Welcome

I have a lot of meaningful experiences that I have kept to myself. I have been hesitant to start a "blog" though. The idea of someone reading my personal thoughts and opinions seems invasive and just too public. In fact, I don't even care for that word, "blog." It sounds ugly. Despite my distaste for the word and the concept, I realized that most people will never experience what I have experienced and will never have the opportunity to see what I have seen in this world. I feel it is time to share these experiences in hopes of inspiring and educating others. So, I invite you to read about my travels and my personal reflections. I invite you to see the world through my eyes.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."  -Margaret Mead

Journey to Colombia: Wellness with the Xol Foundation

As part of a service trip with the Xol Foundation, I was invited to attend and be a part of a community wellness day in one of the villages outside of Cali, Colombia set high in the mountains.

Why I Booked a Last-Minute Trip to Peru and How You Can Too

I never imagined I’d end up in Peru this way. I never thought that I’d book a last-minute flight and travel alone to hike 75 kilometers to Machu Picchu. But I suppose death has an interesting way of bringing new meaning to life. A couple of weeks before I boarded a plane to Cusco last year, my cat suddenly died. He was only seven years old. Out of all my relationships, I never imagined that my greatest love would be with a tuxedo cat named Antonio. Tony was the family pet and a beloved family member. It's amazing how much you can love an animal.

I always wanted to go to Peru and hike up to Machu Picchu. Since there is no time like the present, I set out to make it happen with only a week to plan. Seize the moment, right? I bought my flight on a Friday and went the following week. You can only spend so much time talking about doing something, rather than just doing it. So, I finally booked it. Here's how I made it happen:

Book Flights

It can be intimidating to book a flight without knowing what you'll be doing, but buying the ticket solidifies your plans. I booked a return ticket with Spirit Air from Ft. Lauderdale to Lima for $320. I got lucky. Then, I booked a local flight to Cusco with LCPeru for $109. You can probably find local flights cheaper if you book in advance.

Pack

Pack lightly. For most hiking treks, you can only take 5 kilos with you. Here are a few essentials I packed:

• Lightweight, versatile clothing (i.e. anything from Lululemon)

• Warm clothing (coat, hat, gloves)

• Bathing suit for the hot springs

• 25L backpack for the trek that will hold your things for the day.

• Cameras: iPhone, a small Sony digital camera, and my Canon Rebel T2i DSLR.

• Snacks: Vega One bars, cough drops, gum, and some nuts. Snacks were provided on the trek though and I found other items in Cusco.

If you forget anything, you can rent or buy all of it in Cusco.

What I Wish I Packed: Moleskin. Despite wearing broken in hiking boots, I got terrible blisters on my feet and moleskin could have saved me hours of pain.

Find Accommodation: AirBnB and Yoga Centers

Lima: Most flights from the USA have a long layover in Lima if you're going on to Cusco. Many tourists spend the night in the airport, but I wanted to get some rest since I had 8 hours until my next flight.

I booked an AirBnB room at Mama's Hostel just outside of the airport. I admit, I was a bit nervous to leave the airport with some taxi driver who spoke no English. I arranged the taxi with the hostel and everything was fine. The owner was a sweet little Peruvian lady who spoke no English. My Spanish was incredibly rusty, but I managed to speak to her through hand gestures, constant nodding, and broken Spanish. It was under $20 for the night, which included breakfast. She also arranged transport back to the airport.

Cusco: I love to connect with yoga communities when I travel, so I stayed at the Healing House Cusco in the art district of San Blas in a single room with shared bathroom. Breakfast wasn't included, but yoga classes were (if you stay more than two nights). There are also farmer's markets within walking distance. This was a perfect place to stay: no nonsense, great location, and wonderful people. I felt completely at home and I loved the neighborhood. San Blas has a ton of cafés and vegan restaurants (Green Point was my favorite).

Find a Tour Operator

Cusco has a tour operator on every street corner offering trips to Machu Picchu (pronounced Ma-chu Pick-chu). I researched tour companies before I left, but I didn't book anything until I arrived. There are actually many trails you can book. The Inca trail is the most popular and also the most expensive. That can take months to half a year to book in advance.

Since I didn't plan, I found the Salkantay Trek, which looked equally as impressive. This trek was 5 days/4 nights and the highlight of it was passing through Salkantay (savage) Mountain. I visited different tour operators in the main square and found Marvelous Peru based on a recommendation from a tour I did the day before. The price ($250 in 2016) included the trek (accommodation and vegan food), sleeping bag, transport, and all entrance fees.

Hike the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Day 1 - Humantay Lake

Starting at 5am, the tour company picked me up and we headed to the starting point of the trek. The first impressive site was Humantay lake, a pristine lake at the base of the mountain. It was a struggle to hike up to it because of the altitude, but one of the most beautiful places I've seen.

Day 2 - Salkantay Mountain

Another early morning, this was the longest and most difficult day. I've never really hiked that much before, but it was an incredible feeling to make it to 4600 meters above sea level without dying. Salktanay means "savage" in the Quechua language. I can see why.

Day 3 - Jungle Hike and Hot Springs

What's so interesting about this hike is the diverse landscape each day presents. One day I crossed snow covered mountains and the next I was hiking through dense green forests. I was thankful I paid for walking poles because the hike down the mountain was hard on my knees. They cost around $30 and you can rent them in Cusco.  This was the day to also bring out the insect repellant.

@journeysforthesoul

Day 4 - Zip Lining and Aguas Calientes

I've zip lined before in Costa Rica and it's just not for me. So, I opted out of this activity and watched the others fly by. After, we made it to the base town of Aguas Calientes. It was the first time I had a real shower in four days. Tip: Make sure you have a nice clean pair of clothes for Machu Picchu. You don't want to spend the last day in smelly clothing.

Day 5 - Machu Picchu

I spent the final day of the trek visiting Machu Picchu. Because my feet were so sore from the hike, I waited in line by 6am, along with hundreds of other people, to take a bus up to Machu Picchu instead of hiking up the stairs. The cost was $24 return trip, and oh so worth it. Unfortunately, it rained most of the day until 4pm. It was the only day that week that it rained, so it's hit or miss. Luckily, the sky cleared around 4pm and I was able to enjoy the views. I'm so glad I bought a rain poncho. It saved my life on the trek.

@journeysforthesoul

Samantha Reynolds

@journeysforthesoul

The rain finally stopped and I sat on the mountain looking at these ancient Inca ruins. I took my phone out to look at a picture of my cat Tony.

I had always wanted to hike to Machu Picchu. Before my cat, Tony’s death, I imagined I would go when I had more money, more stability, or a travel partner. I created these rules in my mind thinking I’d have time for it later when I’d be safer and more secure. I realized though that the only time is now, not yesterday not tomorrow. Now. There may not be another day or another year.

Whether it is a pet, family, friend, you never know when it'll be the last time you see them. The same applies to everything in life. All is transient and the only one thing for certain is death. When you understand death, you understand how to live.

I realized you can live today as day one or you can live it one day. It's your choice. It took a small black and white cat to remind me that.

Let your journey begin.

Peace,

How Rwanda Taught Me the Meaning of Forgiveness

I woke up thinking about Rwanda, a place I used to call home and to some extent, I still do.  April 7 marked twenty two years after the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. Almost one million people were brutally murdered in that small landlocked country in the heart of Africa. To this day when I share my story about living in Rwanda, most people either seem bewildered or terrified. Quite honestly, I never felt scared to live in Rwanda. In fact, I think of this country not as the Land of a Thousand Hills, but the Land of a Thousand Smiles. I felt an overwhelming sense of generosity and respect unlike anywhere I've ever felt before. Kwibuka meaning, to remember, in Kinyarwanda, is the nation's theme for the commemoration. Not only do Rwandans come together to remember, but they focus on unity and renewal for a better life, a more peaceful life. The progress that Rwanda has undergone since 1994 is unparalleled to anything I've ever witnessed. It's truly remarkable the sense of community that I felt when living in the the country. For example, every last Saturday of the month people gather to perform umuganda, or community service. Neighbors help out in their communities, build homes, and clean the streets (Kigali is known to be the cleanest African capital). I was in awe of the level of peace that I felt in the country and I often wondered, "how?" How could a post-genocide nation achieve this level of peace in such a short time span?  There could be a number of viable answers, but one that always comes to mind is forgiveness.

Webster's dictionary defines forgiveness as, "to stop feeling anger toward someone for doing something wrong."  But it's much more than that. It's about the willingness to achieve inner peace despite past circumstances and external factors. Forgiveness doesn't mean condoning someone else's behavior or giving a free pass. It's about being in choice, and choosing to live a life with more freedom and happiness.

Rwanda's people a true testament of the power of forgiveness. These past few days, I've been reading stories of former victims and murderers living side by side in peace. I reflect on the people I've met who have overcome and atrocities beyond imagination.

I'm not implying that hatred or animosity doesn't still exist in Rwanda. I'm sure it does like anywhere else. But the Rwanda I know today is beautiful. Its people are kind, gracious, and respectful. The Rwanda I know is strong. They embrace the present moment and create possibilities that didn't exist before.

I think about my Rwandan friends and family often, and the lessons that they unknowingly shared with me. I never really understood what it meant to forgive until I lived there. I didn't realize that forgiveness meant freedom. For that, I'm forever grateful. As Rwanda embarks on its 100 day mourning period, I'm embarking on 100 days of gratitude for having the privilege to live and work in a place of peace, love, and hope. To the people of Rwanda, you inspire me to be a better human. With all of my heart, Murakoze cyane (thank you).

Top 25 Most Memorable Moments: My Year at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village

This past year I spent my time at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village in Rwanda as a 2014 Fellow. You may wonder what it exactly means to be a fellow. For many, this idea of volunteering in "Africa" is an escape from the “real world.” Some may even think that I took a year off. Wrong. Having worked since I was 16 years old, I can say with confidence that this has been the most challenging and most important line of work that I have done. No, I did not perform open-heart surgery, but I did work with 500 orphaned and vulnerable teens from the ages of 15-22 years. Stress, emotional trauma, financial constraints, death, power outages, water cuts, disease, and cultural differences are but a few challenges that I have encountered this past year. As I begin to think about the next phase of my life, I realize that I have experienced it all within one year at ASYV. This hasn’t been a year off, rather, as one fellow traveler put it, it has been my “year on.” For the past eleven months, I have done everything from making beds before the new students arrived to greeting the Prime Minister of Norway for the ceremonial opening of the solar field, the first in East Africa, located on ASYV property. Not only did the scope of work vary, but also the intensity of it ranged from chaotic to quiet. I loved every minute it.

As I write this now, I cannot believe that I no longer reside at ASYV. As soon as I left those gates, the whole year is now a collection of memories, experiences, new friendships and family. The ASYV graduates always say that one can never leave Agahozo-Shalom, but Agahozo-Shalom lives within you. They were right. I may be getting on a plane in a few minutes, but I have gained a new home, and more importantly, new family members.

Here is a list of the top 25 most memorable moments as an Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village Fellow:

1. Spending Christmas in Gisenyi. Before the new students arrived, we went to Gisenyi on Lake Kivu for a few days to relax and spend the holiday.

2. Meeting the new students for the first time and becoming part of the Aloysie Inyumba family. Aloysie Inyumba (1962-2012) was the Minister for Gender and Family Promotion up until her death. She was best known for her hard work as an RPF leader during the Genocide Against the Tutsi and her commitment to rebuilding Rwanda. 

3. Celebrating the New Year at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village (ASYV) with 128 new kids.

 4. Being told, “When I see you, I love you” from one of the girls in my family.

5. Discovering $.30 pineapples and $.04 avocados at the local market in Rubona, a short walk from Agahozo-Shalom.

6. Watching the 2nd graduation ceremony for the Class of 2013. As of 2014, ASYV has 240 graduates. 

7. Laughing with my girls for the first time.

8. Experiencing the tragic loss of the ASYV Founder and Visionary, Anne Heyman (1961-2014). 

9. Visiting my girls in their actual homes outside ASYV. ASYV staff visit the students during vacation periods to check on them and understand more about their backgrounds.

10. Commemorating 20 Years after the Genocide Against the Tutsi with Agahozo-Shalom students who were born during the Genocide.

11. Hosting the African Development Bank’s First Ladies and Spouses Event at ASYV.

12. Meeting the Prime Minister of Norway, Erna Solberg, at the opening ceremony of the first solar plant in East Africa on ASYV leased property.

13. Working on the first ASYV fundraising event in Rwanda, Stand & Be Counted Rwanda, which raised almost $100,000. Unfortunately, I didn't make it to the actual event due to an illness in the family!

14. Building my first home out of mud and water for a vulnerable family with the ASYV students through the Tikkun Olam program, Hebrew for “repairing the world.” All students learn the importance of Tikkun Olam and work on various community projects during their time at ASYV (and hopefully after).

15. Attending Village Time, a weekly talent show held every Friday in the Village led by the students.

16. Being a part of the Staff Village Time and debuting in my first parody music video from the Rwandan Urban Boyz' song "Marry Me."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h54rw786SaY

17. Driving through the countryside and seeing this beautiful place, Agahozo-Shalom, set in the rolling hills of Rwanda.

18. Having a picnic with the new grade and going on a boat ride with my family, some of whom it was their first time.

19. Receiving poems and drawings from the kids and I cherish them more than anything else.

20. Exploring Rwanda and trekking to see the endangered mountain gorillas…AGAIN!

21. Waking up to this view every morning. 

22. Gaining new friends and family.

23. Having the privilege of seeing these smiles everyday.

24. Saying goodbye (for now) to the girls whom I have grown to love this past year. 

25. Realizing that Rwanda is not just another travel destination. It is home and I certainly will be back again to visit family and friends. 

My Love Letter to Prague

Dear Prague, Exactly one year ago, I left you for a new adventure, a new life. I packed my bags and boarded a plane headed to South Africa with the destination unknown.  You were the first place that I truly felt at home after leaving my small hometown in Ohio. You were special. You meant something to me. I spent almost five years of my life living in the most magical city in the world and I wanted you to know that I never took you for granted. I loved you whole-heartedly, despite your miserable winters and endless grey days.

Since leaving last June, I  have had incredible experiences that were beyond my imagination. I dove with great white sharks. I camped under the stars in the vast Namibian plains. I lived on a game reserve and woke up to wildebeest and giraffes near my doorstep. I stayed in a bee-hive hut in Swaziland. I spent the summer exploring the English and Scottish countryside. Above all, I accepted a fellowship to work with 500 orphaned and vulnerable youth in Rwanda at the Agahozo-Shalom Youth Village.

It's funny how time goes by so quickly and how things can change so drastically. This time last year, I had no idea that I would soon have the most meaningful job of my life. I was traveling around southern Africa with not a care in the world. Now, I care for 500 teens.

As I look back on my time in Prague though, I can't help but feel joy with a hint of nostalgia. You were my first great love and I will cherish you forever. You changed me.  You let me live and explore, and I am thankful for that. I have such wonderful memories of my years in Prague and not a day goes by that I don't think about you. Yes, I think about you often. This is not goodbye forever and maybe one day I'll return, but for now, thank you for being the most beautiful, most amazing city in the world. Thank you for letting me be a part of it.

With Love,

Your faithful cizinice

Here is a list of 25 things that I miss most about Prague:

1. I miss the cobblestone streets and breathtaking architecture.

2. I miss running to catch tram 17 to get to work. I don't miss slipping and falling on the ice when running to catch the tram.

3. I miss my colleague and mentor, Jiří Holub, who always had an answer for everything, and could say it in any language (photo of us in Austria for a student field trip).

4. I miss urban art and the city galleries. Luckily, I know the awesome artist who made the Beatles painting on the John Lennon Wall!

5. I miss the first snowfall on Charles Bridge.

6. I miss the Christmas markets with svařák (hot wine).

7. I miss the first sunny day after weeks of darkness.

8. I miss the beautiful parks and Petřín Hill.

9. I miss Maitrea, one of my favorite vegetarian restaurants.

Maitrea

10. I miss my neighborhood potraviny, or mini-market, run by the Vietnamese man who hardly said two words, in Czech or English.

11. I miss hopping on a train and ending up in a foreign country in a matter of hours (photo of Berlin).

12. I miss going on day trips to the Czech Republic's charming towns, interesting sights, and historic monuments. 

13. I miss Prague's quiet and no-nonsense airport. 

14. I miss the weekend events, from gorilla charity runs to food festivals in the park. 

15. I miss wandering around the Old Town Square and meandering through the Jewish Quarter.

16. I miss the beautiful vistas of Prague. 

17. I miss the $5 entry fees to some of the most beautiful ballets, operas, and concert venues in the world.

18. I miss Prague's rebellious, freethinking attitude with its regular protests (photo of a student protest in front of my old office).

19. I miss eating smažený sýr (fried cheese) on a bitter cold day.

20. I miss Prague's spring.

21. I miss the efficient public transportation system and the clean metro stations. 

22. I miss Prague nights and taking walks when the city is illuminated.

23. I miss the randomness in Prague, like salsa dancing at a bowling alley (No, I did not partake in this event).

24. I miss Zuzana Wienerova, my former colleague and friend, an amazing woman and an inspiration to all women. 

25. Last, I miss living in the most amazing city in the world.