FIJI – We took a boat ride to Vorovoro Island, down a lazy river of mangroves and out towards Cakaulevu Reef. I fell in love with the island before I set foot on its shores.
FIJI – Bridge the Gap Villages has given us a way to channel our energy into creating the meaning in life we were seeking while giving back to the community that adopted us when we needed it most.
Times like these remind us to band together as a community and make the world just a little more hospitable for one another. A few ideas on how to add the word "volunteer" to "vacation."
OUAGADOUGOU, Burkina Faso – As the world watched the events of September 11, 2001, Josh Cornehlsen, a young Peace Corps member found solace in a remote village of the Mossi Kingdom.
ST. CROIX, U.S.V.I. – Living off the land in a manner that makes the place better is not only possible, it breeds inspiration and healing. And on top of that, people will pay for it.
If we want to fight poverty, we have to empower people through farming. Fair trade. Vodka is grain and water. We connected the dots, and our contribution to the world is built inside our products.
AMAZON RAIN FOREST – Our host family explained that they thoroughly enjoy housing guests from various countries since they aren't financially able to travel to these places.
GUATEMALA – I was hellbent on delivering this beast to domesticated safety in Seattle. My boyfriend expected coffee. I brought home a feral street dog from a developing country.
Weirdest thing seen on travels: I saw syringes being reused for yellow fever vaccinations in Peru. I now travel with an assortment of different gauge needles in my travel first aid kit.