2009 World Traveler Internship
Follow interns Chris Danner & Lindsay Clark this summer

07.02.09

Ask a Question About India, Win a Sweatshirt

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Patrick Evans

07.02.09

Your Australia Questions Answered

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Patrick Evans

06.29.09

World Traveler Interns: That's a Big Ol' Island

Chris said it right. Our descent into Sydney revealed a coastline that seemingly never ended.

Looking at our itinerary, we knew we were heading for an ultra-modern, powerhouse of a hostel for the evening. Wake Up Sydney wins international hostel awards and being two travelers who love to find the hidden gems and steer clear of the easy path, we were very skeptical we'd enjoy this stopover.

But when Christian, the general manager, awaited our arrival out of customs, we got the pleasant surprise of seeing the personable side of the institution. He dropped our things at the hostel after hooking us up with all the amenities and took us for a drive around a very wet coastal city.

Chris instantly fell in love with the place, which called to mind his home in the Bay Area. I was just plain blown away by the sheer size and expanse of the harbor, surrounding houses, buildings; it was all so cosmopolitan...and huge!

"There's where Russell Crowe lives, up on that entire top floor."

"Here's the best view in town of Harbor Bridge and the Opera House."

"This is where the massive New Year's Eve celebration occurs every year. The place is absolutely packed and rowdy. We're already booked up for the holidays!"

It probably didn't make it easier coming from a remote Fijian village, but I was more in culture shock of Sydney than of little old Nakavika.

Christian offered to take us out for drinks that night and give us the opportunity to see the Opera House become alit by an evening light show, and it was our best intention to make that happen. But, a lack of sleep, a pile-up of work, and a need to shop and eat stopped us from doing Sydney right.

We're both determined to return; needn't we worry. And neither should you.

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Lindsay Clark

06.29.09

World Traveler Interns: Morning Ponderings at Kata Tjuta

My favorite time of day is without a doubt the pre-dawn hour. Observing a blackened sky that slowly rotates toward the sun gives me the feeling that I can watch the Earth move. And the colors of light in the pure atmosphere, refracting off lush mist, bring to mind Monet paintings, along with others who understood the power and beauty of the pastel.

Unfortunately, my body finds the early morning repulsive and demands rest when the world is waking. However, give this lifeless corpse of mine an activity amidst natural wonder, and I become alive with the spirit of the dawn.

My feet scrambled up the rocky paths to Kata Tjuta. The sun's first peek set the massive rocks on fire. This was my time of day, my type of setting, and my ideal way to spend my hours on this Earth: hiking among natural wonders.

A short geological explanation (the details of which I can't seem to recall, sadly) of why these 36 rock domes occur in the middle of a flat desert plain made me briefly contemplate the ground I stand on. How can the World be so old that over the course of its existence, all this land we see was underwater, slathered and molded by the tides, squeezed and pushed by other tectonic plates, and still continues to move and shift before our very eyes (ever-so slowly, of course)? We gotta stop complaining about being too old to stay up late or remember what we did yesterday. We're babies on this planet, babies I tell ya!

And so, as we wandered in between these massive monoliths, the breeze whistling through each hump and affirming the name Valley of the Winds, I gazed as the rising winter sun of the Australian Outback, looking through layers of atmosphere, mist, and space. Along with my extreme awareness of each [potentially] ankle-rolling step, I felt incredibly connected to the home planet. And with our sighting of a wild camel pack moments later, I felt even more like a primordial animal wandering for purpose and necessities across the crust.

The Outback: it's trippy.

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Lindsay Clark

06.26.09

World Traveler Interns: Oz is Hardcore

Even though I’ve hiked through Yeti country and bush camped in East Africa among wild buffalo and hyenas, never have I been so afraid to walk around a country as I was when I got to Australia. This place could hard core kill ya.

What a statement to encourage tourism in Oz!

But really, I say this because of the research I did on this country/continent. Bill Bryson, in his book In A Sunburned Country, mentions that the top ten most venomous, dangerous, poisonous creatures on the planet all live on, or in the waters surrounding, this massive island. If the crocs in the mangroves don’t snatch you off the pier, then maybe the box jellyfish will whip you with the world’s deadliest sting while swimming at the reef. Or maybe you could just be that unfortunate one that sits down on a toilet seat where a poisonous spider has made its home.

Gives ya the heebie jeebies, huh?

The reality, as it is in most countries, is that you’re more likely to simply get hit by a car crossing the street than you are to encounter the trigger-happy animal kingdom. But the fact that Australia has such hard core creatures (and terrain!) has certainly altered their mentalities.

Australians live fast. They live like they’re still young. They travel. They do ballsy things. They seize life by the huevos and cheers to it with their incredible beer drinking abilities. They’re fun-loving, adventure seeking people who know that nature and fate have the ability to take what’s theirs at any time, making them the kind of people that live enviable lives.

Oz is where the young and young at heart can write their big life stories. I’ll take a page from their book and work my youth like it’s my job…which it is, right? ;)

Photo Credit: mikecogh on Flickr

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Lindsay Clark

06.26.09

World Traveler Interns: Hiking Ayers Rock

I made it about halfway up Uluru, aka Ayers Rock, when I stopped, had a drink of water, and sat down on the steep rock.

For the really steep bits there’s a chain you can hold onto and white stripes mark the “path.” I like to climb things as much as the next guy, but I’m no rock climber. I looked up. The lonely chain slumped against the red rock as it led up to the uninterrupted blue sky. I was already pretty high up. Good solid exercise, certainly good enough for one day, I thought.

“Ay, g’day” A 70-ish guy said as he hiked right by me. He muttered “pansy” as he passed. I was half-way around the world, sitting on one of the world’s most famous natural formations and some Australian geriatric was calling me out. I wasn’t having it.

I hiked on and caught up with him at the next false-peak. He glanced at me and brushed aside his sweaty white hair, “American?” “Yeah” What’s it to you, gramps? “I’m from New Zealand. Thought I was gunna have to hike her meself. My name’s Greg.”

“Chris.”

That’s how I met Greg, halfway up Ayer’s Rock.

We hiked up together. Greg was some sort of ninja Kiwi, jumping up the rock, smiling the whole time. We made it to the top, took pictures of each other at the little marker and explored the peak. I asked him what brought him here.

“I hiked this when I was twenty.”

“And you wanted to try to do it again?”

“Ay, I don’t believe in ‘once-in-a-life-time’ experiences, I always wanted to do it again. That and me wife said I couldn’t.”

I like Greg. He’s traveling around with the “old lady” now, redoing all the things that sparked a love for traveling in him when he was young.

“I’m just travelin’, y’know, knockin’ the buggahs off one by one again.”

Rock on, Greg, you old Kiwi ninja.

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Chris Danner

06.25.09

World Traveler Interns: Dancing With Ayers Rock

After coming off a trip all about connections with people, I will admit I found it hard to enthusiastically jump on board a tour of rocks.

What used to be one of the most remote locations on planet Earth, Alice Springs in Australia, was an easy plane ride for us into the dry interior. And the luxury overland vehicle we traveled in took every harsh aspect of the impossible terrain out of our minds. It was understandably easy to - at first - under-appreciate the wonders and experiences that were soon to be ours.

Australia’s Outback is probably the hardest place for anyone or anything to survive, and to completely comprehend the age of this place is virtually impossible for the human mind. You know Pangaea? Yeah, this place is older than our former single continent. And to realize how small and insignificant your presence at these multi-million-year-old natural wonders is could surely cause some severe existential issues.

Humbling. But that’s not why I like coming to these places.

When it comes to connecting with a location - an environment - something inanimate, here’s what I do: I coexist with it. I make an experience never able to be recreated, invite that thing into the moment with myself.

Does it sound like I’m talking a lotta crap? Ney.

At Ayers Rock, I decided to wander her periphery and experience the awe and grandeur from below. I popped in my earbuds and started dancing around the place like no one could see me. Every new song brought me to a new part of the rock that looked dramatically different than the last and I snapped my shutter like a photo-crazed fool. What resulted was an experience no one else was having.

For that one moment in her long, LONG life, Ayer’s Rock and I were dancing partners.

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Lindsay Clark

06.24.09

World Traveler Interns: The Truth about the Australian Outback

The only dingo I’ve seen was chained to a stake, and it wasn’t even eating a baby. Not only that but there are bushes and vegetation everywhere. And if that wasn’t enough, its frickin’ freezing here. Winter in the Australian outback, the Western Desert to be more precise, is NOTHING like I thought it’d be.

There are camel herds here. Did you know that? Wild camels, wondering around in packs like they own the place. I had no idea. I looked pretty stupid after being surprised by the lack of dingoes, the bushes and whatnot, the freezing nighttime temperatures, and the wild camels, that I thought I would impress our guide, Miguel, by saying I knew how to play the didgeridoo.

“They don’t play those ‘round here, mate, just on the coasts. Folks here, the aboriginals, just as soon chuck 'em in the fire, got no use in the desert.”

You gotta be kiddin’ me. I thought “outback” meant barren desert hotter than Kobe’s jump-shot (I’m a Lakers fan, deal with it) and I thought the aboriginals would only be carrying two things, a spear and a didgeridoo.

My ignorant stupidity aside, this place is incredible. The rocks glow red and I haven’t seen a cloud since I got here. Seemingly out of nowhere, the massive natural formations of Uluru, Kata Tjuta, and King’s Canyon rise up and lord over miles upon miles of flat desert. Over the past few days, I’ve sat by a campfire looking up at a totally new night’s sky, discovered the oldest culture on earth, and hiked amongst the most spectacular natural beauty I could have ever imagined.

I’m still waiting on my first wild dingo and koala, but Australia is full of surprises, so I think I got a better chance seeing a kangaroo in a canoe, playing a blue didgeridoo.

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Chris Danner

06.23.09

World Traveler Interns: Back to the City

At 4 a.m., I got up to pack my bags over a sleeping six-year-old. At 5 a.m., I pulled my bags onto the billiard table and waited for the call to the carrier. At 6:30 a.m., the mosquitoes claimed victory over my right leg as we crawled up into the carrier, which would take all the volunteers and a scattering of locals down the mountains into the city of Sinatoka. We waved goodbye to some sleepy and sad faces. The village was in our wake.

When we hit asphalt, I pulled my Blackberry out so fast, I nearly elbowed the girl next to me. One week without internet made Lindsay an anxious girl. How sad. But once we boarded the bus to Lautoka in the city, I peeled myself away from Facebook notifications and Twitter updates to hang with Abel in the back, listening to my iPod and his favorite song on repeat ("My Heart Will Go On" by Celine Dion...seriously). The speed bumps sent us flying into the air and crashing down with a back crack and big laughter. The open windows threw my hair around in a frenzy. And the views never let up from being awe-inspiring.

After a week of sharing kava bowls and receiving a rough nutritional spread, I acquired my first WTI travel bug...and not the good kind. I didn't feel much like hitting the bar hard with the other travelers; instead Abel invited me to hang with him at his brother's house in the city (since Abel came back with us to work for his future school fees for two months).

Brother Elia's house shook from the little pounding feet of two children, Kenny and Faresa, both male, cheeky, and energy-packed. While dinner cooked in the kitchen, I received playful slaps from the two-year-old, Kenny, that got me right in the kisser. He had a face smeared with his earlier dinner and a laugh that meant mischief and ulterior motives. He was, in a word...hilarious.

Abel and I ate together a meal of noodle soup, village taro, and pig skin, and because of my subtle uncertainty with devouring slippery, jiggly pig, Abel sensed I was disgusted and began to beat himself up. He spoke only one or two words during dinner and nearly cried for being a bad host. I felt awful that I couldn't scoop the pig skin into my mouth feverishly, which would have been the only thing that would ease his worries, but I reassured him over and over that I loved the meal...I was just not as hungry as he was.

Those from the villages in Fiji have such an innate desire to care for you, and when Abel thought I wasn't receiving a meal up to my normal standards of apparently royal feasts, he grew upset with himself. Had he only known how happy I was to still be soaking up village culture and company, he wouldn't have felt so sad.

The long meal drew to an end, and Abel went outside with his brother to pound some fresh kava for a small savusavu, or welcoming ceremony into the new household. Meanwhile, I created games that broke through the firm language barrier by making sounds with my mouth, creating rhythms of slaps and punches in the air to be repeated, mainly just doing anything that would entertain two kids who would quickly turn to violence if bored.

Abel and Elia welcomed me into their Lautoka home, and after a few bowls, I lounged by the mother of the household to gab about the boys. Her abilities to predict their next moves and behaviors was stunning.

"Next they are going to play a slow love song and start blinking for longer periods of time. That's the difference between men and women kava drinkers: we throw on the party tunes and gab while the men want to wallow in sweet songs and fall asleep. We're more fun."

As the rest of the Madventures group was bouncing around Ed's Bar, I was glad to know I was still connected with the village I just left behind. It made sense to be there. It was yet another moment I cherished in the moment and beyond.

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Lindsay Clark

06.23.09

World Traveler Interns: Final Hours with our Second Families

Our final day in the Fijian village had quite a build up. I must have answered the question "What day are you leaving Fiji and the village?" about twenty times during my entire stay, unsure as to why they were so anxious to know my departure date. I believe they were just gearing themselves up for the big day when we say our goodbyes and experience one final jolt of the "True Fiji" culture.

I took it fairly easy during the day with a writing session and a swim at the waterfall, and when lunchtime finished, I leaned to my side and suddenly passed out cold, as if I had really done any real labor that day. I awoke to a bunch of ladies weaving fern mats around me and giggling as little Pio, my host cousin, took photos of my groggy state.

During my waterfall adventure and delicious nap, my host parents constructed a lovo, or underground oven with firewood, stones to be heated, coconut shells holding various foods, and banana leaves to cover the entire situation. The grub finished with an aromatic uncovering in the dark of evening. I got dressed in one of my host family's grand sulus and a flowery lei, and we all walked with food in hands to the party down the path at Chris' house.

A tablecloth stretched the length of the room on the floor, with plates scattered at intervals of various noodles, taro, and lovo goodies. We joined the men watching rugby on the TV (Chris' house was pretty set up) until Moji announced our turn to thank the village formally for the entire week.

"I just want to thank all of you for being a part of this experience. I want to thank my lei and my nau and my new friend and sister, Bui, for their hospitality. I had so much fun doing everything and nothing with you. From the kava sessions to just hanging out, it was incredibly fulfilling. I know you all just be aware of how lucky you are, to live amidst such a wonderful landscape and among such wonderful people. I have to make it back here, THIS YEAR!"

That was the gist of my announcement. Words of appreciation and love exchanged among everyone and clapping commenced after everyone's speeches. And then we went to business on the food for a couple hours.

With two dollars in my hand, I walked in the dark behind Fane to a private area in the village, an open air building where fundraising dances took place. As the pop/island music blasted into the quiet night, we shimmied our leis and sulus, kicking up the dusty soil into a fog. Chris would spontaneously whip out his Ace Ventura dance moves, while I would be challenged by the village ladies to ask multiple men to dance (using my new line "Au nakwati e koko daro danisi" or "I want you to dance with me"). Traveler Tom had moves that would stop Michael Jackson in his tracks, and the entire house was shaking with laughter and hilarity.

Most of the men sat on one side of the building drinking kava and occasionally looked to see what all the fuss was about on the dance floor. It resembled a middle school dance in a sense. My feet were the color of milk chocolate by the dance's end and my body limp from exhaustion. The next morning we would leave, and I couldn't have imagined a better way to bid it adieu...dancing to Akon.

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Lindsay Clark

06.22.09

World Traveler Interns: Bamboo Bear Grylls

The important thing to note about village life is the emphasis on relaxation. Note it. Do it. Love it.

Chris and I headed out in the late morning for an exciting program by the river. Hiking in flip-flops proved a bit difficult, but we were soon bounding from rock to rock barefoot by the flowing waters that cut into the jungle's core. We forged rapids, stumbled on mossy boulders, and ended on a small beach beside a bamboo forest. Moji, our guide, chopped away about ten shoots and assembled them into a trusty raft with our ever-so useful helping hands, of course. I felt so Bear Grylls, I attempted an English accent that turned into an Aussie one which I didn't even know I could do.

Once the raft was sea-worthy, we floated about 10 meters away to a trickling spring on the other side, a hot spring that spewed 80 degree water with a sulfuric twist. Chris, our gondolier, wasn't content with just moving across the river after all that hard work of tying knots with vines, so he pushed us towards the rapids downstream.

The waters were at best about two feet deep and incredibly rocky. Our vessel tried to skewer a couple boulders and toss us into the river before it finally wedged itself into a pool for an eternal rest. The walk back through the rocks gave us red and bloody knees, but the laughs induced by the mini-adventure on a self-made raft were worth the potential for wound infection.

The climax of the program was certainly the literal high point and the last event of the adventure: a 30+ foot cliff jump into teal, chilly waters. The crawl up the mossy rock face was nearly as scary as the impending plunge, and upon reaching the final step before the jump, I nearly busted my own vocal chords with spontaneous screams.  It took about three minutes of nervous dancing, slow countdowns, and self-encouragement to rock myself to that point of no return. I had enough time to scream twice until my feet and outstretched arms broke the water surface. It was a slap heard round the jungle.

Of course it took Chris only a few seconds to do his jump (twice might I add). Advice for others: don't look down.

We returned to the village by the singular dirt road entrance and indulged in belly filling meals on the floor.

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Lindsay Clark

06.22.09

World Traveler Interns: The Beauty of Fiji

Fiji is beautiful. You already know this. You learned this around the same time you learned the sky is blue.

Consequently, I won't tell you what you already know: You should go to Fiji.

What you may not know, however, is that Fijian children are the coolest people in the Pacific and the best vacation you could ever take is be to a rural Fijian village to volunteer in their school.

Nakavika village is in the Namosi Highlands of Fiji. That probably means diddlysquat to you at the moment, but you should just know that this small village is nestled amongst the mountains in a jungle so amazing you think you’re in Jurassic Park. It's not even one of those killer jungles with crazy snakes, spiders and dinosaurs; this is like a really cool, relatively harmless jungle.

Some of the Madventure backpackers, Lindsay, and I headed up to the village to help out in their school. In the future, my resume will say I volunteered with children in Fiji. In reality I spent a week playing tag, duck-duck-goose, rugby, soccer, and more with the most energetic crazy little kids I’ve ever met. It was fantastic.

A few things to keep in mind if you decide you want to do this though:

• If you lift one kid in the air, you will have to lift up every kid in the village.
• Same goes for piggyback rides.
• As far as getting there, if you need some financial help from the old parents, saying you’re going to volunteer somewhere sounds much better than saying you want to explore the “culture” of Amsterdam.

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Chris Danner

06.22.09

World Traveler Interns: Why I'm Coming Back to Fiji

If you had to pay for your own trip to Fiji, would you go again? Why or why not?

- stephaniedzhu on YouTube

What kind of question is that? You'd think everyone would die for the chance to go/return to a island paradise in the South Pacific. But with so many wonderful places on earth to visit, enjoy, and love, why spend your money on a trip you've already done?

It's easy. It's the people.

Yes, people are wonderful all over the world, and we often forget how helpful and open those we meet in transit can be, but there's something about the Fijian mindset. The mindset that makes your heart long to weave fern mats for your home and play a muddy game of rugby with your village mates during a golden sunset.

Things to love about the Fiji Lifestyle

• The emphasis on resting. Upon finishing your meals, tea, or any sort of activity, it's incredibly acceptable to lie down for a peaceful nap as the mountain breeze wafts in. The lady of the house always seems to know when you're a little sleepy and will toss you a much-appreciated pillow.
• The pure fresh water. One bout of giardia will make you truly appreciate natural, healthy water anywhere. Plus, the bottled goodness that costs $5 per liter in U.S. airports flows for free in the hills.
• The acceptance of going shoeless. Though my feet are quite sensitive to little pebbles and such, I have a drive to scrap shoes altogether. This is the place to do it.
• Fiji time. Basically the absence of punctuality.
• The willingness to help and love everyone. Neighbors = friends = lifelong fellow villagers = school mates = kava drinking buddies, etc. Everyone has your back, and you've got theirs.

And these five items just skim the surface.  Fiji is the way the world should be.

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Lindsay Clark

06.20.09

World Traveler Interns: What Culture Shock?

We anticipated wild animals or at least poisonous critters; there were only slightly famished mosquitoes. We were prepared for long drop squat toilets; we sat on flushing porcelain thrones.

And we assumed we'd make many a cultural blunder within our first days, but honestly, living in the Fijian Highlands for a week was only culturally shocking in one sense: it's so friggin beautiful. Idyllic. Lush. Vibrant.

And to think a place so lovely is not only that but open to outsiders such as ourselves and able to make us feel comfortable beyond our expectations.

What we as travelers often worry about is the possibility of experiencing the new and/or shocking and not knowing how to deal the right way. And being prepared for the new causes us to step in the unknown as we would put a timid toe into frigid waters.

Will this sweet old lady be offended if I forget to say chilo (look up word for excuse me in Fijian??) when I walk behind her? Will a snake cross my path or hang near my head on this mountain hike? What if I wear a hat as I walk across the village, will the children howl in shock? Aw gee, look at my leg! I'm bound to have malaria by now!

The reality in Nakavika is that there's a greater chance of forgiveness for making mistakes than disrespect for what you didn't know. Plus, the Namosi Highlands were blessed with both hands in that all those things that make jungle life so unappealing are not there in Fiji. It's safe. It's perfect. We were living in simple, gorgeous, welcoming luxury.

Makes it easy for wayward nomads like ourselves to dive into a culture so utterly stunning. Hesitate no more, readers, Fiji wants you, and trust us - you want Fiji.

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Lindsay Clark

06.19.09

World Traveler Interns: Cookin' Old School Fijian Style

It was my great pleasure to witness the incredible hospitality of the people in the Namosi Highlands of Fiji. Not only did they make sure we were properly fed and watered at all time of day, but they made every aspect of their village culture into a lesson learned by us sponge-like backpackers on a mission to absorb the true Fiji.

Only a couple hundred years ago, Fijians were picking their teeth with the bones of men, that is until cannibalism was wiped from their list of approved behavior. And with that outside influence also came luxurious items like pots and pans, which made cooking much easier than the techniques they used before.

My friend, Ambele (or Abel in English), was the first to jump at the opportunity to show us how it all used to be done here in the Highlands with two techniques: cooking in bamboo shoots and using an underground oven called a lovo.

Taking a young and fresh bamboo segment, Abel placed some cassava down nature's pipe, filled it with water, and covered it with taro leaves. Putting this on the fire for about a half hour or more created an end product that tasted as smooth and luscious as a sweet potato.

The lovo consisted of a rolling fire that heated up stones sitting on top, after which the fire is put out and stones are covered with taro chunks and coconut shells filled with taro leaves and other jungle goodness. A little banana leave coverage makes this baby cook up a mean feast within an hour, one which we graciously enjoyed on our last night in the depths of the Fijian interior.

What made these cooking lessons that much sweeter were the kids who popped in and out of my video production, posing for the camera and teaching me phrases like "Au nakwati na tavioka." (Gee golly, do I like cassava!).

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Lindsay Clark

06.19.09

World Traveler Interns: Your Fiji Questions Answered

Comin' at you live from the Aussie Outback, Chris and I have some answers to your Fiji questions (thanks for those, by the way!).

Q1: What are some examples of interesting local lingo/slang that the? natives use and what do those words/phrases mean? - SereneFire88 on YouTube

Here are some essential phrases and things to know that will get you far in Fiji.

Bula! - Hello!

Vinaka (vaka levu) - Thank you (very much)...act suave and say "naka" if you want people to think you're one of the islanders.

Moce! (pronounced mo'-they)- Bye!

Kaivalingi - what you'll probably be called in Fiji, which means foreigner, traveler, European, etc...point to yourself and sat "kaiviti!" And hear them laugh when you call yourself Fijian.

Kisimai - Come here! (accompany with come hither hand gesture)

Jilou (pronounced chill-O) - said when walking behind someone seated...meaning excuse me...use this often.

Au mai Merika - I'm from America.

Au nakwati e koko daro danisi - I want you to dance with me.

Au nakwati e koko - I like you.

Isa (someone) - I miss (someone)...or I'm thinking of (someone).

How to drink kava like a pro:

Sit Indian style in your sulu (long sarong), cup your hands and clap them together, saying "Bula!", and drink you're entire bowl. The final millimeter is the most potent, and many throw that over their shoulders into the grass. When finished, say "Maca!" (pronounced ma'-tha) and hand the bowl back to the server. You may now go pro.

Q2:  If you only had one day in Fiji, what are the must-see attractions or must-do activities? - ksherman424 on YouTube

Goodness, one day? Why on Earth would you fly across the biggest ocean on the planet to stay for one day? Silly goose. I'll answer this one anyway, though I'd recommend you get your flight's worth with a week, at least.

Hit up the islands with a ferry from Nadi or Lautoka if you want to get all up in those awesome beaches. Chris and I don't know much about this part of Fiji but heard of their grandeur.

However, if you don't like being a tourist, only hanging with Westerners or walking around in a bikini, give yourself a treat with a village visit. The Namosi Highlands are friggin ridiculous with landscapes and people. Plan on spending most of one day in transit up the mountain roads in the back of a truck, a good five days living amongst the people in someone's home, and another day making your way back down to the coast. You'll leave a happy traveler.

Q3: How would you describe Fiji in 11 words? -0frankie0and0julius0 on YouTube

Clark - Lush. Third World Hawaii. Deliciously remote. All about kava and relaxation.

Danner -Smiling rugby players who enjoy more than one bowl of kava.

Q4: On your WTI Twitter you said "The volunteers told us the people in village are pretty happy with their lives." Could you see this? Do you believe they are indeed happy with their lives, and how/why? - Gnatty288 on YouTube

It has been my discovery that the majority of those with the most are the least happy. On that same line of thinking, those with just what they need are the most content. The village of Nakavika is relatively set up, with clean water, plumbing, and a strong emphasis on education. They live a relatively free life and get what they need from their own land. The culture is open and friendly, all about sharing and caring, and in my eyes, that makes one happy group of people. They know how lucky they are to live where they do. Though they could use some basic necessities like a health clinic, they want little, which makes Nakavika one content community.

I (Chris) would agree. It is a matter of relativity. We in the US are used to much more and may not think we could be happy there but the people there live within their means and are very aware of the benefits a more simple life has compared to the busy life of a city.

We are about to wrap our trip to the Australian Outback and are headed towards India. Ask us some questions about our trip to Oz over on YouTube for a chance to win a World Traveler Intern sweatshirt courtesy of Jansport.

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Lindsay Clark and Chris Danner

06.19.09

World Traveler Interns: 10 Things you Discover about Fiji in the First Hour

10. It’s all about finding the right immigration officer. I got a four month visa while Chris got approved for only 14 days.

9. Bula + strong handshakes = greetings from Fijian men; Bula + big smiles + kisses on the cheek = greetings from the Fijian ladies

8. It’s completely acceptable to wander through the airport without shoes…and pretty much all places

7. Yearly cyclones make disintegrating vehicles into lawn ornaments. They pay for the beauty of the islands with the constant recovery of their homes and stuff.

6. Massive piles of sugar cane chips smell quite pungent, like rotten fruit, in an early morning drive-by

5. “Fiji bread” made from cassava and coconut juice is delicious. Always say yes to what the cook offers you.

4. Everybody needs a sulu, a skirt/sarong item to be worn in village and for kava ceremonies. They can be purchased for a couple dollars at your local Fijian corner store and usually advertise some resort you’re too cheap to stay in.

3. Vinaka means “Thank you.” Just remember Binaca with a V.

2. People all around the world enjoy thrift store shopping and then going out on the town in $2 bow-ties. It’s not just Chris.

1. It used to be punishable by death to touch someone’s head. The consequences are a little less extreme today; the rule still applies.

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Lindsay Clark and Chris Danner

06.18.09

World Traveler Interns: A Whole Lotta Kava

Over the past week, I drank Kava before meals, after meals, and for a meal; in the early afternoon, mid-afternoon, evening, and deep into the night. And after God-knows how many bowls of the stuff, I can say with complete certainty - it does not taste good. That said, the Fijian tradition of drinking Kava, or “Grog,” is fantastic.

Kava is consumed and presented for a variety of occasions, but more often than not it is simply a communal centerpiece to any true Fijian get-together. You’ll quickly learn the basic clapping rhythms, how to call Taki for another round, and how to announce Mada when you’ve finished the bowl. After that, you’re ready to experience the greatness that is a marathon Fijian Kava session.

And I mean marathon.

Fijians can sit drinking grog till the sun comes up. The guard at our hotel in Loutoka bragged he could drink Grog from noon till 6 a.m. the next morning. I don’t think he was exaggerating.

For me, these marathons meant getting to know some of the most welcoming people I have ever encountered. The whole point is to enjoy each other’s company and make everyone feel welcome - and you really are welcomed into their way of life.

Involvement is voluntary, but always encouraged. If you don’t want to drink more don’t worry about it, and if you don’t feel like talkin’ (as you undoubtedly will after ten rounds of the stuff) the only question you’ll be asked is about the amount of Kava you want in the next round, “low tide, high tide, tsunami?”

It is a little discomforting, however, when, after you think you’ve been keeping up with the locals just fine for hours and are finally feeling like you can’t take anymore, your homestay father, or nau, glances over with a big smile and informs you the session is half-over.

These dudes are Kava tanks. And make no mistake about it, whoever invented grog sure wasn’t thinking of how it tasted.

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Chris Danner

06.18.09

World Traveler Interns: Settling into Fiji

The soles of my feet are basking in equatorial sunshine, which could either mean I'm in for one evil sunburn or that I know how to do it up right here in Fiji: feet up, book open, smile on my face.

When faced with the possibility of a very long and uncomfortable flight across the Pacific, knowing the ending destination makes the airplane food and screaming baby moments worth it. Right now, I hear far away music, vegetables being chopped and grass rustling from strolling dogs. The breeze is a whisper. I love Fiji.

Chris and I only strolled into Nadi airport at 5:30 a.m. this morning and by lunchtime already found a great appreciation for the anti-time management lifestyle. There's no sense at all that things need to be planned or scheduled today. All we know is that at some point, we'll need to purchase a "sulu" (a traditional Fijian sarong for the village ceremonies).

As the day progressed, Chris found himself playing in many a soccer match, while I grew increasingly disoriented by jet lag. By the time dinner came around, I had completely forgotten where the volunteer house from that morning was. Luckily a little aimless wandering got me there, where I proceeded to fall asleep mouth open, limbs sprawling, every chance I could get.

After indulging in the house's favorite meal by Mary, the in-house cook, of chicken curry and roti, it became evident I might die if convinced to go out. Lucky am I that there's two of us and I left Chris to experience all the wonders and joys of Fijian nightlife, while I walked home in the black of night, weary of the coconut trees above my head. This moment made me feel ballsy again, other-worldly, like I was back again to my life of challenges and excitement.

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Lindsay Clark

06.17.09

World Traveler Interns: Day 3 - STA HQ

Day of Departure

A torrential downpour washed Dallas clean on the day of our departure. It wasn't the most comforting story to see on a a big flight day when the television discussed the Air France flight lost in the abyss of the Atlantic Ocean. But we took comfort in the odds that a similar accident of lightning striking wouldn't happen within 48 hours of the last.

The gracious Senior Management Team at STA Travel invited us to lunch at an Italian eatery for our last home soil meal, where I sat in awe and wonder listening to these travel professionals talk about the glory of first class airport lounges and frequent flier benefits. Oh, to be knowledgeable in the best activity known to mankind. One day I aspire to be as savvy.

Throwing all our rogue papers and hardware into the bags one final time, we said goodbye to STA Travel and were bid farewell on a trip those waving conceived, funded and booked for us. And within minutes of getting to the airport we began making our lives more interesting: checked baggage weight challenges, taping ourselves hangin’ at the gate, and discussing to the world watching things like, “Lindsay just got through airport security with Chris’ boarding pass.”

At one point in our lounging state, waiting for our plane to begin boarding, I received an e-mail from Head Office informing us that our gate had changed to one far along the terminal. We booked it towards the new gate, and upon getting there were informed our new gate was actually on the other side of the airport entirely. There was some sweating, sprinting, and nail biting on my end, while I believe Chris just found the changes ridiculous.

The final gate turned out to be the second one at which we were turned away. The darn schnickel-fritz who told us wrong didn’t even act like she did anything wrong.

Eh, can’t be too upset when your ending destination is Fiji.

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Lindsay Clark

06.16.09

World Traveler Interns: Day 2 - STA HQ

Travel Mecca

Dallas is quite a sprawling metropolis, and at her outskirts is a little place some call Heaven...others call Lewisville. When Carly brought us into view of this nook of Texas, I was enthralled by the George Jetson highways soaring above us, the rhythm of strip malls and restaurants lining all roads, and the amount of cars that made up the moving landscape. They really DO do it bigger in Texas. Alright, alright.

STA Travel, a.k.a. Travel Mecca, is everything I thought it would be, thanks to the YouTube video parodying The Office and the regular Facebook clips for assorted sweepstakes. When faced with the chance to introduce myself to the company and express my joy and anticipation for the journey ahead, I resulted to the "words cannot express" method (since it's completely applicable here) but wished I could've wowed them with the skills that got me chosen in the first place. Gotta save something for the videos and such. Yeah, that was my strategy all along...

Meeting after meeting flew by discussing our itinerary, our assignments and our incredible equipment. Are we really discussing right now a trip that we are taking for free? And all we have to do is tell you and show you how much fun we're having? There still has to be a catch to this whole crackpot scheme. Ah, but no, my friends, we really were covering the details of our African safaris, followed by our Cape Town adventures, followed by our Greek island hopping (and so on and so on).

And with a quick final word of advice from Rachel and Pat, we were off to have dinner and drinks with the STA crew and discuss travel styles, destinations, and the passions behind it all. This, for me, would constitute as celestial perfection, a.k.a. Heaven (cue to harking angels and a beam of light from above). Just a couple chums talking about travel tales over Shiners.

Speaking of Heaven, our last stop for the night to indulge in a "time-honored Texan tradition" brought us to a destination called Red Neck Heaven. Sounds too good to be true, no? Ah, but it wasn't. In fact, I watched four boys inhale live fish down their gullets and one very distressed woman choke back a very, very dead one due to some evil peer pressure.

I, without a lick of regret, did not partake in the challenge and instead could really appreciate the flamboyant horn that sounded after they took their shots.

The sound of success, if you ask me.

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Lindsay Clark

06.15.09

World Traveler Interns: Day 1 - STA HQ

The Moment of Truth

From my spot in seat 12D on that much-awaited flight, I took a bird's-eye-view tour of Indianapolis and said "sayonara," because I was heading off to be part of the COOLEST INTERNSHIP ON THE PLANET!

I was so pumped to be traveling again, especially towards an opportunity that could open up mounds of possibilities down the road! So utterly pumped was I that I began sweating to the point of being THAT airplane passenger. Ya know...the one that smells like peanuts and armpit.

Upon descending into Dallas, I actually grabbed the vomit bag in the seat pocket in front of me; my anticipation of meeting the marketing team and, of course, my travel buddy was causing me incredible bouts of nausea...the good kind. Don't worry, I didn't use the bag. I'm a champ.

Hanging out beside the baggage claim, hat tilted back, bags dangling from his wandering frame, there was Chris, my travel pal. We pulled a "cheesy movie" moment and ran to each other in slow motion, embracing at the meeting point with a much awaited "Yeah boy! Finally! We're doin this!"

And thus began our evening with the marketing team of STA. They hooked us up with a swanky hotel (knowing we weren't going to have it that posh for a while) and took us out for glorious Mexican food. The collaborations of the evening reverberated incredible enthusiasm for the task to come: world travel and the documentation of its awe-striking wonders.

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Lindsay Clark

06.11.09

Ask The Interns! What do you want to know about Fiji?

If you guys are following the World Traveler Interns on Twitter, you know they've been pretty deep in Fiji volunteering in a local village.  Now that they're out and heading to Australia this weekend, they will have some time to check in with you guys and answer a few questions.

If you're on statravel.com/wti, check out the video to your right and respond to the video on YouTube with your question. If you're on the STA Travel Blog, go to the YouTube video and leave your question in the comments section.

A "Question of the Week" will be selected and the Interns will answer it via a YouTube video while on their trip. For submitting a "Question of the Week," that person gets a free STA Travel World Traveler Internship sweatshirt, as modeled in the video.

Get your questions in now!

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Patrick Evans

06.02.09

Lindsay Explores The Backyard, Chris Visits the Travel Doc

In Episode 1, Lindsay pitched a tent in the backyard and started "roughing it" in preparation for the World Traveler Internship. She's back with another episode today, this time she offers a few tips on the "bush" camp cuisine the Interns will experience when they visit Australian Outback on their trip.

Danner's second episode takes you along for a trip to everyone's least favorite pre-travel preparation stop - the travel doctor.  Lucky for Chris, he was up-to-date on all of the inoculations, but he still offers a few entertaining insights on what to expect.

Click here to check out the videos.

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Patrick Evans

06.02.09

World Traveler Interns to Tweet the Globe

Not only will this year's World Traveler Interns - Chris Danner and Lindsay Clark - be shooting photos and videos and blogging at statravel.com/wti, they will also be using Twitter to update everyone on their trip from around the world.

You can follow the Interns on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/statravelwti.

You will hear the latest from them as they depart later today for Fiji and then updates from Australia to Scotland. This will also be the place to get the lastest updates when new photos, videos and blog posts are added to statravel.com/wti.

The Interns start their journey in a few hours, so make sure to send them a few well wishes.

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Patrick Evans

06.01.09

World Traveler Interns Start Preparing for their Journey

Being a World Traveler Intern is not an easy gig. Sure you're jetting all over the world and will be partying from Dubai to Dublin, but it's not all fun and games.

The Interns have to fly economy.

To get prepared for all they will have to face in the coming weeks, Chris and Lindsay created personalized training regiments to prep their minds and bodies for their world journey.

Lindsay took a a trip to the wilderness to get herself ready for the outdoors and Chris went in a different direction opting for a little bit of physical fitness and sharing a few bits of advice on travel and packing.

Check out Lindsay's video here and get a little knowledge from Chris here.

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Patrick Evans

05.29.09

Don’t pack for the Apocalypse, Pack for the Party

Remember when your parents sent you away to college and insisted you bring a sewing kit or toolbox, maybe it was a book on decorating a dorm room, or how to live with a roommate?

You probably never used any of those things. I can see using the sewing kit, maybe the toolbox, but please don’t admit to reading either of those books. When you live in a dorm you’re in a group and you have to learn how to adapt to other people and how to rely on their skills and strengths, the same goes for travel.

Be practical.

If you’re going to a city, you don’t need to bring insane hiking boots or pants that can also be shorts. Pack jeans. Don’t worry about packing everything you could possibly use, talk to friends who have been there, read some stuff on the interweb thingy, and fill in the rest when you get there.

Travel is about adaptation, that’s where you get your awesome travel stories. Checking off tourist sights is not a story, being stranded at 3 a.m. in the dodgy part of Mumbai when you have a plane to catch in a few hours is a story. Be open to the possibility of getting lost, find your own way, make your own story, and pack accordingly. Don’t pack for the apocalypse, pack for the party.

I’m gunna go find some room in my backpack for my disco ball. Peace.

Chris Danner

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Chris Danner

05.26.09

Read All About It! WTI in Indianapolis Star

One of the perks of being a World Traveler Intern - outside of the crazy journey itself - is your 15 minutes of fame before and after you depart for your trip.

Lindsay Clark has already been on one of her local television stations talking about her upcoming adventures and this past weekend, she was featured in The Indianpolis Star. Head over to the article on IndyStar.com to check out the article and some photos of Lindsay.

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Patrick Evans

05.20.09

The World Traveler Interns Bucket Lists

Freeman and Nicholson aren't the only ones dreaming up world adventures to experience during their times on Earth.

We've discussed the awesomeness that is our own World Traveler Intern itinerary and pondered the moments for which we're most excited. Call it our "WTI 2009 Bucket Lists" if you will. And as we will experience these wonders together, we couldn't help but exchange these lists and make our own comments on the others; a little harmless ridicule or kudos from one new travel buddy to another.

Chris Danner's WTI Bucket List

(with commentary by Lindsay Clark)

• Beat Lindsay in a dance-off - I do not suspect this will happen on my first attempt, or even my first ten attempts, but I will take her down. (Only a blindside attack on my weary state could award someone a victory against my Shakira hips (they don't lie, by the way).
• Learn how to order food/drink in every language we come across. (Ditto)
• Sleep on a beach in Fiji. (Ditto, but I'll be the one suspended by a hammock. An island without malarial mosquitoes is bound to have some sort of evil insect scampering about, ruining a beautiful beach night under the stars.)
• Go Sandboarding in Fiji.
• Muster the courage to bungee off the Bloukrans Bridge in South Africa. (I'll be the one about to piddle in my pants behind you.)
  

• Search for Atlantis by scuba diving in the waters by Santorini. (A laudable mission…I'll cheer you on from the boat with a drink yelling "Oopah".)
• I really want to see a hippo...I have never seen a hippo and I think they look ridiculous. (They are evil, ridiculous, and hilarious; just don't taunt them.)
• Discover local art in every location. (I'm glad we'll be doing this one together. Art History geeks UNITE!)
• See the Book of Kells in Dublin. (I guess I'll have to wiki-this one before the trip, so I don't look like a goober when I say, "Book of Kells…what's that?")
• Eat Haggis. (Make me gag-gis…Naw, I jest; I'm excited about this one, too!)

Lindsay's WTI Bucket List

(with commentary by Chris Danner)

• Hanging with Fijian kids at the beach and swimming around at sunset. (I'm all for kickin' it with kids in paradise, definitely a must-do.)
• Hiking the canyon rim in Alice Springs and filming a spoof video with a certain hilarious title that will remain a secret until its unveiling. (While I know the canyon rim will be amazing, who knows how this spoof will play out. I got my hopes up though.)
• Actually seeing the city of Delhi this time and meeting up with old friends who can help us find the real city. (I feel the same way, I was only in Delhi for less than a day when I was in India. I am really excited to explore a new city in one of my favorite countries.)
• Take a boat ride next to the Taj Mahal and take stunning pictures at sunset or
  

  sunrise. (A photographer friend told me to do exactly that a few nights ago, it's a great idea!)

• Gathering recipes from each country that I can recreate at home. (One of the best parts of traveling is always exploring new food!)
• Ngorongoro Crater. Astounding. (Can't wait to see it. If I pet a lion, do they pet me back?)
• Climbing up or Sky-diving down to Table Mountain. (I haven't been skydiving yet and I think South Africa is the perfect place to try it out.)
• Challenging my taste buds and camera skills in Greece. (Don't forget your liver.)
• Pretending to have an accent in Scotland and Ireland. (I got this problem when I'm traveling with Europeans, I will randomly sneak in European slang or slightly speak in a horrible accent...Its not good and just slap me when it happens.)
• Tour around with crazies from all sorts of countries and meeting inhabitants en route, challenging many to dance-offs, model walks, and heavy, hilarious conversation. (It's all about the people you meet. If any of them are sane, I will be supremely disappointed.)

You see? We're going to get along just fine. Two kids utterly thrilled by the possibility of seeing and doing new things, reliving and experiencing nostalgic moments, and getting the priceless opportunity to transfer our love and passion for the new and beloved to a riveted global audience. And with our track record to date of blending personalities and collaboration, it looks like it's going to be a creative chuckle-fest of epic proportions.

Hungry Hippos Photo Credit: unloveablesteve on Flickr

Delhi Photo Credit: wili_hybrid on Flickr

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Lindsay Clark and Chris Danner

05.12.09

World Traveler Intern and TV Star

I remember the excitement in elementary school from making it on the local TV channel during our Indian and Pioneer reenactments; oh, what a thrill.

However, my experience two weekends ago was infinitely cooler as I took a very “Alice in Wonderland” wide-eyed gaze around the WISH-TV set. I was probably just projecting, but those anchors and backdrops looked crisper and more vibrant than the rest of the visible world (must be because they’re in High Def).

After speeding through Indianapolis on a Sunday morning (mistakenly wearing flip-flops out the door and having to meet my mom half-way back home for a shoe switch-a-roo), I went from the entrance to the set’s black couch in about 20 seconds flat.

No preparation.

No verbal briefing.

No quick powdering of the nose.

I watched coverage of the swine flu and local weather forecasts from my dark corner of the set, amazed I had a reason for being there to contribute, and was eventually joined by an anchor who quickly went through the upcoming questions.

I didn’t know where to put my hands. I saw my dark silhouette in the crew’s monitor. The lights illuminated my formerly creepy corner and revealed a set as high tech as the rest of ‘em. My lips started twitching, but knowing that would definitely show up in HD, I looked at my interviewer and mentally checked out. Luckily, autopilot kicked in.

Eventually, the lights dimmed, and I was shaking hands in closing. Unless my mind regenerated a completely fictional last three minutes of life, I actually believe I didn’t mess up! Even my brother, the one most excited to tell me my flaws in a humorous manner, complimented my comfortable and clear dialogue.

Success? Sch-wing!

Only regret: not wearing lipstick. Hello, No-Mouth.

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Lindsay Clark

05.11.09

T-minus 20 days until Lewisville

I have less than three weeks, THREE WEEKS I tell you, until my plane leaves for the STA Head Office in Lewisville, Texas. I couldn’t list any adjectives describing my excitement even if my life depended on it. The visceral anticipation has not come to me yet, and how could it when the most incredible opportunity too cool to fathom is on my horizon?

I recently spelled out a few things I am doing to prepare for the World Traveler Internship, but how is everything developing, you ask? Quite nicely, actually. Thank you for inquiring.

Body Training

I’ve never been fit, I’ll be honest. I used to wear t-shirts in the pool and nude-colored leotards under my

skimpy dance outfits. However, I’ve gotten over that embarrassed state from my childhood and have learned to use that extra fluff for even more impressive cannonballs.

On my previous trip, I had trouble incorporating a workout routine to my nomadic lifestyle, and this left me feeling bogged down and rather unhealthy. Fortunately for my slow body, I (usually) allotted myself oodles of time to avoid that rushed and exhausting experience of being on the road. The Internship, however, will be a whirlwind I’ve got to be prepared for.

I decided to turn up the dial and hire a trainer, April, at my local industrial-sized fitness facility, Lifestyle Family Fitness (I’m not plugging right now, I just like specifics). This girl has everything I want in a trainer:

• Doesn’t treat me as though I am inferior
• Admits her own inadequacies and makes this fitness challenge feel like a group effort
• Offers wonderful ideas for replicating the workouts we do while traveling (e.g. “Do these push-ups off your hostel bed…You can get the same results by sitting like this with a rubber band around your feet”)

I take multi-vitamins. I now eat roughly six small meals a day. I get my heart rate up six times a week and pump mad iron four times. My grandma thinks I’m losing weight. I’ll take her word for it.

I’m actually liking all this. I am a creature of habit, so getting into a routine pleases me. All I can ask for is a little more vim and vigor on the road (and possibly a core like Jennifer Aniston), so I can approach any experience energetically from start to finish.

Mind Training

I listened to you. There was an overwhelming lead for Bill Bryson’s In a Sunburned Country at the time when I was ready for a new book, and now, any chance I get, that two-pointed nose of mine is all up in that book.

Spirit Training

As evident by the background of suburban homes, this adventure is sure to be trying and extreme. What am I trying to do?

Get tough.

Living with the comforts of a nice mattress, clean carpet, and temperature control have possibly made me a nancy, no longer able to hack it in the world of adventure travel. I’m powerless and vulnerable to the hardships the elements can muster. I’ve got to get my toughness back.

And so I pitched my tent, my beautiful Coleman from my 10th birthday (although back then I was only allowed to pitch it indoors), and this week I will sleep in my backyard and reform that thick skin I used to sport during my Big Journey days. Though the experience will pale in comparison to the bush camping of East Africa, we do have a coyote around here somewhere…and that could make late-night bathroom breaks kinda ugly.

Interested in my backyard tent antics? Videos to come by May 15th and be sure to follow my twitter for real-time updates. I sense you’re ever-so anxious to know what happens…

Get the latest on my blog.

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Lindsay Clark

05.01.09

Videos: Meet Our World Traveler Interns

While most students are consumed with cramming for finals, our two interns are preparing to traverse the globe, down some local grub, and dive off the tallest bungee jump in the world!

Rather than telling you about our two interns, we figured it would be best to just show you. Check out their vids to see what really makes these two wickedly awesome and incredibly rad.

Get ready. They will rock you.

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Amanda Wisdon

04.24.09

Join Our World Traveler Interns This Summer

For the first time in the in the World Traveler Internship program,  we are offering other travelers the opportunity to book a space on the exact tours and trips that our two World Traveler Interns - Lindsay Clark and Chris Danner - will be on this summer.

In previous years, we've made the itinerary available before the Interns left, but we never offered the option to travel alongside the Interns during their trip. You've already met Lindsay and Chris through their videos, now have the chance to meet them in person and possibly be included in one of their video blogs or photos from the trip that are posted on this blog and at STATravel.com/wti.

Not all of the tours have space left on them, but here are some that do:

- Travel through the Golden Triangle (June 21-28) - Have you ever wanted to see the Taj Mahal in-person? Grab your camera and get ready to sample some authentic curry, but you better hurry because there are only four spots left.

- African Safari (July 5-11) - If you've ever wanted to spot the "Big 5" (lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffaloes) in their natural habitat, this is your opportunity. Stops on the trek include Nairobi, Masai Mara National Reserve,  Lake Victoria,  Serengeti National Park, and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.

- Greek Island Hopping (July 25 - Aug. 3) - Take a break with the Interns as they hop the Greek isles and get some sun and probably a few adult beverages.

- Explore Scotland (Aug. 5-7) - Be honest with yourself - ever since you were a little tike, you've wanted to find Nessie the loch ness monster. Well, you can't do that sitting on your couch and you probably could use some witnesses (i.e. our interns) when you find Nessie.

- South Africa (July 12-23) -  On this leg of the trip, the Interns will spend the night in a treehouse, ride an Ostrich, jump (if they have the guts) from the highest bungee jump in the world, dive with sharks and encounter some amazing animals and travelers along the way.  Call 800.781.4040 and ask for the Baz Bus pass from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth, and you can join the interns on their wild ride thru South Africa.

Download the full itinerary to check out the availability on all of the trips and for information on how to book your spot to travel with Chris and Lindsay.

Photo Credit: mk_xena on Flickr

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Patrick Evans

04.17.09

Chris Danner Reacts to Being Selected as a World Traveler Intern

I just wanted to share what I'm feeling about being chosen as one of STA's World Traveler Interns for 2009...

This is gunna be AWESOME. I mean, I was just called and told that somebody wanted to pay for me to travel the world...that is dope. That's cooler than if you learned they were gunna bring back Freaks and Geeks for another season. If given a choice between the two, I'd go travel. Why? Because I have TiVo and can record anything I want to, like VH1 countdown specials.

I never thought I'd be picked.

The first videos I've ever made are the two I've already shared with you guys. The only photography class I ever took was in high school. I got a C. This thing felt like a sweepstakes with a blog. Nobody ever wins sweepstakes, and I don't know how to blog. But I am freakin' PUMPED that I am going to be learning all of that this summer and that I am going to not only have all of you to tell me what kind of job I'm doing, but also a rad travel companion to introduce me to the new and exciting world of blogging.

I'm happier than my dog right now. How many times can you say that? Have you seen how happy dogs are? They get to sleep all day if they want to, and I'm more excited than that.

I want to thank everyone who watched my videos, posted comments, and supported me through this whole process. If you don't think I'm the right man for the job at the moment, that is TOTALLY cool. Please help me figure out what I need to do to get all of you even more excited about travel. To help you get out the door and get stamped.

Peace.

Check out my blog.

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Submitted By

Chris Danner

04.09.09

Lindsay Clark Reacts to Being Selected as a World Traveler Intern

My mom got me hyped up on Tuesday, explaining how STA would probably contact the ten and/or the interns the day before the big announcement.

Tuesday quickly went from a low-stress, jam-packed day of watching little ones run around to one of terror and excitement for my future. With a heart truly set on this opportunity, I had to made evacuation plans for my sanity, in case I did not receive the golden ticket. I believed my heartache would need intense therapy and an immediate distraction.

Two children leaned on my arms and lap while I tried to shade a cartoon tiger and explain the effects of 2 and 3 dimensions in drawing. It went completely over their heads, but I like to pretend I can impart knowledge and appear intelligent to those decades younger than I.

The Call

The phone rang, and I nearly soiled myself. I felt sick, the sensation of vomiting pending on the yay or the nay that awaited me after pressing the green phone symbol on my big, bad mobile. I thank the sweet spirits of debilitating anticipation that Kristen didn’t make small talk before announcing I was one of the interns. Glee.

My knees nearly buckled, and I had the strong desire to lie down on the floor (a regular Clark pastime and relaxation technique). The kids stared at me in confusion and I was reminded of a Schoolhouse Rock song upon seeing, “the whites of their eyes.” Not much verbal communication happened after that from my end as I was experiencing a plethora of tingles and jingles and a flashback to my middle school stuttering days.

Now, when I got my first big part in a play, my parents heard the message on the phone machine before I got home from school. Upon getting my acceptance letter to high school, the parental units gave me the knife to open the envelope. Mama called with the results of my college acceptance while I was away on a school trip with Papa Bear. Never have I had the opportunity to utterly shock my parents with incredible news…until now.

Telling the Family

I got in the car after work, screamed in sporadic staccato, and drove home to sit on my big secret before I concocted a plan. That night I had a very important dinner with the family, one that will be a fond memory forever with the announcement that my brother and his beloved lady were having a girl.

My parents insisted I drive us to the restaurant, a bad idea considering I was completely distracted, but I managed to get in only a few near accidents without bursting the thought bubble hovering over my head.

Pulling him aside from the bar at the restaurant, I told my brother in order to explain that I didn’t want to stomp on the thunder of his big night. He and Allison, the oven of the bun, then went to the dinner table to unzip their jackets and reveal shirts reading: It’s a Girl!

Kicks to my shins implied I needed to announce my big thing, so I placed my phone in front of Mom as she told a story to the table. The phone displayed a message from the “team” wishing congratulations, but she got too carried away to notice my hint for several minutes.

Ian laughed at me from across the table, as I had to continue refreshing the backlight, but an eventual eye wandering down to the table caught a glimpse of “Congratulations“, and she stopped mid-sentence to scream, hug, and shed a lone tear.

I’m an aunt and a very lucky lady. Thank you for the opportunity to work my bootay off for all of you.

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Submitted By

Lindsay Clark

04.07.09

Meet Lindsay Clark, World Traveler Intern

I have never tried online dating. Maybe I should, but that’s neither here nor there.

The experience of being told you are about to travel around the world with someone you have never met must sorta be like being paired up on a date with someone you have only seen in videos - and then being told you will have date that person for the summer.

Like any prospective online dater, I trolled through the video entries obsessively and I distinctly remember seeing my future travel buddy for the first time.

Lindsay made sure the world knew her name from the beginning. What followed was three minutes of insane travel and blogging experience, this chick peaced out for seven months to travel the world (she’s seen 40 different countries), then she peaced back in to apply for this internship. That’s pretty rad.

Her next video highlighted three things I really enjoy doing and she definitely conveyed a love and appreciation for the city of Indianapolis. For those of you who have yet to realize the awesomeness that is racing, check it out. Trust us both, it rocks hard, like Twisted Sister hard.

After I learned I’d be travel dating this girl for the summer, we talked on the phone. Lindsay and I got over the first date conversation topics pretty quickly then just started collaborating on all sorts of awesome ideas we have in store for our trip. I am going to have the time of my life traveling with this girl. It worked out so well I’m thinking of registering with match.com because I know it’s OKAY to look.

This is how Lindsay rolls…

Favorite Song: Little Wing by Stevie Ray Vaughan...And the musicians that I will always love are: Jimi Hendrix, Michael Jackson, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Bob Marley, and Three 6 Mafia

Woah, Three 6 Mafia, that’s kinda highbrow isn’t it?

I am not a music snob and am uncomfortable around such people. I usually change my tastes with the season but some key music makers for me are MGMT, Led Zeppelin, Ratatat, Common, Allman Brothers, B.B. King, RJD2, Bone Thugs, Cake, The Cure, Cut Copy, David Bowie, Elton John, Girl Talk, Hello Goodbye, Jamiroquai, John Butler Trio, Lauryn Hill, Lil' Wayne (don't know why, but I really do), Little Barrie, Radiohead, Interpol, RHCP, Robert Randolph, Rolling Stones, Tupac, Van Morrison, Claude Debussey, Neil Young, Pink Floyd and whatnot.

Do not fist-pump in front of Lindsay! (This will be incredibly hard for me, I love the fist-pump.)

However, the songs I will refuse to listen to and will punch the DJ if they ever play them are anything that causes people to do the fist-pump, such as Journey's “Don't Stop Believing,” Neil Diamond's “Sweet Caroline,” anything by Miley Cyrus, Hilary Duff, Raven Simone, the High School Musical kids (you get the trend), songs from the play Rent or Wicked, anything done with a twangy guitar that talks about cheap beer and high school sweethearts (I do like the slide guitar but only when done well, e.g. Robert Randolph), any R&B song that features the lyrics "take off your clothes, girrrrl", Phish (bad memories), O.A.R. (also bad memories), guys with open hearts and guitars and a following of sorority girls (though I am a sorority girl), and this list continues to grow so...stay tuned.

When she’s not punching out DJs for playing my favorite Hilary Duff song, she gets down with some pretty dope books.

The Art of Travel by Alain de Botton, Shantaram, Into Thin Air, The Agony, and the Ecstasy, Tales of a Female Nomad, Catcher and the Rye, and many others.

She all sorts of in touch with herself.

I could try to care less about basketball and baseball, but I don't think I'd be successful. I space out when I speak and sometimes can't wrangle a thought to save myself. My brother is my only sibling and my favorite person on this earth. His wife is pregnant and will be giving birth right when we get back from the trip. It will tear me apart if I miss it but am prepared for that possibility. I do a lot of voices without being aware of them and make noises without knowing I did. Though some are funny, a lot are annoying and a swift elbow in the gut is recommended if this occurs.

She’s got a cure for everything.

Even though I hated hearing this in China, I have gotten in the habit of spitting A LOT when sick with a nasal drip. It works.

She’s a dreamer.

I want to live in a self-made hut for a year on a beach...or in a tree. My ultimate goal in life is to be stranded in a remote location and have to hitchike in the back of a rickety truck with chickens, goats, or some sort of nervous livestock.

That’s cool. She is all about writing too.

I grew up with a dad who used words like "paraphernalia," "orifice," and called a good meal a "culinary extravaganza," which has affected my speech and writing style since the dawn of both skills. When I type, I hear my dad saying the words I am using and structure sentences intentionally to make them more opaque and verbose.

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Submitted By

Chris Danner