daveolivertravels

Just over a month ago, on April 25tha 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit Nepal. The earthquake struck about half way between Kathmandu and Pokhara, the 2 biggest cities, with the former being the capital of Nepal. As of today the death toll stands at 8924. I was in Pokhara attending an introduction to Buddhism course. We were in the middle of a discussion on karma when the earthquake hit. There were 26 people in the class. When we realized what was happening some people started heading down the stairs to the courtyard. My initial reaction was to stand near a stanchion because I remember hearing that you should get under a table or stand in a doorway support beam because that is the strongest part of a building. Then I realize that I am in Nepal and ... read more

Sorry I haven't posted in a while but Happy Thanksgiving. This day also marks my 4th month on the road. This Thanksgiving what am I thankful for? First, I am thankful for my health. People take it for granted, but good health is invaluable. All the money in the world can't buy good health. It can help you afford the best in healthcare, medicines, and treatments, just not good health in and of itself. So health leads me to the second thing on my list... Second, being able to travel. I am thankful that I am able to travel the world, from the middle of the Amazon rainforest, to the Himalayan Mountains, to the most cosmopolitan of cities like Paris, Buenos Aries, New York, etc. I am thankful for the exposures to new cultures and experiences ... read more

So here I am sitting in Mumbai. This trip takes me to Asia, starting off in India. How long will it last? Where am I going? I have no precise date to return. I couldn't get the time off I wanted for this trip so I had to think about it for a second and I quit my job. I had saved up for this trip and planned it for almost 2 years (well don't let me lie to you, there was no planning), so when I didn't get the time off I needed I resigned. I have nothing tying me down so I figured I might as well go for it because who knows what could happen if I wait. Now with no date I have to be back I will try to travel for ... read more

So I finally tamed the Amazon river from one of the starting tributaries to the end at the Atlantic Ocean. I hopped on her back like she was a bull at the National Finals Rodeo and I rode her for the full 8 seconds (by BTW, did you know that some of the best bull riders come from Brazil? Who would've thought??). Well since I didn't have to navigate the ship, plan the route, etc maybe it was more like riding a horse along a trail. Come to think of it, maybe it was closer to riding a merry-go-round, but that doesn't sound as exciting now does it? I finished the boat ride a few weeks ago and am now traveling south down the coast of Brazil. I will have more details on the trip down ... read more

So here I am almost just past the halfway point in my travels. I am behind in blog posts but not in stories to tell. Maybe one day I will catch up, who knows. So 7 months in and I have been to only 3 countries. At the beginning of my trip I imagined I would have covered a lot more territory at this point . But I guess I have always been the slow steady type. If you were to ask me what would I have changed up to this point in my trip I say nothing. I spent almost six months in Colombia, never thought I would have been there for so long. Four of those months at Manos Amigas and Let's Go Volunteer working with the kids, which so far is the highlight ... read more