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Coleman and Megan Kicking Ass in Partido de Busca

Buenos dias amigos! Somos Coleman y Megan en el cafe internet en Bahia de Caraquez 🙂 Quick update: We are kicking ass at the scavenger hunt and making many amigos in the calles de Bahia. We did have some difficulty typing @ though… Entonces, HASTA LUEGO POR QUE TENEMOS QUE HACER MAS COSAS DEL PARTIDO DE BUSCA 🙂 Apparently my files are too big to upload? That stinks! Ill email… Read More
After four flights, a six hour bus ride, and a total of 35 hours of travel we made it to Ecuador! It´s absolutely beautiful here. Saiananda is such a nice place to stay and everyone there is so kind. Our group is meshing so well already and were so happy to be here! They have a pet sloth at Saiananda. It´s hysterical to watch and a parrot bit my finger.… Read More

And they’re off!

Greta and Dan have just called to announce they’re through security at LAX and doing great.  Though they’re the last to fly the coup, they’re one of the best to depart!  The group is united, the crew looks excited and joyous, and above all, they all look like a great group of students. Let this journey commence with great auspiciousness and a resounding farewell. Yours in complete and total jealousy… Read More

exciting.

Bula!Bula!Bula! hey everyone, its Frances, Ozzy, and Hayden. We are spending the day on a scavenger hunt in downtown Nadi. so far, we have visited a Hindu temple, the fresh produce market, and bought several sulus. We are having a great time in Fiji. Frances, Hayden, Ozzy… Read More

Party People Fiji

Bula Bula Bula; greetings from Liz and Mike. We are scavenging through downtown Nadi, and have come across the wonders that Fiji has to offer. Everybody is very welcoming and the town itself is quite inviting. We went to a hindu temple, where we saw of the most incredible artwork and were given a bit of a history lesson about the religion. We bought sulus, which is kind of like… Read More

BULA BULA!

Hey Y’all!! Rita, Connie, and Sadie here. Writing to you in downtown Nadi (nandi).  Yesterday was our first full day in Fiji, arriving at 430am (Fiji time) while all of you, our friends and families, were enjoying a nice afternoon in the states. We have had some real great group bonding adventures along with getting to know our surroundings. We all have learned a new word BULA, which means hello,… Read More

Earthquake “near” Fiji

Just as a heads up to parents and vicarious adventurers out there – a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck about 300 miles off the SE coast of Fiji today.  The group is fine and there’s nothing to be concerned about for tsunamis nor their safety, but for those who are curious, check out the following link for information. http://www.ouramazingplanet.com/recent-earthquake-unrelated-2014/ Yours, Ethan Knight… Read More

Together at last

I just got a phone call from Avy and Nico and it’s true … certifiably and exuberantly, the group is united – every last one of them – at the Amsterdam airport for their last leg to Tanzania!  According to Avy, “everyone was just waiting exactly where they were supposed to be, and … well, we have a great group :-)”   Unfortunately, since they’re in Amsterdam, a photo is more… Read More

Om Shanti Om

And it’s with great peace that this group appears to be departing.  Just look at these yoga poses!  It’s hard not to remember my own first journey to India … one that has had a lasting and profound impact on myself and the way I live in this world. I know this will prove to be an unforgettable experience for all of the Shanti group: May it be rich with… Read More

Hark, is that India I hear calling?

Well, after some initial confusion, the group is united in San Francisco and looking … well, look for yourself.  I can’t tell if they’re just rabidly excited, or if they’ve had a fit of inspiration from Michael Jackson’s Thriller. In either case, this group looks great and they are ready to dive into Mama India!  May the journey bring enlightenment and a cure for whatever got them in this photo!… Read More

Thailand or Bust!

Carpe Diem!  Seize the day … because today we have a full Southeast Asia group and they are looking chipper and ready to dive in!  It was remarkably pain free to meet everyone in SFO, and I’m looking forward to lots of “aha” moments throughout the next three months! May the journey be meaningful, fun, and full! Yours in spirit, Ethan Knight, Executive Director… Read More

South America in da HAUS

Here we are – together in the wee hours of the night, with all of your sons and daughters getting ready to fly to South America?!?!  … and this year’s group is full of excited, smart, and caring individuals who are all united at the Los Angeles International Airport and through security as I type! May the ease of this years group union be an omen for things to come.… Read More
Somehow, with more than 6 billion people in the world, we’ve managed to bring together THIS particular group of students and staff … from all corners of the country.  It’s really quite a remarkable thing if thought about in such a manner. The group is officially together at the San Francisco airport … rearing to go in a few short hours, and this journey is about ready to begin! May… Read More
Well, to all the parents, friends, and vicarious travelers, it’s official: WALKABOUT is in da house!  As far as group unions go this one was incredibly painless and I think I can safely say it’s an auspicious beginning to 3 months of a journey none of us will forget. May it be a fruitful, safe, inspired, and profound trip. Yours in heart, Ethan Knight, Executive Director… Read More

Almost Time! Africa Fall ’11

Salama! Here in Portland the Carpe Diem headquarters are bursting with energy as everyone prepares for their upcoming trips.  We couldn’t be more excited to be heading to East Africa with all of you!  Hopefully you’ve had a chance to go over the itinerary and share it with your families; if not, pull out a map, check out the route, and get ready for adventure with new friends! Throughout our… Read More
FYI: The SAM group will meet at the TACA Check In Counter (LAX)! Meghan and I will be there beginning at 9:00pm, and will check in every hour until the group is complete (10:00pm, 11:00pm, and so on). Our flight leaves at 2:25am…yes, our initial travel itinerary is unique 🙂 Meghan and James Read More
Yippee!!!! Yes, intrepid travelers, adventure lovers, seekers of worldly knowledge, we are nearing our departure for magical South America! The excitement is building, and Meghan and I are finishing the final touches on what will be, with loads of help from each of you, an amazing journey. Are you stoked? Maybe a little anxious? Great! Enjoy the process of preparing for discovery; of letting go of the “normal” routines for… Read More

Namaste! (aka Sup!)

Greetings Gang of Magnificent Travelers! The first post of the semester!!!!  We have returned from our summers in Peru and are super excited to be in Portland focusing all of our energy on the upcoming semester in India. We are not much more than a week away from seeing all of you in the San Francisco airport and beginning our epic journey around the world. It’s going to be an… Read More

Hello Walkabout!

Hey Walkabout family! We are super excited to meet all of you – only 5 days and counting! Back at HQ, we’re like busy bees, buzzing around the office, making sure we’re as prepared as can be for our upcoming adventure! The weather in Portland is surprisingly hot, getting us pumped for our first stop, Fiji! We can’t wait to get to know you and hear all your stories. During… Read More

First Post for Shanti Fall 2011!

Namaste, from your very enthusiastic leaders, Simone and Ole!! This blog is a place for you to post photos, tell stories and share your experiences with friends and family back home. Send your loved ones this link so they can see and read about the places that your adventurous spirit is taking you. Throughout our semester, each of you will have the opportunity to post to this blog, documenting our… Read More