Discovering the World Beyond My Backyard
After graduating from High School, I knew that I did not want to take time off, but neither did I have a clear direction. I decided to attend my local Community College until I could decide on a direction. ...
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THE CALABAR VISTA
Any one visiting calabar in Nigeria would agree that it is a fine knitting of colourful, beautiful and serene environment, culture and people.There is a sharp contrast...
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Free Dheisha, Palestine
Nothing brings home the reality of oppression and injustice more than the plight of Palestinians in Israel. Since the formation of the Israeli state in 1948, Palestinians have been...
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JITLI
I was given the opportunity to not only travel to Spain and Israel, but to make a significant change in the way that Jews and Muslims approach the Arab-Israeli Conflict. As a junior in high school,...
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Week 2
With little internet access and frustration at not getting done what we need done our patience is evaporating quickly. The weather here is hot and between 12 and 7 o'clock nobody goes outside. However,...
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Saharawi Refugee Camps
First Week We awoke long after everyone else, but it was still fairly early. The family greeted us – a mother...
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Malawi Mission Trip
In 2007, the pastor at our church told us about a mission trip he was planning to Malawi, Africa which would take place in June of 2009. I was one of the first to jump on board....
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Two Days in Alexandria, Egypt, 1/2009
1/17 Helloooo from Alexandria! Internet will be limited here as we don’t get it in our hotel, so we will only be online on random early mornings when we can reach the American Center (the...
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Perspective
It was the fall of my junior year and I just found out that I would be going to Uganda...
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Iberostar – Profile Of A Family-Friendly Resort Company
Iberostar, the brand behind all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, Mexico, Spain, and other countries, has both a storied history and a high rate of approval from vacationing families.
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Dakar And Goree Island – African-American Heritage In Senegal
Dakar and the slave trade port of Goree Island, both in Senegal, are within easy reach of the U.S. and offer unforgettable experiences in cultural tourismI must confess, I’ve always thought...
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Baghdad Interrupted
Hello…as some of you know, the bombings of October 25th in Baghdad were a close call for us. The 2nd, larger bomb went off across the street from the hotel where...
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Changing Party Scene: Baghdad Year 1
So what does one actually DO in Baghdad? It’s somewhat different for those who live in the International Zone (IZ), and those who live outside. For those in IZ, it is possible to take...
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Zambia – The REAL Africa
Surrounded by the orange colored sand roads, barefoot children run as fast as they can to simply hold my hand. All at once...
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Wait where am I going?
Wait where am i going? Those were my thoughts as the plane left the runway of Dulles Airport, Virginia. I couldn't believe that I, Alyssa Girkins, would be traveling to Kigali, Rwanda with my church...
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Gandhi Quandary: Peace Leader’s Home Ignites Conflict
Last week, a number of news syndicates including BBC and UPI reported that Mahatma Gandhi’s home in Johannesburg, South Africa was sold to the French travel company, Voyageurs Du Monde. The house, which...
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South Africa’s Garden Route
Between Port Elizabeth and Cape Town, there's so much for your family to experience. Take your time and enjoy all the natural beauty, luxury accommodations and adventure that South Africa has in store.The...
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South Africa Tour Companies
If personalized service is a must for your family's South African tour, consider these three companies. Each offers flexibility and a different array of options for a more thoroughly unconventional...
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The Souks of Morocco
Find out what a souk is, and about the wonderful things that happen there, in this account of the author's visit to Morocco. The Arabic for Morocco is Al Maghrib, or, the furthest...
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Israel at 60
As the country celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2008, we have a new Israel, a surprising Israel, an Israel that was not part of the Zionist dreams of our sturdy, malaria-fighting, kibbutz-building,...
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Cape Town, South Africa
Use Cape Town as your launching point to explore the base of South Africa. There is much for families to do and see both within the city and its surrounding areas. When people think of visiting...
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Fez, Marrakech And Taroudant: Morocco A La Carte
With only a week's vacation and a spirit of adventure, families can dig deep into a thriving culture of Morocco and share it with kids, who will respond with great enthusiasm.These days, contemplating...
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Kwahri Slums and Confetti Cake
I realize that my role right now is as a youth of this world; I am an American in a comfortable place in life with opportunity beaming from my fingertips....
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Kenya’s Enticing
Your Go-To Guide for Kenya, where family-oriented tour operators combine rustic charms with natural treasures for safari-goers.Kenya is a coastal country in East Africa. Its geography is spectacular,...
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Transitions in Iraq
Since the last time I checked in I’m happy to report that my security situation has settled down. IREX and I are in the final stages of selecting the new security company, I’m hopeful that...
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The Other Side of the World
Imagine yourself flying in an airplane over the world’s largest sandbox: the Sahara Desert. That is what I did this past spring while I was on my way to Kenya. I went on a two-week mission trip...
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Guided Through Marrakech
One celebrated guide shares his experience of walking visitors through the lanes and souks of Marrakech, a kasbah in Morocco. Morocco is one of the most engaging and satisfying family destinations...
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Tel Aviv, Israel Restaurants
These family-friendly restaurants in Tel Aviv offer the best of both worlds. It goes like this. You've covered Israel. You've eaten St. Peters fish in Tiberias. You've had Shish...
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Girlfriends on the Nile: Egypt for R&R
After a few months of work in Baghdad, I was ready for a break and decided to visit Egypt with my friend Tina, who is the Baghdad Bureau Chief for the LA Times, and New York friend...
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Americans have rules, Iraqis have friends
My report, 8 weeks after the elections, still here working with journalists to promote freedom of the press in this rapidly changing country.
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Baghdad 2009 Election: Authorization Letters
I fear that will be written on my gravestone: She forgot to get a Letter of Authorization. I've been stationed in Baghdad, Iraq for several months, working with an NGO that promotes a free press...
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Two able-bodied: Letter from Baghdad 4
After a few months in Baghdad, I have just returned from a trip north to Kurdistan, to meet Benton, a fellow journalism training colleague running a different non-governmental program up there (and...
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On the Hummus Highway in Israel
Follow the Hummus Highway through Israel for delicious - and fast - Middle Eastern dining. Read about the locals' favorite hummus haunts in Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, Nazareth, Eilat and more
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Tunis And The Wonders Of Northern Tunisia
North Africa's best kept secret is whitewashed Tunis, the sophisticated Mediterranean port where Arab culture meets French chic. Welcoming more than five million tourists last year, Tunisia has slowly...
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Frog In Boiling Water: Baghdad Week 4
You know that old saw about putting a frog in water, and slowly bringing it to boil, and the frog never notices until it’s too late. Welcome to the new normal. I barely notice the sirens, choppers,...
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High Profile: Baghdad Week 2
High Profile: Baghdad Week 2 First: the backstory. I am currently in Baghdad, working as Country Director for IREX, running a very similar program here to the one I ran for them in Serbia. Only WAY...
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Golden Handcuffs: Baghdad Week 1
I’m in Baghdad with a non-governmental organization to support local Iraqi journalists tell their side of the story. This journal is just the start of my journey... The trip out was uneventful....
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Safe Travels
For most of us, travel doesn't seem dangerous. In fact, it seems kind of glamorous. It's easy to be seduced by the idea of wandering the streets of Dubai, floating in the Dead Sea, or seeing the iconic...
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A Desert Trek Across The Sahara Of Tunisia
Experience a desert journey through the north African city of Tamerza and learn what southern Tunisia offers.There’s something about the desert -- monochromatic yet shadowed and seemingly...
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Kenya Sweetwaters
Meet our neighbors at this luxury tent camp in a private game reserve in Nanyuki, Kenya; it's a wild experience for family travelers to Africa. Going on safari is typically a series of fascinating...
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Israel: Eilat And The Dead Sea
Discover the luxurious, relaxing and safe side of Israel in these exotic waterfront areas bordering the Dead Sea.Due to the recent problems in Israel, many visitors to this Mediterranean country...
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From Aswan To Luxor: Egypt Along The Nile
A cruise on the Nile River makes for an exciting - and surprisingly affordable - family trip to Egypt. Here's an account of how history can come alive when you fix in some fun...
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