We just heard from Megan and David, our fearless Nkula Overseas Eduators. The group is about to board their flight from Dar es Salaam and onward as the Spring 2015 East Africa semester comes to a close. It's been such a privilege and honor to see this group grow and thrive over the past few months – we wish them Safari Njema (safe journeys) as they embark on the next… Read More
This morning we said goodbye to our wonderful group of students. We have shared some amazing memories with them and will remember each of them fondly.
After our arduous journey across the plains of Northern India, and a breathtaking trek into the mountains of Sikkim, we ended our semester in the Tibetan communities of Dharamsala and Bir. The students remained engaged and enthusiastic up to the very last moment, taking… Read More
This week marked the final hoorah for this group and as we bid farewell to Stonetown (exiting with a hole or two in our flowy pant pockets) we headed off for our final projected at Creative Solutions. Guided by the animated Haji and Mbaruq, we experimented with recycled wine bottles in constructing everything from drinking glasses to windchimes. Despite the excessive heat and ruthless mosquitos, we emerged from that oven with… Read More
We've received word that the intrepid Southeast Asia group has safely checked in for their flight homeward from Hanoi. Here is a final shot of Andi and Sam, the last two to go through security. Traveling mercies to you all. You've been an amazing group.
… Read More
We've received word that the mighty Shanti group has checked in to their flights New Delhi. They've been a fantastic group and it been a great semester. We are wishing them all traveling mercies on their respective journeys home.
Here's a retrospective picture the the handsome group from their time at Dev Bala farm.
Namaste… Read More
Abriendo Mentes could not be a more appropriate name for this organization. Translated as “opening minds”, perhaps the long-term goal of this non-profit is to engrain in these small communities that the world is full of exciting things which they have not even scratched the surface of. Our main work here at Casa Brasilito (a small, newer branch of Abriendo Mentes) is working with kids by providing them with after… Read More
Xin Chao SEASIA blog readers (moms) and friends alike!
I’m reporting on behalf of Old Greg/Audreezey and crew. This week Audrey, in a last-ditch effort to showcase her PlayWorks skills, initiated a game of Karma Buddies, in which we each draw a buddy from a hat and stealthily make that person feel awesome during the week (without that person knowing its you). It has been fun to share the love… Read More
Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche said in one of his talks that the people of India have no common sense; they only have wisdom. As the last days of our time in India slip by, I can't help but think about that, and try to drink in all the last little bits of wisdom, utter lack of common sense, and everything else that makes India, India.
We spent a few days in… Read More
Hello folks!
For the past week we have been staying at Austrop in the beautiful Daintree Rainforest, where we have been involved in various rainforest conservation projects. Throughout the mornings and afternoons we either weeded, planted, or cut down coconut trees to increase the forests biodiversity. While doing these jobs, we have gotten the opportunity to see many of the animals that call the rainforest their home. We saw spiders… Read More
Before I begin, I want to wish everyone in the 410, safety as the riots continue, as the National Guard is called into our city.
Buenos Aires, Argentina- The air is thick with pollution and the constant smell of barbeque. Tall buildings line the streets, buses and cars weave between each other on the over crowded roads. This is no sweaty, sticky, swampy jungle of the Amazon; rather this is… Read More
I’d been to project Bonafide before, back when I was traveling on my group semester. Taking the Ferry across Lake Nicaragua to the island of Ometepe for the first time I was struck with awe and a profound respect for mother nature. She outdid herself with this one.
They loom high into the sky, almost touching the heavens. Their peaks are often shrouded in clouds, as if they have a… Read More
Hey everyone!
Pistol Pete and Madeleine here, with the latest update from your favourite Carpe group. We began this week finishing up our conservation work in the very lush and moist Daintree rainforest with ecowarrior Hugh Spenser. After spending a week hacking out invasive species, picking up beach litter, planting seedlings, and working with everyone's most liked plant- guinea grass with Hugh, I can happily attest he belongs in ecowarrior… Read More
After the devastating earthquake that hit Nepal this Saturday, here at Carpe Diem we are holding all of the people affected in our hearts and thoughts.
Our three Latitudes students are safe, uninjured, and we are in communication with each of them. We also have a semester group in Northern India who are unaffected by the earthquake.
Two of our students were volunteering in Kathmandu at the time of the earthquake.… Read More
We have just finished our week of home-stays in the beautiful town of Incan ruins, Ollantaytambo.
For the first half of the week we took Spanish classes at a nearby Spanish school from 9 am to 1 pm each day. Classes would consist of a few hours of Spanish practice and grammar in the classroom and then a few hours of exploring ruins, nearby markets, and the town with our… Read More
From Adrienne and Devin
The transportation gods of Tanzania continue to frown upon us (but don't fret – it gave us tons of good karma for better adventures later on in our SDT!) . Our decision to take the train from Mbeya to Dar backfired when the 24 hour ride turned into 40. We sat for hours on end in uncomfortable seats. In the typical Tanzanian fashion, one seat… Read More
See-ya everyone!
It's been a little over a month since I arrived here in Cristuru Secuiesc, Romania. The first few days were extremely tough to say the least. Until three days ago I was the only volunteer in my program, working for the Child Protection Services, so it felt pretty lonely at first. However, I was lucky enough to make new friends who are part of the European Volunteer Service.… Read More
Hello to our friends and family back home. You are now speaking to licensed PADI open water scuba divers! This week was spent in Cairns, australia's top diving location. Each morning at 8:00 AM we went to the Cairns Dive Center for in-class knowledge based learning and finished the days in the pool, putting our skills to the test. On the final day, we nervously sat down for our class… Read More
Namaste, and a warm hello from all of us here in India!!!
Wow, our most recent adventures have been truly one of kind. Sorry, to eveyone out there that has been looking forward to our latest post, we haven't had the chance to catch up on group orientated activities lately; such as blogging because we where staying at the beautiful Phool Chatti Ashram in Rishikesh. Last week was such a… Read More
Hey there!
Today Shanti left the Dev Bala family farm in outer Dharamsala, where we stayed for five rejuventating days. Dev Bala sits right on the foothills of the Himalayas, which means you can stand in the garden, gazing out over luscious semi-tropical fields and farms in the valley, and turn your head to look at the snowcapped peaks right above you. The family at the farm grows what seemed… Read More
