5 Things: Thankfulness

Since the diagnosis a few months ago, I have been thankful for many, many things.

1.  My husband and I can now make priorities out of what we want to do together.  

We have always planned to travel, but we have not done as much as we intended back when we got married.  Hopefully when we get done with Chemo, we will travel to Europe and explore.

2.  Language

I speak English.  While I have tried to learn many languages, none seem to stick very easily.  However, I did speak Sign Language for a time.  There is something that is universal.  Being able to indicate and sign, as well as speak a common language (thanks to the evils of colonisation mindyou...) has got be through interesting travel situations.


3.  Exploration

I love to travel and I am very thankful that while the world may keep building walls and protecting borders, we are still allowed to cross these as travelers and see the real world.


4.  Opportunities

I have been very lucky in my job.  I have been able to travel with my students around the country, showing them what I love the most.  I have also been able to travel the country as part of a leadership development programme, which I was fortunate to be selected for.  I have seen so many stunning and beautiful things, and had the chance to experience so many once-in-a-lifetime activities.


5.  My family

I am most thankful for my family.  They have been there to support me through so much.  I am also so thrilled that I can finally do something to support and share with them, as I am taking them all on an overseas vacation over the Christmas break.  It will be so nice having my parents, sister, niece, nephew and husband with me as we explore the South Pacific.  It will be magical.

My mother preparing for a horse trek in Vanuatu

5 Things - Giving Hands

The theme is Giving Hands....

Which seems like a silly idea for a travel blog.  However, there are ways of giving while you are on vacation.  Here are some of the different ways we have managed to give in our holidays.

1.  Walk-a-mile

P&O Cruises host a morning walk, culminating in a Walk-a-mile sponsored walk for the Cathy Freeman Trust.  It is a simple way of showing support for a really good charity while meeting great people, and getting in some exercise to make up for all the sitting around on deck in the sun.

2.  Gifts for Children

In our travels we have been to a few really poor places around the Pacific.  We always take simple gifts such as small toys, pencils, and these little dogs folded out of face towels.  We give them away to the children we meet along the way.

3.  Posting to those in need

We happened to find a really tiny school in an island in Vanuatu, and friends of ours knew of another small school in Fiji, both hit by storms.  Taking basic school supplies and leaving them with the teachers is a simple way of making a huge difference in some areas.

4.  Buy local

Rather than purchasing mass-produced items, look for handicrafts or items made in the places you travel.  That way you can be sure that you are helping out the local economy.

5.  Eco-tourism

We always try to find tourist activities that either give back to the environment, or help care for it.  In Lifou we went on a great walk into the forests learning about local flora.  The proceeds from the tour helped to fund research into the plants, preservation of the forests and to keep people in employment.