How This Love Affair Came About

I thought that perhaps I should devote a post to how my love affair with the world and travel all got started. I've been writing of my adventures for two years now, but I have never really told you all how it began. So here is the 411, abbreviated.

For three consecutive spring breaks,  I went on a team to the Dominican Republic to work with Food for the Hungry, an organization devoted to ending physical and spiritual poverty around the world. Pretty cool organization, and for some reason lost to history, I jumped at the chance to go. I had not done a whole lot of traveling prior to that point, so I suppose it  was just that I was excited to get out and do something different.

Best. Trip. Ever.

Building the base of the latrine. That's me in red.

Yeah, I was building very unglamorous latrines,  it was hot as Hades, and I didn't understand much Spanish, but that is when I started to wake up to the fact that most of the world lives differently than me. I was pretty darn privileged.

It's also where I became consumed with learning Spanish. By the second or third trip, I realized that I was understanding a whole lot more between the beginning of the week until the end of the week, and assumed that if I had more time, I could be fluent. The seed was planted. I was going to learn Spanish no matter what it took.

So I moved back to West Virginia and in with.....my parents (gasp!) I was willing to do whatever it took to make this dream happen. But you should know this decision was not easy. It had been my goal since the 8th grade to break free of home, what I considered to be my oppressive parents, and hokey West Virginia.  I bolted at the earliest opportunity and flitted about Philadelphia, Atlanta and D.C doing respectable things like college and AmeriCorps.  I was pretty proud of my independence and now?  NOW?  I was willingly going back to it. 

But you know what? It really wasn't that bad. I worked two jobs, got back into playing volleyball, dated a guy with a serious alcohol problem (ummmm.........having to blow into a Breathalyzer to make the car start *should* have been a very clear red flag), and before you know it, I had enough money and was ready to jet down to Central America. Oh and my parents? It turns out they actually aren't oppressive at all. They are decent folks who just like to do a good job raising their kids.

Lago de Atitlan, Panajachel, Guatemala

Anyway, saved up my money, randomly (seriously, randomly) chose a Spanish school in Antigua, Guatemala, sent them a few emails, booked  a ticket, and two of my best friends and I showed up in Guatemala City one February morning praying and hoping someone would be there to get us.

They were. It was one of the best experiences of my life.

Cerro de la Cruz, Antigua Guatemala

We ended up traveling all over Central America, with only a few minor usual mishaps-got robbed, bribed by the police, got called a "stupid American bitch" and of course, got sick with various stomach ailments in which I was sure the end was nigh.

All in all, a very successful trip.

Asia called my name shortly after that. And the rest is history!

Copan Ruinas, Honduras

Just climbed Vulcan Pacaya

Snow Day for a Wahoo

I don't think I have worked a full 5 day work week since before Christmas. It's always something weather related. Today, it happens to be ice which never quite materialized. Either way, I am loving my new full-time career because I get to stay at home and do absolutely nothing and....still get paid! Here's the thing-for the last 6 years, I have bemoaned the winter weather because it usually meant that I wouldn't get paid. As a sub, no school=no work=no paycheck. Last year was particularly agonizing because there was two straight weeks of no school at one point. This year, I am just kicking up my heels and living the good life.

If you consider staying at home eating and watching Dr. Phil, House Hunters International, and How I Met Your Mother reruns, the good life.

I've done nothing productive at all. I haven't even thought productive thoughts.

Anyway, update on Spain: I found a place for us to stay, which was no small feat. I feel sometimes when I am on the hunt for a place to lay my head, that I have these grand dreams of the Ritz on a Super 8 budget. Or that I am looking for a spouse or something. For example, I pored over countless reviews, websites, and features of what seemed like every guesthouse and hostel in Madrid. But they just didn't feel right. I actually told myself that I would know when the right one came along-as if it was my soulmate or something. Regardless, I found "the one" and we will be on hand to check it out in person in just a few weeks.  Woohoo. It even fit the budget perfectly, and was LESS than expected. There may be hope for this euro virgin yet!

I also am currently running a contest with my students. I have titled it "Where Will Mrs. Wahoo Wander?" (No, that's not really my last name and not the actual title either).  I give them clues every day about the location of my trip and they get to guess as many times as they like. Winner gets a prize straight from Spain. The clues so far:

1) I must cross an ocean to get there
2) I have never been there (I usually like to regale them with one or two travel stories a month, so if they are actually listening to me, they know where I have already been. Listening is questionable at times.)
3) This country is 5-7 times zones ahead of the US. (Come on now, I can't make it too easy. )
4. This country spends the euro.

Thankfully, for their geography and knowledge of world time clocks and currency, all guesses are now centering around Europe. 


They seem to be having great fun with it, and that's what it's really all about it, so perhaps there will be presents a la Madrid for all 115 of them.

Oh euro, please be kind.

Federal Government Shocks and Amazes Aspiring Traveler

That's right. Here I sit, shocked and amazed.  The United States government has broken a record. No, not in spending and borrowing. (That was 2009. But since this is not a political blog, I shall keep things moving along.) In far happier record breaking moves, the Department of State has stepped up their game and apparently are moving passport applications along at a nice clippy pace.

It came last Thursday, LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AFTER I SENT IN THE APPLICATION! This is unheard of. Seriously, I should know. This is my third passport in two years. Plus the woman at the Department of State who I spoke with about this matter, practically had me convinced that Amanda would be going to Spain without me as I had not yet mailed the renewal application.  I almost did the happy dance when I saw it nestled safely inside of my mailbox-and I live on a very busy road full of lots of traffic and people who would not take kindly to the Happy Passport Dance. I promptly sent Amanda a jubilant text, confirming that I would indeed actually be going to Spain with her. Yes I know, the ticket was already bought, but really, without a valid passport, who are we kidding? 

Now, since most of you know or have picked up on how thrifty (cheap)  I am, I debated for days on whether I should buy the ticket in my maiden name, keep my "old" passport and call it a day. I did NOT want to pay the outrageous renewal fees, when my current one was just over a year old.  But then I had visions of arriving at the ticket counter, and the airline agent verifying my passport information only to find that the person listed in my old passport no longer exists! Technically, Claire Maiden Name no longer does. Sad-but the reality of name changes as well as the subject of lively banter between my husband and I. I felt he should change his name. He did not agree, even in the slightest bit.  Choosing battles is a key ingredient to a happy life, and I chose not to pursue this one.

So I have it now, in all of its pristine freshness. I hate fresh passports. What if the person looking at it thinks this is my first trip out of the country and therefore am clueless about the rest of the world? What if they  stereotype me an American who never bothers to get off the couch and do something to see how the world lives? What if......?

Better question-why do I care what the random people looking through my passport think??!!!

Must get over myself.

PS- I am spending part of today/this week trying to plan for Madrid. If you have been there and have suggestions, ALL are welcome!

Bandwagon Jumper

I've been away from the computer for a few days due to holiday cheer and all that stuff. Those of you who know me know that I'm a pretty big Scrooge around this time of year-some may even call me miserable. They wouldn't be too far off the mark, actually.

In the last week or two, I have been pondering my next post. Sometimes it can be difficult to come up with something if I am not currently on a trip, or have just completed one. As I logged on today and saw many of my fellow bloggers posts dedicated to retrospect of the year 2010, I decided not to beat them, but to join them and jump on the retrospect bandwagon. 
So here goes:

At this time last year, I was even more of a hateful Scrooge than normal. I had just come back from Tanzania, and with no trips planned, no permanent teaching job prospects, and the knowledge that my money would soon not just be mine to spend willy-nilly on overseas adventures, well, misery was my BFF.

Whew! Don't stop reading. It really does end up much happier.

 Then wedding planning really kicked into high gear, causing me to question nearly everything in life. Who I was, who he was, what on earth we were doing, and why on earth we were doing it? But then two trips popped up to restore my sanity and my faith in pushing through--The all girls bachelorette trip to Austin, Texas, and the "Of course it's a good idea to go overseas 30 days before my wedding" trip to Turkey. 

May 29th came around shortly thereafter and truly, everything did go as planned. It was a happy day-no last minute disasters, fights, or general chaotic moments. And then it was over, just like a raindrop's brief journey from the skies above. All that planning, a big splash, and then nothing left but to clean up the puddles.

We had to thank everyone, find a place to live, plan the honeymoon, go on the honeymoon, combine finances, hope I got a job, move, and work out the kinks of living together all at once. I am exhausted just reading that sentence, and I already lived it.

Everything fell into place (as things usually do) and now 7 months of marriage (tomorrow!) later we are amazed how time is speeding by us. Which brings me to Christmas. For the first time ever, we were able  to spend the day together. As per family tradition, I am always in Ohio to celebrate.  Conincidentally, this year, I did not encounter but a few shreds of my old Scrooge self. I looked and looked, but I didn't find her. A sap I certainly am not, but I can only attribute it to my wonderful husband and the life we are living together. Yep, there have been some tough moments/weeks/months, but we are learning volumes about life and each other, knowledge that can and has only increased our commitment to one another. Christmas wasn't so, so..... Scroogey with him around this year, and for that, I am grateful.

So there ya have it-a mini review of 2010. Somewhere in there I reached 50 blog posts, started writing for a local magazine, and got a full-time job as a teacher. I love it and that is the truth.

What's next? Well, just got my latest copy of Blue. Spain comes up in just about 7 weeks. Although I won't be going anywhere at all if I don't get the name in my passport changed. Just called the Department of State today and if I get it in the mail TOMORROW, I might have a chance of actually boarding the plane.

Clearly, Scrooge may be gone, but the procrastinator is still very much alive and well.

Up next: I really must change the description of this blog (the paragraph at the top). I have been pushing that off as well. Anyone want to write it for me?!!

I'm a Virgin....."Euro"peanly Speaking

As you already know from my last post, I am headed to Spain for a mini-vacation in a few months. What you don't know is this will be my first foray in the world of the euro.

I hate the euro.

Why?

Two reasons-wait, actually three.

1. At Amsterdam's Schiphol airport last year, I developed a serious need for a McDonald's Filet-o-Fish sandwich. I was on a layover from Tanzania and I had been eating goat and rice for two weeks. However tasty those items may be, I really just wanted tons of tartar sauce slathered atop a hot bun. Total cost of my sandwich, companion's sandwich, bottled water and fries to share? $27 US DOLLARS!! Yeah, I am still pretty miffed about it a year later. WHO SPENDS $27 AT McDONALDS?? Since I am already veeeery frugal by nature, this was an outrageous injustice. I wanted to choke the employee and any other nearby Europeans, but I refrained.

2.  I was at a hostel in Beijing when I overheard a conversation between two Europeans (speaking English) in the next room.  Actually, it was more squealing and shrieking than conversing. They were fairly giddy over the exchange rate of the yuan to the euro. Phrases like "This was nearly free!" and "This would cost 3x as much at home!" were bandied about and right then and there I knew I was not cut out for Euro spending countries. Granted, I bought my fair share of knock-offs and other important Chinese souvenirs, but the buying process was never without haggling and walking away. On repeat. These girls simply smirked at me when I casually injected myself into their conversation to ask if they had bargained the prices down at all. I took that as a
" Why would we need to do that when we have practically stolen these items to begin with?"

Which brings me to my final reason of hating the Euro.

3.  This currency has been the single most preventive reason I have not seen any of the things I dream to see-the Colisseum, a Greek island (any which one will do) the fjords of Norway, the Portuguese coast, or the concentration camps in Germany (is that weird? I will say no since I am a social studies teacher).  I can't afford Europe! I was in the Czech Rpublic before it was on the euro and Istanbul last May, while partially in Europe, is still lovingly spending the lira.


 I guess I've only been to first base in Europe.

My New Travel BFF is Not Actually a Person

So I have hit the mid-winter blues. It's not even December. There is one cure, and only one, for such an ailment.

Book a trip somewhere! Anywhere! Who cares!

In an effort to stave off certain mood swings brought on by winter and no trips in sight, I have done the right thing for myself and mankind. I am going to Spain. I mean, this is definitely an altruistic move on my part. Definitely. Just looking out for the welfare of others.

But anyway, on with the announcement of my New Travel BFF. It's a handy dandy little feature on kayak.com which allows you to specify your home city and then with one click of a button, a map of the world pops up and you can see airfares to tons of destinations all over the world. I am practically giddy just writing about it.

I first heard about it from the Birthday Boy (the one was responsible for the Turkey Trip. Which, incidentally, I left readers hanging after just writing Part 1 of the birthday story). I guess he felt bitten by the bug after Turkey, and was somewhat miserable, wanting to be anywhere but here. Birthday Boy stumbled across this amazing feature, and next thing I knew, he was jetting off to Italy for Thanksgiving.

Wait a minute here! I AM THE ONE WHO IS SUPPOSED TO BE ALL TRAVEL SAVVY AND KNOWS ALL THE TRADE SECRETS. Hmmmpfff.

I got over my angst rather quickly and set off to find my own travel deal. Realizing that a mere $372 from Washington D.C would get me to Madrid round trip, I pounced. No seriously, there was some pouncing. They call me Jungle Cat for short. (not really).

February it is. Madrid I shall see. And  hopefully Barcelona? Headed off with a friend and any others who care to join!

A Year Ago Today..........

..........I was frantically turning in the last of my schoolwork, adding unecessary last-minute items to my pack, sniffling over two weeks without Adam, pondering the stolen money, and finally, jamming on my shoes and comfy travel outfit in flash to hustle to Dulles Airport. Tanzania...here I come!

Well, there I went. What a blast that trip was, and a certain dream come true. I have been pondering my life in retrospect. And just so coincidentally in 8th grade this week, we are studying the early explorers of West Virginia. Perhaps not the most exciting stuff.

Or is it?

As I am lecturing this week and the kids are diligently taking notes, I realize--- these guys (and maybe a few gals) embody the very essence and spirit of travel. They were all about the adventure, the exploration, the unknown, and the excitement of a new place. Just like me!! It dawned on me after the first day of lecture-what a way to get the kids interested in what could potentially be a very dull subject. (Hey, I can't lie to you folks. I may teach it, but I don't have to love it!)

Long story short, I have just assigned them their second of four major projects this year. They are writing a journal from the perspective of one of the early explorers, with all the sordid details of mutinies, hangings, exultations, newly claimed land, and  formed alliances. Where do you think I got such an idea? Why, this blog of course! And along the way, we have discussed what it takes to travel, what kind of person just sets off into the unknown, and more importantly, what kind of traveler they think they would be, given the chance. Trust me, I am doing my part to encourage love of our globe, one WV 8th grade student at a time. To jumpstart their forming brains, I printed a post I wrote prior to Tanzania, removed some identifying details, and asked them to read and describe the traveler's attitude. They described me to a "T" and then I told them I was the author. I love a good surprise, and gauging from their reactions, it went over pretty well. I am currently awaiting their two paragraph essay entitled "What Type of Traveler Am I?" If I inspire just one kid, I have done my job.

Speaking of travel...........I have got something in the works and while I am not ready to share the details yet, it would be another dream come true! Hint: summer on a teacher's workschedule=GO GO GO!