vanslack
Michelle Van Slack Joined: April 28th 2008
Logged in: May 12th 2010
Logged in: May 12th 2010
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Travel Blog Posts
In a time where natural disasters are happening all over the world and people are looking for a way to give back, Dogs for the Deaf offers something for everyone. Located in Southern Oregon, Dogs for the Deaf has been rescuing and professionally training dogs to assist people and enhance their lives for over 30 years. Those of you who know me, know that I grew up in Southern Oregon. You may also know that I have somehow happened across all sorts of animals to rescue - dogs, cats, rabbits, turtles, geese, robins, swallows, even snakes. All of these rescues have just been happenstance encounters, but they managed to earn me the nickname "mother nature" and open my eyes to the amazing assistance organizations available for animals in need. Dogs for the Deaf truly exemplifies the ... read more
Things that I enjoy about the Aukland Airport: 5. They make you walk outside for ten minutes to get to the domestic terminal - something that is WONDERFUL after being stagnant for 14 hours. 4. Once you get outside it smells like pine needles. 3. They let you keep your shoes on and your liquids kept discreetly in your carry on. (Because I don’t think everyone needs to know how many lip glosses I travel with) 2. After you go through security they give you a big smile and a “good on ya!” 1. My absolute favorite: They don’t notice when you smuggle your Mom’s homemade chocolate cookies into the country. (A $200-$10,000 fine, but totally worth it!) I love New Zealand! ... read more
Some people don't like flying - call me a glutton for punishment - but I actually enjoy it. Despite the highly intensified "hurry up and wait" atmosphere, I find it offers a respite from our daily lives. Looking around the roles of the people surrounding me become clear - almost like a play where everyone must wear their proper costume. You see the business travelers dressed in suits with black brief cases, an "I'm too important" fast walk and a PDA either on their ear or visible via harness. In stark contrast, you see the families, stroller in tow, looking anxious about the flight and weather junior will scream the entire time. There are young travelers usually in pairs toting backpacks larger than they are. They tend to look either excited and slightly trepidations, or completely ... read more
Snorkeling in Bora Bora
Today I shared the water with Polynesian bottle nosed dolphins!! We were out in the zodiac scouting for a drift snorkeling site when I saw a fin in the water - then two then three. All of a sudden a dolphin jumped into the air three feet from the zodiac! We were driving through a channel in Rangiroa, the second largest atoll in the Marquesas. We were looking to see how quickly the water was rushing into the lagoon to see if it might be suitable for snorkeling. When we arrived, the water was moving so rapidly that there were 4-5 ft swells in the channel. So we were surfing the waves in the zodiac and the dolphins were doing the same! We would weave in and out and they followed on our bow, friskily speeding ... read more
Niuen Sea Snakes
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." Anon There are some days in my life where I find myself in such bliss that I almost have to pinch myself just to check that it isn't a dream. Today was one of those days. Early in the morning we disembarked aboard zodiacs for the idyllic island of Palmerston. Palmerston is a tiny dot in the Cook island chain and is inhabited by 38 people. The pristine white sand is literally swept clean daily by the caring residents. After a morning of interacting with the locals and snorkeling - where we saw sting rays, pencil fish, sea cucumbers and a variety of hard corals - we headed back to the ship for lunch. In the ... read more
Niue
Today is day three aboard the M.V. Clipper Odyssey and it is the first time I have had a moment to write. For those of you who may not know exactly where I am, I am in Polynesia, which is south of Hawaii and east of Australia. Polynesia is named as such because it means many islands. Whereas Micronesia means small and Melanesia means dark (which was derived from the darker looking natives - meaning more melanin in their skin. I learned that little tidbit from Shirley Cambell, one of the lecturers on board who specializes in anthropology. We had three lectures today because we had an entire day at sea - at least that was the original plan. Lucky for us, one of the dive masters Thomas (who leads diving with his wife Natalia - ... read more
As I explore so many wonderful places around the Bend area I find myself falling more and more in love with this place. It comes over me in waves and is caused by the littlest things, like the way the residents are so warm and friendly. When you pass by people walking they look you in the eye, smile and say hello. There is something about the elevation that makes the sky more brilliant - when it is blue it is a deep rich blue, when the sunrises (yes I have been up that early!) it is a brilliant pink, and sunset is a painting of autumn colors. The views, anywhere you look you see mountains in the distance. The smell - much like a campground with fresh pine. The way the city has grown since ... read more
The first of nine falls we saw on the hike
I just moved to Bend, Oregon and so far I'm loving everything about it! My move started with a nearly 1000 mile drive from San Diego. My Dad and I did it together with help from our adorable little 10' Budget truck. Being in a car with nothing to do but think lends itself to some good introspection, so we had some great talks. It took us two days with a stop at a little hotel run by a family who's technique for verifying the guests had checked out was to go outside and peer in room to room. (At least that is what we think he was doing! Did I mention how glad I was to have my Dad there?) We drove up I-5 until we crossed into Oregon, at which point we took Hwy ... read more
Lounging on Paraportiani
There are some moments in my life where I wish I had the ability to press the pause button. I have felt that way continually during my time in Mykonos. The Greek people are so warm and kind with their "is okaaay" attitude. I have made friends who have welcomed me into their homes, lent me their cars and shown me the 'secret' beaches that the tourists don't know about. Their generous spirit sparkles like sun off the beautiful waters. In turn I hope that I have offered them a positive view of US Americans. That we can be environmentally and culturally friendly travelers who show tremendous respect for the areas we visit. ... read more
Well it is official, I am staying in Mykonos until mid July! Today I leave Ios and head to the island of Paros where I will stay the night and explore. After that Im heading to Mykonos to live with my two fab ladies from upstate NY! They are such dolls and we will have an amazing time. We already have jobs lined up...I think I will be working in a cute little jewlery shop. We will split a small flat and see where the summer takes us! love it!! Miss you all! M... read more
