My name is Kelley Akhiemokhali. I was born and raised in Houston, Texas and blog at immigratingwithapurpose.com. The name came because my father is a Nigerian immigrant. I’ve been fascinated with immigrant and migrant stories since adolescence. Now that I have chosen to work abroad myself, I’m tracking my own experience as an immigrant in a loose sense of the word.
Where do you currently live and what is your occupation?
I currently live in Valencia, Venezuela. I am an English and Social Studies teacher.
What is the first country you traveled to internationally? What were your impressions?
The first country I traveled to was Australia in 2007. I was extremely nervous when I sat at the gate waiting for my plane to take off. I remember thinking what am I doing? I had never been out of the country with family or friends, let alone by myself, and I choose to go to Australia…as far as you can get from the US. I went there to study abroad. Australia is a crown jewel in my memories. It was such a beautiful and happy time in my life. The people are very warm and the country is beautiful. My friends and family thought that I would move back there after graduating. I actually have never returned for a visit. A part of me is scared to return because I don’t think I can “top” that experience. I don’t want anything to sully the beauty that was Australia. I’ll return one day though.
When did you first realize you were bitten by the travel bug?
After a few weeks in Melbourne, Australia I realized I had the travel bug. I was so excited to go around the city and just experience as much of the culture as I could. I think my need to travel really came on full force when a group of us went to New Zealand during Spring Break and drove around the South Island. The road trip was fun, we gelled extremely well, and I just got to see another beautiful place. You arrive in some spaces and you’re just humbled by nature, beauty, the people, and the food, and you’re just thankful. I need that feeling. I love that feeling. It’s like a re-set button for me to be able to connect in some way to a different culture or country.
Do you have a travel mantra?
I do not have a travel mantra per se, but I do have some guidelines I follow when deciding whether or not I can travel. I try to travel to international locales where friends are to save on housing. I travel when I’ve saved up for a trip, and I travel when it moves me. To date, I’ve never regretted the money I’ve spent on a trip. I might regret buying some material thing, but buying a plane ticket to a foreign place? Never.
If you could spontaneously pack up tomorrow and head anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do?
That’s a really tough question! I just started traveling so there are still so many places I want to see and get to know. I think Italy or Turkey would top my list right now. I want to visit Italy because of the food. I’ve always loved Italian food. I honestly don’t know why I’m drawn to Turkey. When I think of Turkey I think of warm colors and just have a soothing sense about the place. It being at the nexus of Europe and the Middle East and its long history with other peoples due to trade and travel make me think it will be a wonderful place to visit.
My name is Lynne Marion. I am from a country characterized by four (4) seasons (i.e. Winter, Spring, Summer & Fall), that has breathtaking natural landscapes across its 8,893 km (5,526 miles) width from coast to coast, and contains the most fresh water sources in the world- Canada.
2. Where do you currently live and what is your occupation?
I am currently living in the province of Quebec (eastern Canada), in the suburbs of Montreal.
I am an Intuitive Life Coach. My mission is to illuminate people & inspire them to tune into their inner wisdom and, simultaneously, align themselves to their true desired lifestyle.
As an Intuitive Life Coach, I help people journey within… I guide my clients into seeking for answers & inspirations, by connecting themselves to their inner wisdom. In essence, I accompany them to travel within and to tap into their infinite array of possibilities.
3. What is the first country you traveled to internationally? What were your impressions?
My first international backpacking experience was in beautiful tropical Costa Rica! I was 18 years-old. I left with a group of five friends (including my boyfriend at the time), to backpack around this ‘rich coast’ country for one month. The only fixed plan we had was a departure date along with a return date. Everything in between was to be created by us. It was a blissful experience!
I discovered the different micro-climates the country has to offer. I visited volcanoes, snorkeled off the shore, walked along beautiful natural sandy beaches, danced under the stars, listened to Bob Marley music play everywhere, drank 2$ bottles of rum, camped on the beaches, sat amongst the rich biodiversity in the National Parks, swam in waterfalls, got awakened in my tent by a loud population of monkeys hanging outside in very tall trees, learned to speak Spanish with the local populations (with the help of my portable mini dictionary), enjoyed fresh fruit every morning, …
In sum, this first backpacking adventure trip was a.m.a.z.i.n.g!
4. When did you first realize you were bitten by the travel bug?
In 1999, I was studying at the University of Montreal towards a Bachelor’s Degree of Psychology. As an elective course, we had the possibility of participating in an international volunteer project. It was an elective course that ran throughout the school year that involved several components.
This volunteer project involved fundraising, learning a new language, pre-departure trainings, receiving proper vaccinations, budgeting, and attending meetings with the coordinating professor as well as the international development organization, to name a few.
After 8 months of preparation, along with 7 of my fellow female bachelor colleagues, I flew off to Bolivia to work for an institution that offered different services to handicapped children (mentally and/or physically). The final stage of the project, i.e. the actual internship, was held during the northern hemisphere’s summer months (May to July). Each volunteer was assigned in a different department between physiotherapy, educational psychology, outdoor activities for autistic children, and speech therapy. Personally, I worked in the educational psychology department to help elementary level children with learning disabilities.
I distinctly remember that, as our plane was landing in La Paz (the capital city), I was absolutely speechless upon seeing the massive impressive mountains surrounding us… Welcome to the world of La Cordillera de Los Andes Lynne! I had never experienced such proximity with elevated mountainous altitudes before. I was beyond mesmerized by the energy emanating from this chain of mountains…
The capital city of La Paz has varying elevations, ranging from 3,200 to 4,100m (10,500 to 13,500ft). Hence, adaptability was the first lesson learnt on the field. At this altitude, my body was intensely reacting to the 50% oxygen level (?!). It was such a strange, unique feeling. It is hard to describe with words the effects of less oxygen on my body.
Throughout that summer, I learned to speak Spanish, I enjoyed working with the children, I made new Bolivian friends, I discovered the bustling city of La Paz, I witnessed a heap of manifestations in the streets, I sipped the famous tea el mate de coca (made from coca leaves), I hiked several mountains, I visited the beautiful Inca influenced island: Isla del Sol (where there are no motor vehicles or paved roads), I smiled at friendly alpacas, I offered dynamite + cigarettes to the young employees of the Potosi Mines, I discovered the incredible salt flat: Salar de Uyuni.
What an unbelievable summer! It exceeded all of my expectations! It represented much more than an elective university course.
At that moment in time, standing in the middle of the streets of La Paz, with the breathtaking blue sky, I KNEW with all of my heart that I wished to travel for a living! I loved, loved, LOVED living & working abroad!!! I had found a new passion: international development work. I could picture myself traveling to diverse countries, learning new languages & making new friends while simultaneously contributing to community projects. It was the perfect fit! I thought to myself ‘this is the beginning of an incredible life chapter for me ’.
And so it was…
5. Do you have a travel mantra?
My travel mantra… I assume it would be to connect & respect the local populations in the country that I am visiting or living in.
As an international soul (as I like to declare myself), it is very important for me to sense & feel the lifestyles of the populations. When I live abroad or travel somewhere, it is essential for me to share & connect with places and people.
In my eyes, the richness of international traveling is held within the exchanges between me and the people or the environment. This explains why I love to live & work abroad as opposed to punctually experience sightseeing or tourism.
6. If you could spontaneously pack up tomorrow and head anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do?
My next destination would be Asia. I would go to 2 countries I have never been before.
I would firstly fly to the island of Bali, in Indonesia. This island seems very spiritual & zen. The beaches, the culture, the traditions, the language, its people, everything inspires me about Bali! I would spend time discovering the island’s treasures and enjoy the beautiful beaches. I would probably opt for a yoga retreat, eat healthy delicious foods and experience the Balinese vibe. (I have been wishing to go to Bali for over 20 years now…)
Secondly, I would fly to Chennai, in India. Why Chennai specifically? To spend time at the ashram and meet my wonderful spiritual guide/guru/Master! I would spend as much time as possible to take time out, benefit from this exceptional spiritual environment, and focus on my meditation practice.
The ashram holds space for 10, 000 people to meditate at once. How amazing must that be, to meditate surrounded by 10, 000 other souls… It will be a rejuvenating, inspiring experience!
I would like to share advice for the travelers of this world …
From my different travel experiences, there is one important element that I find has always benefited me and is to be considered before embarking on an international journey to ensure fulfillment & satisfaction… that is to identify the purpose of your travels.
This may seem trivial, but I assure you it is not. Throughout my travels, I have met fellow travelers that have not had such successful travels because of not considering their initial purpose for traveling (especially those traveling in pairs or with their partner or in groups). I have even witnessed couples/groups separate and stop being friends because they had not initially considered each person’s purpose to travel.
The idea is not to have the exact same tastes or interests for everything, but it is to see if your interests converge overall or not. For instance, if your best friend wishes to accompany you on a European Tour and your purpose is to see as many museums as possible and to visit historic sites whereas his/her purpose is to party as much as possible, enjoy the nightlife and meet new friends without caring too much about history, then the probability of your trip being a success might be jeopardized.
Thus, the next time you are planning a trip, I suggest you ask yourself: what do I wish to gain from this experience? What am I seeking for? Why do I wish to travel to X place/country? Is the purpose of your travel to be distracted? To learn a new language? To taste different foods? To make new friends? To see as many sites as possible? Etc. The clearer you are on your traveling purpose(s), the easier it will be to experience a trip that best corresponds to YOU. (Rest assured, no matter how much planning you do in advance, there will always be room for unpredictable adventures & anecdotes)
Each week, during the month of July, I’m interviewing and featuring world travelers whose adventurous spirits inspire us to keep exploring and experiencing the world. This week, I’d like to introduce- Kyle Foster!
1. Tell us about yourself!
Peace, First of all I would like to give honor to this venue as well the host, a comrade, Mrs. Sojourner Walker-Williams as she is representing here in this blog the voice of thousands of young travelers, volunteers, and curious cats who are doing fantastic things outside of their countries of origin. Here reporting to you live, I am Kyle Fernando Foster-El. I am a Moorish American rather a descendant of the Indigenous Moors whom inhabited the North Western and South Western Shores of Amexem, the true divine name for Africa - currently America : ) There is a wealth of knowledge and information for any person who would dare to embark upon that journey, but this is not the venue for that particular discourse however it describes the most essential details of me.
2.Where do you currently live?
Kobe, Japan.
3.What is the first country you traveled to internationally? What were your impressions?
The first country I traveled to internationally, I would say Moçambique. I had the chance to travel to Canada twice but, sure that doesn't count. There aren't enough words in the young english language or any other for that matter, that can describe the impressions that I received in Africa. As an international volunteer, which was my experience, or for any other reason one goes on an expedition; to have the first experience be in Africa - priceless. The land of the origin of everything. I recall the journey from the airport; the cool African jazz playing and the accent of the Cabby, just like in the movies. I remember checking into my hotel in Johannesburg during the night and immediately throwing my bags down on the bed and kicking my shoes off so that I could go outside and let my feet touch the African soil. Wow! And the people, what can I say.
4.When did you first realize you were bitten by the travel bug?
Well growing up as a "military kid" I would say that I have always been accustomed to bouncing around ,the US at least; including passing my childhood in Hawaii (super cool : ) You know it's kind of strange too because though I have been known throughout my circle of friends as "the traveler", when I am home with family I spend a lot of time in the house. So ironically, yes I am actually a home body.
5.Do you have a travel mantra?
I do, firstly for my trips I always try to book a window seat, as I feel the need to see what goes on outside the plane at all times; I'm watching the loading crew, the runway, the skies, as if to make sure all is well. Then once the plane is at the start of the run-way getting ready to accelerate into take off, I sit in an upright meditative position, hands clasped in my lap. I then commence to recite the words from my M.A.P (my Moorish American Prayer) - while envisioning a smooth flight and safe arrival to my destination. Simple but effective.
6.If you could spontaneously pack up tomorrow and head anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do?
Wow! At this juncture in my life, I am seeking out meetings with remarkable women and men who can help me in my striving for personal development and all that good stuff. So I would have to say I'd love to spend time in a monastery in the mountains of Asia, maybe in China or Tibet. I've heard of an interesting one in Datong, China, but I think I'd prefer one more tucked away in the wilderness. I could receive some of the richest impressions there with those Shamans and Pious men of the hills and I'm sure I'd find serenity partaking in their daily rituals and routines while in that ambient; a chance to just take in all the secluded tranquility of the peaks and valleys. Maybe I'd find myself trying to levitate or produce a fire ball through my Qi energy or something : ) Okay okay okay I know that may seem a bit far fetched for many but hey I'm still a dreamer.
Each week, during the month of July, I’m interviewing and featuring world travelers whose adventurous spirits inspire us to keep exploring and experiencing the world. This week, I’d like to introduce- Tracy Mayflower Sayer!
1.Tell us about yourself!
My name is Tracy Mayflower Sayre and I was born in New York. I'm the creator of The HeSo Project. HeSo is short for heart and soul, and it's a blog dedicated to following dreams and encouraging others to live a heso-filled life.
2.Where do you currently live and what is your occupation?
I live in Long Island City, Queens and my current job title is Director of Public Relations at The Wellness Center of NY.
3.What is the first country you traveled to internationally? What were your impressions?
When I was young, we traveled a lot internationally, but the first place that had a huge impact on me was Nicaragua. I started going there when I was twelve with an organization called Bridges to Community. We went there to help build houses and schools, but we always spent a few days touring Managua, the capital, and other tourist sights. I was amazed by the lush rain forests and pristine beaches. I was touched by the welcoming people who would give you their only shirt if you complimented it. I was humbled by how rich their lives seemed in the face of poverty; the people I met truly valued family, community and friendship. This was the first I realized that my life wasn't normal. I went back ten times because I loved this country so much, and it was inspiring to watch it develop through the years.
4.When did you first realize you were bitten by the travel bug?
When I was backpacking through Europe with my friend, Molly. It was an incredibly liberating feeling to have everything you need on your back. We could take a two hour train ride and be in a new country, with a new language and culture. There was so much to take in, and since I studied art history, it was great to see in-person paintings, sculptures and buildings that I had studied back in Baltimore. Also, when you're backpacking you meet so many people. Just staying in a hostel, you're surrounded by travelers who are just as interested and passionate about seeing the world. Strangers hear your exotic American accent and strike up conversations with you. In Vienna, a Hasidic Jewish family invited us over for dinner. They had nine children. We stayed up until the wee hours of the night eating and singing songs. It was one of my most memorable dinners.
5.Do you have a travel mantra?
Get out of your comfort zone. If you see a great discount for a flight, buy it now, and question it later. Eat the foods you don't recognize. If you meet someone on the beach, and they offer to take you on a boat ride, go! One of the things I notice when I travel is that there is a huge sense of fear and skepticism of strangers that exists in the States. I've had people run after me to return the purse I left behind. I'm still friends with people I met when I was hitchhiking in Mozambique. A man walked with us for an hour to help us find our hotel in Morocco. I've learned that strangers are more often than not, trustworthy. So just say yes whenever you're given an opportunity.
6. If you could spontaneously pack up tomorrow and head anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do?
I was mesmerized by the cinematography of Motorcycle Diaries. That's the movie of Che Guevera's motorcycle ride around South America. I would love to recreate that trip.
One thing I would like to add: There seems to be two types of travelers: people who want to take America with them, and people who embrace culture shock. It's important to determine which type you are because it will save you a lot of expensive grief. I love the confusion of a crowded market place where I don't understand the language and everything is mysterious and a little scary. This is some people's idea of a nightmare. If this is not your thing, then you'll waste your money visiting Turkey. There is so much to see in America that if you prefer comfort and convenience, travel domestically. International cruises are also a good way of being able to see the world, but still maintaining a comfortable and familiar lifestyle.
Each week, during the month of July, I’m interviewing and featuring world travelers whose adventurous spirits inspire us to keep exploring and experiencing the world. This week, I’d like to introduce- Akisha Pearman!
1.Tell us about yourself!
My name is Akisha Pearman and I was born in Norwich, New York but my family moved a lot up and down the East coast (My father was a college coach) as I grew up.When people ask me where I am from I usually say Charlotte, North Carolina, not because I feel any connection to it, but because it is where my family is now. I honestly think moving so much as a child influenced how I live my life the way I do today, traveling and living outside of the US.Both of my parents are educators so that had a significant influence on my career choice and desire to use my privilege to affect others in a positive way.I got a Bachelors in English and Spanish Lit and then went off and served in the Peace Corps in Madagascar and Mozambique as an English as a foreign language teacher.After that I went to Korea for a year and a half to teach (and make money…living as a volunteer was fun but I couldn’t live that way anymore).And after Korea I went back to the States to get my Masters in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages).I needed to get back on the road…no…plane, so I was lucky to get fellowships from the US State Department (called the English Language Fellows Program) and got to go back to Mozambique (where I met Sojo!!) and taught English for specific purposes at a tourism college, and got to go to Angola and worked as an English teacher trainer.Now I am in South Africa.I had to give teaching up for a while to avoid burnout but I will go back to it in some way soon.It has proven to be a great profession to do what I love, work with people I care about, be able to live and experience culture, and travel around.I am taking a course in Higher Education Studies at the University of Cape Town.Fhhhew!Is that enough?
2.What is the first country you traveled to internationally? What were your impressions?
The first time I had to use my passport I went to Spain to study abroad at the University of Sevilla for the year.I remember being so scared because although I was independent and had gone to college 12 hours away from home, I had never actually been on my own so far away.And I was going to stay there for a whole year.Finances dictated that.I stood in that weird capsule tunnel passageway at JFK (does it still exist??!!) and walked into my fear.When I got to Spain, it seems so silly to say, but the first outstanding impression I remember to this day was the fact that everyone was speaking Spanish there…and all the signs were in Spanish.My mom is Puerto Rican and my grandmother spoke to us in Spanish but we responded in English so Newyoricans were part of a culture I knew, Spaniards were not.I found Southern Spain a fascinating place.The mix of cultures, from the Romans to the Moors, is found everywhere from the architecture, to the food, to the people, to the language they speak.I dove into the culture taking classes about Islamic art, learning to dance Sevillanas (a 4 part Flamenco partner dance), exploring the vibrant tapas culture, and so many other things.What I had trouble with , though, was finding close Spanish friends.My host family was wonderful and I keep in touch with them until this day, but I found making friends in Spain (that lasted longer than a night of dancing at a club and drinking in a plaza) to be really difficult.My closest friends became 4 American girls that were in my program.
3.When did you first realize you were bitten by the travel bug?
It was when I went back home to the US from Spain.I realized that I missed the feeling of being uncomfortable.I missed those opportunities to learn in an unfamiliar place.I missed being forced to speak a different language.I missed being challenged about how I see the world on a daily basis.My upbringing made that discomfort of moving and having to start a new life over and over something normal for me so I have continued to get bitten by the bug.
4.Do you have a travel mantra?
I don’t know where I first heard it or who said it to me but its “change of place + change of space = change of perspective”.Even if its just going to a new neighborhood in your hometown.Travel can transform how you see the world.
5.If you could spontaneously pack up tomorrow and head anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do?
I would go to Mozambique island in the Northern region of Mozambique.It’s a tiny little island that used to be the capital of Mozambique during slavery times.Slave ships actually docked there and did business.It is another one of those fascinating crossroads places I adore: the food, the people, the architecture, the music.My favorite thing to do there is sleep or read all day in a guest house and wander the silent, ancient streets at night by moonlight.I would go there tomorrow if I could.
Each week, during the month of July, I'm interviewing and featuring world travelers whose adventurous spirits inspire us to keep exploring and experiencing the world. This week, I'd like to introduce Cyndi Rebelo.
2.Where do you currently live and what is your occupation?
Boston, MA- Program Coordinator at Earthwatch Instititute
3.What is the first country you traveled to internationally? What were your impressions?
My parents are from Portugal, so I started traveling internationally when I was 3. It was part of our lives to spend a month in the countryside of Portugal every few years. During a trip when I was 15, I really started to notice the concept of culture and became more interested in my heritage and learning Portuguese more fluently. I was not only struck by the differences between Portugal and the US, but the differences between country life and suburban life. The daily routine was so different than our lives back home. It was not only exciting, but I have memories that I will carry with me forever.
4.When did you first realize you were bitten by the travel bug?
I realized that I was bitten by the travel bug when I was 18 and on my first international trip without my parents. I decided to go to Peru to do volunteer work for three weeks. Everything was so new and I was completely out of my comfort zone. I was inspired and moved by the community I was working with. I loved every minute of it and when I returned home I couldn’t think or talk about anything else. I changed my major to International Studies that summer and haven’t looked back.
5.Do you have a travel mantra?
Good question…I guess my mantra would be “make it happen”. A lot of people tell me that they wish they could travel like I do, or tell me how lucky I am. I just decided to make it part of my life. There are a lot of factors involved with traveling (time, money, family), but I really feel like if you have a dream to travel, you can find a way to make it happen in a way that works for you. Not all travel has to be international or for weeks at a time. There are so many things that we haven’t seen in our own backyards.
6.If you could spontaneously pack up tomorrow and head anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do?
To be honest, I’ve had a dream to do a cross-country road trip in the US. I tried to do it once but my car broke down when I reached the Mississippi River! I would love to take two or three months to explore the states…not sure when I will have the chance again but this is a must!
Each week, during the month of July, I'm interviewing and featuring world travelers whose adventurous spirits inspire us to keep exploring and experiencing the world. This week, I'd like to introduce my first Sojourner Feature- jazz trombonist Mark Williams.
2.Where do you currently live and what is your occupation?
I live in Brooklyn, New York and I'm a musician. I play the bass trombone with the Count Basie Orchestra.
3.What is the first country you traveled to internationally? What were your impressions?
Poland-I was startled by the fact that I did not see anybody else that looked like me in Poland. That's a lot for a kid from Brooklyn to digest on his first trip outside of the US.
4.When did you first realize you were bitten by the travel bug?
I first realized I had the travel bug in high school when my band director bragged about all of the wonderful places that music allowed him to see and experience.
5.Do you have a travel mantra?
I guess that it's best not to plan, just experience.
6.If you could spontaneously pack up tomorrow and head anywhere in the world, where would you go and what would you do?
