“I dove in The Great Barrier Reef,” is a prestigious statement that only a select few lucky people in the world can say is true. Well, all 3 of our divers passed their open water certification and are now part of the population that can say this statement. While I, unfortunately, was not one of the divers, I still had an amazing 2 days out on the reef snorkeling with… Read More
The first surprise came upon arrival to CVA, when we were split into two pre-determined groups that we would then remain with for the week at Conservation Volunteers Australia. One group headed up to the Atherton Tablelands, to care for young trees by weeding and fertilizing, in the hope that when they reach maturity they would replenish parts of rainforest that once existed. Additionally, this would make new routes for… Read More
During the past week we were given three free days in Cairns Australia. All though these were supposed to be seen as days to get some relaxing in, we packed them full of fun activities, including an awesome road trip. We arrived to Cairns late at night and many of snuggled into bed, while a few of us ventured out into the city to find the night market. The next… Read More
A belated post from the yoga farm:
!Buenos Dias familia y amigos!
It’s been another amazing week here in Guatemala. This last Saturday (11/21), we arrived at the Mystical Yoga Farm for a week of reflection, relaxation, and what we like to call, “hippie training”. At a location only accessible by small boat, or “lancha”, this farm settled on the shore of Lago Atitlan can be described as nothing if… Read More
To all of the families and friends awaiting our ten beloved chicos,
We’ve just bid the sleepy, smiling faces of our wacky and wonderful group ‘hasta luego’ at the Lima airport, where they’ve started their long journey home to you. As a few guys mentioned in previous posts, we conquered many a mountain on our Salkantay trek, which rewarded us with spectacular vistas, sore legs, and a final treat of… Read More
We just got word from Alison and Simon, our extraordinary Overseas Educators, that the entire group is safely on their flight and currently in the air on their way home.
The semester is officially over, and to all of the friends and families of the Kifaru students – a huge thank you for your ongoing support. It’s been an honor working with each of you, with the students, and with… Read More
Nkula is on the way home!
Brooke and Jonathan just let me know that the group passed smoothly through security and are about to board their outbound flights. Here at HQ we are so grateful to the families and friends of the Nkula students for their ongoing support, and especially grateful to Brooke, Jonathan, and each of the students for such a successful semester.
Please enjoy this final note from… Read More
We’ve received word that the mighty Shiva group has checked in to the airport. They are on their way to their respective homes. Traveling mercies to you all. Thanks for making this a fantastic semester.… Read More
We’ve received word that the mighty Shanti group has checked in to the airport. They are on their way to their respective homes. Traveling mercies to you all. Thanks for making this a fantastic semester.… Read More
Thank you, India, for letting me squeeze into your overcrowded population for the past 3 months. You have taught me more than I dreamed possible when I landed in Delhi. You have opened my eyes to new cultures, new beliefs, and new perspectives. Thank you for teaching me that life never goes as planned and that an open mind and flexible attitude can get one through almost anything. You taught… Read More
This morning I feel grateful for opportunity. My parents, who worked hard to be where they are at, have provided me with the opportunity to pay for this trip, and the support and encouragement to take a different path then most. My anthropology teacher, Mr. Lopilato, who introduced me to the possibility of a gap year, and the wonders of India. My leaders and my group, who gave me the… Read More
Until we humans reach a certain age (which all of us Carpe students have yet to reach), we are essentially leaches siphoning society’s resources and offering nothing in return. The more and more clearly I begin to see this, the greater sense of duty I feel towards my species, which has come incredibly far to provide me with the comforts and opportunities I take for granted every day.
The nozzle… Read More
The last day of latitudes orientation in Portland, the day we left for India, these words were swirling around in my head:
I am grateful to be
Heart beating, lungs breathing
So joyus and free
And even though the hard times are all around me,
I am grateful to be.
Like the birds in the sky
Like a dragonfly
And even like the trees all shimmering and free,
I am… Read More
Wow. I’m sitting here trying to find the words. There aren’t enough words I can possibly use to explain this experience, this feeling, this love that I’ve gained through this trip. Whenever I read back through my journal entries I’m so baffled at everything I’ve done and who I was when I did them. I know the saying is so cliche but I honestly feel that I’ve come such a… Read More
Dear parents,
Your baby birds are flying back to the nest!
All students made it through final goodbyes with some tears and lots of hugs. Look forward to a follow up from Brett and Alisha soon.
Give them lots of love when you see them!… Read More
Inti´s South America semester´s days have come to a rich end. After all the learning, growing, and experiencing that we´ve done, a hike to Machu Picchu was poised as the cap to our 3 months. After all, the site is a wonder of the world.
We began our 5 day trek at the trailhead of the Salkantay path. While most tourists head through the famous Incan Trail, we followed the… Read More
The group was all packed up that night and ready for an early 5:00 am wake up when we got the news that a city wide transportation strike would delay our departure 24 hours. So one day after our intended departure we boarded a bus and rode two hours to the head of the Salkantay Trail and began hiking. Salkantay means ”Wild Mountain” in Quechua and on the first leg… Read More
Dear Family and Friends,
This past week, we have been on Zanzibar in Stonetown. When we arrived here, we went to see the historic slave market. That was very tough because the slaves were kept in horrible conditions. They were kept in this small room, waiting to be auctioned off.
The same day, we went on a spice tour as well! Everything we touched was edible. It was a kid’s… Read More
Hey guys!
This past week consisted mainly of getting scuba certified and group travel. It was extremely rewarding and a ton of fun!
We have finished our time one the beautiful Phu Quoc island with tan complexions and peeling skin. You might wonder how we might have gotten ourselves in such a predicament, well it all started when our group got open water scuba certified. After a six hour safety… Read More
