I’m Busy Sitting Still
| | | | | |

I’m Busy Sitting Still

If you visit Nepal, you will need a visa on arrival. Choose 15, 30, or 90 day durations. I highly recommend completing your application online in advance. The line can be long and you’ll be ready to not be in an airport longer than necessary. Print the completed application or take a photo of the…

Cultural Exchange Doesn’t Have to Involve Traveling Abroad
| | | |

Cultural Exchange Doesn’t Have to Involve Traveling Abroad

Not long ago I ran a boarding home which, by design, became a magnet for cultural diversity, attracting tenants from around the world. My kitchen became a hub of story-sharing, culinary aromas and delights (often shared with whomever was present), questions, answers, cultural faux pas and learnings, and plenty of laughter. We had a lot…

Full Moon Winter Orchard Hike
| | |

Full Moon Winter Orchard Hike

Tonight I (and 60 others) headed to my favorite apple orchard, Randall’s, in Standish, Maine for a full moon hike, sponsored by our local @PresumpscotRegionalLandTrust and guided by two amazing naturalists. The orchard had turned from late autumn rust and cinnamon hues to a black and white landscape with last night’s blanket of fresh snow,…

Heading Home
| | | | | | | | | | | | |

Heading Home

I’ve had lots of time to do lots of thinking, meditating, and reflecting. There are no words sufficiently adequate to describe it all but here’s what came up: Everyday I’ve been in awe to be in Africa; how can I not feel the ground move beneath me, the gentle exhale and letting go of my…

Returns and Reflections
| | | | | | | | |

Returns and Reflections

This post is dated out of order because it was a busy last couple of days with minimal internet but it’s too important to miss so read on. I’m so grateful that we got to visit the rhino sanctuary on this trip. It’s a highlight on a growing list of favorites. We had a long…

Soweto, Ubuntu, and Chance Encounters at the Airport
| | | | | | | | | |

Soweto, Ubuntu, and Chance Encounters at the Airport

I’ll get you caught up on the past couple of days in more detail when I return stateside but tonight I want to talk about today. What a powerful last day in Africa to top off a powerful journey to this continent. As we collected for breakfast at our guest house in Soweto, we found…

Khama Rhino Sanctuary and Meditation by Starlight
| | | | | | |

Khama Rhino Sanctuary and Meditation by Starlight

“The still lake without ripples is an image of our minds at ease, so full of unlimited friendliness for all the junk at the bottom of the lake that we don’t feel the need to churn up the waters just to avoid looking at what’s there.” -Pema Chödrön We had a long drive today from…

Rest Day (short post)
| | | | | |

Rest Day (short post)

“Every day is a chance to practice living the life we want, being more the self we want to be.” -Wen Life is a tapestry, as my travel companion, Martjie, says. Polished on the front but messy behind the scenes. After a restful sleep I felt ready for food and shared breakfast with our driver…