Moria Camp, on Lesvos Greece, is arguably the worst refugee camp in Europe. By chance, I was lucky enough to pick up a week long volunteering job translating for patients at a medical clinic. I dealt with their pent up frustrations, pains, and emotions in the process of translating. I listened to the sources of … Read more
As I settled into Lesvos and learned the situation, I realized very quickly that the need for “spotting refugee boats” was long past. The need was no longer to help disoriented refugees off of boats and onto to Greek beaches. The need was now empowerment through knowledge and skills and recovery from past atrocities … Read more
In the first part of my adventure of volunteering to help in the refugee crisis on Lesvos, I answer the question “why volunteer?”, I get honest about the risks of volunteerism, and I become acquainted with the island that is home to the worst refugee camp in Europe and the precarious situation it exists … Read more
My lower body travel gym that’s small enough for carryon travel: A compact suspension trainer + heavy resistance bands with handles The travel gym that I always keep with me, consisting of a compact, travel ready suspension trainer and heavy resistance bands with handles (such as the Rogue Fitness Shorty Monster Bands I reviewed) allows … Read more
Right now, I’m in Greece during the trip of a lifetime because of Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown…. At the moment, I’m sitting in Naan, one of my favorite restaurants in Mytilene, Greece, on the island of Lesbos, just off the coast of Turkey. The walls of the building are made of old, exposed rock … Read more
Just Starting our “Experiencing Everest Series”? Then jump to our Everest page and start from Part 1 “Why go to Everest”. A Morning in Pheriche and the shadow of the Himalays The sensation felt almost weird. Warm air hitting my face. A soft bed beneath me. Waking up in the Edelweiss Lodge had not disappointed. … Read more
The Everest Base Camp Trek cost will vary by trekker, depending on how luxuriously you do they hike and how independently you do the hike. The major factors affecting price are use of porters and guides, how much you eat and how “local” you eat, and whether you join a package tour trek to Everest … Read more
The Last comforts of Namche Bazaar As the sun once again shined through the cool window of my teahouse, I looked out over the tin roofs and the cascading buildings of Namche Bazaar, and smiled. The view was amazing to wake up to, and I actually remembered to keep my water bottle in my sleeping … Read more
When I’m traveling, have a rule that I’ll try anything once. Unfortunately, this includes food. I also have a rule that, as a guest, I won’t refuse what I’m offered and I try to eat what I’m given the same way the locals do. As you’ll read, this has definitely gotten me into some “interesting” … Read more
Travel ready hiking sneakers that can hike, run and swim (seriously!), and stay stylish every step of the road…and trail Long term travelers and minimalist travelers need durable clothing and gear that looks good and performs as many functions well as possible in order to keep their bags light – The Grunt Style … Read more