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sponsor shout out: Jetboil

Tuesday, September 30th, 2008

We had a number of amazing sponsors who spiked our gear with the best equipment in the field. Here’s my testimonial for Jetboil, who equipped us with our entire kitchen for our month in the Dolpa. I’ll be back with another Dolpa post asap. The problem is I’m broke and have had to refocus my energies and prioritize those projects that, you know, pay. ;)

I’m actually shocked that in eight years of off-the-beaten-path international travels, it is only now that I have packed my first set of Jetboil gear. As it is in the nature of most explorers to shun instruction pamphlets, I considered it an auspicious sign that it took us only minutes to assemble our entire, “kitchen,” on the tiny porch of our guesthouse in Kathmandu. And it really was only a few minutes later that we were clinking metal cups full of wine and celebrating, not only the success of our Jetboil trial run, but the pad thai we had just whipped up wherein.

Of course, what defines success on a guesthouse deck is entirely different from the test of what will survive in the tiny and ancient villages perched at 15,000 feet, on the edge of the Tibetan plateau, in the Dolpa of rural Nepal. And perhaps more importantly, what would ultimately survive the three 17,000 foot passes and weeks of walking that we would have to travel to get there. As we were also carrying 200 pairs of shoes to deliver to the remote communities (often isolated by the Himalayas from aid) we had employed four ponies to help us with our load; a load that was significantly lightened by the missing full stove, kitchen and fuel of which I’ve seen expeditions accustomed to carrying. Not only our bags, but our moods, were notably higher for the simple stats of the modest, compact and ultralight set of jetboil gear that packed down into the corner of a single bag. With multiple 10-hour days, the ease of our Jetboil tools not only made coffee fast, soup hot, and dinner easy, but these adjectives earned us some of the most precious minutes of our day: an earlier start, a hot lunch on a cold day, a longer break for a priceless view, a second evening hot drink, less time between getting out of our boots and into our sleeping bags. The tools served not only practical, but entertainment, purposes, as word would quickly spread and a modest crowd of local villagers would accumulate to witness the, “magic fire,” upon which we produced their same staple of life, “dhal bhat,” or, “lentils and rice,” without a single patty of yak manure or log of high altitude desert brush.

Few people venture into the Dolpa; we never, in all of upper Dolpa, saw another foreigner. As two young females with limited high-altitude trekking experience, we were probably in a little over our heads. But thanks to exceptional gear, we know little of the great problems that COULD have befallen us. Thank you, Jetboil, for sponsoring our outrageous expedition and helping us to safely and easily navigate a host of potential problems to assure a totally seamless, light, safe and tasty adventure. The next time we head again to where few have gone, along with our curiosity and courage, we will not forget to pack our Jetboil gear.

With enormous appreciation,

sol & kt


In the Picture: We come to the end of the road, quite literally: it ended in a cliff of rock. On the other side, we waited patiently for our next unknown form of transportation, but not before climbing on top of the bus and searching through bags until we found the coffee press and a bag of organic Nepali roasted beans. I swear we’re not high maintenance. We didn’t bathe for a month after this day. We all choose our treats. Mine happens to be french pressed. :)


Posted in dolpa pilgrimage, sponsors, travel tips | No Comments »

dealing with loneliness on the road…

Wednesday, September 17th, 2008

Eric, the editor of TravelBlogs.com recently posed the following prompt to a group of travel bloggers. If you’re interested, you can find the other answers in his article on, “Dealing with Loneliness on the Road.”

Here was my answer:

How do you deal with loneliness on the road?

I remember wondering about this question myself; once. And then I noticed the guy sitting next to me on the plane was reading, “The Alchemist” and I said, “Hey! That’s my favorite book!” and he said, “Yea? It inspired me to make this solo adventure to Latin America, which I’m now kind of nervous about….”

And that’s the thing about “loneliness” on the road; it dissipates as fast as you can write, “me too!” in the fog of your breath on the window plexiglas. The community of solo travellers is strong and sticky; we are like beads of mercury, ever rolling faster, and with a curiously strong drive for cohesion, towards each other. Being an introvert and independent, I actually have to concentrate on keeping my eyes low and my pace quick to find my (treasured) time alone.

In seven years of travelling, the only time I remember wishing for a little more community was in Thailand, where as a “single” it’s easy to get lost in the boat loads of honeymooners and bratpacks of recent college graduates. But if you avoid the strongholds of Club Med, you’ll quickly find the other solo traveller(s) looking for you. And this might sound strangely like dating advice, but it’s true: just follow your whim and interests; joining a language school, dropping in on a dance class or volunteering with an NGO are all INSTANT “ins” into already established communities of both locals and travellers. All you have to do is drop by the closest internet cafe and look for the board with all the activity fliers and jot down the location and time. While you’re there, ask the internet cafe if they are hiring, because a quick local job (bartending, teaching english, etc.) is another instant door to close community. And if you haven’t joined, www.CouchSurfing.com yet, you should register and build up your profile, as I’ve found some of my BEST friends in the world via this global network established JUST for the purpose of fostering intimate community and authentic connections between locals and international travellers.

And finally, “loneliness” and being “alone” are not the same; don’t come home without figuring out the difference!


Posted in books & travel recommends, on lonliness, travel tips | No Comments »

my camera kit

Thursday, January 31st, 2008

A friend recently told me over tea, “So I’d decided along with everyone else to stop researching cameras and computers and just buy whatever you do…”

Both off and online, I get a lot of questions on my camera kit (as it has evolved significantly over the last seven years, from a Sony digicam that used floppy disks for memory (!!!) to my current Cannon kit) and so here’s my update as of 2/1/08.

And I want to start off by noting that my latest investments in lenses actually necessitate that I take this passion professional (in order to afford the cost of my terrible addition to such an expensive hobby). I am afraid for the fact that I’m carrying my savings on my back and still searching online forums for help on affordable insurance for a meager stack of gear (compared to the REAL professionals), so if anyone has any advice, please post it below.

Back to the point: here’s my camera bag and the contents of it. I have linked all images and descriptions to B& H Video because it’s where I have consistently found the best prices, reviews and most professional service (as of 2/1/08):

(Please note that all the pictures I’ve taken in the last four months have been with the 70-200 f/4L and the lens that came with in the kit with the Rebel Xti body. The other two lenses were delivered to me by UPS two days ago and images will, of course, be posted soon.)

THE BAG (which I’ve used and is proved and TRUE):



Lowepro SlingShot 200 AW Camera Bag

THE CAMERA BODY:


Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi (a.k.a. 400D) 10.1 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera Body

THE LENSES:



Canon Zoom Telephoto EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM Autofocus Lens


Canon Zoom Super Wide Angle EF-S 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM Autofocus Lens for Select Digital SLR


Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM Autofocus Lens

THE STOCK HOSTING SITE & ALBUM

In a first attempt to accrue the funds necessary for me to pursue this costly passion, I’ve now also begun to upload photos to the PhotoShelter Collection:

My PhotoShelter Portfolio is small, but images have to be accepted and it’s, at the least, “a process.”

“The newly launched PhotoShelter Collection enables photographers of all levels to benefit from a worldwide image-selling marketplace that returns commercial and creative independence back into the hands of the artist. For commercial photo buyers, The PhotoShelter Collection aims to offer the freshest editorialized collection of imagery online.” – PhotoShelter.com

THE PHOTOGRAPHY COMMUNITY:

And finally, I’ve found the professional photography community at LightStalkers.org to be full of kind and patient mentors with heaps of tips and expertise to share.

RESOURCES & READS:

And if you want some clear leads on how to move forward with your own budding photo passion, I found Bryan Peterson’s books to be some of the best and especially helpful in clearing up my questions and helping me expand the boundaries my own creativity:



******

Okay. I’m out of breath.

———————————————
*sol bows her “namaste” and gratitude to World Nomads Travel Insurance, ThinkHost and Merc for their ever-supporting roles in the realization of her dream.

Posted in photographic journeys, travel tips | 11 Comments »

q&a – (kind of edited, but not updated) as of 9/08

Monday, December 4th, 2006
a rare appearance at the other end of the camera, New Zealand, 2003

a rare appearance at the other end of the camera, New Zealand, 2003

q & a — (kind of edited, but not updated) as of 9/08.

: : : What Is This?

This is the live travel journal of a perpetual pilgrim (“sol”) as she, equipped with backpack, blog and her sense of Wonder, wanders aimfully across the continents…

: : : How did it start?

It started out as a quest to pursue a “personal legend”; a term coined by Paulo Coelho in one of my favorite fables “The Alchemist.”

“…whoever you are, whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, it’s because that desire originated in the soul of the universe. It’s your mission on earth. To realize one’s Personal Legend is a person’s only real obligation.” – “The Alchemist“, Paulo Coelho

Of course, I don’t feel as if I know anything, let alone my “mission” on earth. But what I do FEEL — is that I must move. Pursue. As for WHAT I am pursuing, I haven’t any concrete idea. Nor am I really all that interested in what prize my hunt may capture. It’s the “pursuit” itself that has thus far enticed me into the last seven-something years of unforgettable adventure through over 35 countries and across six continents. It’s the pursuit itself that ignited my passions for volunteer work, salsa dancing, spanish, scuba diving, Eastern philosophy, experiential education and photography. It’s the “pursuit” that has taught me the lessons on life that I searched for, but never found, in my textbooks at university. It’s the “pursuit” that has humbled me both as an American and as a human being, grounded my respect and understanding for the intelligence of nature, and sparked my spiritual quest, setting fire to both my heart and heel.

You know that feeling when you look up into the night sky and fall dizzy in questions of our place in that space? We’ll I’ve decided to dedicate this life, to seeking and understanding that mystery of being. I don’t really fancy finding answers. I find my fancy in the questions themselves.

Neither do I have inspirations of being entertaining, making money, being popular or enlightening anyone. I’m just documenting my travel adventures, as well as the progressive realizations made on the path of my pursuit, and inviting anyone along for the ride.

There are only two things that I ask of myself in this life; to seek inspiration, and to share it. THIS is simply my way of combining my greatest passions: travel, writing, and the web, to realize that mission.

: : : Where Are You Going Next?

“There is a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all of time, this expression is unique. And if you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and will be lost. The world will not have it. Keep the channel open, follow your heart, and everything else will take care of itself.” – (?)

I love those three words — a “vitality”, a “life force”, a “quickening within” — for they come the closest to describing that feeling that moves me to make the choices I do. Why Guatemala? Why Spain? Why by boat? Why by plane? Why here? Why him? Why her? Why then? My choices and directions in life have become increasingly dependent on that “quickening within.” But with each decision, Intuition has reaffirmed that my trust in her is secure and worthy. I once saw a sign in a beach town in Costa Rica that read, “A true traveler is never intent on reaching a destination and knows that her best adventures are usually found off the original path.”

Where am I going next? Where omens and opportunity lead me.

: : : How it Started

About eight years ago, I bought a plane ticket to Costa Rica and sat down with my boss to tell him I was taking a month of vacation from work.

“No you’re not.” He said.

“Yes, I am.” I told him.

*very long pause*

“No you’re not.” He continued. “You have two weeks of paid vacation that you’ve already used. This is THE most critical time for this company. It is unfathomable that you take leave right now. Maybe in six months we can consider some extended vacation. But right now? Absolutely impossible.”

I followed my original itinerary. And when I returned from that life-altering adventure my boss said, “Well. You were right. Everything worked out smoothly, and looking back now, there was NO better time that you could have taken leave.” (Of course, at the time, neither of us was expecting that month abroad to inspire my complete resignation and the purchase of a one-way ticket…)

Regardless, I think it was that confrontational day that my self-erected wall of “life rules” came crashing down, along with the authority in the words “impossible”, “unfathomable”, “absolutely” and “no.”

There are so many “rules” of life to which we simply subscribe, without questioning. We have so many freedoms that we never exercise simply because we’ve never tugged at the phantom-chains that bind them. Of course, the first time I challenged those rules, the notion seemed nothing but comical…

“Ha! Imagine what my boss would say if I just bought a ticket to Costa Rica and left for a month!”

“How crazy would it be for me to just quit my job and travel for a year! What a dream!”

“What a silly thought…me? A scuba divemaster? I could never be a divemaster. I can barely swim.”

“How could I ever work as a photographer? I don’t know ANYTHING about photography!”

“I could never spend two months walking 700 miles across Spain!”

OR…could I?

The first time “I could never” turned into “hell! I just did!” — life irreversibly changed. Why? Because for one, I figured out that this world, this society, this system, didn’t really care about my individual life. I had broken “the rules” and the gates of hell did not open and consume me, I wasn’t arrested and sent to jail, my parents didn’t ground me, my friends didn’t disown me, and my boss didn’t fire me. I had slipped right through the societal-cracks and landed on two free feet.

My “silly notions,” “dreams” if you may, were perfectly real and attainable — and I had every right in this world to move my free feet and take pursuit of them. Now I take my “silly ideas” more seriously than Newton’s laws of physics. They STILL always start off as laughable, but now that the pattern has been recognized, my giggles quickly transition to a grin and a “oh no, here it comes…” nervous anticipation of an oncoming challenge. Now I know — and can recognize — my most wild but “serious intentions” masquerading in the sheeps’ wools of “silly notions.”

So in December of 2000, at age 23, I resigned from my position as Senior Editor at CollegeClub.com and bought an open-ended ticket to Guatemala, whereupon MercuryFrog posed the following “comical” question:

“Why don’t I build you a site so that you can write about your adventures and share them with your online community as you experience them?”

My laugh quickly turned into a serious grin.

Solbeam.com was born in January of 2001 by the kindness and talent of MercuryFrog. (Merc is both the developer and designer of this site, and compliments should be sent directly to him.) It should also be noted that Merc is continuously and selflessly facilitating the dream chasing process for numerous individuals *beside myself* and that he has secured his place in the “Solbeam’s Exceptional Human Beings” Hall of Fame.

And thank you also to Slava and ThinkHost.com for swooping a silent hand into my life, in a perfect act of altruistic kindness, to support the website and fanciful aspirations of a perfect stranger.

I consider the two of you as nothing less than my guardian angels.

Since January of 2001, those of you watching this site have adventured with me through Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Mexico, Cuba, South Korea, Thailand, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, The Dominican Republic, Spain, Morocco, Portugal, China, India, Ecuador, Colombia, Sikkim, Nepal, and Tibet together. We learned Spanish and how to salsa together. We scuba dived off Cayes, in oceans, through Cenotes and into sink holes together. We learned to bartend and danced on tabletops together. We were robbed at gunpoint together. We raved on bay islands together. We battled with hairy spiders, sand flies, lice and scorpions together. We volunteered with children of a dumpster community together. We mediated and fasted at multiple retreat centers together. We hiked volcanoes and watched them erupt together. We got on wrong planes together. We rock climbed together and we boogie-boarded together. We hosted multiple stomach parasites together and suffered countless colds and mysterious skin infections together. We taught English and escaped monsoons together. We got in motorbike and car accidents together. We rode elephants and got attacked by baby monkeys together. We worked tirelessly at Club Med together. We walked 1,200 miles of the Camino de Santiago and Chemin de St. Jacques together. We saved turtles and learned to surf together. We made many trails through the Himalayas together. We were adopted into a Colombian family together. We fell in love with India countless times together. We discovered a passion for Eastern philosophy and spirituality together. We watched the stars and pondered at our place in the Universe together. And we shared multiple sunrises and sunsets together.

You laughed with me. You cried with me. You danced with me. You learned with me. You supported me and you believed in me. I give my ENDLESS thanks to all those of you who keep up with this site and have shared these experiences and emotions with me. Because IT is the only physical thing I have to grasp onto after returning from these adventures. How I could ever give any inch of accurate representation of my travels abroad “over coffee” is inconceivable. “You just had to be there” will have to suffice many inquisitions…but for those of you who WERE there, WITH me, my mind can smile and sigh in relief. I’m not so alone after all. And for that ease of heart and mind, I have you to thank. I may live out of a backpack, but solbeam.com is my home and you, a family.

: : : Who Are You?

My parents would say I’m the daughter that they gave birth to in Anchorage, Alaska and raised in Portland, Oregon. I’d be the one child that insisted on school in California where, since my departure, they’ve received phone calls about once a month *if lucky* — usually only alerting them to my next skydive or adventure abroad. In comparison to my three happily-married and “home-body” siblings, I’m certainly the “black sheep” of the family. My high school friends would probably say I’m the “late-bloomer.” While they experimented with boys, drugs and other freedoms, I was busy pullin’ a 3.9 GPA and a strict midnight curfew. In college, I was the “girlfriend.” I dated the same *fantastic* guy from week three of college through graduation day. While I never, for one second, regret that choice — I currently have a *possibly unhealthy* aversion to relationships and tend to avoid commitments to anything more than a lunch date… made at 11:45.

When I graduated, I spent a few months in Europe and returned with some hefty credit card bills that needed immediate attention. I fit everything that I owned into my car and drove down to San Diego where I had heard that it was 75 degrees year ’round. I landed a job at CollegeClub.com, having no idea that it that would forever change my life; “Travel Freak Becomes Web Geek”. I put in 80-hour weeks *under web cam surveillance* and was labeled “loco” by friends & family and “passionate” by co-workers.

In December of 2000, I put in my resignation and purchased a one-way ticket to Adventure. I have, for the most part, been travelling ever since.

: : : What Does “solbeam” Mean?

“solbeam,” was my username on CollegeClub and the common name by which I was known in the CC Community. “Sol” means “sun” in Spanish. My skin color most likely comes from my Spanish ancestors (rather than the German ones) and in addition to being a complete sucker for sunsets (and rises), the sun holds special significance for me as it was what led me from Oregon to North California, from North Cal. to South Cal., and from Cal. to Central America. When I come to crossroads in life, both figurative and literal, regardless of how more or less traveled they are, I opt for the path with the most light, the most warmth…the most “sol.”

: : : Can You Give Me Some Advice on Where to Travel?

I’m sorry, but I do NOT give out any specific advice or recommendations on places to go for one very good reason: travel is extremely circumstantial. Each person’s adventure is totally unique and completely dependent on multiple factors including, but not limited to: weather, health, holiday, attitude, company, length of stay, and financial situation. If you want advice on specific places to go, I recommend you simply research online (LonelyPlanet.com, Iexplore.com, About.com) or browse the Travel section at your local bookstore. As for travel guidebooks, I recommend both the Lonely Planet and Rough Guide series.

: : : Are You Travelling With Anyone?

This is another ambiguous question. Am I travelling with one person (or friend) for my whole trip? No. I prefer to travel “alone.” But that’s the funny thing about traveling. By traveling “alone”, you actually meet MORE people. Travellers seek each other out. But what is probably more important, is that on the road — you are surrounded by others who share the same passions in life and who find the same excitement in the pursuit of something “different.” On the road, we’re all alone, all “in between” careers, all out of our element, and all vacationing from societal influence. And I’m learning that as wonderful as being “independent” and “alone” and “different” are, there is also something so very special about finding a community of people who share your same tastes at the dining table of life.

: : : Where Did You Get All The Money To Be Able To Travel?

This is the biggest complaint I hear; “I would travel…if only I had the money.”

I pay for ALL my travel expenses.

Please don’t think for a second that I’m pracin’ around on Dad’s plastic. My parents “taught me the value of a dollar” by letting me pay my university tuition (at a private school no less). Not a chance they were about to finance my world stomp. I still have thousands of dollars in school loans yet to be paid back (one can usually defer school loans for up to three years). Why am I telling you about my financial situation? Because I want to emphasize that anyone who REALLY wants to travel – can.

If you want something, you do what it takes to get it. I saved. I’ve chosen “travel” as my treat. I count my money in days spent abroad. I don’t own a car and I’ve only slept on hand-me down beds and futons. I’d simply rather spend that money on airfare, hostels and bread & cheese. I understand the trade-offs and have made a choice. Anyone can travel if they want to. All it depends on, is how bad he or she really wants it.

And one of the biggest myths of travel is that it’s expensive. A person can travel easily on $10-30 dollars a day abroad, if you’re keen on bread and cool with dorm rooms. You won’t be a “tourist”; You’ll be a traveler. Your daily expenses (rent, food, clothing, entertainment) in The States surely amount to more than $30 dollars a day. (Please don’t e-mail me and ask me to explain this further or tell me it’s not possible *people often do*. It IS possible, but I really don’t feel obligated to give proofs or find deals for people.)

But without a doubt, it is cheaper for me to live abroad, than in the States.

In addition to saving a lot and spending little, I always work while travelling abroad. Bartending, volunteering (in exchange for room), working as a divemaster, teaching English, working as a photographer, and guiding tour and student groups are all means that were not only gentle on the savings account, but also rewarding cultural experiences. When I first started working abroad, I didn’t have any experience and knew very little of the local language. All it takes is desire and initiative. You can search for jobs abroad online before you depart (I’ve found three jobs to date through GoAbroad.com), or just go door-knockin’ at all the bars and restaurants in town until you come up with something. And if you’re really looking, something ALWAYS turns up.

I currently work as an “Experiential Education Guide” leading groups of college students on 3-month semesters abroad programs for a brilliant company and intimate family, Where There Be Dragons. I usually work one or two semesters a year and find some type of volunteer work (abroad) that pays for my board during my “downtime.”

: : : How Do You Have So Much Time To Travel?

It’s not about “having” time, but rather “making” time. You just put you stake in the ground and say, “this is what I’m gonna do” and then you do it. No one EVER has “extra” time to travel — at least not before they’re retired. People, time, events will allow you to do whatever you wish – as soon as you make the decision to go.

“The universe always conspires to help the dreamer.” — “The Alchemist”, Paulo Coelho

When I’m abroad, I’m not “on holiday.” Travel is more than a priority in my life; it’s my WAY of life. I have intentions of continuing my travels abroad for many years. Periodically, I have, in the past, found myself frequenting a little “Universal Township & Experiment in Living” in South India called, Auroville, in which I love to snuggle down for extended periods of rest and reflection.

: : : What Advice to You Have For a First Time Traveler?

Let nothing get in the way of your desire to travel. Buy the ticket now and worry about the details later; They WILL fall into place. Travel while you’re young. You have no commitments, your parents are healthy, and you have the back that can withstand a pack and legs that can climb a volcano. This is the only time in your life that you will enjoy staying in dorm rooms or have the gut to drink the locals’ poison into the wee hours of the morning and wake up when the rooster crows at 5am the next day to catch a bus to another country.

One of the biggest MYTHS of American society that I’ve uncovered in my travels is this; “Two weeks of vacation each year is enough.” Two weeks will never be enough. Adequate time for emotional, spiritual, physical and extracurricular development IS necessary in mature adult life too! And this doesn’t mean you have to cross any actual US borders to engage yourself. “Work=life” is just a faulty equation in my book. Take time for yourself to discover and develop your passions. You need it. You deserve it. And as Americans, it’s high time we put our foot down and stomped out this socially-supported falsehood. Try questioning “the rules” with your boss, parents, school, etc. Push a little. Pry a little. Stretch a little. Fight a little. You might be very surprised with the results.

I was.

And remember, regardless of the “where’s”, “when’s”, and “what’s” — everything WILL work out. If you miss your train/bus/plane — laugh and recognize that your adventures are never lost, but only changed.

Also, if you do fancy taking your adventure abroad, you might check out my Travel Disclaimer.

: : : How Can I Contact You?

Simple. Send an e-mail to: solbeam@gmail.com. I’m a pretty busy girl, but if you send me a note or question, I’ll try my very best to get back to you. (If I’m not stationary in a country, a reply could be delayed by a few weeks.)

Always remember that if you take the initiative to pursue your dreams, the Universe will, ultimately but not always obviously, work in your favor.

I sincerely wish you the best in your physical, emotional and spiritual travels!

sincerely,

:) sol

“When you step off the edge of the unknown, you will either find something to stand on, or learn to fly.”

Posted in q & a, travel philosophy, travel tips | No Comments »

subconscious’ shadow speaks

Sunday, July 16th, 2006

“Hey! So, listen. You’ve got help me out. I have no idea what to do. I spent all day, and I mean all day, like 12 hours, researching airline tickets, and then I finally, finally, figured how to make all the connections work out, and then I checked all my finances and made sure everything was ready to go, and I was just about to put my credit card number down, and I froze! I’m frozen! I mean, what am I thinking? I’m going to a country for 7 weeks where I’ll only be able to communicate in a language I started learning two months ago? And then I’m going to hike for five of those weeks? Along a path through mountains that I know nothing about? And camping alone? I mean. Can I just do that? And then Senegal? After all, it IS a country on the “dark continent”. And I’ve never really been to Africa before. And the one time I did, I got chased down the streets for being a single white woman walking alone. And Mumbai? I mean, isn’t that a big scary city that I’ve never been to before? Where there were bombings just this week? And travelling through India alone was so intense last time. Am I really ready for that again? And I’m going to be spending ALL my savings. I won’t have anything again. Is that really what I want to do? Anyway. You’ve got to give me some advice. I really need your help. So….yeah…call me back when you get this message.”

*beeeeeeep*

I left that monologue on the voice mail belonging to two of my best friends last night. And when, by the next day, no one had returned the call, I knew it was for a VERY good reason…

Someone, smirking down upon me, had obviously pulled up the strings on all the characters in my personal life puppet show, hushed the audience and said, “No, no, no. Don’t give her any hints. She has to make this one her own.”

And as I’ve found to be the nature (and purpose?) of dreaming, it seems that over the night, some unnamed higher self sat on Fear and played typewriter on its chest till it cried “mercy!” and my subconscious was settled. High on some ethereal amphetamine administered overnight, I sprang out of bed (sans morning meditation) and raced to the computer where the Courage that had congregated at my finger tips (has anyone else noticed Confidence’s tendency to coagulate on finger pads?) salsa-ed its way, forward and back, all over the keyboard dance floor until three tickets (France, Senegal, India) were plotted, purchased, reserved and confirmed. *dip*

It’s a lot like cliff jumping — ticket purchasing. You’ve just got to stop looking over the cliff, muster your muscles into accord, hold your breath and JUMP. How could I forget this precious piece of counsel that I offer a dozen times a year to those inquiring? (Isn’t it just in the nature of the divine comedy called “Life” to give us plenty of opportunities to take our own advice?) But what an interesting adaptation of my old standby to twist, “What would you do if you weren’t afraid?” to “What would you do if you were yourself?” I guess it all depends on how you define “self.” And since I’ve got a higher one out there, that I’m ever aspiring to chase down and be, I suppose it’ll all one day make sense, in some future version (13.1?) of reality.

In any case, I just thought it important to share that I am not without fear, hesitation, an annoying rattling inner-dialogue, self-doubt, anxiety, or a mother. And that the monologue above is one that — even I — am prone to having with myself and message machines.

The good news is that, also like cliff jumping, ticket purchasing is fun. And once you’re over the ledge, you’re pretty much above, and over, the anxieties and fears as well. I’ve found that there’s little time, while hurtling through the air of direct experience, to look over my shoulder and contemplate from where I came or wonder if my health insurance is still in effect. Nope. The jump itself is usually just an all-consuming combination of a heightened awareness of the six senses, an acute sense of presence and an exaggeration of time and minutes.

Oh. And bliss.

Bliss. Bliss. Bliss. Which I have found, never in the pits of (inner) self-sacrifice, conformity or material comfort, but always under the rocks of surrender, surprise and simplicity. Bliss, which, as opposed to Confidence, prefers to loiter on the upper-end corners of my lips.

Where it lingers now.

And bless insecurity, self-doubt and anxiety for giving me something to hurdle over. For giving me the air to fly through. The fall to surrender to. The unknown to adventure within. I just can’t get over the depth, intricacy, and ingenuity behind the coordination of all the lines being pulled in Life’s puppet show. I don’t need to witness miracles or hear promises of heaven to believe. Life’s method is proof enough for me. So evidently divine by the intelligence of its nature indeed.

*****

A quick FYI for any others investigating/contemplating their own leaps of faith and flight: In my research, I gathered three different quotes from air brokers on Around-The-World tickets, but in the end found that I was able to beat all those quotes by over a thousand USD via www.sidestep.com and www.kayak.com.

———————————————
*sol bows her “namaste” and gratitude to World Nomads Travel Insurance, ThinkHost and MercuryFrog for their ever-supporting roles in the realization of her dream.

Posted in travel philosophy, travel tips | 8 Comments »

: : : packing list

Sunday, October 23rd, 2005

: : : Packing List

So, wondering how you pack everything you need for a year into one backpack?

Some people find this process challenging and stressful, but I love it! Travel stores are like Disneyland. I can get lost for hours in the isles of water filters, bag locks, country guides and rust-proof-pants. (I was even offered a job during my last escapade at Adventure 16.) There is, of course, a lot of research that goes into picking each item that claims precious space in a pack. Learning how and what to pack from the process of trial and error is the natural way, but CAN lose its charm when you’re camping in the jungle and wake up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom and realize you forgot your flashlight. It’s for this reason that I am offering up my own learnings presented in this basic “Packing List.”

But caution! This should only be used as a guide, and if it should fail you in anyway, please resist the urge to send me hate mail holding me responsible. That said, Happy Packing!

Clothing: The clothes you pack are highly dependent on many factors, including, but not limited to: destination, weather, activities, season, formality, style, length of stay, washing resources and budget. Here’s some general advice: Stay away from cotton. It’s heavy, it wrinkles, it’s hard to wash and dry and it starts smelling bad, fast. Opt for nylon or polyester blends, which dry super fast, are easy to wash, don’t hold stains and don’t wrinkle. Dark and neutral colors are best. I know it’s hard…but ditch the denim also. That stuff is heavy and takes days to dry. If you have the cash, the special “back-packing” clothing can be worth the money. On my first trips, I just brought a bunch of old stuff I knew I could throw away (and did). On my latest year abroad, I dipped into the savings account and invested in the gear with extra zippers, extra air-pockets, special linings, super fast-dry fabrics and easy-clean materials. The people who make this stuff KNOW what they’re doing. Everything took up about an inch of space in my pack and I was never too cold or hot, always dry (yea Gor-Tex) and my gear cleaned up in two minutes in the sink. AND it survived the year in perfect condition and sits ready for my next adventure. If you’re going though Europe or cities with kickin’ nightlife, you’re gonna need something that looks nice. The easiest way to do this is to just “go black.” I found that in Central & South America, there just isn’t as much shame in looking like a traveler. First time travelers ALWAYS pack twice as much as they need and end up shipping half of it home. Try your hardest to keep your selection simple and remember — you can almost ALWAYS buy what you need abroad (should you REALLY need it).

Super-Absorbent Travel Towel: Most of my tricks revolve around saving space in my pack, as this one does. You can get one of these towels at some travel stores and they usually carry them at those high-tech stores like Brookstone. Regular towels take up a LOT of space in your pack, take forever to dry and start smelling rank fast. These special towels are super-absorbent, very lightweight, and dry in an instant. I bought the smaller sized one in green (try to avoid white completely when it comes to packing) and it successfully survived my entire year in Central America in perfect shape.

Silk Sleep Sack: Okay. THIS is a luxury item. If you’re staying in hostels, you should have *or make* a sleep sack. For those on a budget, you can make one simply by sewing two sheets together or you can pick one up at any travel store. Many hostels charge you for renting sheets, and you can save big cash by bringing one of these. They also keep you safe from “suspicious” sleeping quarters. You don’t want to hear the stories of the things some travelers have “caught” in hostels. (Bed bugs are NOT only fictional characters in bedtime rhymes.) I also jumped in mine on long train rides, while sleeping in stations/on ferries and stuffed it as a pillow on bumpy busses and the like. My starchy cotton sleep sheet worked swell, but it wasn’t the most comfortable, it didn’t keep me warm and it took up a lot of space in my pack. Solution? The Silk Sleep Sack. *rolls eyes in ecstasy*. Silk insulates you better, cleans easier, takes up NO space at all in your pack…and FEELS absolutely incredible. Yes, it’ll cost you about 40 bucks more than the cotton one, but if you’re doing serious traveling, it’s worth the cost for the extra comfort and added space in your pack. (You can order one from REI online.)

Shoes: Shoes are heavy, hard to pack and stink when wet. I always end up ditching a pair. Again, pay the extra buck. Comfort counts here more than you’ll ever know. Here’s what I take: 1. A pair of Chaco sandals and 2. A pair of superb quality, hiking shoes/boots. My Chacos are my favorite shoes in the world. I’d cry if I lost them. These sandals work for beaches, showers, mountains, caves, rivers, and won’t even slip when you’re hiking in mud. Perfect for traveling, as you’ll notice when you see EVERYONE else on the road sporting them. (If you don’t bring sandals of some sort, make sure to bring something flip-flop-like for the hostel showers. Trust me on this.)

Money Belt: You have to bring a money belt. I’ve tried a variety of styles and have settled on the waist style in black (never looks dirty). Don’t get lazy and start wearing it outside your clothes — it will get stolen.

Daypack: A small daypack or backpack is a necessity. Something that you can use to carry your guide book, camera, water and poncho on short outings. Remember to sling shoulder strap bags across your body and to turn backpacks to the front in crowded subways and busy streets. Watch out for bag-slashers.

Camera: You don’t have to be a web geek like myself to recognize that digital cameras are THE way to go for the future of travel photography. No film, the guarantee of perfect pictures, and the ability to send photos home to family & friends instantly are just a few of the perks.

Leatherman Tool: It’s an insult to call a Leatherman Tool a pocketknife, but for lack of a better word I’ll use the term. They are the best and highest quality multi-purpose tool on the market. Get a “Micra” for your pocket and the standard sizes for your pack. This is THE travelers’ tool – all by all will swear.

Money: If you’re traveling in Europe, forget the travelers checks. What’s more important, is a debit card (accepted virtually everywhere), some hard cash (in small denominations) and a couple credit cards. Know your pin number. Everyone runs out of money — it’s a fact. You can make cash withdrawals on your credit card IF you suddenly “must” spend an extra two weeks in Amsterdam. Travelers checks are a necessity in Central America, South America (and many other countries). Do your basic research to learn availability of ATMs in you destination countries. Commonly quoted travelers’ rule of thumb: “When you’re ready to go, lay out all your gear and money and then RE-pack half as many clothes and twice as much money.”

Photocopies: Bring copies of your passport, airline ticket, rail pass, drivers license, student I.D., hostel card, ISIC card, etc. The sheer act of having photocopies — pretty much guarantees you won’t lose the originals. Give your copies to your travel mate or put them in a separate piece of lugg
age. Personally, I just make “virtual” copies and hold them in my e-mail inbox.

Ziplock Bags: In all sizes. Things will leak, explode, get wet and smell. But the Ziplock gods will spare you many of these messes should you pay them homage at the supermarket pre-trip.

Travel Alarm: You’ll need this when you fall asleep on the train in order to wake up in time for your stop. Even better if you just buy a plastic (to avoid the illusion of being expensive) watch with built in alarms.

First-Aid Kit: Make sure to include: Band-Aids in all sizes, bug-bite repellent and relief, scrape ointment, sewing kit, Tylenol, couple days worth of cold medicine, Pepto-Bismol tablets, malaria pills *if needed*, all your prescriptive allergy medicine and birth control. Infections never heal abroad. Take care of your scrapes.

Glasses: Sun AND prescriptive. Make sure to bring a sink plug if you have contacts.

Bathroom Bag: Get one made especially for traveling. The best are the ones with the hook on top so you don’t have to lay it down on any wet or suspicious surfaces. Put all squeeze bottles in zip-lock baggies during flights. Do bring a package of “Wet-Ones” to clean up hands and face when you’re waterless. Bring soap — liquid for the shower and a laundry bar for your clothes.

Travel Guides: Have each travel mate bring a different guide. I recommend both the “Lonely Planet” and “Rough Guide” series.

Distribution List: Before you leave, remember to put together an e-mail distribution list. One list of friends. One list of family. And content-appropriate news updates to each.

Travel Journal: Use it for everything: travel expenses, travel diary, scrap book, photo albums and address book. I tape/glue in old tickets and extra spectacular postcards and encourage new friends to get artistic. Bring a couple pictures of your home, family and best mates to share with new friends. My journals are my most prized possession from each of my trips and I look forward to reviewing them in my rocking chair when I’m 80.

Book: IF you do ever get tired of lookin’ out the window of the train/bus, and you’ve already studied the guide for the country you’re going to next, you might want some other form of entertainment. Hostels and other travelers are also always happy to trade and exchange literature.

Locks for your Pack: I use a small, code lock (preferred over key locks which can get misplaced too easily) that was attached to a metal cord. It was perfect and I highly recommended this method. I could tie it up to anything or just loop it through all the zippers.

Flashlight: For late night reading after “lights-out”, walking dark paths, or going to the bathroom in the middle of the night when you’re camping.

The Backpack: Paying a premium price for my premium pack was perhaps the best packing decision I’ve ever made. This is your most important investment for your trip. Spend good time researching the pack that meets your needs (and everyones needs differ). Talk to sales reps, guides and friends. Research and shop around. For all my travels I’ve used a very small Dana pack that was actually “molded” to my back. The added comfort was worth every extra penny. My pack and I have shared multiple adventures, I treat it as a best friend, and I won’t be the first traveler to admit to talking to it….or rather, “hearing” it calling me from the closet enticing me into my next adventure. And my best advice; Always listen to your pack.

Posted in travel tips | 1 Comment »

the joy margin

Friday, December 17th, 2004

There comes a point, along the path of every traveller, when in one neck-stiffening and heart-palpitating moment, you come to a course changing conclusion enlightened by a single flashing revelation…

Um. Pretty, yes. But the enlightenment I´m talking about right now goes a little more like this…

*flash*

“Insufficient Funds”

*flash*

Ah, yes. Quite the nerve of an ATM to talk back to you in such a haughty manner and then spit your card back at you despite all that you’ve put into it.

Well, okay. So maybe I have filled out only one deposit slip in all of 2004. And running quite perpendicular to all my university accounting course learnings, my personal revenue rules go a lot like this…

– “Sufficiency” is key. Anything more only weighs you down with worry.

– Trade services instead of cash when and where ever possible.

– Pursue your passion and funds for making a “living” of it will follow.

– Nix the retirement fund. Invest in the present and the making of a memory fund.

– Find “work” that you love so much that you would never want to retire from it.

– Don’t EVER look at magazines.

– Give away (or sell) everything that you don’t use on a weekly basis.

– Say “no” to credit cards and loans.

– Check your bank account one day a month. Forget about it the other 29.

– Take public transport.

– Don’t spend money on alcohol.

(And if you fancy long-term travel like I do…)

– Don’t spend more than $50 on anything that doesn’t fit in your backpack.

I met a backpacker recently who quit smoking for one year, saved all the money that he would have otherwise spent on cigarettes, and is now travelling for a year in South America on the savings. Ironically, smoking is so cheap here that he’s now back to a pack a day. But at least he’s now smoking over sunsets instead of stress? (Colombia can also support some other bad backpacker habits seeing as the drugs here are cheaper than the beer (10,000 pesos/ $4.54 USD will buy you either a gram of cocaine or a quarter bag of weed, sold right over the counter at the local bar.) But don´t be confused. The demand, even here, does not come from the Colombians, but the North Americans and Europeans.)

Anyway, as is the way with the good ol’ divine plan, all kinds of blessings have come from my bank account’s winter color, red.

Instead of paying (how boring really) for my beautiful little studio apartment on a cliff overlooking the sea, I’m now exchanging rent for evening English classes. And we are enjoying ourselves so much, that I’ve now adopted a proper family to share meals, life and love with (which also in turn improves my Spanish scores). Additionally, I’m exchanging diving for divers at a scuba dive shop down the street. My only expenditure now is my weekly trip to the market which amounts to about $13 US dollars. Add my fresh and frothy daily “jugo de lulo” on the beach and time on internet (my biggest expense) and my monthly budget total comes to about $80 USD.

Not bad math, eh?

View from the hammock balcony of my studio…

< New Pictures in the Colombia Album

(sol’s travel photos) (about sol) (some sol stories) (LeapNow.org) (travel disclaimer) (packing list) (photogallery guestbook) (blogger profile) (World Nomads Travel Insurance)

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Cheap Tricks

Monday, July 28th, 2003

Two cheap pilgrim tricks:

1. There’s almost always FREE and super fast internet available at the public library in every town.

2. There’s almost always an available bed at the…

Fire Station!

My visions of pretty, young, Portuguese men running around in nothing but black leather boots and red firemen hats wasn’t so quite right on though…

Hey. Can’t have it ALL in my dream world, can I.

*sigh*

Posted in portugal & El Camino Portuguese, travel tips | No Comments »

pilgrimage packing list

Monday, May 12th, 2003

Ahhhhhh…..

…. there is no greater feeling of freedom or independence than what I feel when EVERYTHING I need for a *long-term* existence is compacted into a small pack and strapped on my back.

Contents of my (X-Small Dana Bridger) pack:

2-liter water bottle

small digital camera

underlayer trekking pants

underlayer trekking shirt (wearing)

outerlayer trekking shirt

cargo pants (wearing)

boots (wearing)

T2 chacos

waterproof jacket

waterproof pants

leatherman micra

2 pair underwear

2 underlayer tanktops

thermal fleece

2 pair sock liners

2 pair woolsmart socks

sewing kit

toiletry sack

pack towel

journal

“Siddartha” (Herman Hesse) in Spanish

Travel Spanish Dictionary

sunglasses

bandana

convertible hat/scarf

sleeping bag

toilet paper

mini flashlight

combination lock

bandaids & tylenol

And with thus I arrived at the ticket office 10 minutes ago and bought my bus pass to Baionne, France.

Departing in 39 minutes…

Which gives me exactly 38 minutes to revel in this moment.

Posted in El Camino de Santiago, on pilgrimage, travel tips | 1 Comment »

Q & A on teaching in english in Asia

Sunday, August 18th, 2002

A massive monsoon just hit Korea (see above) and due to this and the fact that the second session of camp was mysteriously curtailed to a roster of 25 children, I have the found the time to compose a few thoughts on my experience and research on teaching English in Asia. I think the best way to approach the issue is just to address a few of the questions that were boggling MY mind when I made the decision to come to Korea.

(And of course, a disclaimer is in order stating that the opinions, observations and information presented here are only that of my own and that each person¡¯s experience teaching English abroad is completely circumstantial and the following information should surely only be used as a guide!)

Q: Do I have the credentials to teach English?

A: Typically, to teach English in Asia you need:

1. A Bachelors or Associates degree (and diploma & transcripts to prove it)

2. English must be your first language (schools almost always requesting only American & Canadian applicants/accents)

3. A valid passport

4. Sometimes there are age limits and photo requirements

5. In almost all cases, consent to commit to a one-year contract is necessary.

Q: What is the level of teaching?

A: It completely depends on who your students are. Some people teach at university level, some teach businessmen, some do private tutoring and some teach at a grade school level. Often, first time teachers start out at the Kindergarten level, where less experience (and more energy) is necessary (and pay is lower). I, personally, taught 4th and 5th graders coming from more privileged educations. Their level of English was that of an American 1st grader. Our curriculum was mostly composed of basic conversation and themes (numbers, colors, animals, expressions) and very basic sentence structuring. The kids can learn the grammer from the own Korean teachers – it is YOU that is hired to really develop their oral, conversational, listening comprehension and pronunciation skills.

Q: What are the children like?

A; Now I don¡¯t really have any prior formal experience teaching kids (except that of the volunteer work I did in Guatemala, but that is an ENTIRELY different essay). But judging by the jaw-dropping I saw on the part of my fellow American-school-experienced teachers, I reckon that what I saw in my classroom should never be expected of any other classroom I may raise the chalk to. Our kids were obnoxiously courteous and respectful, abnormally eager to learn, and perfectly capable of sitting silently in small groups doing an activity without disturbance for two or more hours at a time. We had virtually no disciplinary problems. Please remember though, this is only my experience from a month camp, with Korean children, in the 12-13 year-old range. And any one of these facts could be a major contributing factor to the ease of the class.

Q: Do I have to create my own curriculum?

A: In almost all cases, NO. Any well-organized and accredited school will almost SURELY provide you with a complete and comprehensive curriculum with instructions on how and what to teach. Be sure to ask this question when interviewing. Raise an eyebrow to any school that assumes you will have this responsibility. BUT, understand that you WILL have to think creatively to adapt supplied curriculum to the needs of your students. And the ability to improvise on the spot and ¡°wing-it¡± are claimed by many experienced teachers to be ¡°essential¡± classroom teaching ¡°skills.¡±

Q: How much money can I make?

A: This depends primarily on what COUNTRY you choose to teach in. From my research it seems that Korea, Japan and Taiwan pay the highest salaries. Japan, however, is an outrageously expensive country, and a large portion of your income will inevitably be consumed by costs of living. Taiwan and Thailand have lower pay rates, but are more desirable destinations with less demand for teachers.

It would be relatively easy for me to find a fine teaching position here in Korea right now (had I not other adventures awaiting). The camp I am currently working at offered 2.5 million Won (over $2,000 US dollars) a month, including paying for all my expenses (food and lodging). That¡¯s a lot of money — especially for less than 20 teaching hours a week. But I¡¯d be living with only three other English teachers in a secluded camp that¡¯s quite far from the city and most of civilization. If I chose to take a position in Seoul however, even though I might have to pay for rent and food, I estimate that in one year I would be depositing no less than $15,000 US into my savings account (which in my book, equates to roughly two years of carefree world traveling). But it snows in Korea. A lot. For me, that¡¯s a tradeoff I¡¯m not really willing to make. As you can see, the number of factors involved in these personal decisions are infinite and must be in accordance to personal tastes.

Also, in regards to costs, almost all schools involve some kind of bonus/payment system based on a one-year contract. Many will refund you the cost of your airline ticket AFTER you have completed your one-year contract. Often times a ¡°completion bonus¡± will also be offered at the end of your term. The objective of this system is to provide incentives that reward fulfilling the year contract (and heavily discourage anyone from leaving early). I HIGHLY recommend asking for a reference (preferably an English teacher currently working there) from any school that you consider working for in order to confirm the validity of the contract and those that have proposed it.

Higher salary brackets apply to those who have completed higher education beyond a Bachelor¡¯s degree, those with ESL training/teaching certification, and those who have formal teaching experience in general.

Q: What¡¯s Asia like?

A: What are the Americas like? This question is clearly too complicated to answer in a paragraph. Do your research. Read up on those countries that interest you online or in travel guides/books. Check out the message board postings on LonelyPlanet.com (the ¡°Thorn Tree¡±) or Dave¡¯s ESLcafe.com to read about personal experiences or get in contact with people who have actually been-and-done-that-English-teaching-thing in the country of your consideration.

Q: How much time do I work?

A: This varies by country and school. Expect to work anywhere between 15 – 40 hours. I¡¯m told by experienced ESL teachers to never accept a position that requires of you more than 20 teaching hours a week.

Q: Can I travel while I¡¯m there?

A: Most contracts seem to allow a minimum of 10 days of vacation. It is rumored that many of these MUST be taken during the Chinese New Year (in February). Some school offer many more weeks of vacation, but in general, I *personally* would NOT expect to be able to have much time to travel outside of the country (and that is what the savings account is for, eh?).

Q: Will I feel alienated or isolated living in such a foreign culture?

A: I can only speak of my immediate experiences in S. Korea. The Korean people are the most kind, courteous, hospitable, honest and genuinely caring people I have ever encountered in all my travels. Only here can you actually leave your backpack in the train station, walk 20 feet away into a store to buy a drink, and have complete and total confidence that it will still be there when you return. Only here, will a busy bus driver pull over to give you walking directions. Only here, will a bank teller walk you seven blocks to the terminal, buy your ticket, and make sure you get on the right bus. Only here will the taxi driver INSIST that you keep the change and reject any offer of tip. Only here, can you walk through dark, back alleyways and never ONCE glance over your shoulder or question your safety. Only here, will you be stopped in the street just to be welcomed into the country. No fear of violence. No fear of scandal. Just respect and peace. It sounds absurd, I know. I don¡¯t understand it. But perhaps more importantly is that now that I see it, I turn around — and it¡¯s the REST of the world that seems absurd. The Koreans are obsessed with taking care of guests to their country. And better hosts, I¡¯m sure, don¡¯t exist. But the language barrier is obviously extreme and Koreans seem *suspiciously but rightfully* hesitant about letting ALL their guards down to foreigners. So while you may be treated as nothing less than royalty, expect to put some serious time in if you are seeking an in-depth and ¡°real¡± understanding of the culture and people.

Q: Will there be other Westerners there?

A: Very likely. Not only will you probably quickly find and befriend other English teachers, but often times, if the school provides free accommodation, you will also be sharing an apartment with these same people. There are thousands of foreign English teachers throughout Asia. In major cities, it is not rare at all to step through double doors downtown and feel like you¡¯ve just been transported into a busy bar in California or New York (which can be either welcoming OR overwhelming).

Q: Would I be able to live an entire year there?

A: For you? I don¡¯t know. That is for you to decide. It depends of countless variables that I could never forecast. For me? Yes. From my experience here in Korea, I have determined that I could certainly teach English in Taiwan or Thailand for a year. It was a reassuring and happy decision to add this option to my ever-growing ¡°Opportunities Abroad¡± list.

Q: Where do I find a job?

A: There are an unlimited amount of teaching positions posted online. TeachAboad.com and Dave¡¯s ESLcafe.com are popular and powerful resources. You can also go through a placement agency (for a fee) if you¡¯re uncomfortable with making the arrangements yourself, prefer a little bit of hand-holding or want assurance of contract. If you¡¯re comfortable with your travel, bargaining and teaching skills, the best way to assure the highest salary and best contract is to just GO to the country and do all the research and interviewing yourself (skipping the middleman and his ¡°finder¡¯s fee¡±). The high season for recruiting is in the summer months and schools often times like to ¡°train¡± teachers in the summer so that they have some kind of experience before the school year technically begins.

Q: What happens if I hate it?

A: You can leave. You forfeit your right to all your future wages, bonuses and compensation for flight tickets – but you CAN leave. (Although, no one will tell you this.) But it really shouldn¡¯t be considered an option. The decision to sign a year contract should be thought out thoroughly. Make sure your motives are correct. If you don¡¯t like children or teaching or are just looking for a way to ¡°get out¡± or make a lot of money, this is not a good option. This is a serious commitment and responsibility – not just to yourself and your school, but also to your potential students.

Q: What¡¯s the difference between working at a camp and at a school?

A: A GREAT way (as I have discovered) to figure out if teaching English in Asia is an option suited to you, is to work at an English immersion camp first. This is a short-term commitment that will usually pay for your flight tickets upfront (in exchange for less actual monetary compensation). During the session, you will quickly realize if you have the energy, skills and desire to make a more serious commitment to teaching English. Additionally, you will have the time and opportunity to make fantastic contacts in the business to assure yourself an ideal contract, working conditions and salary. The camp that I worked at is brand new and will be offering both summer and winter sessions for years to come. I will provide contact information for interested applicants for the Winter camp session once it becomes available.

Q: Do I really have what it takes to do this?

A: Do NOT reject this opportunity because you feel insecure about your knowledge of the English language, don¡¯t know how to write a curriculum or don¡¯t have any experience standing in front of a class with a piece of chalk.

It¡¯s more important to ask yourself these questions; Do you really enjoy kids? Do you have a lot of energy? Are you eager to learn? Are you eager to teach? Are you comfortable with taking on the responsibility and commitment? Are you open-minded? Can you assess a situation (or class) and think up creative ways of moving forward? Can you improvise when step-by-step instructions are not provided? Are you comfortable adapting to new environments? Are you a person of good disposition in general?

Make sure you analyze both your motives and personal goals of taking on such a responsibility. If you can find integrity and quality in your motives and can answer yes to the questions above, you will probably, as I have, find teaching English in Asia an extremely valuable and exciting opportunity to travel the world, learn about another culture, challenge yourself, meet new life-long friends and buff up your savings account all at the same time.

Hope that answers some of your questions. If you have more, feel free to send them to me and I¡¯ll address them here. Cheers! sol

Posted in books & travel recommends, q & a, south korea, travel tips | No Comments »

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