Watching events from abroad

Have you ever been abroad during a significant moment in your home country’s history? I was living abroad at the time of the last US elections and, I have to admit, it was hard to be away from America at such a significant time. Sure, I was having a sit-in, glued to the news channel, with my friends in Europe much the same as I would have been doing with my American friends were I … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (3)  | November 29, 2010
Category: On The Road, Working Abroad

Holiday sale on Vagabonding and Marco Polo Didn’t Go There

It’s once again winter holiday season, which means it’s time for me to tout my books as stocking stuffers for the travel lovers on your Christmas list. And, since I’m stateside this month, I’m able to mail out signed copies at a reduced price. Vagabonding and Marco Polo Didn’t Go There are $15 each — and if you live in the U.S. I’ll mail them … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (1)  | November 29, 2010
Category: Rolf's News and Updates

How do you satisfy your travel dreams?

It’s easy to get caught up in current events and how they impact us, especially when those events have something to do with the money we have, or more likely, don’t have. But what happens when those events take a toll on your travel dreams?

We’ve all had to put off traveling, cancel an already-planned trip, or change plans and opt for a less expensive … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (5)  | November 26, 2010
Category: Lifestyle Design, Notes from the collective travel mind

Gift suggestions for travelers

A flower vending machine in Takayama, Japan. Photo: Kat Klay / Flickr Creative Commons

With Black Friday upon us, shoppers are lining up in force to take advantage of discounts. What do you buy for a traveler, though?

The New York Times came out with a shopping guide called, Holiday Gifts for a Globetrotter.  The writer made a good point of emphasizing that travelers can be … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Gift suggestions for travelers  | November 26, 2010
Category: Notes from the collective travel mind, Travel Gear

People who love their neighbors, even hitchhiking travelers

Jordan Valley, Israel/Palestine

It’s not everyday that you stand on the side of a highway, a car pulls over, you get in, and moments later the driver says you’re an answer to prayer.

Up until this car stopped, the day had been full of disappointments. I had left Jerusalem that … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (5)  | November 23, 2010
Category: Asia, Ethical Travel, Hospitality, Images from the road, Notes from the collective travel mind

Six Rules of Maybe

I admit, I took this directly from a book (called “The Six Rules of Maybe”, and written by fantastically inspirational YA novelist Deb Caletti), and not a travel book either, but I found it so interesting and so worthwhile a way to decide things that I wanted to share it with y’all vagabonders.

1. Respect the power of hope and possibilities. Begin with belief. Hold on to it.

2. If you know where you want … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (2)  | November 23, 2010
Category: General, Travel Writing

Teaching ESL: Which English do you teach?

The biggest requirement for being an ESL teacher is, obviously, to be a native English speaker. However, having taught English in several parts of the world, I’ve found that sometimes certain schools or areas are looking for a specific type of English and you might just have to adjust to meet expectations.

When I began my job teaching in the North of France I soon found out that British English was the desired … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (5)  | November 22, 2010
Category: Languages and Culture, Volunteering Abroad, Working Abroad

Curiosity is the highest ethical calling

“The highest ethical calling, it strikes me, is curiosity. The greatest reverence, the greatest rapture, are in it.” –Brian Christian “High Compression,” AGNI #69 (2009)

Posted by | Comments Off on Curiosity is the highest ethical calling  | November 22, 2010
Category: Travel Quote of the Day