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January 19, 2012
Leveling the Playing Field
Why I brought ten incoming college freshmen out of the city and into rural Tanzania
In 2007, the first group of Next Generation Leaders spent their summer interning at OAT. Before Alan and I began this program, we’d been giving away scholarships for quite a while—but the kids we’d support had concerns: Because they came from low-income households, how would they fit in when they got to college? “You have your own experiences,” I’d tell them. “They might be different, but they’re valuable, too.” But I began thinking about how I could level the playing field.
So I decided to take the Next Generation Leaders to Africa.
Not many entering freshmen can say they’ve been to Africa. I remember one of our 2007 students, Jason, telling me about his orientation, where he was sitting next to a student who visited London for his summer break. He asked Jason, “What did you do?”
“I went to Tanzania,” Jason replied.
To which his fellow student responded, “Where the heck is that??”
More than this, though, it gave the young leaders the opportunity to see a part of the world that has so much less than we have, but in a way, they have so much more—like a strong sense of community, especially in Kenya and Tanzania.
I was curious as to exactly what these students would take from Tanzania. What would they say was the most memorable part? To my surprise, it wasn’t the animals. It was the schools we visited, where we did community service. One of the girls in our group had been homeless. Compared to most Americans, she has nothing—yet she looked at me with tears in her eyes and said, “Harriet, I take so much for granted.” The experience of traveling can change how you look at life. It gives you a sense of appreciation, of gratitude. This is the inner beauty of Africa.
I also think there’s something cellular in our genetic wiring: When you’re in Africa, you know you’re home. It’s an amazing thing to feel—the continent is so different, but you feel so very at home.
Where have you felt most at home in your travels? Is it Africa, like Ann Barkley shares in this month’s Traveler Story? Or somewhere else in the world? Tell me about it in an email—or share your thoughts in the comments.
Harriet Lewis
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December 15, 2011
Looking back: Our favorite traveler stories
I take notes when I travel, but it’s not at all organized—a scrap of paper here and there, torn from a hotel notepad. I remember my journeys more through pictures and objects—like rocks, pinecones, shells, and sand. I brought home a jar of rose jelly from Syria, where I met a family who has been making it in their home for three generations. When I open it and smell it, I am right back with these wonderful people, who create such beautiful, fragrant products from the roses that grow in the middle of a desert.
While we all have different ways of triggering our memories, I have special appreciation for travelers who have the patience to sit down and write during their trips—and I love sharing those stories here in Harriet’s Corner. As we approach the end of another year filled with new experiences, I thought it would be a perfect time to look back on some of our favorite stories submitted by our travelers. I hope they inspire you to share your own with me. (Of course, even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, that doesn’t mean you don’t have wonderful stories to tell. Email me a small tidbit, and my team will be happy to contact you and help you craft a masterpiece.)
I hope you enjoy looking back on these stories as much as I did—your words and photos always remind me of the many ways that travel has the power to impact our lives. Have a safe and happy holiday, and I’ll see you in the New Year.
Harriet Lewis
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November 22, 2011
Giving thanks: Today and every day
Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday—and not just because of the food, though I hope this year’s feast will be wonderfully gluttonous as always. For me, there’s a spiritual air that permeates the day… a feeling of reflection, gratitude, and love. In my family, we have a Thanksgiving tree. Everyone writes down what they’re thankful for and hangs it on a branch. Before the meal, we read them aloud—and then we take a moment to honor our ancestors, to think about who used to be at the table and who isn’t now, and to remember them. We feast, we laugh, we light a bonfire, and sometimes we even swim in the frigid waters of our little pond… and the spirit of the day makes every moment all the more special.
I think it’s fitting that we’re talking about Thailand today in Harriet’s Corner—because the kind of spirituality I feel on Thanksgiving is an everyday aspect of Thai life. Everywhere you go, you see little reminders that Buddhism truly is a way of life, and not just reserved for temple worship. I love the little spirit houses—beautifully decorated structures where the Thai people leave offerings for the spirits who occupy their land. And the Thai “money trees” remind me a little of my Thanksgiving tree: The branches start out empty, but are soon filled with paper baht to be offered to the local temple. It’s one of the many small and lovely ways that the Thai people show appreciation for the world they live in—and a reminder for all of us that giving thanks should be part of our everyday lives, and not just reserved for Thanksgiving.
There’s plenty more to enjoy this month in Harriet’s Corner—including a delightful story from Karen Byrne, who traveled the world as a Pan Am stewardess long before her 18 trips with OAT; and a gallery of photos from my recent trip to Syria. Plus, it’s no surprise that our team in Thailand is passionate about community service—read about their latest event.
And of course, I welcome you to email me with your stories and photos. I am always thankful to hear from you.
Harriet Lewis
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October 14, 2011
Reflections on Antarctica
I love hearing from travelers about how much they enjoy exploring the world with us—whether they write to me personally or simply share their thoughts on our website. But every once in a while, someone actually describes his or her experience in such a way that I'm transported back to that place in my memory. That was the case, recently, when I read this Traveler Review from 5-time OAT traveler Margaret Whitt of Murphy, Texas, who had this to say about her Antarctica adventure:
“… I would go again in a heartbeat. How can you explain to folks back home the feeling of being face to face with vocal inquisitive penguins that regard you as a curiosity rather than a threat or the look of the night sky filled with billions of stars since there is no light pollution or the pungent smell of slick gobs of penguin poo or the sight of enormous icebergs that dwarf your ship or the lack of sound in a vast landscape with no human interference? No photo can do justice to the landscape or wildlife that you will experience. You have to see it to believe it, and even then ...”
Alan and I aboard a Zodiac with our traveling companions, Antarctica, 1993.
I just love this review. I traveled Antarctica myself in 1993—an occasion I wrote about in my journal entry, Antarctica: Exploring with explorers. Aside from the company I enjoyed during that visit—which included my husband, Alan; our children, Charlotte and Edward; Bradford and Barbara Washburn; and Sir Edmund Hillary—I remember being awestruck by Antarctica’s crystalline white beauty … its perfect remoteness … and how the looming icebergs seemed to absorb the ocean’s deep blue color. There are places where the water is absolutely azure. It looks like the Caribbean. At one point while we were cruising Alan and I actually went in for a quick dip—that gorgeous color was so inviting. Of course, it was freezing. Not like the Caribbean.
Antarctica was also where I learned a travel tip that I still use to this day. I’m prone to seasickness, and I was very ill as we crossed the extremely rough waters of the Drake Channel (also known as “the Drake Shake,” this body of water certainly lived up to its reputation). I cautiously made my way to the ship’s bar to see if they had anything that might make me feel better. The bartender poured me a shot of Jameson whiskey, and then he gave me a small bowl of salted peanuts. He told me to drink the whiskey in one swallow, and then immediately eat the nuts. You have to understand how sick I was feeling, and the moment it dawned on me that his best advice was to drink whiskey (before he even got to the part about the peanuts) I thought I was going to be sick. But I figured, hey, I’m going to be sick anyway, so what have I got to lose? So I downed the whiskey, and tossed a handful of peanuts in my mouth, and waited.
Thirty minutes later, I was eating Thai food, feeling fine. And to this day, I always pack a small bottle of Jameson and a bag of salted peanuts no matter where I’m going … it never fails.
A memory like that one certainly stays with you, but when I think about Antarctica, what I really remember is the feeling I’d get when we were out cruising in the rubber Zodiac boats late in the day, as it was just getting dark. There was not another soul around. It was just water, ice, the stars in the sky, and us. I’d say it was a magical experience, but it was more than that … it felt spiritual to me, and made me think about my place in the world, and our place in the world …
My favorite experience was seeing the Rockhopper penguins (the region’s smallest penguins), who thrive in great numbers on Antarctica’s various islands. Hopping from rock to rock along the craggy shorelines, stealing stones from one another’s nests to augment their own, busily preparing to lay their precious eggs—I could watch their hectic routine for hours, and as a matter of fact, I did.
If you’ve ever experienced Antarctica, I invite you to share your own impressions of it by commenting below this journal entry, or simply by emailing me at harriet@oattravel.com.
Harriet Lewis
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September 16, 2011
Connecting with our First Lady
Back in July, Elaine—a friend of mine—invited me to a private fundraising lunch at her Boston-area home, where First Lady Michele Obama would be the special guest speaker. And since it was mainly a women’s event, my friend encouraged me to bring my daughter along, too—an opportunity I knew Charlotte would be excited about!
Upon arriving, we had to to be checked by security, which was understandable, and a common experience for travelers like Charlotte and me—but felt a bit odd, since I’d been to Elaine’s home in the past. But once we passed through security and entered the event, it became much more fun: The 100 or so women on hand were abuzz with chatter, greeting old friends, and anticipating the day’s special guest. I even ran into a few friends I hadn’t seen in a while, which was a real pleasure.
Politics aside, I’ve always admired smart, powerful women like Mrs. Obama—so, I really looked forward to hearing from someone who is such a great role model for girls and women in our country. And I wasn’t disappointed …
Much like the receiving line at a wedding, we stood in line to meet Mrs. Obama, who chatted briefly and shook hands with each guest. And when it was our turn, Charlotte stepped forward to greet the First Lady, who said to her: “Wow, you are beautiful!” As Charlotte’s mother, I couldn’t agree more, and hearing such a compliment from the First Lady was an unexpected surprise. After this unanticipated icebreaker, we spoke with Mrs. Obama for just a few short moments—about Africa, where she’d just gone on safari with her daughters—but I was immediately struck by her great eye contact, her warmth, and by how very present and engaged she seemed. And while I knew she was tall and lovely, I didn’t realize how much so until we stood “face-to-face.”
Soon after, we all sat down to lunch while Mrs. Obama spoke. As a wife and mother, she talked about how important her family is to her and about the challenges they faced when her husband first ran for President—and about those they still face. She told us about how they had regular “family meetings,” something Charlotte and I could really relate to, since Alan and I have always done the same thing with our family. And speaking as a politician’s wife, she made the political personal—adding that, in spite of the challenges, they “had to do this.” Overall, Mrs. Obama delivered her husband’s message well, and because she was so genuine, I could tell it was truly her message, too.
Since the event, I feel even more strongly that the First Lady really is a wonderful role model—especially for women and mothers who strive to create strong, healthy families. And looking back, I realize how much more I enjoyed the day because I shared it with Charlotte.
Continuing on a reflective note … In recognition of the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on America, I want to leave you with some inspirational words from another woman—one whose supreme humanity has made her a role model for generations of people throughout the world …
Life is an opportunity, benefit from it.
Life is beauty, admire it.
Life is bliss, taste it.
Life is a dream, realize it.
Life is a challenge, meet it.
Life is a duty, complete it.
Life is a game, play it.
Life is costly, care for it.
Life is wealth, keep it.
Life is love, enjoy it.
Life is mystery, know it.
Life is a promise, fulfill it.
Life is sorrow, overcome it.
Life is a song, sing it.
Life is a struggle, accept it.
Life is a tragedy, confront it.
Life is an adventure, dare it.
Life is luck, make it.
Life is too precious, do not destroy it.
Life is life, fight for it.
—Mother Teresa
Have you ever met a female leader—well-known or otherwise—who exceeded your expectations in some way? If so, I’d love to hear more about the occasion. You can share your thoughts, experiences—and photos, if you have them—with others, by posting your comments below this Journal entry. In the coming weeks, we’ll be spotlighting Chile, Argentina, and Antarctica. If you’ve explored these destinations with OAT, I hope you’ll send your stories and photos to me at harriet@oattravel.com.
Harriet Lewis
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August 19, 2011
The more things change, the more they become the same ...
The other day, someone asked me about my “travel philosophy”—part of which is that, as travelers, we should get out and visit locales we really want to see before change and modernization make them all too much alike. And when she asked what I meant, I cited Turkey as an example of this phenomenon ...
When I first traveled to Turkey in the 1970s with several girlfriends, I remember taking a ferry along the Bosphorus in Istanbul (aka the Istanbul Strait)—which joins the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara and marks the line between Asia and Europe (and the respective parts of this Eurasian crossroads of east and west). At that time, the lushly green landscapes along the strait were rural and quite scenic, although Istanbul was already a major city.
But when I returned there again in 2005, several decades later, I was very surprised at how much the banks along the Bosphorus had changed. Along with the minarets, mosques, and some older structures I remembered from my past visit, a number of modern high-rises and hotels (like those found along bodies of water in many of the world’s urban centers) had been built—creating a mosaic of architectural styles. I wasn’t exactly disappointed, since Istanbul (and Turkey itself) remains a fascinating juxtaposition of traditional and modern, exotic and familiar, but it reminded me of how quickly and drastically things can change. And it made me thankful to have visited Turkey when I was younger.
Have you ever visited a destination before and after it has undergone significant change? If so, I’d love to hear more about it, and how it made you feel. You can share your thoughts, experiences—and photos—with others by posting your comments below this Journal entry, or you can email me directly. And in the coming weeks, we’ll be spotlighting India and Nepal. If you’ve explored these countries with OAT, I hope you’ll send your stories and photos to me at harriet@oattravel.com.
Harriet Lewis
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July 08, 2011
Unbelievable women, unforgettable encounters on a blazing hot day in New Hampshire
On Thursday, June 9, Alan and I had the pleasure of hosting 300 unbelievable women who travel with Overseas Adventure Travel and Grand Circle. These intrepid ladies braved 98 degree heat to join us for a special outdoor gathering in Kensington, New Hampshire, to help us improve as a company. They told us what we do well, but more important, what we can do better. (More about that in a moment …)
Meeting our travelers is always a delight, but on this particular day, there were so many highlights, I wanted to share some of them with you here. Since this special gathering preceded our annual Businessworks on Friday, June 10, 30 of our top Trip Leaders and Program Directors were also in attendance. I can’t tell you how wonderful it felt to see people recognizing each other from their travels ... watching Trip Leaders and travelers reconnecting—like old friends—was such a rare treat.
Also in attendance were company leaders, including Martha Prybylo, Executive Vice President of People & Culture, Lisa Norton, Chief Marketing Officer, and Charlotte Lewis, Vice President, Interactive Marketing, and our guests took advantage of the opportunity to ask lots of questions, and give us valuable feedback. One recommendation we heard loud and clear: You want more new trips! Lisa announced several new OAT adventures for 2012, including Myanmar (Burma), the Silk Route, and Colombia. Since that day, we’ve also decided to offer an adventure in Mongolia. Based on feedback from the travelers in attendance, we will also test an OAT adventure to Spain, Italy, or Scandinavia within the next six months.
Another hot issue was our website. As Charlotte shared with the group, we’re focusing on making our website easier to navigate, providing more interactive functions such as Traveler Reviews, and sharing the richest destination-specific insider information from our worldwide regional offices.
One of the recurring themes of the day was how much our travelers appreciate the work of Grand Circle Foundation in other countries, particularly in local schools. Just seeing how different schools around the world are from what we’re used to in the U.S. has been a discovery for many, and they love having the chance to connect with young people.
During the presentation, I asked the group to take a few moments to reflect on why they travel. After a few moments of silence, save the sounds of the birds chirping (and the whirring of the powerful fans we brought in to help combat the heat!), I asked for some volunteers to share their thoughts. One 28-time traveler jumped right up and said “Because I can!” Another traveler told us that she believes travel is a great way to grow, and she wants to keep growing and being stimulated. Amid murmurs of agreement throughout the crowd, yet another traveler stood and told us all a wonderful story …
When she was a little girl, her family subscribed to National Geographic magazine. Every night, instead of reading bedtime stories, her mother would sit with her and her siblings and read the magazine to them aloud. As she put it, it’s no surprise she loves to travel—she’s been learning about all the different places in the world since she was a little girl. My daughter Charlotte was standing next to me and I said to her, “Gee Charlotte, I’m sorry I never thought to read National Geographic to you when you were a little girl.” Charlotte replied, “Don’t worry Mom, you brought me everywhere!”
Have you fulfilled any childhood dreams of travel? If so, I’d love to hear all about them. Share your story by posting your comments below this Journal entry, or you can email me directly at harriet@oattravel.com.
Harriet Lewis
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July 01, 2011
Like mother, like daughter …
“Two of the greatest gifts we can give our children are roots and wings.”
As a parent and former teacher, this insight from Progressive Louisianan author and journalist Hodding Carter (1907-1972) has stuck with me since I first came across it years ago. I’m not sure if Mr. Carter was referring to travel, per se, but that’s one of the meanings his statement has for me. After all, Alan and I have always tried to give Charlotte and Edward the values and confidence, as well as the opportunities, to travel—and truly appreciate—the world.
In Charlotte’s case, I’m pleased to say that I’ve also passed on one of my most beloved travel traditions: “The Girlfriend Getaway.” Just as I did back in 1994 with my former college roommate Linda, Charlotte recently visited Southeast Asia with her friend Samantha. And like Linda and I did, Charlotte and Sam had an amazing time exploring the stunning beauty and culture of Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia together (I like to think that Charlotte followed my example!). Isn’t it always better to share life’s treasures and experiences with close friends?
While my daughter and I have traveled together on many occasions—with and without Alan and Edward—we’ve actually never been to Southeast Asia at the same time. So, when she returned from her trip earlier this year, we were eager to compare notes about our respective adventures. We didn’t see all of the same places—Linda and I spent most of our time in Thailand—or meet any of the same people, but hearing Charlotte’s take on her experiences on Southeast Asian culture in general made me realize how alike we are ...
We both appreciate the elegant simplicity and power of Buddhism … admire the integral role of women in Southeast Asian culture … share a love for the regional cuisine … and enjoy both the peaceful (walking among the rice paddies) and bustling (visiting the floating markets) sides of everyday life in these countries. That’s why—one day—I hope we’ll start a new travel tradition: “The Mother-Daughter Getaway” to Southeast Asia.
Is there a particular destination you look forward to visiting with someone special, such as your daughter or best friend? If so, I’d love to hear more about it. You can share your thoughts, experiences—and photos—with others by posting your comments below this Journal entry, or you can email me directly at harriet@oattravel.com.
In the coming weeks, we’ll be spotlighting Central and South America. If you’ve explored these destinations with OAT, I hope you’ll send your stories and pictures to me at harriet@oattravel.com.
Harriet Lewis
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April 29, 2011
Welcoming “all rivers” into our lives
After many years of travel, it still never ceases to amaze me what I remember most from my journeys around the world. Sometimes it’s a person I meet, or a feeling I get when I visit a particular place, but it’s always a moment that stays with me long after I’ve returned home.
Alan and I recently traveled to Mexico and experienced a traditional Mayan cleansing ceremony. I can still recall sitting beside him, surrounded by the rest of our group, as steam emanated from a deep hole in the ground filled with hot rocks. But it wasn’t the power of the ceremony, or the connection with nature and the Mayan ancestral spirits that left a lasting impression on me. It was something the woman leading the prayer said: “The ocean accepts all rivers.”
The more I think about these words, the more I’m convinced of how it speaks so truthfully about the incredible power of travel. As we explore, we come across cultures and religions that differ dramatically from our own. Our challenge is in our acceptance of these differences. After all, the ocean doesn’t care if a river is muddy or clean, brown or blue, calm or raging. It is a body of water into which all of these rivers flow. In the same way, we must embrace diversity every time we travel.
Since my return from Mexico, I’ve been sharing this quote with almost everyone I encounter—my family and friends, OAT associates, and even our travelers. I recently spoke to a group of travelers visiting Boston in March for one of OAT’s Get Together events. I told them about my visit and this powerful message—and I encouraged them to embrace the diversity of the world around them as they travel.
It was so gratifying to hear from our travelers about how their journeys have changed their own lives—like Marilyn Pula, who shared a deeply moving story about how she was not only able to change the life of her Trip Leader in Thailand, but in turn, experienced her own life-changing moment. You can read more about this wonderful connection across cultures in our Traveler Stories.
Listening to—and speaking with—our travelers always reminds me of the powerful effect travel has on our lives. By opening our hearts—and accepting all rivers—we’re not only changing others’ lives … we’re changing our own.
We will spotlight Thailand in upcoming editions of Harriet’s Corner. If you’ve visited this region with OAT, I’d love to hear about your experiences—and see your photos. Share them with me at harriet@oattravel.com.
Harriet Lewis
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March 25, 2011
Looking back—and ahead—at Egypt on the anniversary of Harriet’s Corner
Two years ago this month, we launched Harriet’s Corner—this interactive place on the OAT website especially for travelers like you. And since you’re just as passionate about exploring the world as I am, I’ve really enjoyed hearing your travel stories—and experiencing new destinations and friendships through your eyes—while sharing my own with you. I hope you feel the same way, and that you'll continue to be a part of the Harriet’s Corner community.
In one of my earliest journal entries—Anticipating Egypt—I recalled the first time I saw the incomparable Great Pyramids and how much I looked forward to going back to Egypt (which I did soon after writing that entry). Now, just two years later, so much has happened and changed there (and continues to as I write) that I feel a similar sense of anticipation. Not only am I eager to see how the Egyptian people embrace democracy, but all of us at OAT are excited about returning to Egypt as a company. In fact, I simply can’t wait to hear from the adventurous OAT travelers and associates who joined our first trips back since the historic political events of February.
Speaking of our ever-changing planet, I can’t sign off without saying a few words about the devastating earthquake and tsunami that recently occurred in northeastern Japan. While nothing I say can truly express how much I love Japan, I join the rest of the world in sending my sincerest hopes and good wishes to its incredible—and resilient—people as they grapple with this national crisis. And finally, I want to dedicate this inspiring Buddhist prayer to the people of Japan, and to any of you with family or friends there …
Prayer for Freedom from Suffering
May all beings everywhere plagued
with sufferings of body and mind
quickly be freed from their illnesses.
May those frightened cease to be afraid,
and may those bound be free.
May the powerless find power,
and may people think of befriending one another.
May those who find themselves in trackless, fearful wilderness
—the children, the aged, the unprotected—
be guarded by beneficent celestials,
and may they swiftly attain Buddhahood.
Do you have any stories, memories, or photos from your own travels in Egypt or Japan? If so, I’d love to hear from you. You can share your thoughts—and photos—with others by posting your comments below this Journal entry, or you can email me directly at harriet@oattravel.com.
Harriet Lewis
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