USA | Wednesday, 20 Jun 2012 | Views [1148]
Okay, if you're a Seinfeld fan, you know that "web domains" isn't exactly what he and Elaine were talking about, but it's a fitting title all the same. It's been quite a journey. After six years (and over 100,000 hits!) of blogging about ... Read more >
ECUADOR | Saturday, 24 Sep 2011 | Views [1189]
The time has finally come—our last full day in Ecuador. The day after our excursion to Isla de la Plata, we flew back to Quito so we could catch a plane the following day for home. Flying from Manta to Quito is a difference of over 9000 feet, which ... Read more >
Tags: adventures, planes trains & automobiles, sightseeing
ECUADOR | Tuesday, 20 Sep 2011 | Views [1705]
After enjoying a week playing on the beach and in the surf, we opted to spend our last day on Ecuador's coast in Puerto Lopez, a sleepy fishing town about two hours south of Manta. It wasn't really the town we were interested in, but a trip to Isla ... Read more >
Tags: adventures, sightseeing
ECUADOR | Sunday, 18 Sep 2011 | Views [1330]
There are challenges, and there are challenges. For example, not speaking the language is a challenge. Learning a new sport while trying to overcome a phobia that I've had since childhood is an entirely different challenge. I mentioned in my first ... Read more >
Tags: adventures
ECUADOR | Tuesday, 13 Sep 2011 | Views [1050]
Can you believe that on my very last night at my volunteer placement two new volunteers arrived? Just my luck. But it's time to look forward, for now that my volunteer work has come to an end for this trip, the rest of the vacation begins. This is another ... Read more >
Tags: sightseeing
ECUADOR | Sunday, 11 Sep 2011 | Views [1196]
Today was my last day at the school, which completes the first phase of my Ecuadorian vacation. We had a special program complete with dancing, food, and a puppet show. A visitor came by the school to see the facility and observe the students. She engaged ... Read more >
Tags: adventures, language, voluntourism
ECUADOR | Friday, 9 Sep 2011 | Views [1354]
It's inevitable that I have my favorites. It happens every time and there's no rhyme or reason to it. I have several this time, but I think the most special is Vanessa, who I've already mentioned. She's mentally sharp, but trapped in a body contorted ... Read more >
Tags: adventures, voluntourism
ECUADOR | Thursday, 8 Sep 2011 | Views [1366]
The neighbor's rooster is confused. Muy confundido. At 1:30 in the god-forsaken morning, he begins notifying all within earshot that dawn is at hand—a full 3.5 hours before the first rays of sun make their timid appearance. Soon after, the neighborhood's ... Read more >
Tags: adventures, voluntourism
ECUADOR | Tuesday, 6 Sep 2011 | Views [1268]
This is going to be a challenge. This is my fifth volunteer trip. Of those five, only twice did I actually do the job for which I applied. It's funny how that works, but it's yet another instance in which you must 'go with the flow.' Well this time, ... Read more >
Tags: adventures, language, voluntourism
ECUADOR | Sunday, 4 Sep 2011 | Views [1145]
It's been a stressful summer at home. When I travel, I often feel "ready" for a vacation , but I don't recall ever feeling quite as desperate for time away as I have before this trip. Here's a little story to illustrate just how much I've cracked ... Read more >
Tags: adventures, voluntourism
ECUADOR | Friday, 19 Aug 2011 | Photo Gallery
All photos taken by Colleen Finn
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ISRAEL | Wednesday, 30 Mar 2011 | Views [1076]
A day late and several hundred dollars short, we finally prepare to leave the ancient land of Eretz Yisrael , the land of Judea and Samaria, home to seemingly opposing religions and nationalities that have more in common than anyone cares to admit. As ... Read more >
Tags: adventures, religion, sightseeing
ISRAEL | Tuesday, 29 Mar 2011 | Views [933]
After my first attempt at surfing and a fun day of paddle boarding, the last day of our trip arrived. That evening, I had the pleasure of meeting an old friend of David's who used to live in the U.S., but now makes Israel his home. This friend is a peace ... Read more >
Tags: adventures, planes trains & automobiles
ISRAEL | Monday, 28 Mar 2011 | Views [1149]
After leaving Jerusalem, we headed into Palestinian territory as we made our way through Jericho and north to Galilee. We had an interesting (but not unpleasant) experience at a checkpoint when we were "randomly selected" for a full car search, ... Read more >
Tags: adventures, sightseeing
ISRAEL | Saturday, 26 Mar 2011 | Views [1414]
Today is the day of Tiferet's (David's niece) Bat Mitzvah, which is being held at the family's synagogue in Ma'aleh Adumim, where they live. Ma'aleh Adumim is in an Israeli territory just outside of Jerusalem. In Israel, the term "territory"... Read more >
Tags: religion
ISRAEL | Friday, 25 Mar 2011 | Views [1093]
Perhaps I spoke too soon when I wrote in my last post that the level of danger and safety feels like any other country in this part of the world. Yesterday afternoon a bombing outside the Central Bus Station (which is near our hotel) killed a British ... Read more >
Tags: adventures
ISRAEL | Thursday, 24 Mar 2011 | Views [1142]
We've had the pleasure of doing a lot with David's family while we've been here. Last night we celebrated the birthday of his eldest niece, Seri, and the night before David's sister graciously invited me to attend her 50th birthday party. It was a ... Read more >
Tags: religion, sightseeing
ISRAEL | Monday, 21 Mar 2011 | Photo Gallery
All photos taken by Colleen Finn
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ISRAEL | Monday, 21 Mar 2011 | Views [1075]
I think many travelers know what a treat it is to experience, first hand, how a culture celebrates a holiday—even if it isn't a holiday that is celebrated by your own religion or home country. As luck would have it, we've arrived in Israel just ... Read more >
Tags: adventures, religion
ISRAEL | Monday, 21 Mar 2011 | Views [1293]
Here I am, in Israel at last. I've wanted to visit this country for years, but the opportunity just never arose. This is a unique trip for me for several reasons. First, I am not doing volunteer work, therefore the trip is shorter than my normal. Second, ... Read more >
Tags: adventures, planes trains & automobiles, religion
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