all my clean stuff.  I went to take my pants off the line and they smelled like, “Mildew.” I picked up each item and  it smelled. Oh no” Everything had the smell and it was horrible. There was this weird sewer smell that comes from the drain or faucet and that is exactly what it smelled like.  Of course, these were all my main necessities that I was washing.  I had no time to wash it again and I just had to do something with my stinky laundry. 

.

What did I do with the Mildew Laundry one may ask?

I put it in ziplock and plastic bags in my bag and took it to Nicaragua where I had to spent the $10 have the smell washed out in the machine. Perhaps another traveler would have just dealt with it, but the slightest “off smell” and this was definitely “way off.” I had to rewash it. Another 3 hours of doing laundry just was not going to happen.  

Thanks Roatan for the stinky water!

                       

Spanish Foodie

Food Ranks

1. Belize

2. Guatemala

3.Nicaragua

4. Honduras

As previously mentioned, food is a big part of my life. At home, I love to cook creative healthy dishes that are full of fish, vegetables, bean, and different types of whole grain.  When it comes to food, I am one of the biggest Divas.  
I want it to be the freshest fish, the most recent date on the package, the right presentation, fresh ingredients from certain stores, and nothing overcooked or burnt by an inch. 


When I travel, there is no way to be so picky and all those unnecessary wants have to be broken down.  In Central America, occasional fresh white meat chicken
became accepted. I don't eat anything fried unless I can remove the fried part. If I don't like the food that is available, I just won't eat. I will find something to eat the next day. 

Also, I inform hosts of my dietary restrictions with meat. Of course, the vegetarian thing is difficulty to comprehend for Latin American countries, but they are friendly and kind about it.  
With this said, I have come across very few problems in Central America. The main staple items that people consume: rice, black beans, plantains, fish, eggs, and chicken.  They do lightly fry the plantains, but they are delicious and worth it. They make some interesting sides with vegetables as well. There are nice salads made of beets, cucumbers, and carrots. Sometimes it's not about  trying all different kinds of foods. I find that when you enjoy one type of dish-keep enjoying it.  The dishes are very similar when it comes to the rice/beans, chicken, and plantains, but some are better than others. 

Clearly, the home is the best place to consume these lovely dishes.  People are so accommodating towards me when it comes to food. They understand that I am American and picky at times. They will let me come to the back to make my own salad, they will show me the food before I get it i.e. let me open up the pots and investigate, they give me extra sauces and things I would enjoy, and they are just lovely-kind-patient. Of course, not all of them, but 90 percent=)

Queen of "Vacation"

When it comes to "vacation." People who call me the "Queen of Vacations." Not one person would ever call me the "Queen of Purpose" because they feel that all I do is "go on vacations." All my education and work is not given any recognition rather I'm just someone who likes to vacation. This is an unfortunate way of thinking as people cannot connect travel with work unless your stationed with a big company in the US or abroad.  To serve the underprivileged in countries is something that is "nice to do." It's not a real job because it does involve six figures. There needs to be that "label" for someone to take you seriously otherwise you are just a girl who likes to vacation.

As I get older and I become increasingly molded into my purpose, the desire and possibility to take vacation has significantly decreased.  All my travel I want to be connected with my purpose to work with the community, schools, churches, organizations. To perform interviews and/or studies learning about the culture. 

People ask me to go to fancy beach vacations and I know that I internally know that I don't deserve it. Once I create that label and recognition for myself, it maybe a possibility. The taking a vacation just to "take one" is out of style for me. It's not a vacation that I want to focus on and that's never been my main intention. I am just discovering how to work with people in all new ways. The humans who suffer from poverty, addiction, abuse, loss, and tragedy. Those who are starving to learn English. Those who have such beautiful faith and just need inspiration and someone to believe. Those who are lost and need to find their way home. Healing broken families and empowering youth. 

This is PURPOSE. This is not a JOKE. This is a JOB. A job through GOD.

When it comes to my purpose, I am aware of it. Maybe I was not fully committed in my early 20s. Perhaps I did take more vacations back then, but I am fully aware and committed now. When you know you have responsibility and that someone who loves you more than anyone is counting on you-you must act.  You can't be wasting time on vacations rather you know you have work to do. You have a commitment and you have to stick to it.

Of course, it may not be with the UN or Doctors without Borders or the Peace Core. When you are able to work and connect with a whole community in a short period of time-this is powerful and your own label can be created in time. You work hard, be persistent, stay patient, and keep the faith. 

In Nicaragua, Belize, Guatemala- there are many things to do. Of course, I would like to enjoy a few things here and there. But when the need is presented, I have to take action.  The need has been presented from Day 1 of the trip. My purpose for being here was clear as crystal. I had no doubt with my decision to come and clarity was delivered on a silver platter. There were whispers in my ear from up above saying, "Priscilla, you have to help these people." "It's in your hands." The signs were all there and God lead the people in my direction each and everyday. 

In Leon, the need had exploded.  People told me to go see the beach and go visit this and that volcano. It was not possible to do all these things, but I did explore all the churches, explored 1 volcano, and enjoyed a couple museums next to the church. A real purpose has little time to take a vacation or enjoy. God has proved it´s never a true break for me.... 

As a human traveler, I choose to enjoy the culture, the place, and see what the city has to offer. It does not mean that I am out of my purpose or I am vacationing all the time. Also, the reality is there are days when these cities are shut down, quiet and no one is around. As a therapist, I know myself and how I function best. I function best with good food, good sleep, and mental breaks. 

Clinically, it's healthy to enjoy yourself and reward your own good behavior. When you are in a foreign country, you have the God given right to explore-especially when it comes to nature and man made wonders of the world. There is such beauty in the world and sitting in your office and never seeing it-it's a shame. For me, these times with nature are religious moments and conversations with God. It's like a Vitamin C boost where it helps me keep going. It reboots my system. I go through a laundry cycle and then I'm fresh and ready to go.

When it comes to taking those mental days of rest, it does not mean I just completely shut off like a light switch.  No matter what time or day,  I Never Stop Connecting.  It's the man driving the bus, the man cleaning boards with this two children, the pregnant woman on the roadside in my walk, the cleaner in the church, the housekeeper in my accommodation. 

There never really is a true "vacation" because Priscilla's front porch light is always turned on for people-always. 

Rarely will I not listen to someone and turn them down when they have a smile and an open heart. Those who are in need, just need some confirmation, just need a smile, just need a pat on the back, a person to sit with them on the floor, a person to listen to their music, or a person who wants to hear their food is delicious.  It's a never ending job, which makes me proud, spiritually satisfied, and touched.

It's not something I expect anyone to understand, but I hope people can know that I may have presented a certain life of vacationing in my early 20s, but those days are gone. It's about traveling with purpose and meaning to educate, believe, inspire, pray, empower, assist, and build their feeling of worth.  

1 Day 1 Mistake 4 Currencies

In the very nice San Pedro bus terminal, there are many local restaurants and stores to shop. It's quite unexpected to come across a bus terminal as fancy as that one in San Pedro. San Pedro is the second or third most dangerous city in the world. From the outside, the real city does look full of poverty, the underprivileged, big families, and crime and violence at increased rates. 
Then you have a huge recently constructed bus terminal that is pretty much considered a mall. 

As far as food, they have Dunkin Donuts, Burger King, Pizza hut, KFC-all your American junk.  I definitely did not want to eat that, but I just wanted something local and something light. The local places have the main local specialties such as: red beans and rice, tamales, pollo asado and fries, soup, and other items like legumes- veggies. I decided to just order some veggies.

The lady was really nice and she had remembered me inquiring about food before. She said 35 Lempiras and being in Belize just a few hours ago, my head was just trained to think in Belize currency. I calculated in my head and said , "Disculpame no lo Quiero."  

When I walked away I realized that Belize is 2 and Lempira is 20. She was charging me two dollars and I thought she was charging ten. 
I was too embarrassed to go back and explain myself and also out of time. Four currencies-dollar, quetzal, Belize, Lempira is one big confusing conversion. 

           4 currencies in one day=Confusion

As the Rush comes

Traveling somewhere could be anywhere 

There's a coldness in the air, but I don't care 

We drift deeper 

Life goes on

We drift deeper into the sound

Traveling somewhere could be anywhere

There's a coldness in the air, but I don't care

We drift deeper

Life goes on  

Feeling strong 

So bring it on 

Bring it on 

Embrace me 

Surround me

As the rush comes

As the rush comes

-Tiesto-

Just Not That Kind of Backpacker

When it comes to the average backpacker they can be compared to a hippie. You will often see them trekking around looking disheveled and homeless. The locals usually dress nicer than them. You question whether they took a shower There hair is greasy and they are dressed in some big Aladdin looking pants with a t shirt or a tank top and the ugly travel sandals I can't stand. While I sound judgemental, I am just speaking the truth. There are clean backpackers and their are the rugged, dirty ones.



As for me, I am the OCD traveler who likes to keep it clean. For instance, keeping my stuff new and clean looking takes high importance. I would say that about 95 percent of my clothing and shoes I bought are brand new and I like to keep it that way. Before my shoes go back into my bag I always clean them with soap and I spend a lot of time reorganizing my bag. Initially I buy all brand new clothing for my trip with new shoes and clothes. Everything I purchase is a travel item from REI or Colombia including jackets and pants, new shirts, underwear, and socks. I have three different pink cubicles to keep everything organized by color and style of clothing. 

                                 

Someone commented the other day, "How do you always look so cute?" Well there is fashion sense that always comes first, but I keep my stuff clean.  I have zip lock bags filled with detergent to keep everything smelling fresh. I have stain remover pads, bleach pads, and extra mini towels. 

While I technically am a back packer, I have lower tolerance for uncleanliness and eating just any food that's cheap.When it comes to my backpack I tell them where to put it on the bus and watch them very carefully ensuring it goes in a clean spot and is not being dragged.   It's crazy how dirty people's bags can be. Did they ever hear of a wet rag and soap?

Getting a travel sandal was a big step for me as I think most are too ugly for my feet. I found the Keen whisper in a cute lime green and grey. At first, I tried them on and just stared at my feet. I can't wear these as I have always been anti-travel sandal. They were never cute enough for my taste, but now I have no regrets. I love them and I especially love how clean I keep them.


The point to the post is that there are different kinds of  backpackers and not everyone is the stereotypical homeless looking kind. There are clean, fashion conscious ones like...well like me. 

Shine Like a Star

When it comes to traveling,, there are different types, but many just group under the same heading, "average." They don't think outside the box or try to explore people and culture until it's raw. They don't ask enough questions or spend enough time getting to know a person.  They don't have a constant curiosity that leads them to unknown places, communities, and hearts. They just travel to "travel" and this is not very exciting and does not contribute much to the country.  It just aids in the financial component to help the economy.  

There are other kinds of travelers that are extra-ordinary travelers who cross boundaries, learn in abundance, explore to the max, and learn from real people in the community.  These people may be seen on travel TV shows or have extensive blogs or websites on their travels.  These people love travel, but they also love to learn from people and  do something special....they entertain.  This seems to be the case for myself and this reality cannot be ignored.  

While my impact on people is genuine, it's also extremely entertaining.  There are locals and tourists both happy and laughing their hearts away.  The joy that I spread with others is natural and through the spirit of my higher power, but it's also just hilarious.  Sometimes people are laughing until they cry or they are falling of their chairs on a bus. It's quite beautiful to create that kind of positive reaction from people. When you have the ability to change someones frown into a smile, to make someone laugh in difficult times, to help a boy learn with a lot of education and a little laughter, to provide inspiration and encouragement to a lost soul-it's never ending beauty that is so rewarding.  With it being personally rewarding, it could be rewarding others through entertainment. 

While my best friend and I discuss having our own travel reality show, it is something that has become so clear on this trip.  The ability to touch, inspire, relieve, empower, assist, pray, give hope, and lend a helping hand - it is something that is life changing.  There are moments that cannot always be described and to videotape it may provide entertainment, but also clarity and entertainment. 

It's controversial and something I think about whether recording it is beneficial to communities? Would certain cultures be against it?

There are all of the negative points, but there are many travel shows that do break boundaries and go out of the box and into a completely different travel world-that could possibly be me. 

 It truly feels like it could be or it at least feels like I can take my identity within these communities to new levels.  It's easy to be called just an "average traveler", but I know my worth and so does my higher power. He creates all of these interactions, meetings, moments, and times them accordingly.

Things happen for a reason and when the end of the day hits so does clarity.  For example, I missed my bus so I could sit with the lady with 5 kids and talk to her about how to better cope with her life challenges. It all comes together and within me there is a shining star. It's shining bright from above and it allows me to challenge people in a whole new way and in a way that it genuine, creative, and innovative.  

Think outside the box and travel like a shining star making the world a bit brighter each and every time....

PRIS 

Some Tourists.....

SOME PEOPLE TRAVEL WITH NO TRUE AWARENESS INTO WHAT IS GOING ON AROUND THEM.
 

They are completely in their own world and its present in their attitude, actions, and overall behavior and mannerisms.  They present with an aloof personality and a tight knit security to their friends.  They hold onto each other rather than exploring the culture in front of them.  They never really go against the standard tourist traps and they stick with what is comfortable.  To sit down and have a real conversation with a local is not very common unless forced under a tour with a local or a meeting with a local for something needed in return.  It is about what the tourist needs rather than what is needed toward the culture. 

Open up your Eyes Tourists to the Beauty in Front of You....PRIS 

Let's Talk About Life

When it comes to my new found American friend, she stayed in the hostel a few years back and it was under different ownership, which usually can change everything.  It was not her fault for the lack of cleanliness. After all, it did have a beautiful rooftop with nice hammocks to escape to and stare at the stars.We had some good laughs about it and I had some good cries about taking a shower;)

When it came to meeting her, it was interesting how she was placed in my life at the beginning of my trip to set the tone.  She set the tone for confirmation. A confirmation that is okay to not live the socially constructed life rather to think and be beyond what you are supposed to do.  You can live and take any path you choose and the outcome of that path should be happiness and living off your gifts.  

While D did not hold any strong religious beliefs.  We seemed to have a good amount in common with our beliefs in life.  I discussed my belief with her in exploring your true self and finding your passion or calling and going with it. Even if this passion does not produce materialism, it does not mean you should abandon it or make yourself suffer with something you don't enjoy.  D was a Special Needs teacher for many years until she finally retired and decided to live in Guatemala. She bought a 3 bedroom house on Lake Atitlan for $250 a month-very possible when living abroad.

While she did work a full-time job until her retirement, her outlook was never the same as others. She believed in living simply and happily by making sure her basic needs of food, shelter, and basic needs were met. While her daughter was all of big real estate living and designers-she was more interested in saving up some extra money to visit a new place.  It truly is special when you meet people traveling who give you a sense of hope, determination, and content. What truly resonated with me was when she said, “It’s about how far you can afford to fall.” You can take risks in life, but you measure how fall you can afford to fall. You are not careless and reckless rather you know what you need and what you want.  You are not prioritizing superficial things over what is ultimately important. 

It is truly special when you meet these people traveling who give you an extra rev to your travel engine.  It was already ready to go, but they just made the sound of the engine a bit louder.  It's ready to race off into the travel world.  How far will it run til it runs out of gas? Do passionate travelers like D and myself ever run out of gas? Even if we're tired, we do have a reserve tank that we can rely on.  

We love traveling, but we also love living a life that does not rely on materialism rather it involves real communication and everyday learning from others in the pursuit of ultimate happiness. PRIS  

“For God gave us not a spirit of fearfulness, but of power and love and discipline.” 2 Timothy 1:7 ASV 

Adonde Vas?

While my original plan was to volunteer at the World Cup in Brazil, the crowds and sky high prices changed my decision. It has always been on my travel itinerary to visit the amazing South America.  The spirit and soul is something that I crave as it is missing in the states.  While every country has it's charm, some of the great ones I would like to visit are a bit out of my budget. Another moment in time our paths will cross, and I'm sure it will be incredible. 

With some previous thought to the destination of Central America, I started my research and things all came together. Central America is easier to travel through.  It's full of great food, beautiful, nature, cultural traditions and festivals, unforgettable fruit, kind smiles, and good spirits. The only country I had visited in Central America was Costa Rica five years ago with my best friend/travel buddy Tanya. 


On this fantastic trip, I recall the beauty, the food, and the fantastic people. It was a magical trip and we knew that we would have to return one day.  If this country could be so beautiful, wouldn't the rest of Central America resemble this as well? 


My travel bug was curious and the people I spoke with prior to traveling made it easy. I spoke with many staff and Directors from various NGOs and those local organizations within the states. The Lonely planet travel book or  the travel brochures are not what made this trip happen. These people made it happen. It was clear as crystal that this is where I was suppose to go. 
These lovely, lovely passionate souls from abroad encouraged me, supported me, and assisted me.


The beauty of Costa Rica lead me to the beauty of four other countries.  A trip through Central America starting in Guatemala to Belize to Honduras to Nicaragua to Costa Rica ending in Panama. 

Sounds like the perfect summer to me=)

Take Your Travel Vow

Back in my Loyola days, I remember all my friends were going to study abroad and being a college student I also wanted to share the experience at Loyola University in Rome. I applied for my first passport and bought a new pink suitcase with black trim.  My finances were not great as I would have to take out an additional student loan to assist with the plane ticket.  Regardless of the finances, I  decided to go and make it work. 

After my decision, I then experience travelers DOUBTA-the initial excitement about your decision mixed with doubt and desire to seek approval from others(PRIS).  Therefore, I consulted my mother who immediately advised me against going abroad.  I also consulted two of my close friends who also said it was bad idea and too expensive.  It was a constant, downhill response from my environment and others around me.

As one could imagine, this lead me down one path “No.” Something I was so excited about doing and my adventurous spirit wanting to go abroad and my being and decision was held back by the environment. It is important to note the crowd can be your friends, parents, co-workers, or classmates-anyone in your immediate circle or environment.  These people in the crowd are not necessarily the most knowledgable people about new experiences, money, finance, or world travels yet you are taking your advice from them. 

This is a consistent problem I notice among travelers.  When you are taking advice from Barbara who has never left the country except on an Alaskan cruise or Terry who visits Las Vegas and says she travels far or Janet who travels to Cancun staying in the All inclusives. Houston we have a problem-a big problem.

Within the American culture, it is normal to have it's own Americanized version of travel.
A person may believe they are traveling, but there is a fine line between vacation  and travel.  It comes from not only the definition, but the ultimate interpretation of the overall experience (PRIS).  A person may have their yearly family vacation where they spend all their time with the family and have no interaction with culture.  Another person may travel to India by themselves hike up mountains, eat different kinds of food, stay in villages, and make friends with numerous locals. These are not the same thing and this may lead to someone in your environment steering you in the wrong direction.  The only person you can listen to is yourself. 
  

After my experience with studying abroad in Rome, I made a vow to be the only person who controls my travel.  I will not be influenced by those who have an American mindset to travel, which is built inside a certain standard and expectation for travel.  To sum it up, most Americans are afraid of real travel and they stay inside their comfort zones.  This is engrained in the culture and it is normal for people to respond in this manner or it is normal to respond with: fear.  People are afraid of truly exploring themselves, being vulnerable to a new culture, going off track, going the distance, getting rid of the electronics, staying in a place other than a hotel.  The idea of real adventure travel is foreign to many people and the idea of going away for such long periods of time is also foreign.

Who’s going to take care of my cat?

What is my job going to say?

How am I going to afford a long trip and pay my bills?

What if instead of answering to society or someone else. We just answered to ourselves? What about YOU?




Do you seek knowledge about yourself on a deeper level?



Do you want to learn about different philosophies and religions, but you never have the time.

Do you crave something new, different, adventurous, spontaneous?

Do you want to learn real geography without a world map or google maps?

Do you need to complete your sense of self utilizing the world’s tools for discovery?

It is not always about being responsible to others, but it is about being responsible to you.   By being aware to the importance of your own self over the importance of your job- you can take charge of your being and life.  You may not be floating in a world of materialism, but having a grasp of your identity and who you truly are and what your want out of life is more important that any pay check can provide.

Take charge of YOU and the rest will fall in place PRIS

Why 40 Before 30?

On August 17, I will celebrate my 30^th birthday.  


Always wanting to challenge myself, I thought about how I could end my 20s with meaning.  I planned on possibly running the marathon.  In the states, I had been running each day and taking part in smaller races for the past few months.  When I turned 27, I ran a half marathon and spent my birthday in Portland, Maine-quite nice.  While it is possible to do a marathon, it would possibly come in October-not August.  



With this said, I then thought about traveling and I made goal to reach 40 countries by 30.  There are some other travelers who actually have the same notion of hitting 40 before they turn 30 or 50 before 40.  For me, it was not about the pure number of 40 rather it was about the journey I have taken with my 20s, my career as a Therapist, Volunteer, Teacher, Social Worker, and cultural explorer.



Traveling has taken me to unforgettable experiences, new friends, life lessons, meaningful cultural exchanges, the best volunteer experiences or jobs, incredible nature, and connections with up above.  It is a total life changing experience.  So why not include by traveling in my journey, document it, learn and grow from it, and most important connect to people and help them grow!