Standing at the Bottom of the Top of the World
Motivated by a lecture, guest writer Vicki Dawson, realises a dream by climbing one shallow breath at a time to Everest’s Base Camp. On October 25th 2010, something that had started as a vague idea and then became a full blown obsession, led to me standing at Everest Base Camp crying my eyes out… Armed with 80 wet wipes, two pair of trousers, two tops and some sturdy walking boots I...
Read MoreDental Drama
My fear of dentists is so great that I went to my veterinarian for a follow up check up. This past week I was in the dentist’s chair and as usual I didn’t recognise the person sitting there. Between cries of pain, wiping my sweaty palms on my shaking legs, and struggling to keep my adrenaline-fueled, anxiety-pumping heart from jumping out of my chest I had an epiphany: my fear of the...
Read MoreRobbed: Bank Balance $0
Imagine my surprise this past weekend when I logged into my savings account via the internet only to find that my bank balance read a big fat $0. I had been robbed; my account emptied over the past month via a number of ATM withdrawals in Bogota, Colombia. I wasn’t completely shocked, resigned rather to the frustration and hassle that would, and has, ensued. You see this has been happening...
Read MoreOff the Couch & On the Road
“I have never been a runner,” says guest writer Tom Bailey who is on a six month journey from the couch to a 12km/7.5 mile race. “I have weak ankles and have always hated running because it hurts.” Long ago I decided that losing weight and getting in shape would be nice and was important for my health, but that was nowhere near as motivating as having an event/goal and...
Read MoreOh Happy Day!
Today I reached my goal! First it was my unfitness, then it was this altitude’s lack of oxygen, then it was the cobblestones, then it was the cold morning air, then it was a stomach bug that slowed me down BUT still I persisted with my (every other) morning run up the mountain to the lofty heights of Antigua’s Cerro de la Cruz, with its spectacular view over the city. (I took my camera up...
Read MoreReclaiming My Fitness (Back to the Gym)
This week I got back to the gym for the first time in a long time … and it felt great! It felt great to get back in the saddle – even if that saddle promised to make me sore (and it did!) – but more importantly it felt good to be back in control: Control of my health, control of my body, control of my ability. There’s no question that it’s been a challenge. A challenge to find the...
Read MoreMy New Home: Antigua, Guatemala
Even a rolling stone needs to come to a stop at some point. After an incredibly rewarding year of travelling about – spontaneously shifting from Brazil, North America, Europe, and Central America – I am in need of a rest, regiment and some structure. I have set up camp in Antigua, Guatemala. Or at least I’m trying to in between varying bouts of anxiety & fear at having made the right...
Read MoreChoosing the Right Volunteer Opportunity
Guest writer Jessica Williams explains why those interested in volunteering should chose who they want to donate their time to based on passion and interest and may likewise be interviewed on the same criteria by prospective ’employers': I have spent seven years recruiting in both the volunteer capacity and as an employer. Many people ask me what are the tricks to finding that perfect...
Read MoreRiddle me this
Despite temptation, I’d suggest avoid using the internet and/or an atlas and see whether you can answer the following questions: There are 10 countries in the world with 4 letters to their (English) name. What are they? There are 4 countries in the world that start with the letter D (again, English spellings). What are they? The world’s newest countries: Name the last four countries...
Read MoreThe Crew Ship
Adventure on the high seas need not be the exclusive domain of sea-faring souls; even sea-fearing landlubbers can set sail and prove their sea worthiness by crewing on a private boat. First and foremost, let me clarify, I am not a sailor. I knew nothing of boats and even less about sails, but none of this stopped me from successfully crewing aboard a sailboat from Fiji to New Zealand. It was...
Read MoreThe Seven Trials of Tibet
Experience #936 Hoping to tread the path to enlightenment I took the Tibetan challenge and travelled the rough road from Katmandu to Lhasa discovering a rural land trapped in time and ruled by religion. Himalayan hidden and oft-shrouded in secrecy, Tibet has always attracted attention because of its blocked borders. More recently Tibet’s political plight and the Dalai Lama’s celebrity...
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