When planning my trip around the world, there were a few key elements that I hoped to include: SCUBA diving around the world (including Antarctica), volunteering in Africa, spending time with family in Greece, attending Fuji Rock Music festival in Japan, experiencing the Olympics in Beijing, practicing Yoga & Meditation in the Himalayas, immersing in the culture while exploring the southern region and tip of South America and hiking the Inca Trail in Peru. While meditating in India, I was struck by the realization that I am doing what I want to do – what I have wanted to do for a long time. This was a calming, exciting, satisfying and empowering notion. Giving me peace of mind AND psyching me up to continue to follow my dreams! And, I am so thankful that my family and friends have supported me through this... from listening to me talk about it for ten years to taking the time to “virtually travel” with me on this blog and help me stay connected through email messages and photos... not to mention my boyfriend Matt being cool with me leaving home for several months at a time. My appreciation for the special people in my life has only grown stronger during these ten months.
THANK YOU!!!
So, as we close down 2008... here's a few thoughts I jotted down as I travelled:
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The world is filled with awesome, natural beauty.
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Hidden gems (people, places, tribes, traditions) still exist throughout the world... But how long with they last? What can we do to help and protect them?
- It is a historic, fascinating time to be alive... things are changing so rapidly... paradigms are shifting in nearly every aspect of life... power is building and alliances are forming on the other side of the world... Global Awareness is crucial for America and its citizens.
My next move is to plan travels in Mexico and South America. I am seeking another volunteer opportunity. And giving some thought to what I would like to do after this trip-of-a-lifetime is over. I will take a quick trip to Colorado to see some of my best girls and their babies... and leave sometime in late Jan/February for Round 3.
Stay-tuned in the coming weeks, for additional stories & photos of my adventures through South Africa, Mozambique, Tanzania, Dubai, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Greece, Turkey, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and India.