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Destinations: Africa

Destinations: Africa, Destinations: Asia, Destinations: Central America, Destinations: Europe, Destinations: Middle East, Destinations: North America, Destinations: South America

Take ownership of your freedom to choose kindness and compassion and show up as a united humanity.

March 19, 2020
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Coronavirus. That’s all that is in the news (and on everyone’s minds) these days. It is no longer just a “Chinese virus” or an Italian issue or a problem for the poor countries, those with fragile health systems. Unlike humans, coronavirus, aka COVID-19, is unbiased. It’s an equal-opportunity giver that has traveled more distance and spread faster than any of our wildest imaginations could have fathomed. And while COVID-19 continues to travel far and wide with no end in sight, it has produced the reverse effect on humankind. As city after city heads into lock-down and country after country closes their borders, we are eminently changing the very notion of what travel and freedom mean to humans all over the world. 

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Destinations: Africa

“Akwaaba!” – Welcome to Ghana, the friendliest country!

March 10, 2020
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“Akwaaba!”, a stranger shouts to me, with a big grin, waving to me as I walk by on the streets. “Welcome! You are welcome”, he says to me.

After four weeks of living in Ghana, I’ve become accustomed to being greeted in this way from familiar faces and strangers alike. ‘Akwaaba’ is the Akan word for “Welcome” and has become the symbol for expressing Ghanaian hospitality and friendliness, especially towards foreign guests.

Ghana is indeed a friendly country. It certainly is the friendliest country that I’ve been to and I’ve been to over 80 countries! The people of Ghana are warm, welcoming, and trusting — even with strangers. Something that I’m still adjusting to having come from a western culture (New York City no less, where your ability to ignore others is a benchmark of being a true city resident).
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Destinations: Africa

Surviving Kilimanjaro: A Humbling Experience

July 5, 2017
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Standing at the top of Uhuru Peak, I broke down in tears; a mixture of emotions from pure exhaustion to sheer happiness. I hugged Evans, my guide, and expressed my gratitude for him pushing me (or rather dragging me) to the top. I was humbled. You see, when I set the intention to climb Kilimanjaro I knew it would be challenging, but I was pretty confident that I could make it to the top. After all, I’ve always been a tough cookie. If I set my mind to do something I have always completed it no matter how hard. Whether it was climbing Mt Fuji, trekking the Inca Trail, backpacking Patagonia, running the Tough Mudder (and getting electrocuted) or a marathon, I’ve always toughed it out. So why should Mount Kilimanjaro’s 19,341 feet be any different? Continue Reading…

Destinations: Africa, Travel Tips

Surviving Kilimanjaro: Your Ultimate Packing List

June 5, 2017
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Each year, nearly 40,000 people (and growing) attempt to climb Africa’s highest mountain: Kilimanjaro. Only about half successfully reach the summit of this iconic peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Before embarking on such a journey, it is critical to be prepared with the right gear, but knowing what you need to survive can be daunting. As I prepared for my own trip, I found a multitude of tips and lists, but none that were all encompassing. I had to piece together the puzzle from the variety of resources. If you are wondering, “Where do I even begin?” then you’ve come to the right place. The recommendations and tips below are broken into sections based on gear for each body part and then equipment needed from general climbing gear to personal toiletries. Enjoy and happy climbing! Continue Reading…

Destinations: Africa

Top Tips For Planning an African Safari Trip

October 31, 2015
Ngorongoro Crater

Guest Post By: Peggy Wang
An African safari is a true adventure offering travelers around the world an opportunity to get up close to animals in their natural environment. Safari destinations are by no means cheap nor are they anything like a trip to the zoo. Planning is a must! Here are some tips based on my own research and experience. Continue Reading…

Destinations: Africa

Experiencing Tanzania’s Northern Safari Circuit

March 9, 2015
Serengeti Sunrise

Guest Post By: Peggy Wang

I was 13 years old visiting the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History when I fell in love. “Africa: The Serengeti” (released in 1994) was being featured at the museum. I was immediately mesmerized by the gorgeous aerial views of the endless plains, the interactions of the African wildlife, and of course, learning about the greatest migration of land animals in the world. Making it to the Serengeti became a dream for me right then.

Nearly two decades later, I coerced convinced my husband to make Tanzania our next travel destination. There are so many things to do and places to see in Tanzania–climb Kilimanjaro or Mt. Meru, go on a safari, relax on Zanzibar—-but with limited vacation days we had to stick to our (my) priorities. And making my way to the Serengeti was at the top of the list! Continue Reading…

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