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Reflecting back on this whole experience I still cannot believe it actually happened. Leaving the country for my first time ever in September I was scared and clueless about the world that stood in front of me. I was however, eager to learn and ready to get out of my little town in Pennsylvania. Now I’m in beautiful Peru making my mark. In February when I arrived in Lima, the only Spanish I knew was “no entiendo, no hablo espanol” (two phrases I used quite often…and if we’re being honest, I still do.) My house manager, Karen met me right when I stepped off of the plane with open arms and a welcoming smile. We then jumped right into a taxi to start our hour and a half drive to my new home…Huaycán. There I met the LLI (Light and Leadership Initiative) family. With about ten living under one roof we all have the same goals in mind. The Light and Leadership Initiative offers classes and workshops to women and children who live in the Ate-Vitarte district of Lima to help overcome poverty and enhance social skills to improve the well being of their families. A positive space is provided for individuals to learn and grow and change through love, support and education. LLI runs English, math, chess, sports, art and bibliotheca classes five days out of the week in four different zones. I was brought on board as the art teacher, so I handle all of the art classes but I also co-teach sports, chess and private tutor three students in English. Our workweek starts on Fridays so technically it’s our Monday…confusing I know but you get used to it. We have Wednesdays and Thursdays off to plan lessons, travel outside of Huaycán or just relax. My week looks something like this:

Friday- Art class in Zona S (I take a 25 minute bus then hike about half a mile up a steep dirt hill) from 2:45-4pm then women’s literacy 4-5….I work with an elderly woman named Sofia who can barely write her own name.

Saturday- I help teach English and sports with Javier (one of the LLI volunteers) to 10-13 year olds in Zona D from 10:00am-12:00pm. I then have private English tutoring with seventeen year old Anthony from 12:30-2pm and end my day with an hour and a half art class also in Zona D for 6-11 year olds.

Sunday- I have art class in Zone Z at 10am but have to leave at 9:15 to catch a combi up and we end at 11:30am. I have art again in Zona D from 2-3 then have to jump on another combi to be up in Los Alamos for 4 because I have another art class for an hour up there. I rush back down to lovely Zona D to facilitate conversation club with young adults from 6-7:30. Conversation club is a class that helps advanced English speakers practice their English through games, activities, current events and debates.

Monday- I co-teach with Javier again but on Mondays its in Zona Z.

Tuesday- I have private English tutoring with ten-year-old Mariel and twelve year old Gabriel in Zona S. Following their hour and a half session is a forty five minute chess class.

So that’s my week in a nutshell. All of the “zona” business must seem confusing but its quite simple. Huaycán is separated into different zones, kind of like neighborhoods, and in each of the four zones that we offer classes we have a classroom where we teach the people who live in that particular zone.

I’ve been so busy planning art projects, helping get ready for a big anniversary event, and exploring beautiful Peru that my blog is very late so my sincerest apologies to all of you who wrote it on time. Here are some pictures of the students and my travels throughout my three and a half months here. My last day volunteering is June 11th and I am very sad to leave. My housemates and the students have become my family and I will miss them dearly. I plan on making my way back to Huaycán eventually. Ask anyone; it’s an addicting place. We might be the weird gringos on the block but I know the people of Huaycán have warmed up to us and look up to us for a better life. And if any of you are looking to teach in south America I HIGHLY recommend volunteering with the Light and Leadership Initiative, it’s a truly beautiful organization that’s only getting bigger and bigger every year. Here are some photos I’ve taken from classes and also off time traveling experiences and feel free to add me on Facebook if you’re interested in seeing more pictures or want to catch up! www.facebook.com/anna.malsky

Chau!

Anna J

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-Jared

The post Primate time appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

…..where even though it’s winter the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the animals are still very active. For the last month and a half I have been volunteering with Wildlife Act, an organization that monitors key animals on various reserves in the KwaZulu-Natal province. These animals are either endangered, threatened, or are highly vulnerable to poaching. Amongst these animals you have lion, rhino, elephant, leopard, and wild dog. The five main reserves in which they work are Tembe Elephant park, Mkuze, Hluhluwe, Imfolozi, and Zemunga. On these reserves we work alongside Ezemvelo, a government organization established to manage the wildlife of South Africa. However Ezemvelo does not receive enough funding to do everything necessary for the conservation process.

This is where Wild life act comes in, with the help of various wildlife funds and volunteers they perform the vital act of monitoring the animals. This may not seem important, but without the information collected by wildlife act and it’s monitors the reserves could not be managed properly. So everyday it is our job to go out and look for these animals, in order to ensure that the reserves function cohesively.

Volunteering with a program like this is so much different then going on any old safari. Apart from directly contributing to the conservation process, it is the best way to see animals in this part of the world. Working along side the reserve staff affords us certain privileges that average visitors can’t acquire. Things like staying out after dark, having access to roads that only staff can go on, being able to leave your vehicle, and most importantly being able to track animals using a telemetry device.The telemetry is simply a receiver that is connected to an antenna, which picks up radio waves that are produced by collars that the animals wear. Using the telemetry is the main method of monitoring the animals. This alone gives you a much better chance of having encounters with the animals. I can’t count how many times we have found the animals walking on the road after we have tracked them down, and almost immediately after they leave a game viewer comes by with tourists. Also unlike a normal safari there are only five volunteers on each project at a given time, so it isn’t overly crowded. We also do our monitoring from the back of an open pickup truck, so it’s feels like you are so much closer with the animals. You always have the feeling that if an animal wanted to get into the bed with you it can. Most often this isn’t something to worry about, but it does make you more conscience of the animals that are around you. With this in mind we head out to look for the animals. Most days we would have two sessions, one starting at five am and the other around three in the afternoon. All the while writing down every sighting of important animals that we saw. This is how most of our days go.

The first reserve I was placed on was Mkuze, where our time was divided into monitoring the lions and wild dogs on the reserve. As well as assisting with a project called Panthera,which is a global camera trap survey of big cats. Lions had only recently been introduced into Mkuze, so their monitoring was quite important. We had to keep track of them everyday no matter what, to make sure they were acclimating to their new environment. This made for some amazing encounters. One of the nights we were monitoring them, there was a full moon so they were very visible. The sky was very clear over our heads, but off on the horizon there was a massive lightning storm. So while we were observing the lions, lighting was flashing almost continuously. Another day we were supposed to find the coalition, two males, because there collars were getting too small. We had tracked them to a management road that leads to the reserves shooting range. I was using the telemetry as we drove down the road to figure out where to stop, and the signal was very strong straight I front of us. Then all of a sudden I noticed the lion sitting behind a bush, I wanted to yell and tell her to stop. But you are never supposed to make a lot of noise around a lion, and she was moving to fast for me to tell her in time. So we nearly ran him over, causing him to jump up. After that we all stayed very still hoping that he wouldn’t charge us. After about a minute he laid back down, then we slowly backed the car up and watched him. Within minutes he started calling out to the other male lion with a deep and primal call that shakes you to your very core. These were probably our two best encounters with lions. Much of our other time was spent driving around the reserve to camera trap sights, where we had to download pictures off of cameras. Which sounds very dull, but every so often it had it’s thrills. One day while we were in the middle of downloading, a male elephant came out of the bushes about thirty meters from us. So we all quickly jumped back into the car and stayed very quiet. Not two minutes after that a older much larger male came out of the bush a meter from the car. After about twenty minutes we were able to finally leave. That was one of the more intense days of collect data. Overall Mkuze was a very good experience, and I absolutely love my monitors and fellow volunteers.

Imfolozi was my next stop. This reserve was very different from Mkuze, it has far less thick bush and has many more mountains. So far the camp on this reserve has been my favorite. It sits on top of a hill overlooking a valley, with a river flowing to one side. Although we didn’t see any, our monitor told us that this is where they have seen the most black rhinos. On this reserve we mainly focused on the wild dogs, because there were so many more. Almost four times as many as on Mkuze. Monitoring the dogs full time required a lot more work then the lions. The dogs are much more active then the lions, so they move around more and much faster then the lions. It was very frustrating at times, because we would get signal that they are moving. Many times is would be very close, but then almost immediately the signal would disappear. One pack that we were tracking was especially annoying, for three days that stayed in a thicket that we couldn’t get to. We were always able to get signal for them but we never saw them. Finally after days of waiting they got very close to the road, a bit down the road from where we were. So we drove down the road to try and catch them at a corner. Once at that corner we ran into a journey of fifteen giraffes. So we stopped and took some picture of the giraffe. While we were doing that the pack came out onto the road, and started taunting the giraffe. An interaction such as this is very uncommon, so for us it was a treat to see this. However not all the dogs were hard to find. One pack of dogs was in the reserves boma, which is basically a cage that animals can be kept in if they are being transferred to another reserve. Although, unlike at zoos, it is more just a fence around the natural habitat of the reserve. Unfortunately the boma is located on another packs territory. So the pack on the outside would hang around the boma, trying to fight with the dogs on the inside. This made it easy for us to find the pack, but it created a few problems that we ended up having to deal with. The positive side of this though is that because the dogs were in there, we had to check on them everyday. Then every few days a field ranger would kill an impala for us, and we would drive it into the boma and feed it to the dogs. To some this might seem a bit much, but I find it interesting to see how animals behave in those kinds of situations. Even though our main focus was the dogs, we were able to see so much wildlife. In the first twenty four hours alone we saw the magnificent 8, which includes lion, elephant, buffalo, rhino, leopard, hyena, cheetah, and wild dog. A feat like that is quite prodigious, and was the first time it had ever happened that quickly for our monitor. We were later informed that this is due to the fact that during the winter it gets very dry, and in Imfolozi the only real consistent source of water is the river. In turn this means all the animals stay fairly close so that they can drink. Imfolozi was so unique and beautiful, it was by far my most favorite reserve thus far.

Now I am in Tembe, which is located directly on the boarder of Mozambique. It was originally created by the communities in the surrounding area, as a way to keep from being terrorized by the elephants that migrated from Mozambique. So in order to protect the people they acquired the land, and fenced it on three sides. Leaving the boarder open, allowing the elephants to slowly move into the park. Then after six years they closed the other side, effectively creating the Tembe elephant park. Of all the other parks this one is truly the most unique, it is home to a forrest that is completely on top of sand. Making it one of the most unique habitats in the world. Here we are supposed to be diving our time equally between monitoring the lions, and the elephants. However this week has been a bit hectic, and not at all like normal. Both the vehicles that we are supposed to be using are in the shop at the moment. On top of that we had to do a lion call up. This is when we have to dart the lions in order to do something with them, whether that’s changing their collars or helping them cuz they are sick. In this case they had been sold to another reserve, and needed to be transported. So what we ended up having to do was clear an area so that we could see the lions. Then we had to put bait in the area, and play a recording of a dying buffalo. Once the lions came to eat the bait, they were darted by a vet. After they had fallen asleep, we lifted them onto the back of pick ups and moved them the the trailer that the buyers had brought. This is probably the only time I will have been able to touch a lion in my life. Not much else has happened here yet.

I have enjoyed every minute of being out here in the bush. Although not every moment is exciting, just being out in nature makes me happy. I’m also very happy that I can contribute to the desperately needed conservation of our planet.

That’s all for now
-Scott mill

The post Greetings from Zululand South Africa appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Hello to all our wonderful friends from all over the States! Our time together as a group may have just come to an end, but all your journeys are only beginning. The best journeys answer questions, that in the beginning, you never even thought to ask. We hope that some of your life questions (both known and unknown) were contemplated and pondered during our adventures in three stunningly beautiful countries. Maybe the universe provided some guidance for you along the way. Maybe some of the people surrounding you touched your soul in some way.

Both of us can say we are better people for knowing each and everyone of you. Our lives are richer for having known all of you; we can only hope that our impact on your life brought more positive light and love into the world. Whether it be by service work, seva, SCUBA, farming, or whatever experience resonated the most, we truly feel you all made the most out of your time in the South Pacific. May these memories stay fresh and may you continue to carry the experiences with you in your everyday lives. May you  not lose sight of what you aim to achieve. Success in life comes with work and dedication to your passions, and sometimes you have to overcome challenges to attain that “Personal Legend.” Remember not to let those challenges impede your ability to be the best version of yourself.

Our time together has ended, but we will remain in each other’s hearts for a lifetime. We have nothing but admiration and respect for all of you. Proud is not a word that gives justice to our sentiments for everyone that embarked on this journey. The courage and confidence you all showed to get on a plane with complete strangers to make the most out of this experience is a testament to your characters. If you continue to show that type of courage the world- and everyone in it- will be grateful for your existence.

With love and gratitude

Gwen and Mac

The post This is not the end… Only a new beginning appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

As promised, the guided semester reflection we shared during the closing ceremony is below (sorry family and friends…this might not make much sense to you, but ask group members questions about the prompts for some funny, intense, and incredible stories!).

Cards on the floor and new faces in San Francisco

This is how lizards do it

Awkward middle seats

Waiting, bleary eyed, for bags that never came

Paige’s acting debut, the dragon

Chang chang chang chang chang!

Dip, dip dip!

Footloose #1

Oh, Betsy

Endless mango sticky rice

Essence

Magical forest Wat with Phenom

Ponlami, kha

Neverending final blessing by Komodo’s dad

J.Lo never giving a shit

Elephant pants

First of many bed buddies

Coconut ice cream crack

Freezing laughter fest at 4 am

Mr. Susin singing beneach a clear starry night

Bamboo rafting in the sun

Nauseating sangtaew ride to the orphanage

Mudfights and poop cookies

Tin and Thai, one fat, one thin

Topher’s river ingestion and unfortunate aftermath

Aussie Thai soap star turned monk

Pra Ong’s photo shoot of Brook

The birth of Karenna and Brook’s love/hate sisterhood

Sitting at the Burmese border with Laurie

711 Heaven

Boom snap clap with the novices

Son in law’s testicles for Emma’s birthday

Soundwave Karaoke for Leanna’s birthday

Yesi’s amazing dance moves

Rain dancing at Sukothai

Spit takes

Surprise festival and fireworks in Korat

Spit takes

Candlelight ceremony on the roof

Smuggled hidden family to the border

Dawn at Angkor Wat

Our first sandwiches

Footloose #2 at EGBOK

Stiffling heat in Seam Reap

Breastmilk

Raw and brutal reality of S 21

Peaceful haunted fields

Somaly Mam and the Road of Lost Innocense

Dead rat showers

Patrick and Davis

Waaaterpark?

Bobblehead

French frieds for every meal

Dance party DJ’s speaker-top stage

Karen’s headrist dive in the mud puddle

O–rrr—ee—-ooo!!!

Water balloon and egg hunt mayhem

Floating honeymoon bungalows

Lord Huron

Mangrove tunnels

Ohhh, Selah

Spaghetti and garlic bread

Skinny dipping in the dark!

7 hour boat ride to floating markets

Leopard print cubby bunks

The washing machine

Russian’s posing on the beach

Rollercoasters and water rides at Vinpearland

Swimming with the fishes in Nha Trang

Kerry, Eugene and Carlos

Life maps

Alow Blacc

Captain America

Julia’s birthday cake fight

Komodo’s transformation

Chaotic, muddy streets of Hanoi

Boxcar beds on the night train

Hand stitched hill tribe clothing

Walking through clouds to Mai’s family

Terraced mountain sides

Mai’s laughter at our corn hoeing technique

Mai’s massage moves

Mai’s children rolloing over blankets on the floor and shrieking in delight

Creating our song!

Receiving silver and gold bracelets handmade by Mai’s husband

Waving goodbye to Mai and her sister from the van window

Gorgeous mini rock mountains piercing through water

Lounging in the sun on the roof of the boat

Shopping!

Blindfolds and candle light

Gratitude

The post Guided Semester Closing Ceremony appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Hello Parents and followers of Carpe Diem FANZ HONGI blog,

We just received word from Mac and Gwen that the students have passed through security and are in the air on their way back to USA or New Zealand.

This marks the end of this program, but not the end to the growth, friendships, and knowledge gained during these past 3 months. We (including Gwen and Mac) wish the best for all participants and hope that everyone will continue to “carpe” the diem in their next steps whether it be college, work, or on another program.

The group just posted a recent blog about the yoga and Scuba experience, and Gwen and Mac will be adding another one closing up shop blog, with some pictures soon.  Carpe Diem HQ is here to support in any manner needed, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We hope there will be plenty of smiles and stories to share even through the jet lag.

All the best,

Adam and Carpe HQ

The post Group Departure!!!! appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

-Jared

The post Releasing rehabilitated animals appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

-Grace

The post Pine Ridge Indian Reservation appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

We arise to our final Fanztastic (albeit eerily quiet) day here in Cairns, Australia with the bittersweet feelings of another transformational semester closing. Laughter is shared between Meg and Greg while sipping flat whites alongside the salty sea, largely resulting from tales of Eytan filling in awkward silences with strange verbal segues (what a thrill), Courtney loudly declaring her boredom with Buddhism in her not-so-subtle body language and endless tales (tails?) of Nelly, Liz’s peculiar noises while bouncing from point A to point B, Solly confusing the gelato lady with thousands of questions and ability to make all of our tumblies-grumbly, Marisa’s thought-provoking journal responses and Harry Potter quips, Baby D’s business plan as a Boulder-based zorbing guide and Rosie’s stunning hospital gown.

What a long strange trip it’s been: from the bonds made while walking about in the shadow of a 40,000 year old culture, to the deep conversations (kinda like scuba diving) had while climbing to the summit of Mt. Doom, to the tears shed while saying goodbye to our beloved host families in Vatuse.

We have become quite a community, a humble tribe of global citizens who inevitably will not truly recognize the full impact of this experience until we settle into our routines back home. It was an honor to take part in this voyage with all of you, and from the bottom of our hearts, a thousand thank you’s for all the smiles, the stories, and The Dreamtime. The journey does not stop now, in many ways, it only now begins…

Go far, stay long, see deep.

In mind, body, and spirit,
Meg and Greg

P.S.

The post Welp, see ya later. appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Hello Carpe fans and fams,

So this is it…

Eighty-eight days ago ten anxious and confused students stumbled upon each other in an airport knowing they were about to embark on the adventure of a lifetime. We came into this trip from all different backgrounds, interests, hopes and fears, but that didn’t matter because through thick and thin we have been together, united as Carpe Diem’s Spring 2014 Hongi Group. Despite losing a member of our perfect 10+2, getting stuck in an airport on our way to NZ, hiking mountains in the rain, and flipping a trailer in the outback, we’ve stayed strong. We have shared so many great memories like performing a Kava ceremony, singing Amazing Grace (or more fondly known as Praise God), hanging out with Edward Slack, mud running in crazy costumes with Tran the Man, watching the sunrise on Uluru, and going on a group scuba dive as officially certified divers. After all of this we’ve come to our final day together. Tomorrow morning we all go our separate ways, and though we may never see each other all together again, I think we will all return home saying we are proud to be Carpe Diem Education students.

The final Bilbo Bloggins,

Annie

“What is that feeling when you’re driving away from people and they recede on the plain till you see their specks dispersing? – it’s the too-huge world vaulting us, and it’s good-bye. But we lean forward to the next crazy venture beneath the skies.” ― Jack Kerouac, On the Road

The post There and Back Again, A Hongi Group’s Tale appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Namaste all!!!! The group is very happy to let you all know that we are all at peace and found tranquility in our lives….ok maybe not completely peaceful and tranquil, but we are getting closer. We had an amazing time at the Prema Shanti Yoga and Meditation Retreat center in the Daintree Rain forest. Fun fact the Daintree rain forest is the oldest rain forest in the world!!!! Other wise the retreat center was in the middle of the rain forest and rain by the two nicest and probably most peaceful people in the world who are Mara, and Janardhan. They are a happy married couple who have been running Prema Shanti for the past 17 years. The two of them are leaders in yoga and meditation which is the center focus in their lives and are very passionate about it. To walk you through a normal day at Prema Shanti was like, we would wake up roughly around 6:45 am and begin the day with an hour long meditation and Dharma talk which would be around the different aspects of the spiritual life that centered around the ideas of how to focus your spiritual energy and achieving spiritual success. After the relax meditation and the spiritual chat we would have a beautiful and healthy breakfast of granola, fruit, corn flakes, yogurt, and an assortment of tea. Also, all of the meals over the past 5 days was vegetarian. After breakfast we would do siva where we would work hard around Prema Shanti for an hour or two making the retreat center looking amazing. Then we would have the remainder of the day as a free day where we would go swimming in the most beautiful swimming holes the blue or green hole. The blue hole was for women only designated by the aboriginal people saying it would bring bad luck to men if they were to swim in the blue hole. So as a group we would swim in the green hole to enjoy the company of one another. After an amazing swim we would explore around the Daintree National Park seeing the beauty of the rain forest, and the beautiful tropical beaches of the area, or we would stay at Prema Shanti by relaxing, reading, writing, or practicing our meditation skills. Then we would meet back up at 5:30 to do a yoga and meditation practice for an hour and a half. For majority of the group yoga was an amazing experience where as some of us struggle in the practice. After yoga we would have an amazing dinner, then go to bed shortly after dinner. It was an amazing time at Prema Shanti and the group had a spectacular time. We would like to thank Mara and Janardhan for an amazing time that none of us would forget!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The post Prema Shanti appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Well it´s finally happened, our adventure has come to an end. It has been a wild three months of Spanglish, host families, bus rides, llamas, stunning scenery, lots of stairs, and of course, rice, potatoes, yucca and plenty of bananas (sorry Casey).

Our South American family has expanded beyond our group of 14 to include Pete in Pucara, Juan Carlos and his family in Santo Domingo, Lorena and Marcello in Banos, Maria and Rick and all those brilliant girls in Arequipa, Chaitanya, Samantha and Elizabeth in the Sacred Valley, Mamma and Papa Cusco, John and the teachers at Fairservices, and of course Antonio and Marycruz, our friends and guides at Salkantay and Machu Picchu. It has been an incredible experience full of learning, growing, pushing comfort zones and developing closer relationships. Every member of this group was essential to making our semester a success.

We are all back home now, perhaps whistfully pining over that last baby aplaca shawl we chose not to buy, and perhaps planning our next adventure, but all knowing that we have had an incredible experience together and made lasting memories. With the close of one journey, another expanse of potential unfolds in front of us all. Now equiped with new skills and confience, born aloft by inspired friends and clearer aspirations, its time to seize the day in whatever form the next adventure arises.

The post The Great Expanse appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

There was a time when we stood back, observing from Shores’ safe sands, in awe of Oceans’ expressive faces. Sun illuminating hues of greens, blues, turquoise. An immense pond of life-force rustled awake by Winds’ sweet caress.

Following a spark of inspiration, there was a moment when we each decided to drink deeply of the sweet and fiery droplets of Clouds’ offering. Open, and overwhelmed, we were weighted to greater ocean depths…

Nicaragua,

and deeper…

Costa Rica,

even deeper…

Guatemala,

And finally deeper into another world once inconceivable…

Roatan.

Throughout all the journey were practices in being and experiences lined with questions…

Where do I come from? How did I arrive here? Is it safe? Will I be accepted? What is my story? What’s yours?

Upon questions…

What am I grateful for? What have I taken for granted? What is privilege? Should I feel guilty? What can I do? What is helpful? What isn’t? Why am I here? Intention. Impact. What is important?

Upon questions…

Where do hippies come from? Where do they go? Is living with the land for me? Can I live without it?

And questions…

How many turtle hatchlings live to adulthood? Is this cruel? Sad? Maybe with love and encouragement this whole bunch will live long and healthy lives. Am I naive? Should I dream? What’s at risk if I stop?

Upon questions…

Is my Spanish improving? What do the vibrancy of clothing and traditions represent? What is the history and future of indigenous people? What is it to be called indigenous? How does my presence effect the world around me? How do my actions at home relate to the rest of the world? What is natural regarding cultural evolution? What’s irresponsible? What is a global citizen? What is education good for? What is education? Who’s education? What’s working? What’s not? How might I be responsible?

Upon questions…

What is important to me? What is the difference between acceptance and apathy? How does privilege relate to responsibility? From where do I derive my power? How do i exercise it? What is it to be fully alive?

And questions…

What will life be like when I return? What will I be like? How are my friends and family? What are the big conversations to be had? How to begin? Will anyone understand? Will I become bored? Depressed? What boxes will people try to put me in? How do I build bridges of connection and understanding? How do I show up as my fullest self? How might this effect others?

As questions begin to build momentum, we STOP! Words and thoughts escape as we confront infinite beauty beyond Ocean’s face and within coral reefs. It is an underwater orchestra–silent, rythmic, and vocal, all at once. Connected. Plantlife dances fluidly with Ocean’s current while delicate crabs clean zebra-striped fish. We float, we drift, we dive. A turtle passes casually near, then a smiling dolphin says hello. Hungry coral reef, sharp as glass, stretches out finger-like plantlife to capture unsuspecting blood worms. Life-feeds life-feeds death-feeds life. And so it is. The cycle continues. Inspiration ensues…

“We are the music-makers,
And we are the dreamers of dreams,
Wandering by lone sea-breakers
And sitting by desolate streams;
World losers and world forsakers,
On whom the pale moon gleams:
Yet we are the movers and shakers
Of the world for ever, it seems.

With wonderful deathless ditties
We build up the world’s great cities.
And out of a fabulous story
We fashion an empire’s glory:
One man with a dream, at pleasure,
Shall go forth and conquer a crown;
And three with a new song’s measure
Can trample an empire down.

We, in the ages lying
In the buried past of the earth,
Built Nineveh with our sighing,
And Babel itself with our mirth;
And o’erthrew them with prophesying
To the old of the new world’s worth;
For each age is a dream that is dying,
Or one that is coming to birth.”

-Aurthur O’Shaugnessy

Like the currents that ebb and flow while feeling deeply the Moons’ presence, so do the music-makers. Now, we slow, breathe, and revisit Oceans’ face with newfound appreciation and connection to life. Buoyant. With fuller hearts. With smiles. With sadness. Our vision has shifted. New opportunity. New challenges. New fire. New rest. Letting go. Bringing in… Breathing… In…….. Out…….. Smile slighly showing in the corners of the mouth. Grieving. At peace. Joyful. Full of care… Thank you…

“You cannot stay on the summit forever; you have to come down again.
So why bother in the first place? Just this: What is above knows what is below,
but what is below does not know what is above.
One climbs, one sees. One descends, one sees no longer, but one has seen.
There is an art of conducting oneself in the lower regions
by the memory of what one saw higher up.
When one can no longer see, one can at least still know.”

-Rene Dumal

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Today we celebrated the amazing Miss B’s birthday and sent the students off into the cool Vietnam eve. Everyone is safe and well on their journey and we MISS THEM ALREADY!!!!!! We will post more goodies in the next couple days (hint hint: guided semester reflections), but for now, we hope all the students are well in to their 4th movie on the plane, have long devoured their pack of oreos, and are soon peacefully sleeping as they cross the bizarre time portal across the date line into the past (but Brook gets TWO birthdays, how cool?!)

Peace and Love!!!
Julia and Topher

Towards Another Home
By Seasia Students Spring 2014
(last verse borrowed from Lord Huron)

Orange blazing lanterns
released from our hands
Winged light fades into the night

Saffron robes, folded palms
Barefoot dawn rounds of alms
Blessings bound wrists warm goodbyes

Fragile bodies, laughing eyes children born asking why
rising hope from the depths of the dark

Ancient stone cities lost
crawlin roots, hungry moss
wooden homes over stilts under stars

CHORUS
Lifting up our packs
Together on our own
Leaving heavy footprints on this memory paved Road

Green Rivers, blue mountains, rusty trucks and wooden boats
Once again we find ourselves
Once again we find ourselves

Moving towards another home
Ba da ba, ba da ba…

Green fields growing rice
River Highways hold life
Peaceful paths in haunted hills

Bright silver dark skin
wrinkled black toothy grins
Wet labyrinth streets overfill

Who knows where will go
what new bonds we will grow
how many goodbyes we will say

but what good is living
the life you’ve been given
If all you do is stay in one place

CHORUS x 2

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We are sitting here in Dar es Salaam, lamenting the recent departure of our little Nkula family but also celebrating the completion of a beautiful semester.  3 months, 3 countries, 10 incredible people – what a journey it’s been!  We’ve been honored to learn, play, grow, and laugh with each of you.  We also want to extend a deep-felt gratitude to family and friends back home who have supported us along the way.  And to Adam Fischer and all of the Carpe Diem staff – your passion and hard work makes this possible.  Thank you, and Safari Njema Simaki!
Now for one final GrataBra:

Kevin. Thank you Mr. Chill! Your smooth moves and relaxed vibes kept this group flowin’ on the ocean. We loved those poignant moments when you dove deep and revealed your inner wisdom.

Breezy. Oh Bristle Breezbox! Thank you for your poetic tongue, your Anti-jokes and your smile. It was cruel of you to tease us by never sharing your written genius. We respect your writers’ process, but we do look forward to signed copies of your best seller. We loved hearing your laughter more and more through out the semester.

DeeDee. Thanks for your rasta spirit and your fiery passion. You were always there with beads in your hair and wicked motivation to grow. You called things as you saw them, stayed strong in the face of that red moon, and your shoulder was always there to lean on. Plus you got some awesome dance moves!

Savannah. Trivia, Biology, Scientific Curiosity, History, Excitement for nature and random conspiracy theory factoids…All some of the many things we love you for. Your ability to stand atop the mountain and faces the storms showed us the impressive and unbelievable strength which you posses. We can wait to see you swimming with the Dolphins, diving deep in the ocean and soaking up the ‘Aloha.’

Skyler. Thank you Skybear for your playful caring spirit. From supporting others in their times of needs to making the parties happen that spirit kept shining all semester. Travel well in Europe.

Mackenzie. Thank you Kenny for your ability to be honest while all the while being continuously sweet. You were always looking out for your comrades equipped with a hug and open heart.

Alvin. Dear Mr. Alvin Patrick Swearingen Jr. Your quick wit, epic stories and outrageous yet enlightening questions kept us laughing, thinking, reflecting and enjoying all semester. Thank you for your strong commitment to your self-growth.

Talia. Thank You for always keeping it weird. You’ll do well in Portland Your enthusiasm was contagious. From Dance parties to changing-of-the-guard rituals, from the seance to the egg toss, you are the energizer bunny of adventure. Dance on!

As for us AvCo McHarris.

Colin is soaking up his final days in Tanzania before his two week travels through Europe. Back in the States, Portland, OR, he eagerly awaits his Ecstatic Dance Community, his Didjeridoo named “Inti” and to spending the summer with family and friends, relaxing, adventuring and gaining new knowledge and skills. After that he is thrilled to return to Carpe Diem and meet his fall 2014 NKULA Crew and Co!

Avy is also spending a few final days in beloved Tanzania.  She will then fly to Ghana to visit some dear friends before beginning her next chapter in Portland, OR.  She is retiring her passport (for now, anyway) and rooting down.  She is overjoyed to be moving to a yurt, planting a garden, cooking up meals with friends and family, and settling into life at Carpe Diem Headquarters!

“Adventure is a path. Real adventure – self-determined, self-motivated, often risky – forces you to have firsthand encounters with the world. The world the way it is, not the way you imagine it. Your body will collide with the earth and you will bear witness. In this way you will be compelled to grapple with the limitless kindness and bottomless cruelty of humankind – and perhaps realize that you yourself are capable of both. This will change you. Nothing will ever again be black-and-white.” – Mark Jenkins

Smile ~ Dance ~ Love ~ Laugh

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The post SCUBA! appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

We just received word from Megan and Greg that the students have passed through security and are readying for their journey back home.

This marks the end of this program, but not the end to the growth, friendships, and knowledge gained during these past 3 months. We (including Greg and Megan) wish the best for all participants and hope that everyone will continue to “carpe” the diem in their next steps whether it be college, work, or on another program.

The group just posted a recent blog about the SCUBA experience, and Greg and Megan will be adding another one closing up shop blog, with some pictures.  Carpe Diem HQ is here to support in any manner needed, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

We hope there will be plenty of smiles and stories to share even through the jet lag.

All the best,

Adam and Carpe HQ

The post Group homeward bound! appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

We just received word from Colin and Avy that the students have departed for their journey back home, with some students staying in Europe for personal travels.

This marks the end of this program, but not the end to the growth, friendships, and knowledge gained during these past 3 months. We (including Colin and Avy) wish the best for all participants and hope that everyone will continue to “carpe” the diem in their next steps whether it be college, work, or on another program.

Carpe Diem HQ is here to support in any manner needed, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We hope there will be plenty of smiles and stories to share even through the jet lag. Savannah’s last blog (not yet posted), and the leaders will post a final blog soon sharing about the group’s experience during SCUBA and the last final days together.

Here are two photos from the completion of the SCUBA course and the departure of the group at the airport today!

Safari Njema (Safe Travels),
Adam and Carpe HQ

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Bright and early Monday morning, our guide Antonio and his sister Mary picked us up from our hostel and thus began our journey. An hour out of Cusco, we stopped for a delicious breakfast set out for us on the mountainside below an Incan moon shrine where Antonio gave us a brief history of the Quechua civilization and their use of this ruin. Two hours further and we reached the trailhead. Piling out of the van into trickling rain, we giggled at being able to put our big blue ponchos to use and snapped a few photos in our sexy attire.

The valley was filled with fog for the majority of that morning, but at one point I looked up to see the top of a towering mountain peeking out behind a cloud. Tilting my head all the way back to see its peak, I gasped and fell dizzy at the sight of its stature—probably the most skyscraping mountain I had ever seen.

We arrived at our lunch spot a few hours in, where we pulled out all of our coziest layers and sipped on some coca tea and café to keep us warm. I quickly learned that fashion over function is a foolish principle, as my fingerless gloves were worthless against that chill. We snuggled up to our tea mugs for warmth and shivered our way through our meal, until we continued along the trail and our aerobic body heat came to the rescue. We continued a few hours further along a river that ran through a gorgeous green meadow with little yellow flowers and grazing horses sprinkled throughout. This brought us up to the mountain side where we climbed up and up until we reached flat land. Looking out at that viewpoint was an incredibly empowering moment, as we could see the point where we ate lunch and the tough terrain we had just conquered. About a half hour more and we arrived at our camp site nestled in between mountain ranges from every side. The sun promptly set as we bundled up, pooped, and waited for dinner. The stigma of blatant bowel movements was quickly abandoned (more so than it has been the entirety of the semester) as we realized it was going to be an intimate few days in that regard. We enjoyed tea and coffee before our meal, and in that time sat together, teeth chattering, and brought back one of the first group-bonding activities we did at the start of the trip. Drawing a name from Matt’s fuzzy, very beautiful, worth-the-money hat, we each shared an appreciation and gratitude for the person we pulled. After dinner we crawled into our tents, snuggled up to our bunk-mates and did our best to stay warm throughout the night.

I awoke the next morning to oooohs and ahhhhs, and unzipping the door to my tent, my own gasps joined the choir. That night may have been ass-chillingly cold, but the view of those huge mountains surrounding our site freshly powdered with snow was well worth those few hours of discomfort. As many of us jumped around doing giddy little dances, Casey got out her camera and filmed all of our excitement.  After a brief breakfast and packing up our things, we continued along for day two, reaching the highest point of the trek at 4600 meters above sea level.

From here we were headed to Turquoise Lake—something I don’t think any of us expected to be so accurate to its title. But that lake was most definitely turquoise.  We sat on the rocky cliff overlooking the lake, clutching three coca leaves level with our hearts as we made a wish while Antonio whistled an Andean tune that echoed among the mountains. We then found a special place for our leaves amidst the rocks and had time to just sit and reflect before we continued on. Back on the trail, we walked to our lunch spot that was situated at the bottom of the valley along the river. Despite the still chilly air, Arturo and Robbe took a quick dip in the water and even though they deny it, I’m sure regretted it a bit upon having to dry off in the wind. Walking just a little longer we got to our next camp site where we put our tents up and enjoyed another happy hour in which we did two more little ceremonies. Arturo led a brief meditation where we focused on the gratitude we have for our friends and family. We were then each asked to write a short bit of wisdom that we’ve really connected with over the semester—something we wanted to share with everyone—on a piece of paper. Again drawing from the magic hat, we each picked out a slip and read off the wise words of our peers. The spin? We had to guess which of us wrote each sentiment. A beautiful way to see one’s spirit.

Our third day was somewhat of a break from the long days of walking we had had in those preceding. We walked for about four hours total, at one point painting our faces like warriors with berries that grew along the side of the trail. We zip lined across the river to where our bus was waiting and were driven to where we would camp for the night. We watched the preparation of our lunch—a traditional Peruvian dish called Pachamanca—for which they throw different types of potatoes, vegetables, meats, plantains, and literally every kind of delicious food you could imagine into a stone stove that they then collapse and cover with banana leaves, a tarp, and dirt. They leave this to cook for about half an hour, and when uncovered, everything is perfect and ready to eat. Ohhh boy did we feast. I was in heaven. We were all in heaven. After lunch we took a bus ride to the Santa Teresa hot springs, during which the driver blasted the worst pop tunes from back home that strangely became our JAMS overseas.  The dance party ceased upon our arrival to the springs, where we enjoyed the warm water for a few hours. Back at the campsite we had a light dinner and went to bed early to be well rested for the long day ahead of us.

We were awoken by knock, knocks on our tents and some hot coca tea to get our asses out of our sleeping bags. We headed out bright and early—three hours up to the top of the mountain where we stopped to explore another ruin and lay in the sunshine while our heart rates recovered. After another hour and a half down the other side’s steep slope, our knees were incapable of straightening back out once we returned to flat ground. Some folks stopped to dip in the glacial river to cool off from the hot hot sun, while I collected pieces of mica rock along the trail to our lunch spot. We enjoyed our final lunch with the cooks and thanked them greatly for having taken such great care of us. Then on we went once more. We walked for what seemed like a thousand hours alongside the train tracks. At one point Antonio pointed to the peak of one of the mountains to our right—“There’s Machu Picchu,” he said. We could see two tiny windows cut out within a stone wall that just barely protruded beyond the tip of the mountain. But there it was. I wondered why it hadn’t been discovered earlier if it was visible from a route that’s been used for hundreds of years. I later learned that it was because the site had been completely covered in foliage before it was discovered by Hiram Bingham in 1911. Just before I felt like my legs would refuse to bring me one step further, we finally reached the town of Aguas Calientes—Machu Picchu’s tourist haven. Antonio led us up a block, to the left and up a flight of stairs at which we all groaned, around another corner, and then started up another flight that was, I’m not kidding, probably a thousand steps long—this time all of us in unison—“Antonio, heeeellllllll no.” To this he gave us a giddy smirk and turned a sharp right into the hostel door just ten steps up. We could deal.

430am—today’s the day. Grabbed our cameras, grabbed our water, our lunches, and woke ourselves up enough to be able to walk to the bus, get on, and fall right back asleep until we reached the entrance point to Machu Picchu. It was amazing. One of those things that doesn’t seem real no matter how long you look at it; no matter how long you stand right in the middle; no matter how long you sit on a high terrace to enjoy a picnic while overlooking its magic.

We boarded our train at around 3pm, then met a van that drove us back to our hostel in Cusco in time for dinner. Like every other night, we went on a hunt for chicken, bought some kiwicha pop and soy milk, then went back to munch and head to dreamland.

These last two days are certainly bittersweet. We had a discussion last night about what it will be like to go home, the effects of reverse culture shock, and different ways to handle readjusting into a lifestyle we’ve been separated from for three months. As much as I am ready to be able to throw my toilet paper into the toilet and to cuddle with my parents, there is no denying that I will miss this adventure and these beautiful people with whom I have been able to grow.

Thank you, thank you, a thousand times to all the forces that came together to make this semester something I have learned beautiful things from.

Con todo mi amor,

Olivia

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I have been volunteering at Parque Ambue Ari for the last three months and it has been an unbelievable experience in so many ways. The park is located 6 hours outside Santa Cruz, and sits on a 800 hectares of jungle. I live with no electricity, no hot water, and all the mosquitoes you could ever want, but I love it here. I wake up every morning at 6:45 and begin my tasks at 7. The morning tasks change both daily and weekly, so one week you may be cutting food for the birds and the next cutting up food for tapirs. The daily tasks are chores around camp to keep things running, from doing breakfast to cleaning the toilets & showers. The volunteers are responsible for keeping a good work environment  and the camp running smoothly.

After breakfast My cat partner Josh and I walk 10 min down the road and then brace ourselves as we slowly enter the swamp weaving through trees, trying not trip over roots and vines. Once we are out of the swamp we yell out “Hola Maggie!” And wait until we hear “Meow” back and that´s when things start to begin. Maggie is a female Puma is the park and is such a fun and interesting cat to work with, she always keeps you on your toes. When we get to her enclosure we reach through the fence as she rubs up against it purring, and begin to give her affection by giving her scratches and once she has had enough she will turn look at us and bolt off like a spaz. The spaz sprints. That´s when Josh and I get our ropes hook ourselves on, and get ready for the walk. One person goes into the double doors and one stays outside, the person in the doors opens another door to her cage and lets her into the double door and clips her on. Lets just say its quite the experience going in the double doors with Maggie. Once clipped on we let her loose on the world, we walk down trail with Maggie and along the way I have experience her trying to kill a turtle(failed), lay down and sleep for 1 hour, have her sprint down trail, and jump me when she wanted to play. I love Maggie and she is such an awesome cat, I love going out her everyday and taking her on walks through the jungle its an experience you cant find anywhere else. Once she is done with her walk we feed her and give her medicine. Then were off back to camp for lunch.

At 2 I begin my afternoon cat which requires 30min of walking through swamp, mud, and jungle but the journey is worth it when you get close to the enclosure you shout out “Hey buddy! Whats up Ru?” And the most handsome Jaguar comes up to the fence to say hello to you, and give you licks all over your arms as you scratch him under his neck and behind his ears. Ru is a caged cat meaning he can´t walk. At one point during his time at the park he was a walking cat, but because he was so playful and didn´t know his own strength he ended up doing some damage to some volunteers and the Bolivian government made the park cage him. Ru is an amazing cat that is full of love for people he just doesn´t realize that he is a huge Jag. My job is to keep Ru happy. I give him affection and he gives me some, then we begin to play through the fence by him stalking up on me, and right before he jumps I bolt off and he comes running after me, and then we trade I begin to stalk him and then chase after him. I also let him on his runner which is a long piece of cable that runs down a tree from his cage, and I will hook him up to that to give him time out of his cage and just explore a bit. After all that playing and affection I begin feeding time.

I lock Ru in his management cage(Smaller cage attached to the main enclosure) and enter his big enclosure. I take all of his food wrap it up in huge leaves and wrap them in vines to make it difficult for him to get at, and the proceed to hide his “packages” in various spots around the cage, mostly up in trees to get him climbing. Once I am done I lock the cage up and let Ru loose to find all his food which is amazing to watch. You put a package up tree that 10 meters off the ground and he is up tree in a heart beat, its absolutely incredible to watch. Once he is done I say goodbye and make my journey back to camp to enjoy a cold shower and nice bowl of Bolivian slop mmmm.

I have loved my time at the park and the last two months have flown by, and I cant believe my time here is almost up. I have met some amazing people, have made some awesome friends, and have made so many incredible memories along the way. Ambue Ari is the place to be.

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When I am a grandma sitting on my back stairs drinking horse-bark rootbeer, I’ll think back fondly to this time and all of the wonderful moments shared. Warmest thank you to all those who made it possible especially my family and close friends. To my always supportive mom and pops, that you for teaching me to live life to its fullest. Thank you for instilling in me a love of travel and exploration and for being so supportive of my world-wandering ways. I owe every rare and golden joy of my Carpe experience and of my life to you both. You will always have my infinite heart-felt gratitude.
To my new family of ten brothers and sisters, I am so happy you all exist, and that events transpired to bring us all together on this transformative, life-giving, direction-altering journey of journeys. I love you all. You made the experience.
I’d like to give a big shout out to the entire Carpe Diem team, in Portland and on the ground. Thank you all for working so hard to do the incredible work that you do. Your programs do so much to inspire a generation of believers and passionate advocates. I’d especially like to thank Heather for organizing our schedule and being involved so completely despite the distance.
To Brooke and Jeremy, you all are the most dedicated hard-working people I know. The effort you put into the details, so that we can focus of personal growth isn’t lost on us. You both deserve hearty praise, as well as a real vacation after this.
Finally, I’d like to thank all of the inhabitants of the countries we have been visitors in for offering excellent advice, information, chat and support on the road. I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to share in their rich cultures and traditions.

All love, for all time,

Caroline

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Putting into words how grateful I am for these past three months is a nearly impossible task. There are so many people I would like to thank for my time spent here in Central America.

It seems fitting to start with Jason Sarouhan, my gap year counselor at The Center for Interim Programs. I remember calling you between classes last semester, feeling so lost about what I wanted to do in these upcoming months. I had just transferred to BU and already knew it wasn’t where I was supposed to be. The second I got off the phone with you I felt excited about the possibilities for this semester. You made me realize that being able to take time off from school is an opportunity not everyone has, and that I should value this time I have to find myself and what it is I am passionate about. Thank you Jason for helping me choose Carpe Diem, you couldn’t have suggested a better program. I owe this entire experience to you.

Next I would like to thank everyone at Carpe Diem Education.  I called headquarters countless times before this trip. I didn’t know where in the world I should go, what to expect, or the right things to pack. I was a bit of a nervous wreck, but every time I called the office you all were so friendly and willing to answer my endless questions. I would also like to send a special thanks to Heather Diamond. The amount of work you put into coordinating the Central America program truly shows, and without you this trip would have never been the same. Thank you so much for making this semester such an incredible experience that I will never forget.

Brooke and Jeremy, this is the hardest thank you of all. Words can’t describe how grateful I am to have had you both as my leaders this past semester. You were constantly running yourselves into the ground to make sure that we had the best experience possible; your hard work doesn’t go unappreciated. You pushed us when we needed to be challenged, made us laugh when we were missing home, kept us in line when we were being ridiculous, and cared for us when we needed to be loved. I look up to you both, and am so lucky to have had this chance to get to know you. Thank you for everything, I love you guys!

Lastly, my Dad I want to say thank you for always be there for me and helping me throughout this entire process, I know it has been difficult! You must have felt exhausted when I told you I wasn’t happy at school after transferring to BU, but you never stop supporting the decisions I make. Thank you for helping me take this time off. For proofreading countless college essays, applications, and believing that I will figure it all out. A day never goes by where I don’t think about how lucky I am to have you as my Dad. You are the most incredible person I know, and I love you to the moon and back!

Thank you everyone for this amazing experience, and for the most unforgettable three months of my life.

Lots of Love,

Amelia

The post I Will Never Forget appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

I couldn’t have done any of it without the support of each and every person in the group. They’d kill me if I took up all the space to try to write about all of them individually (sorry, I like to write) but I do want the world to know how much I love you dorks, and how grateful I am to all of you. The sound of your laughter, the crushing weight of your bodies in our snuggle puddles, the taste of our family dinners, the sight of all of us crammed into a mini bus, even the smell of your stupid farts (ya nasty) are imprinted in my mind forever.

And then there’s Brook and Jeremy, our fearless leaders. None of this would have been possible without their hard work, patience, and friendship. We laughed and sang and sweated and loved; they put up with all of our shit (and we put up with theirs). I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with two of the most inspiring people I’ve ever had to look up to.

And, though I haven’t seen them for three months, I owe so, so much to the people back home: to my parents, for supporting and encouraging me this whole year as I deviated from the norm, and helping me blaze my own trail; to my brothers, whom I can’t wait to take out for froyo when I get home; to all my extended family, who have been reading and responding to my email updates, supporting me in that way; to my friends, who have loved me long distance and kept me up to date on Braves scores; to the Carpe staff, whom I’ve never met but who have done so much behind the scenes to keep things running smoothly; and to everyone who has sent me good vibes this spring–they were felt. I’m coming home with such an appreciation for everything and everyone that I have.

Three months went by so fast. Amelia, Ryan, Caroline, Easten, Drew, Jordan, Natty, Damian, Jeremy, and Brooke–my heart is bursting as I write with love for you all. I cant express how much our time together has meant to me, and while I’m sure I’ll cry some fat, ugly tears when we have to part ways, I so, so look forward to getting to see you again back stateside. These are the friendships that last a lifetime.

All my love and more,

(Bye, Felicias)

Lucy

The post Smile because it happened: Gratitude a la Lucy appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Wow! The past three months have gone by in a flash. Four different countries, multiple cities, four plane rides, eleven amazing beautiful faces, and about fivty two gallo pintos later, we have finally reached the end. It is a bitter sweet day here on the stunning island of Roatan, Honduras. I owe so much of this amazing experience to my amazing group. Over the past few months you all have become my brothers and sisters, people that I can look up and who inspire and challenge me daily. Each and every one of you, Amelia, Caroline, Lucy, Natty, Drew, Jordan, Easten, Damian, have made lasting impacts on me and I will cherish every memory we have shared. Thankyou all so much for making this trip so fantastic for me! I love you all and know there is always a home for you in San Francisco.

To Brooke and Jeremy, my two amazing leaders I owe so much to you two. You are both some of the most inspiring and incredible people I have ever met. Together you have made this trip a huge learning experience for me. Not knowing what to expect when I signed up three moths ago, all of my expectations were blown out of the water, or as you like to say, popsicle stand. The two of you together have worked so hard in order to make this an amazing experience for me and the rest of the group. My mind and body has been opened to a whole different world and so many different ideas about myself and the world around me because of the two of you. There are no better leaders out there and I am so happy to have met the both of you. Brooke, I can’t wait to see your beautiful love children, and Jeremy I look forward to future hikes and more experiences with you at home in the Bay Area. Love you both.

Last, but of course most certaintly not the least, my two incredible parents. There are so many things I want to thank you two for. For one, lets be real, thanks for grabbing the bill Thankyou for pushing me and allowing me to have such a wonderfull and growing experience. The both of you never give up on me and always believe in me no matter what. I owe the past three moths so much to you two. Mom, without you urging me to do a trip like this I would have never known so much about what is out there for me. Dad, your constant love, sence of humor and support has helped me shine these past three months. You both are incredible parents and I know that most people in my group want to meet the two of you, based on how highly I speak of you. I love you both so much. Thank you for pushing me, and always being there for me. See you tomorrow!!!

Samantha and Elaina, I love you both and can’t wait to see you two crazys. I may have a few sweet treats for the two of you. . .

X’s and O’s a million times over,

Ryan Sherman

The post Ryans Gratitude appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

This past semester has been nothing short of amazing. Everything from our arrival in Nicaragua where the group began to know one another, to working with the turtles in Costa Rica, exploring and trekking through Guatemala, and scuba in Roatan were every thing I expected and plenty more with a family that has grown so close together. I want to take this time to thank some magnificent people who made this journey in my life possible.

First, my parents. Thank you so much for being supportive of me as well as excited for me to have this opportunity. Without you guys I couldn’t imagine where I’d be today. I miss you guys and can’t wait to see your sparkling faces.

Next, I’d love to thank Brian Jewett. Brian took time during his vacation back in early January to help me with the application process and get me on board with Carpe. He also worked so diligently with my university to ensure a smooth credit transfer. He literally made this trip a possibility nearly overnight which was super helpful seeing as I got on board only a month before departure. Without the hard work of Brian I would have spent this past semester freezing my butt off in Boston and instead had the experience of a lifetime exploring Central America.

Lastly, Thank you Jeremy and Brooke. Throughout this entire semester you guys worked your asses off to ensure that we as a group had the most amazing time ever. I don’t think I can thank you guys enough for this awesome experience and I will take the advice and lessons I’ve learned for you two incredible people and carry them with me for the rest of my life.

I’m sure there are endless people I have forgotten to thank but your hard work does not go unnoticed. Thank you to everyone who made this trip possible and was supportive of me in the process.

Cheers,

Jordan

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But before we get sentimental, let’s tell you about the past week:
Wednesday we flew from Brisbane to Cairns (apparently pronounced “Cannes” by the way) and had a free day to explore the city and the beautiful waterfront.

Thursday we started our SCUBA course!!! While Marisa, Damielle, and Greg spent the day walking around Cairns, the rest of us met our wonderful instructor, Tanya and had a classroom course in the morning and a pool introduction in the afternoon. We got to try putting on scuba gear and surviving in the pool. What a weird feeling to breathe in and out through a regulator and not die at the bottom of the pool.

Friday we finished up the classroom course and learned more in the pool. In order to be SSI (Scuba Schools International) certified, we needed to pass a written test… what a test! Whew, glad we all passed… Anyway, while we were busy getting certified, Danielle, Greg and Marisa went to the Outer Reef to get a head start on diving and snorkeling. As soon Danielle and Greg went on their first dive they encountered a shark, a sea turtle and they even found Nemo! They were also lucky enough to see dolphins too! While they were diving Marisa was snorkeling. She saw tons of brightly colored fish and tons of amazing coral. Marisa did not get to see any sharks or turtles but she did see a lionfish, which is venomous.

Saturday we took a boat to Fitzroy Island, an island with beautiful coral beaches and turquoise water. That morning the diving students got to do our first dive in the ocean!! We walked in from the shore and survived our first test dive. After lunch, we did two more dives and got to see so many fishes! We also held a sea cucumber and saw a beautiful blue sea star. That night, we took a glass bottom boat to  check out the nightlife on the ocean floor. We saw fishes getting ready for bed, a sleepy sea turtle and when we sped up, the water beneath the boat lit up with the lights from plankton. It was like the night sky under water! What a beautiful way to spend the night. That night we had a fancy dinner and stayed at the resort on the island- so spoiled!

The next day we got to dive off of Sunkist, a boat! We took our first dive in the morning… On that dive, we saw a beautiful sea turtle that we chilled with for a few minutes.  Amazing to be able to observe and swim with the different marine life at the reef.   They gave us a good batch of baked ziti as well which was nice to have between dives.  In the afternoon, after our fourth official dive, Liz, Courtney, Solly, Megan and Eytan got SCUBA certified and got our official cards to prove it. This means that we could dive by ourselves without an instructor on our final dive.  What an absolute thrill this was! Needless to say we cannot wait to explore the ocean at any opportunity given. After a long stomach ache inducing boat ride back to the port, we said our tearful goodbyes to our lovely instructors.

Now our final days are upon us, and as we scramble to gather souvenirs for our loved ones, squeeze in more meaningful conversations with each other, and stuff our cheeks full of one last Tim Tam, we look at the past 3 months with immense gratitude and look to the coming months with ample anticipation. Thank you, especially, to our wonderful support networks back home. We can’t wait to see you!

And we’re off.

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As I have embarked on this journey for the last 3 months, I think about the people who have got me to where I am right now.

I want to thank the Carpe Mundi program director Hansell Bourden, and the whole Carpe headquarters for adding me as part of the Carpe Diem family. I want to personally say thank you to Hansell for being such a huge support. Thanks for the preparation: Mind, body and soul. Each reading you chose for our PSU classes helped me walk the circle and see all sides of the world before even traveling. I love hearing about your experiences while traveling, and I can’t wait to talk to you about your time in Nicaragua. Thank you for giving me this amazing 3 month opportunity of a lifetime. I thank you for believing in me and my progress in this adventure.

I want to thank my family- especially my grandparents for being the rock through the life I am creating every new day. Thank you for always doing the little things for me. Thank you for filling my stocking at Christmas with stuff I needed for the trip. Thank you for getting me the pink and purple head lamp because you know my favorite color is pink. Thank you for getting the whole family together at the airport despite the time changes. I love you guys so much, it’s pretty hard to express over computer. Can’t wait to hug and kiss you both!

I want to thank my mother for being such an incredibly strong woman. Thank you for allowing me to really grow up on this trip, and teaching me the things I needed to know as a woman over the years. If I have learned one thing from you, it’s to stay strong and positive with whatever God tests us with. You will always be the spirit of the hummingbird, and I just hope you know how much I love you. You will always be such an inspiration to me. Thank you mama.

Thank you Jimmie Lyski for being my best friend in the most craziest and coolest adventures of my life. Thank you for letting me vent, and always helping me see the positive in the rough times. You have taught me that everything happens for a reason and that the only way to get through life is to love the life you live, and live the life you love. Thank you for being so supportive through this whole trip- despite being many miles away from each other. I am thankful for you so much!

Thank you Brooke and Jeremy- my OE leaders- for being the cool and protective siblings I always wished I had. Thank you for always checking in with me and making sure I am being 100% Natty as much as possible. Thank you both for being crazy wonderful and dancing when needed. Some of the best moments on the trip involved being completely embarrassed but then learned to love every moment. Where all of us students were once afraid to just get up and dance, we can all now go into a discoteca and dance like no one is watching. Thank you for taking me seriously and supporting me when I needed it most. Thank you so much for pushing me out of my comfort zone and believing that I can do anything that I work hard for. Brooke- you have been such an amazing female role model that I needed in my life. Thank you for  mentoring me throughout the trip, that includes my presentation about womens studies. That was a strong topic, and you helped me tie it down and word it perfectly. Jeremy- Thank you for being the big brother I always wanted. I love our one on one talks, and that amazing moment you helped me cut off the cast. Thank you so much for spending the time and love needed to revise my interview questions. The fact there were so many revisions really just shows the time you put in to help me be the best person I can be! Thank you for always making me laugh when I need it most. One beautiful thing Jeremy and Brooke taught me was to laugh. Sometimes people are just too serious, and what’s that helping? Stress levels and worry lines on one’s forehead? No way! Better to have laugh lines! I love you guys so much! You two are amazing I know you two will make it very far in this world. You will teach other students like me how amazing life is, and to never take it for granted.

Thank you to the amazing students I have traveled with the last three months. To my sisters Caroline, Lucy, Ryan, Amilia (and Brooke). You all have been amazing and I am sad to leave you in a few short days. But know that all of you have a home with me in Portland! I have never been so close to so many girls. despite are little moments of stress and PMS. I love you girls so much and I just think how different it would be with one of you missing. You all have taught me individually different ways of looking at life and walking the circle. To my brothers Damian, Easten, Jordan and Drew. I love ya’ll so much! I love how in touch you all are with the way you feel and you guys are the cool of the group. You always offer that radiation of calm, yet crazy at times. (Jordan- I’m talking about you. You never take a second breath before being the first to jump off the bridge or the giant swing- that I belly flopped on- that was awesome).You guys have become my family through these last three months and I am so appreciative to have met each and every one of you. We all have to meet up within the next couple years and have a reunion! Love you guys so much! Have an amazing time finishing up (or starting) school, and I can’t wait to see where we all end up in 5 years. old and successful. Love you all!

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First, I’d like to thank the environment that got me here.  Progressive teachers and counselors who really understood me had the good sense to recommend a gap year when I asked, and friends helped me through it.   Thank you, everyone back home, for helping the idea grow.

Once it took root, the Carpe staff jumped in, fielding endless questions and helping me get on the right path.  Thank you Heather, for your patience and support from home base, and Drew, for helping so much and giving Drews around the world a good name!  And I’d like to thank the rest of the Carpe staff that I never even met; your work is much appreciated.  Hansel, I’d like to single you out – you introduced me to two great new friends in Natty and Damian.  The work you do makes Carpe so much richer.

Finally, I’d like to thank everybody who’s made this trip a blast.  Our local contacts have done so much, from Josh’s warm welcome to our sad farewell under the care of Diane and West Bay Divers.  Everyone we’ve worked with has shown up and shone in their own ways, and I appreciate every last one of you.  Linking our group to the contacts have been our leaders.  Brooke and Jeremy, you’ve changed this trip so much, and been so inspiring to see live.  You’ve pulled the group to grow so many ways, and been a blast along the way.  Do expect an ovation and a cinnamon roll hug by the end of all of this…  The group, too, has always been a home for me, and together with the leaders you’ve probably been the element that’s changed me most of all.  Thank you so much!

I’d like to throw out one last and final thank you to everyone, but I’ve got the nagging feeling I’ve forgotten something.  Ah, well…

My family!  The greatest family I could have ever had, from my excited and supportive aunts and uncles to my crazy brother and wonderful parents.  I’ve been a slob about writing, and I’m sorry!  Just know that everything you’ve done, beginning to end, has made this possible.  Shoutout to the East Coast, and the Soisson clan, and the Southwest Brosts.  And most of all, the nucleus back home in Burque.  Ryan, Sean, Sus, you guys are great, and kept me sane this year.  Carmen, if they kept me sane, you kept me social and alive.  And Mom and Dad, I can’t begin to list what you’ve done for me.  Helping me make everything and anything that needed to happen for this trip get done is a tall order for a lot of reasons, and you always knew when to help and when to let me flounder.  Without you guys, I wouldn’t be here, in so many ways.  I love all of you, and can’t wait to see you again!

Mushy stuff aside, I’ve been a small cog reaping the benefits of an intricate network backing me up.  I’m so indebted to all of you, and more than that, grateful.  Know that you’ve changed my life, and know that you’ve made a new friend (or been there for an old one).  For all of you who I didn’t mention, you are unfairly neglected but not unappreciated, and one last time: thanks!

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Thank you dad. Thank you for always caring about me. Thank you for showing up to all my games as a kid and wanting to make sure I knew you were there for me.  Thank you for reading me bed time stories as a kid and staying in the room until I fell asleep. Thanks pops!

Thanks Cami! My awesome little sister! You always support me with what I’m doing and you always want me to be happy. You’re also the first person to always make me smile!

Thank you Nana! Thank you for always giving me love and a feeling of security and comfortablity.Thank you for your playfulness and desire to be in my life. You’re the best and coolest nana in the entire world!

Thank you to Kiko and Nugget the two funniest dogs to ever roam this earth!

Thank you to Jack, Charlie, Cory, Luke and Cole for being the greatest freinds I could ever ask for.  I’m so lucky to have such amazing and supportive friends in my life. You guys are always there for me and are never critical or judgmental, yall are my brothers! Each one of you inspire me to be a better man and I’m excited to see you all this summer!

Thank you Brooke and Jeremy. You guys are awesome leaders. You guys have motivated me and kept me laughing the entire trip. I feel so lucky to have been able to have this journy along side you guys, and wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

And finally thank you to myself. Thank you for making the decision  to take this semester off and venture into the unknown.  Its made you stronger, more grateful and given you a wealth of knowledge.  Thank you for giving yourself time away from school and life back home.  Thank you for having the strength to get through the rough times of the trip, and the awareness to appreciate the good ones.  Thank you for realizing how truly lucky you are and for understanding how fortunate you really are to have such amazing people in your life.

Thank you to everyone. Everyones impact on me has shaped me into the person I am today, and I’m very happy who that person is.

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After our sleepy train ride we arrived in the lively town of Sapa. The air was cooler and cloudier than what we’ve been used to, and the vast mountains surrounded every corner of our eyes. The second we stepped off of the shuttle to our hostel we were bombarded by hmong ladies dressed in their traditional sashes and robes who pinky promised all of us to buy something from them. Their bubbly personalities and beautiful smiles made it impossible to keep our wallets in our backpacks.

The next morning we arose ready to conquer our 5 day trek ahead of us. We met our guide Mai, a giggly and affectionate lady, who was accompanied by three other hmong ladies who would lead us up the mountain. During our 5 hour treck we talked to the hmong women, asking them questions about their culture and way of living. They were all so open to our questions and amazingly friendly. We would soon learn after getting to know Mai and her friends and family, that their smiles and laughs never faltered. The hike was mostly all in the clouds, which added to the mystical landscape of rice terraces and bamboo houses.

After our first day treking we arrived at Mai’s charming wooden house where she prepared food for us and we played with her four adorable children. That night we absorbed the most amazing fresh vegetables, chicken, noodles and rice into our hungry stomachs and fell asleep exhausted and full of home cooked food.

The next day we headed off the a neighboring village which took us around 6 hours to get to. On the way we stopped in on Mai’s grandmother who is 120 years old! Her name was Lak. We met her in another wooden cabin similar to Mai’s which was dark and smoky on the inside. She was sitting in the darkest corner of the room, the intermingling smoke from the fire and her wooden pipe colliding around her aging face. She was tiny, curled up with blankets, hats, and scarfs. She didnt seem to notice that 10 foreigners had waltzed into her house and we staring at her with amazement. She didnt make any sudden movements, and when she did it was with ease and intention. Her wrinkles seemed to submerge her face like tick marks of all the years she has lived through. Her hands we small and delicate, her every vien and wrinkle visible, her years apparent and alive. She moved so easily, without any assistance . There was the occasional cough but besides that no sign of sickness whatsoever. We were all in shock that she was 120 and had never used any modern medicine. We sat there, listening to her converse with Mai in a quiet and husky voice. After an hour we painstakingly left and continued on the hike.

The next day we once again threw on our backpacks and hiked back up the hill we had come from. The hike back to Mai’s house was mostly all uphill and surpisingly enjoyable. We listened to motivational music on the way and proudly compared the sweat marks on our backs. The breathtaking lanscape of hundreds of lush rice fields and green mountains distracted us from the never-ending uphill. When we arrived at Mai’s warm little house we crashed with exhaustion and giddiness and once again devoured one of Mai’s amazing meals.

The fourth and last full day in the hmong tribe village was our rest day (yay!!). The day was foggy and rainy, which added to our relaxed body and minds. We spent the day writing songs, drawing pictures with Mai’s children, listened to stories by the fire, and helped Mai in her corn field. We helped hoe and garden around her corn plants. It felt rewarding to be giving back to this women who had been cooking for us and teaching us everything about the hmong village.

Before heading off on our final trek back to Sapa, we took pictures with Mai and her family, and presented her with gifts from all of us to show our appreciation for her kindness and hospitality. We bolted along the road back to sapa and arrived within 3 hours. To end the trek we sadly said our goodbyes to Mai and headed on to our next and last leg of our journey which I will be telling you all about in the next blog post. Untill then, catch you all on the flip side!

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This week is our last week together, but I’m sure nobody back home needs the reminder.  We sure don’t.  On the beautiful island of Roatan, in Honduras, we’re learning to scuba, eating wonderful food, and crying our eyes dry.  (And a few of us are clearing our bowels dry, too.)  Many of us are enjoying the surreal underwater landscapes of the Roatan coral reef – a few even had a close encounter with a dolphin!  There’s nothing quite like scuba’s weightless exploration, tinkle of bubbles, and fish flitting by your face.  But there’s nothing like saying goodbye to friends like the ones we’ve made, either, and amidst scuba classes and postcard beaches we have to prepare for the end.

On this trip, we’ve talked a lot about the power of attitude.  In myself, I’ve connected to the wellspring of emotion, and choose what I hold on to.  This is a perfect time to practice that mindfulness and presentness.  In the words of some famous person, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”  But who am I kidding, it’s not a question of whether I break down and bawl but when.  Will it be on the last dive we have together, salt water filling up my mask?  Will it be in one of our farewell rituals, breaking up the solemnity, or at the airport making a fool of myself?  It might be after the trip is over, and I realize how lonely I am, but I will cry.  This whole group has been such a treasure, and I’ll sorely miss them.

Family back home, and new family down here, I love you, and can’t wait to see you again.

Drew

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The next morning we somehow managed to roll ourselves and our lingering food babies to the bus station again, and we were off to Semuc Champey. There, cool turquoise water cascades from pool to pool on its way down from the mountains, a breathtaking view from above and a picturesque local to enjoy the best of the natural beauty that Guatemala has to offer. Slipping down the natural rockslides, we explored each pool, followed by a candlelit tour of the watercaves below. Semuc Champey definitely draws tourists from all over, but one of the things I liked best about it was that it is enjoyed by travellers and locals alike. I wouldn’t have had the nerve to jump off that bridge into the river had that 10-year-old Guatemalan boy not taken the plunge first. The kid dropped 30 feet like it was nothing. You kind of had to follow, after that.

Lastly, we headed off to Antigua, a bustling city nestled in the mountains. With the opportunity to branch off and explore on our own, we all gained a lot of confidence in the travelling skills we’ve picked up during these past three months. Everyone got their own experience, and I think really came into their own as travellers. We still got some good group time in. Shout out here to Ryan’s friend Daniella, whose family owns Tre Fratelli, hands down the best Italian restaurant in the city, and probably in all of Guatemala. We were treated to a three-course dinner of salad, a variety of savory pastas, and the most delicious tiramasou I’ve ever had. If you find yourself in Antigua, Costa Rica, Honduras, California or Miami, I would highly recommend you seek out one of their locations. Huge thank you to Daniella and her family from the whole group.

We do sometimes do things other than eat, though. For instance, one day we rented bikes and took ourselves on a tour around the outskirts of Antigua. We rode through some neighboring towns, until we landed at an organic macademia nut farm. What a find–as well as being a really cool organization that donates trees to support local farmers and processes all their products responsibly, they also make some bomb pancakes. So yeah, I guess I take back my previous statement. We do mostly just eat. If that brunch wasn’t memorable enough, we also met one of the founders of the place, an exuberant old man origianally from California, and shared in the religious experience of “the church.” Surely we have all reached a higher state after basking in the light of wisdom therein.

Well-fed and happy, we’re off to spend our final week in Roatan, sunbathing on the beaches and enjoying some of the world’s best scuba diving. With seven days left, I can’t help but think back to when we were only seven days in: stumbling around Masaya trying to convert dollars to cordobas, tripping over our Spanish, getting to know each other for the first time and preparing to embark on our adventure together. Three countries, four weeks of Spanish school, and a few broken chairs later, we’ve come so far, and made lifelong friends in the process. This is the time in our life that we’ll look back on, saying, “Those were the days.” We’re so incredibly fortunate to have had this opportunity. Moving forward is bittersweet as the trip winds down and we prepare to head back home, but I’m so grateful to have had this time, and I can’t wait to live up this last week with my ten favorite people.
Hasta pronto,
Lucy

P.S. Hey Dad don’t forget to pick me up at the airport next week. I still live with you guys. I hope. Alright. Cool.

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We spent a couple days on the Sunshine Coast in Noosa, doing some well earned relaxing after the Outback. We enjoyed the beach, shopping, and a national park. On our hike to the beach, we were lucky enough to pass a pod of dolphins and a sea turtle.

Our next stop was Brisbane (or Brissy if you’re an Aussie). We spent that afternoon at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary where everyone got to hold a koala. When it was my turn to hold the koala, I exclaimed, “It’s a koala!” The zoo employee, unamused, confirmed my acute observation. Other highlights of Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary were the kangaroos, platypus, dingoes, and a variety of birds and reptiles. Everybody fell in love with the kangaroos; we pet and hugged the ‘roos.

We finished this week off at Chenrezig Institute. Chenrezig is a Tibetan Buddhist retreat center and one of the oldest of its kind in the Western world. We had a couple question and answer sessions with a monk named and Mike, an employee of Chenrezig, to learn more about Buddhism. We started off asking about the basics of Buddhism and by the end, we were having more complex discussions about reincarnation and the idea that each person creates his own reality. In addition to that, Thubten Chodron, a nun from Washington, was doing a seminar at Chenrezig and we were able to attend some of the teachings and meditations. She emphasized that every individual holds the power to find happiness and rid themselves of suffering. Our motivation for all actions is to find happiness. Her talks were very interesting. As a group, we decided to do a day in silence to gain a deeper understanding of Buddhism and reflect on ourselves and this semester as it comes to an end. Most of us were not able to stay quiet for the entire day, but here’s a shout out to Meg and Liz for not talking. Ray, an artist at Chenrezig Institute, gave us an art lesson. What I thought would be a quick drawing of the Buddha, turned into three hours of concentration and hard work. We started off by drawing a grid to help us accurately copy an image of the Buddha. Buddha’s face is supposed to be symmetrical and all images of him are supposed to look the same for good karma.

-Damielle

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Happy day to everyone and much much love going out to all you beautiful people all over the world,

Karen out.

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Just finished up an amazing 5 days in the Outback. We arrived in Alice Springs on Easter Sunday (Happy Easter Everyone!) and the next morning were picked up by our guide Tam, and her trusty steed Nelson (aka her truck), which was basically a small army tank. Greeted by the energetic and all smiling Tam we climbed into Nelson and started on our journey. After stopping to grab some fire wood for the campfire we arrived at our first destination, a beautiful swimming hole between two giant red cliffs. Cameron and Hannah jumped right into the freezing cold water while the rest of us just admired the beautiful scenery. Shortly after that we took a short hike to the top of a cliff overlooking the outback then later went to yet another swimming hole (who knew there would be so much water in the outback?) and most of us jumped in and swam for a while until we picked up and headed to our first campsite. We celebrated Annie’s 19th birthday with a delicious cake underneath the stars, a great way to close off a wonderful first day and a celebratory birthday for Annie, before climbing into our ‘swags’ (basically sleeping pads but 100 times better) and heading off to sleep. The next day we got to sleep in until 6:15 and were awoken by Tam’s lovely music selection. After a great first breakfast cooked over the campfire we packed up all our gear and headed out. The next few days were spent hiking through different locations all over the outback, seeing all sorts of animals (lizards, camels, donkies, cows, birds, emus, etc.) and plant life, giant red cliffs (literally red), campfires, stars, and even palm trees. With only one set back after losing our tralier on the highway which broke and flipped off the side of the road, we quickly and efficiantly used our teamwork skills led by Tam to pick up what we could, eat a quick lunch, and continue on our way.We were all amazed by the unexpected beauty we found at every corner. Sleeping underneath the stars was a personal favorite for me, I don’t think any of us have ever seen as many stars as that… just incredible. Our last morning we woke up at 4:40 Am, ate a quick breafast, and drove to watch the sunrise at Uluru, one of the most famous places in the outback, and absolutely stunning. We watched the sun come up as the light slowly started to hit the giant red rock behind us. After many photos and a quick snack we began our walk around Uluru (6k’s) learning geology and creation stories from Tam along the way. After finishing the amazing walk we headed back to Alice Springs. We said our goodbyes to the outstanding Tam, who was such a pleasure and so kind, and now we’re flying to Cairns for our last two weeks of Yoga and Scuba. Can’t believe there’s only less than two weeks left! I know we’re all going to make the best of it and cannot wait to see our loved ones once we head home.

Thanks for reading!

Until the next blog,

Olivia

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My first two weeks at Kids Saving The Rainforest in Quepos, Costa Rica have been amazing. First off, it’s beautiful here as most people would imagine costa rica to be. It does get pretty hot and humid but you get used to it pretty quick. KSTR is a wildlife refuge organization, connected to a bed and breakfast called the Blue Banyan Inn. A day in the life of volunteer goes like this: I wake up at about 7, and after getting ready I walk over tithe kitchen where we start chopping up a variety of fruit and veggies for the animals. Then at about 8 we bring the food to the sanctuary where we feed the marmosets, kinkajous, parrots, parakeets, squirrel monkeys, capuchin monkeys and spider monkeys. After we’ve fed them, we go to the clinic to help out barb and sam, the backbones of the sanctuary. We feed all of the animals in the clinic that vary depending on what animals have been injured and brought to the sanctuary. For my first two weeks the clinic was quite full of animals (sadly). There were a variety of birds, coming in at 8 total. There were 5 owls, 4 coatis, 2 squirrel monkeys, 2 squirrels, and a porcupine. There are also mice and a lot of mealworms in the clinic for feeding purposes. When I arrive to the clinic I help feed the birds, and then I cut up chicken organs or cuts of beef and hand feed the owls. I then help clean various cages and make sure all of the animals are properly enriched as so they dont get bored.
Then we go back to kitchen to have lunch (which we cool ourselves) and a little break. I’ve been trying to use my break time to do a couple different things around the property. I’m about to start building a solar food dehydrator so we can dry out fruits and therefore have those fruits when they go out of season, or even to sell them as dried fruits, dried mangoes in particular are quite valuable. I’m also working on getting more, better seeds for their garden as it doesn’t yield very much, and making their composting system more efficient. And my newest break time project is creating a rainwater collection system as water is relatively scarce here. After our lunch break, we do another feeding and basically work on everything that we worked on in the morning. Occasionally I’ll get to go and help the sloths, the anteater and the hawk but they’re a little higher maintenance animals and have specific workers dedicated to them. After all the afternoon work it’s about 6pm. We make our dinners, and then usually we go and fall asleep. The days are full of hard work but are often very rewarding.

-Jared Freeman

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On the way to the waterfalls, we met our canyoning guide; Tang. A wonderfully crazy guy who would provide training, and comic relief throughout the day.  When we arrived, we were stylishly outfitted in harnesses, helmets, gloves and bright orangelifejackets, before learning and practicing how to repel. Or abseil as the brits call it. Each one of us canyoned down a pine tree as practice a few times, or in other words, we jumped “HARDER” down a steep hill backwards with only a harness and the beloved Tang securing our lives.

Just as we were beginning not to feel like total idiots about our repelling techniques, we began canyoning down a real, 30 foot waterfall. My stomach was in knots as Karen, Patrick, Leanna, and Topher jumped down the waterfall with only a rope for support, but as each of them landed safely with giant smiles beaming 30 feet below, I knew it would be okay.

The “massage” rapids were next, as our guide called them. Tang sent us sailing headfirst down a small, but intimidating rapid with one hand behind our head for protection, and another plugging our nose.

When we saw our next obstacle, an 80 foot pounding waterfall, we realized the first two were child’s play. But before we had to woman up to the task, we were able to enjoy a delicious sandwich and fruit lunch provided by, the one and only, Taaaaaaang. As we swallowed the last of the fresh watermelon and mango, we heard the screams of the scared British girl before us, descending down the terrifying waterfall.

She was beginning to hit the half way point, where the canyoneer would no longer be able to look up anymore because of the heavy downpour of water, and was screaming that she didn’t want to do it. That was really the only point in the day where I thought I might not be able to do it, but when she completed her descent unharmed, I was ready to go.

We had to walk carefully in the beginning, as the cliff face was slick with rushing water. Then, once we were harnessed in, we began our slow walking descent. At the half way point, we were no longer able to look up as there was so much water pounding onto our faces, so we half blindly slid ourselves down until their was no more rope left. Once we reached the end of the rope, we would have to jump down a 2 meter height into the icy water. As I prepared to jump during my turn, I suddenly lost grip of the rope, and smacked into the water.

Our final repel was down a waterfall ominously called the washing machine. There, after a few meters you are no longer able to touch the wall with your feet and you have to lower yourself into the rushing water, which starts to push and spin you around, hence the name. It’s crazy because you’re hanging on a rope but, with the waterfall rushing over your body, you’re technically under water. And once you’re in the water, you have to quickly lower yourself or you’ll spin like crazy, which is what happened to me!

Once we all survived the washing machine, we took a short but steep hike back to the road and had a sleepy van ride back to our hostal.

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Namaste! Hello, family and friends of SAM 2014! I apologize for the delay/procrastination on this blog post. These last couple of weeks has been quite a turn of events. Amazon week turned into student directed travel week and and student directed travel week turned into a volunteering week in Pisac and Cusco. It´s been quite hectic for the leaders and Carpe Diem but everyone´s been pretty mellow about it.  Many have been sick, minor colds are floating around now. No one has escaped diarrhea so far. Yay! Also mucho procrastination on presentations for class/classes. I finished mine for International Development class and so has Brianna and Kelsey. Robbe did his Economic class presentation as well. Yay! Just a couple more to go and our daily life maps is down to 2!

Sloths would like to say hi as well.

It´s been around 2 months since the start of this trip and meeting all the wonderful people in this group thus far. We´ve had joyous and interesting encounters with amazing people throughout this unforgettable journey Our Spanish has improved beyond our imagination.  Being surrounded by a Spanish speaking community has helped improve our Spanish a lot and we have gotten better at bargaining as well.(; We´ve learned many phrases from our time here in South America. Buen dia was a phrase that was most said by Juan Carlos, our host at the Banana farm. Regardless of the humid weather and different type of bugs all around, I enjoyed my time there very much due to the people there. Juan Carlos and his family are very kind souls. (: ¨Namaste¨ was something we learned from Chaitanya back at the yoga retreat which means a sign of respect, and acknowledge as well as a sort of greeting when you say hello or goodbye. I enjoyed my time at the yoga retreat very much as well, the wonderful people, delicious food and beautiful environment. We´ve learned much about our well beings, being at peace with oneself through numerous meditations and yoga and just being present. I have some awesome photos of everyone doing yoga up in the mountains but the computers here aren´t liking my memory card so I´ll have to put a raincheck on that one.

As bummed as I was about not going to the Amazon and going sloth searching, this week has been replaced by a new realm of volunteering, inspirational encounters with wonderous people, familar voices and a week of fun activities as well as delicious food. Because we´ve been spending a majority of our time in Cusco, we all wanted a change of scenery so we all voted to move to Pisac for the week. Props to our casa of the week, Erin, for picking a hostal that was close by almost everything; a pastry shop, grocery stores, markets, restaurants, and ice-cream! Lucuma ice-cream has been the best ice-cream I´ve had here so far. Although the macaroons ice-cream I had at the Lima airport was pretty amazing as well.(:

Anyways, we volunteered with Sonco Wasi this week, teaching and volunteering with disabled and disadvantaged children in Cusco and with the children in Taray. Sonco Wasi is a non-profit organization for disabled and disadvantaged children founded by Karol. The school Karol has in Taray is the only source of education for the kids there. Karol is an amazing woman, aside frombeing an awesome dentist who did my teeth cleaning, she provided education for these kids.(: A dentist during the day, teacher around the afternoons-evenings and back to being a dentist! She´s a very busy sweet woman and a bundle of joy to be around. (:We were split into two groups; the education group and the art group. I was part of the art group along with Arturo, Brianna, Casey, Olivia and Rachel which focuses more on art stuff such as drawing, singing and etc. The education group consists of Abi, Erin, Kelsey, Maddie, Maggie, and Robbe which focuses more on doing presentations on a certain topic or teaching English, sports and etc. Each day we would switch off, the art group goes to Cusco and the education group to Soncowasi at the Sacred Valley then the next day art group to Sacred valley, education group to Cusco and the cycle goes on. The art group volunteered in Cusco along with Blake, a former Carpe Diem latitude student from last semester who went to Southeast Asia! We also met Megan, who is also a Carpe Diem student from last semester that went to India with Matt! The first day, we just chilled at the park after a long adventure due to the buses going different routes because it´s the holidays week aka semana week. It was very interesting to learn and meet these wonderful group of kids; some had walking disabilities, some are emotionally bipolar and would be happy for 2 seconds then crying the next, there is also one who would simply like to examine your joints, and then one whose smiling and laughing all the time whenever you look over at her. These children laugh at almost everything and it makes me laugh along, seeing their smiling faces naturally turns my frown upside down!(:  There are many other volunteers as well and I really appreciate their time and effort as well in helping these kids and holding their hands as they tend to wander off a lot (not that I´m one to talk though).

Playing with the kids in Cusco!

Learning(:

AND MUCH HUGS AND LOVE!(:

The education group traveled to Soncowasi, just about 10 minutes outside of Pisac and taught English their first day and some painted murals on the walls as well. I also managed to finish my own little mural.(:

First day of volunteering at Soncowasi, we got attacked by water guns. Ashley was not a happy panda. Off to a good start. We held a birthday lunch party for Erin and Matt on Wednesday with a yummy birthday cake, oreos, candy and jello! It was a nice little warm gathering of hugs and love before we all set out to our destinations for volunteering. Matt also got a huge cinnamon roll hug from all the kids at Soncowasi afterwards.

We got a free day on Thursday as it was a holiday and had a nice gathering for a picnic at the park on Saturday with the kids from Soncowasi. There was various activities such as soccer, hula hoops, partner musical ¨jackets¨because instead of chairs we used jackets, water guns with no water, ropes, candy, and 2nd attempt on the mentos and pop experiment. Afterwards, we helped made a little fire and roasted marshmellows.(:

Smiley faces all around!(:

Our beautiful smiley faces (Brianna and Erin)

The pretty awesome group. Oh they look so happy(: (Rachel and Kelsey)

Maddie and Maggie being fabulous(:

Our babyfaces (Mary and Ashley)

Our young yogis at work.

Abi and Olivia!(:

The goof brothers. (Robbe and Arturo) just being themselves.

Cool Casey.

Then graceful Casey.

Then we have carefree leader, Matt, doing his daily meditations.

And a smile surrounded by all those facial hair.(:

Matt helping with the fire. Always there to lend a hand.

¨Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.¨

This week has been a fun and joyous adventure! Special thanks to Karol for making this possible for us. I had a lot of funs with the kids and they were all adorable.(: It has been a wonderful experience and I look forward to the next 2 weeks together. By the way, for Easter, we decorated eggs prior and had an egg hunt the next morning! Not tryna brag but I was the champion for that. Mwahaha.

Guess whose who(: I spy a me in these hurdle of eggs.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter. Now I´ll leave you with this sloth.

¨The one thing that matters is the effort. It continues, whereas the end to be attained is but an illusion of the climber, as he fares on and on from crest to crest; and once the goal is reached it has no meaning.¨

Hope all is well. Carpe Diem!(: Have fun and find joy in all the things you do.(:

The post and the Adventure continues! appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

Our last day in New Zealand came quicker than I expected. Before dinner we walked up to the summit of Mount Eden and had our last New Zealand group meeting beside a crater, overlooking the Auckland city skyline. We watched the sunset and saw the transition of lights as they became brighter in the city. When we got back to the hostel we cooked our last dinner: eggs, pancakes, and veggies. I’m not entirely sure why we decided on breakfast for dinner but it was good and a nice way to end our stay in New Zealand.

Chapter 2 ~ Espresso Yourself

We made it to our third and final country, Australia. I never imagined I would get the opportunity to travel to Australia; nonetheless, Sydney! Although our stay in Sydney was only one night, we made the most of it in our awesome hotel that was given to us due to a mix up in our flights. We ate dinner in the hotel’s restaurant which included a coffee machine we gladly took advantage of. It started off with Danielle and I taking one espresso shot and ended with a countless number of espresso shots and five empty mugs. After dinner we all had enough caffeine in us to keep the whole city of Sydney awake. We then took the subway into the harbor. Everything was lit up including the bridge, boats, ferris wheel and more. We made our way over to the famous Sydney Opera House as I took endless pictures that all definitely looked exactly the same, but every step I took I convinced myself it was a better view. The more I walked around the more I fell in love with this city. As mad as I was about how short our stay was in Sydney I’m thankful I got the chance to see even just part of it.

Chapter 3 ~ Chewy

Today marked day one of our five day Australian outback tour. It’s also the day we met Tamara our enthusiastic and highly energetic tour guide. We signed our lives away on a consent form that made me question why they even let people enter the outback in the first place. However, we all seemed to get over the fact that we were going into a place filled with poisonous spiders and snakes quickly, and jumped into a landcruiser with the name “Chewy” painted on the drivers side door. Before we got to camp each day we had to collect firewood in order to make a fire for dinner and breakfast. Our first stop was a little sandy/mucky cove where Greg and Eytan were brave enough to swim in the chilly water. Soon after, we did a short hike and enjoyed a beautiful view of a river flowing through a canyon. I was surprised at how much green vegetation there was considering we were in a desert. Our second stop was at the bottom of the canyon. The river was flooded for the first time in decades so we took the opportunity to take a quick dip. After another short drive we made it to Glen Helen, our first campsite. It was right next to the Finke River which is the oldest river in the world! It’s estimated to be about 385 to 400 million years old. After a delicious meal Tam made for us over the bonfire we were introduced to our swags. Swags are basically a sleeping bag outside of your sleeping bag with a thin mattress inside of it. They were surprisingly snug! It was amazing to sleep under the stars.

Chapter 4 ~ Roo

Today we had a 5:30AM wake up call with the moon and stars still shining bright above us. The cool air was not making it any easier to get out of my swag to start the day, but the sound of the burning fire and Tam’s music helped me finally get out of bed. We rolled up our swags and cleaned up camp just in time for a story from Tam. Today was a bumpy, off-roading day full of laughter and sore necks. On our drive as I was looking out of the window I saw a kangaroo in the bushes and yelled ROO. I was so excited to see one because they’re nocturnal and Tam said it was unlikely that we would see one on our trip. We stopped and watched them for a solid fifteen minutes until we continued our journey to Tnorala (Gosse Bluff) a giant crater in the middle of the outback. It happened 142 million years ago when a meteor hit creating a crater twenty two kilometers long in diameter; however, today it is only five kilometers. The meteor had the power and impact of twelve atomic bombs. Our last stop that day was Palm Valley, where the only palm trees in the outback are. We walked up to sunset rock and watched another amazing sunset, and had a good end to a long day.

Chapter 5 ~ Snowy

Today we had a long drive in order to make it to Kings Canyon. I had a headache so I stayed back while the rest of the group did a three hour hike around the canyon. I did a short walk to another lookout point and waited to hear them yell to me when they reached the top, but I got bored after a good five minutes and headed back to Chewy. While I was sitting down in the shade, the flies kept me company. They were awesome. The buzzing sound was soothing and the best part was when they landed on my face without me even having to ask. I’m sure going to miss them! When the group finished their hike and made it back to the car I was so happy to see everyone! Before we drove to our campsite we stopped and met Snowy. A friendly baby camel who gave us all kisses.

Chapter 6 ~ Our Last Night Under the Stars

Today was our last night in the outback. We arrived at our last campsite before lunch and headed off to Kata Tjuta which looked like big piles of dirt from afar. We did another hike there and saw more amazing views. That night we slept at Wayoutback Tours campsite which was awesome, almost too awesome… like glamping. We went up to yet another lookout point and watched our last sunset in the outback. For dinner we ate Kangaroo! After, we went back to the lookout and looked up at the stars. From there we could see Mars, Saturn, and Jupiter which was incredible.

Chapter 7 ~ By the Way, You’re All Looking in the Wrong Direction

Today was our earliest morning. We woke up at 4:45AM so we could see Uluru sunrise. When we arrived it was still dark outside. We walked for a couple minutes until we found a good spot to watch the sunrise. We were all facing the sun, waiting for it to come up in the distance until we heard Tam tell us we were looking in the wrong direction and that we were supposed to be looking at Uluru in order to see the orange, bright glow the sun gives the rock when it rises. Good thing she told us because it was truly unreal and like nothing I’ve ever seen before! We walked around the base of the rock which took about three hours. It was a relaxing walk which was a nice way to end our cloudless and thrilling outback adventure.

~ Courtney Lee Owens

The post Finke About it… it’s the Oldest River In the World appeared first on International Gap Year Programs | Carpe Diem Education.

About 1/3 of a mile up the road  on the river is where Annie lives. she used to live in Colorado and now has a program where young cambodian adults teach tourists hơ to kayak and paddleboard. I can kayak pretty well but my expeirience on a extralarge inflatable surfboard with padding was very uncomfortable. One reason being when I was just graduating highschool I skipped school one day to go surfing with a couple of my close friends and almost drowned. On a side note, I didn’t know that we would be going to the beach where my grandpa’s ashes where released and I believe somehow it was connected to me not dying. So a couple years in the future I am in southeast asia struggling on the Kampot River. After we had a some hours of that I was convinced I would enjoy gliding over the water on a kayak much more.

Exploring the mangroves was my highlight of being there. shady, cool, and gentle. the many shades of wood and leaves were a sight to remember. We also met a few young adults from the area. One of them was Sela. He was a really cool guy. He and his friends run a education tour group throughout parts of  cambodia. Their goal is to educate and change people’s lives with the expierience of travel. My grandfather told me about Kampot. He explained an island that is part of vietnam but so very close to Kampot. I saw this island. When we went to the bay where the Kampot River meets the ocean many new memories were created. I learned from Sela and his friends how to launch people into the air. I was them flaying up and doing flips and I just had to ask. I was easily thrown 9 feet above the water. I will deffinetely try that at home with my brothers and friends.

The sun is setting. I was sitting, watching the view from  my Bungalo on the Kampot River. At the top of the sky the color os a deep purple and it fades to a pink Salmon on the left of the horizon. The clouds are splayed out across the sky in many depths and patches making the three dimensional painting of the atmosphere and heaven above the mountains straight ahead. When I Look down I see the reflection of a farmer hearding some cattle on the road on the other side of the river. I cannot see him clearly but his voice was hoarse as he yelled at his dog. Ths sun sets a tiny bit faster and later that night I found a tree lit up with bioluminesence. Firflies clung to this one tree instead of any other. I could not understand nor did I want to. They flashed and glittered while behind them the stars twinkled. a few nights later the moon was full and I could not help but thank her for the wonderful and spectacular scene of which she was a part of. Kampot was a great last place to be in While I was in Cambodia and I plan to visit someday in the near future. Maybe when I bring my grandma back to Cambodia with me after I graduate college.

Kampot was the last area in Cambodia we visited. Cambodia as a whole was very beautiful and intense. I appreciated our time in Kampot because we never really had any outdoor activities in Cambodia. I mean we had seen things outside but there is something nice about a majestic view of rows of mountains and the way the water reacts with somethings in side my heart. Cambodia is a reason why I joined Carpe Diem and I am so happy to say it changed me, my world, and how I think completely. I have learned about myself and my relationships. This has been an expireince that will impact me for the rest of my life.

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We started our journey in Ha Tien, where we crossed the border from Cambodia into Vietnam, officially acknowledging Topher and Julia as our new students, and Paige and Karenna as our new leaders. The ride itself to the border was uneventful, aside from the lovely rain shower that cooled us down. Soon after we arrived into Vietnam, we took a lovely 9 hour overnight bus ride into Can Tho. It was more luxurious than any of us expected, with deluxe, bed-styled seats with a complimentary water bottle and blanket. We were spoiled as usual, but entirely grateful. When the sleepy 9 hours came to an end, we found our way to Enjoy Dalat Hostal; a lovely dwelling filled with traveling backpackers, friendly staff, and plush cheetah-print single beds. It’s always a great time when we all get to room together in a dorm, and have one or two laugh attacks when the sun goes down. On that morning of arrival, we explored the French-influenced town of Dalat, a city 1500 meters high that looks like a cross between Vietnam and the French Alps. Dalat may have been my favorite place yet with its clear mountainous air and incredible natural beauty. On that first day we toured a striking fantasy house designed by the daughter of an independence war hero. “Crazy House” was like a real life Tim Burton movie. On our way to 3000 dong ice cream, we were stopped by a few local Vietnamese women selling their hand-made silk paintings. None of us could resist their artistic talents and we bought at least one painting for close to 2 dollars. Quite the deal in America, but pretty average for Southeast Asia. We later visited a hill top pagoda by a beautiful cable car ride overlooking the pine forest. The cool air felt so wonderful after living in a constant sweat the last two months.

The next morning started at 7:00, with us all piling into the van that would take us to the massive, thundering waterfalls that we would canyon, slide, and swim down. I will post about our experience at the waterfall canyon shortly!!!

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Well, we’re back in Adelaide! We just recently finished doing conservation work with the Conservation Volunteers of Australia. I think I speak for all of us when I say it was a lot of fun and a great learning experience.

The week started out with us being divided into two groups. Me, Liz, Conor, Hannah, and Matt with Gwen as our leader in one group, and then Page, Cameron, John, and Olivia with Mac in the other group. The two places we went were very different. My group was doing conservation work in a park called Deep Creek. There were lots of steep hiking trails and rugged roads. We spent a lot of time weeding on the beach, and we also got a chance to do some trail work.

Brookfield was where the other group was located. Obviously, I wasn’t there, but from what they told me they spent most of their time doing wombat surveys and trimming trees. Reuniting the whole group at the end of the week was really exciting. After living with people in tight quarters for two months a week apart feels like ages. So after many hugs, we were excited to receive our certificates of participation.

Though it was strange not being together, it also gave us a lot to talk about after it was over. We got to tell them about living in a house with the creepiest dining room ever. It freaked Liz and Hannah to the point of having to cover the glass doors with a sheet. We also shared stories of Harold, the field mouse that lived in our pantry. My favorite thing from the other group was the song they all learned called Bar-tat! They surprised us with a performance  of it in the hostel TV room when we got back to Adelaide. We also go the news that Rage made it across the slackline!

Both groups had a couple of experiences that we shared, despite being apart. First, kangaroos. We all got to see so many kangaroos! That’s something that we get really excited about, but Aussies look at us like we’re crazy. Being excited over a kangaroo in Australia is like being excited over a squirrel in the United States. Second, we all learned how to Tim Tam Slam. This Aussie tradition might be the most delicious thing I’ve ever tasted. You take a cookie called a Tim Tam, bite off both ends, then use it like a straw to drink Milo, and stuff the whole thing in your mouth. It tastes like eating warm brownie batter.

Overall, we all had a great week. We all feel very accomplished knowing that we’ve finished our last service project of the trip and we look forward to an adventurous week in the Outback!

Your Bilbo Bloggins of the week,

Annie

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