all expenses paid vacation?

[furluvcats]

Bronwyn, my husband and I mark traveling as our favorite thing to do, and often...lol. We do extensive research on places we are going to be visiting as well, know the history, etc. We are the ones you will bump into off the beaten track as well, always exploring how the people of the places we visit really live, and not just what the cruise ports want you to see. We were in a sleepy little beach town along the Mexican Gulf, called Majahaul...electricity hasn't even made it there yet! We wandered down a dirt road behind the little stands set up, selling their wares, and met a really neat lady, who baked Mexican Sweet Bread in her brick oven, and sold them at her front door. We bought like a whole bag of these delicious treats for 1.00 American. It was an incredible find, culturaly, and for our tummys...I think the lady may have made a few bucks that day, bc we shared with other cruise guests on the beach, and then they went to her for more breads, chain reaction...etc. So you are right, don't be afraid to take the road less traveled on your journeys...you may be amazed at what you find!

When we know we are going to under privledged areas on our visits, we like to take small little gifts for the children. You'd be amazed at how sunglasses, or coloring books, or toothbrushes even, or small packages of cookies can put such a huge smile on the childrens faces....once you're there, the children come running....Its nice to spread joy...children of all cultures are such precious beings!

[Amanzi]

furluv, you bring up excellent points! We really enjoy travel as a family (my son is a bit small to understand at the moment) But it really does bring us closer. I know what you mean about little gifts bringing smiles. We used to make a point of driving into the very rural parts of South Africa during christmas time and just give the little ones a treat, even if it was a box of candy. I also used to collect clothes from friends and hand them out to the village "moms" to distribute. Some of these children have never owned a pair of shoes or a shirt without holes. We learned so much from these people. My rewards were the looks on there faces and the sheer joy of seeing the children fully clothed for the first time. We took a road trip to Zambia one year. It will stay with me for the rest of my life. These children had never seen a white face before, they sat for hours playing with my hair (it hangs down to my waist) We were made so welcome and the food was amazing, they had so little and yet they gave so much. One word of caution though if you ever visit Africa, it is extremely rude to turn down an offering of food and drink, but STAY AWAY from the home made beer! Its NASTY stuff!

[JCT777]

A 14-day Alaskan cruise! I know someone who did that and they had the best time. Plus the pictures I saw from the trip were breath-taking.

[furluvcats]

Bronwyn...wow, what neat stories you have to tell! Are you from South Africa, or did you do missionary work there? I bet you have more fascinating stories to tell! Where in Flagler? I'm from Volusia Co!

[GulfBreezer]

NEW ZEALAND then on to AUSTRALIA...........

[Amanzi]

Bronwyn...wow, what neat stories you have to tell! Are you from South Africa, or did you do missionary work there? I bet you have more fascinating stories to tell! Where in Flagler? I'm from Volusia Co!

I was born and raised in South Africa, and have only lived here in the USA for going on 3 years. I was not affiliated with a mission group, but I did do "God's work" as well. I am just on the border of Volusia and Flagler, on US 1. Nice to know your my neighbour! Chad is also in Volusia, we are taking over the board.lol

[azskyman]

Bronwyn and Shannon...you are wise WAY beyond your years. Not just for what you have seen, but for how you apply it to your lives and those around you.

Furry, I know you are committed to being the best home-school teacher you can be, but nothing, I mean NOTHING, can compare to sharing your knowledge and compassion for other people and other places with your kids. How very lucky they are.

I sometimes sit in my office and have conversations with employees who, by virtue of my encroaching age, give me way more respect than I deserve. They actually listen to me as though I have something eye-opening to say...even when I don't.

But how much I enjoy watching young people like you put your life experiences to work at such a young age. You give me all kinds of confidence in those who will carry the torch as I slide quietly (way down the road, of course) into the golden years!

Steve

[azsnowman]

Well, being in the US Navy, I've traveled a "LOT" back in my days. For one, Amanzi, I've been to Cairo, toured the pyramids, toured the main museum in Cairo, GREAT place indeed. I've been to almost all of the countries in the Mediterannean (sp) Italy, Spain, France (OH S***, sorry bad word LOL!) I've been to Rome on Easter Sunday 1979, saw the Pope, Pompei, Venice, you name it, I've just about seen it, got 1000's of photos. I've been to Alaska, Hawaii (WAAAYYYY too expensive for a man on sailors pay LOL)

If I could go anywhere with everything paid for, I'd have to go to South America, Brazil, Columbia, Chile.

Dennis

[Amanzi]

AAAAWWW I am so Jealous Dennis!

You will have to tell me all about it someday.

[azsnowman]

Egypt is a GREAT place but ya know what? For a country that was once a GREAT civilization, it is one of the most poverist countries in modern times. There is virtually no modern sanatation, sewer, garbage etc., little kids, 5-10 yrs old begging for cigarettes, money etc., breaks your heart for sure. Italy, has GOT to be my favorite place to visit....SO, aside from South America, I'd LOVE to go back to Italy, not to mention the Virgin Islands, St. Thomas, St. Croix.....spent many, many months in the Carribean too!

Dennis