As part of my yearlong travels, it was important for me to end the year by becoming more purposeful. By connecting my world with that of another place so different from my reality, hoping to serve as a global citizen in changing a person’s life. During my 18 days in Kenya, I visited a primary school in the town of Kisii from within a school region of 154, 175 people….
When traveling through Kenya, you are likely to come across the Maasai Tribe, a semi- nomadic and pastoral community of people that are fighting to retain most of their traditions. The Maasai People are famously known for their unique customs that are rooted in co-existing with wildlife and the herding of livestock. I was fortunate to spend a bit of time with a local Maasai Tribe learning about their way of life. Honestly, you are both perplexed and inspired by an indigenous community whose way of life and survival is threatened every day. Here’s what I’ve learned about the Maasai Tribe and their endurance to survive….
A fourteen-day stay in Cape Town, known as the “Mother City”, the first European settlement in South Africa. An absolutely beautiful city with its majestic flat-top Table Mountain overlooking the sea. The birthplace of political prisoner Nelson Mandela imprisoned for 27 years to eventually become the first president of South Africa in 1994 after ending racial segregation in 1985…quite an achievement but at a significant human cost. A multicultural city where at least four languages are spoken with a long history of harvesting wine. A city with probably one of the most horrific past yet able to find a pathway toward reconciliation. Here is what I’ve learned …..
What better place to experience the coexistence of man and wildlife than in the Serengeti, a vast ecosystem of national parks known for its stunning landscapes and home to some of the most exotic members of the animal kingdom. Spending my first week of 18 days in this unique, vast ecosystem to witness some of the most spectacular landscape of sweeping golden plains and exotic wildlife ever seen. It is painful to imagine that the combination of human behavior and climate change could one day end this vital ecosystem. Yet, there is much that is being done to ensure its sustainability. Here is what I witnessed and learned from this unique wilderness experience
Cappadocia is a region in Central Turkey known for its geographical landscape caused by millions of year of volcanic eruptions. These surreal rock formations are known as fairy chimneys and mushrooms, but honestly, they also look like something folks are too polite to name. The cities in this region were built from cave dwellings. In fact, the area is known for its cave dwellings, its landscape, its cuisine, textiles and ceramic plates but especially its hot-air balloon rides. I stayed in a cave in the city of Goreme, the tourist center of the province of Nevsehir. This once rural and impoverished region is very much now a tourist city. Here’s what I learned and enjoyed about this unique region of Turkey ending my three weeks in this country….
I always been fascinated by the photos I’ve seen of the Cappadocia Balloon Festival, one of the largest balloon festivals in the world, organized every July. The region’s stunning natural landscape of dramatic rock formations, fairy chimneys, and lush valleys is one of a kind. It has always been on my bucket list to visit this place and take a balloon flight regardless of when the festival is held. I somehow managed to take two, both times unable to contain my excitement. Here is why you may want to put this on your bucket list…..
In Cairo, Egypt for 10 days to experience ancient Egyptian civilization, from its mysterious pyramids, towering monuments, mummies, and tombs to its cuisine, artistry and way of life. Where else can you witness the Great Sphinx or visit a country once run by a powerful woman, Queen Cleopatra, 30 BCE? Cairo is the second largest city in Africa, the bustling capital of Egypt, a city rich in history and culture on the banks of the Nile River (the longest river in the world). Cairo, known as “Al-Qahira” in Arabic, is the largest city in the Arab world. It is also a city undergoing drastic changes. Here is my take on Egypt and what to explore when visiting…….
From London, headed to Dubai for a week’s stay to explore what has been the miraculous building of a futuristic city. Once a fishing town with less than 1200 people surrounded by a vast desert, today Dubai’s population has grown to 3 million+ representing over 200 nationalities. This is a duo language city – English and Arabic are equally used as tourism and commerce remains its new economy (no longer oil). A city much like Las Vega built in a desert with a vision of being an economic force formed during very different times with distinct agendas. One more futuristic than the other. The contrast between thousands of glass tower buildings and what is traditionally an Arab lifestyle is both dazzling as it is contrary. Here is my take on Dubai and what to explore when visiting…….
The city of Istanbul is a densely populated metropolis of over 16 million people. It is famously known as the city between two continents – Europe and Asia divided by the waterway known as the Bosporus Sea Strait. This is a Muslim city with the opportunity to explore and learn about its many ancient mosques, cultural landmarks and museums. There is a timeless charm to the city with its many bazaars, blue mosques, historic neighborhoods, and the daily chanting of the EZAN (call to prayer), both haunting and mysteriously charming. Truly a two-week journey through time and culture. Here is what I’ve learned…
Venice, known as “the floating city” is built on more than 100 small islands based on an intricate system of canals and waterways created by humans, unlike any in the world. A historic city known for its picturesque architecture, its Carnevale masks and traditions, its marbled palaces, Murano glass masters, and let me not forget, its romantic gondolas. An immensely beautiful and timeless city confronted with its own ecological problems as the sea level continue to rise and over-tourism affects its authenticity and preservation. I spent 25 days exploring Venice, learning about its past, present and future. Here is what I experienced….
