Fall 2015

More than 1.6 million people volunteer internationally every year. With so many helping hands, humanitarian work is progressing all around the world. However, being unprepared for the culture shock can ruin what could be an inspiring experience. Stowaway researched suggestions for those who aspire to volunteer abroad. I interviewed three of these 1.6 million selfless workers. Each shared both joys and sorrows. Here are their stories and advice regarding international volunteerism.

We all dreamed about hunting for treasure when we were little. We would get on the playground and pretend we were sailing on the deep-blue sea, searching for lost islands full of unimaginable riches. Somehow treasure hunts were fascinating to us as kids, and even as we grow older we seem to find excitement in discovering hidden goods. Yet we tell ourselves that we will never actually come across a chest deep in a cave, that there is no buried gold on the bottom of the ocean floor, that there is no red x marking the spot where we will uncover a lifetime of wealth. But what if, somewhere in a mountain range, there really is a treasure chest waiting to be discovered? Anyone visiting the Rocky Mountains really could end up walking away with a chest full of gold.An Invitation from Forrest FennSo how did this treasure end up in the Rockies? Forrest Fenn, an eighty-four-year-old currently residing in Santa Fe, New Mexico, has the answer. Back in 1988, Forrest was diagnosed with cancer. His prognosis? Less than a 20 percent chance of living for three years. Forrest decided that he wanted a way to leave a legacy behind if he was going to die. Additionally, he wanted to encourage children and adults to go out, get into the mountains, and explore the outdoors. He aimed to “give a man and his wife a reason to get the kids out.” So he planned a treasure hunt. Turquoise beads are just one treasure to be discovered in the Rockies. Photo by B. Jefferson Bolnder. CCHowever, it took Forrest fifteen years (well past his projected three-year allotment) to actually bury the treasure. He had to purchase the chest, collect the gold to put into the chest, and make the trip to bury the chest once it was full. And, most importantly, Forrest had to set up clues. He wrote the book The Thrill of the Chase, which talks about much of his life growing up and some of the experiences he had as a kid. Forrest also included a poem written specifically for the purpose of aiding interested readers in finding his hidden treasure.An Unsolved PuzzleForrest hid the treasure in 2010, in the Rocky Mountains somewhere between Santa Fe and the Canadian border. He said that he hid it in a place that is very important to him and that it only took him about two seconds to decide where to hide the chest. He then published the poem, which will supposedly lead readers straight to the treasure, assuming they interpret the clues correctly. However, previous searchers have looked extensively throughout the Rockies over the past five years, and the treasure still has not been found to Forrest’s or anyone else’s knowledge. (Yellowstone National Park seems to be a popular site for hunters.)But to Forrest Fenn, the treasure hunt isn’t about somebody lucky finding a chest full of gold. The hunt is about enjoying nature, seeking adventure, and getting into the mountains with the possibility—though no guarantee—of a huge reward. Forrest says that “we’re a sedentary people today” and that the most rewarding part of the treasure hunt for him is when people contact him and tell him about the great experiences they’ve had getting out into the mountains searching for the treasure, especially when it involves their kids. He likes the idea that his book is impacting people’s lives and that people are seeking entertainment from the outdoors rather than from television screens and gaming systems. He added that he hopes his book will “give people a reason to do something different with their lives.” It took Forrest fifteen years to gather all of the gold and jewels to put in his treasure chest before hiding it in the Rockies. Photo by Mykl Roventine. CCA Guide for SearchersWhile adventure and fun await hunters in the mountains, the treasure itself seems to be much more enticing to searchers. So how can interested parties seek the treasure? Obviously there is no sure answer, or else the chest would have been found by now. However, there are some ways that individuals can increase their chances of locating the mysterious chest. Forrest suggests that before searching for the treasure, those interested in looking should read his book The Thrill of the Chase, and especially his poem that goes with it. He has also written “scrapbooks” (similar to blog posts) and another book, Too Far to Walk, both of which may be helpful in providing readers with additional clues about the treasure’s location. His scrapbooks can be found at dalneitzel.com.Additionally, Forrest recommends that those wanting to look for the treasure be prepared both mentally and physically. He said that searchers should have a definite plan in mind and know what they’re doing and where they’re going rather than looking blindly for the treasure. Searchers should have a map, proper clothing, food, water, and any other equipment that may be necessary or useful on a trek through the Rocky Mountains. Reminding readers that this hunt can be packed full of adventure, Forrest advises searchers to be prepared for everything “from grizzly bears to fast running water and bluffs that drop off a thousand feet.”Forrest also emphasized that anyone wishing to find the treasure has to be motivated. Nobody is going to just happen upon the treasure chest. Searchers should do their research and study potential locations before attempting to locate the treasure.Finally, Forrest’s treasure hunt is not for the faint of heart. Rather, it is for anyone wishing to find excitement and adventure in the beautiful and historic Rocky Mountains. Forrest points out that “the mountains are full of excitement . . . and every place you look there’s something to be learned.”An Opportunity for AdventureWhether searchers strike it rich or not, Forrest’s treasure hunt is continually providing motivated people with an opportunity to experience nature. “You don’t have to ride a horse for four months to experience what’s out there,” Forrest said. Planning a trip to the Rockies can be rewarding for individuals, couples, and families regardless of whether they locate the treasure or not. Forrest hopes that people, especially those who haven’t spent much time in nature before, take this chance to get outdoors and have fun, with the possibility of finding a chest full of gold. One of Forrest Fenn’s main motivations for setting up this treasure hunt was to get people, especially kids, off their couches and out into nature. Yellowstone National Park has been a popular site for seekers of Fenn’s treasure. Photo by Julie Falk. CCSo do you think you have what it takes? Read Forrest’s poem, solve the puzzle, grab a map, and start looking! (However, Forrest also advises not searching in the winter, so maybe wait until spring.) “Everybody likes treasures, everybody likes gold, and everybody likes to read stories about pirates and Robin Hood, and to me it all ties into the same thing. It’s all being outdoors,” Forrest remarked. The hunt for Forrest Fenn’s treasure is a great, family-friendly opportunity to search for something worth more than its weight in gold—as valuable as the treasure is, the memories formed and the adventures found while searching for the treasure will be priceless.—Shanna ClaytonFeature image by Andrew E. Russell. CC

It’s dark and cold outside, but that doesn’t seem to bother the hundreds of people moving around in the open square, walking from stall to stall. Twinkling lights illuminate the Marktplatz as visitors drink mulled wine with friends, eat a bratwurst on Brötchen, or snack on some Mandeln. Others buy handmade gifts for loved ones, while parents take their children for rides on the Karussel. It’s Christmastime in Germany, and with the season comes the traditional Weihnachtsmarkt.German Christmas markets have been a tradition since the seventeenth century. Originally meant to entice churchgoers to attend services, the markets have since turned into a more commercial venture for businesses, restaurants, and entertainers. Many of the larger cities like Frankfurt, Berlin, and Leipzig run their Christmas markets from the end of November until the week before Christmas. Small towns also have their own Christmas markets that span just one weekend.

The Italian Neapolitan pizza cooks in an authentic pizza oven. Photo by Erin Willder.Not all pizzas are created equal. Delivered or picked up, gourmet or mass-produced, frozen or fresh—pizza is for everyone.

You see them all the time in movies: fur hats that look so comfortable and warm, which every Russian character seems to wear. But how accurate is that stereotype? Let’s take a look at the country that made fur hats famous: Russia.Fur hats have been popular in cold climates for millennia, but according to correspondent Darya Pushkova, the ushanka, or “ear-flap hat,” became an icon for the Soviet Union in the twentieth century. These hats were a mandatory part of the military uniform, due to the bitter Russian cold. Now the ushanka is part of the winter military uniform for the United States, Canada, and other Western countries. Ironically, the Russian military has changed their fur hat design to a rounder style with no flaps.

Let’s be honest: red-eye flights are awful. Who wants to sit in an airplane all night when you could be sleeping at home or in a hotel room? However, even though flying red-eye does have its cons, it also has its share of pros.

Between the beaches of Torquay and the riverbanks of Allansford, the Great Ocean Road teeters on Australia’s edge. This famous highway snakes through 18 diverse cities, all with different adventures to be had. This road offers the best route to see all sides of Australia’s culture. Whether you are exploring the Otways Forest or catching rays at Apollo Bay, the scenic views will take your breath away. The jagged limestone rock formations create a choppy coastline worthy of Shipwreck Coast’s name. (Photo by Jim Hoffman cc)Explore the CoastThe city of Warrnambool is found along Shipwreck Coast. Shipwreck Coast received its name because of the 50 known ships that disappeared under the waves at this rocky coastline. The Twelve Apostles rock formations create dangerous conditions for local ships. Visitors can learn about the haunting history of these ships on the Historic Shipwreck Trail. A map reveals the location of each of the known shipwrecks and the suspected cause of the ship’s demise. For those tourists wanting a closer view, they can scuba dive 250 meters outside of Warrnambool’s breakwater to investigate the haunting underwater ruins of the ship La Bella, which sank in 1905 but is still mostly intact. The helm of La Bella is the ultimate place for high adventurers. Australia’s iconic animals like the kangaroo can be found up and down the coastline and inland of the Great Ocean Road. (Photo by Hadi Zaher cc)Go Back in TimeThe Great Ocean Road is not only about high adventure places. Visitors can appreciate a relaxing atmosphere on the streets of Port Fairy, a fishing village on the west end of the Great Ocean Road. This historic town is populated with boutiques, art galleries, and antique stores at every turn. The nineteenth-century cottages transport every visitor to another time.Visit the Local MarketThere are many markets in the Ballarine Peninsula, but none so expansive and popular as Point Lonsdale Market. On the second Sunday of each month, over 150 stalls are open for business, selling crafts, artwork, jams, produce, and more. Stopping at the market not only is the perfect time to pick up souvenirs, but it is also a great way to be immersed in the Australian culture. The variety found in this market is perfect for travelers of all ages and all personalities.Follow a Guiding LightSplit Point Lighthouse is a stunning attraction for any tourist. Also known as “The White Queen,” Split Point stands proudly on Aireys Inlet’s shores. Although the lighthouse has been guiding ships back to her shores since 1891, Split Point Lighthouse only recently opened to tourists in 2013. Visitors can now take a forty-five-minute tour of this striking monument. The top of the lighthouse reveals a dramatic view of the coastline; it is a must-see on the Great Ocean Road.Soar Through the TreesAustralia is famous for its seaside adventures, but this continent holds just as much beauty inland. The Otway Rainforest is the perfect destination to appreciate a different side of Australia. Visitors can see the rainforest thirty meters above on the Tree Top Walk, a steel walkway that stretches a mile through the forest. This walkway reaches the height of forty-seven meters at the spiral tower, the focal point of the floating trail. For those hoping for a bit more excitement, they can sightsee the forest on a zip line tour with six different flights. Either path you choose, there is no denying the Otway Rainforest is the perfect place to see how exquisitely green Australia can be.Explore the MuseumThe last stop on this Australian road trip is in the small town of Queenscliff. Packed with history, Queenscliff is the best place to get a glimpse of the past. The Queenscliff Historical Museum attracts people from all around the world with a vast number of paintings, newspapers, photographs, and documents that capture the culture of Australia. But Queenscliff isn’t limited to its history on the land; it has a history in the sea as well. Visitors can experience this at the Queenscliff Maritime Museum. This museum is home to shipwreck artifacts, early diving equipment, and various models of the underwater landscapes.These are just some of the ideal city stops to make while riding the Great Ocean Road, but every city has its unique flavor. The entire stretch of the Great Ocean Road is less than a 7-hour road trip, which offers plenty of time for visitors to investigate the cities. Whether you are an adventurous explorer or a down-to-earth sightseer, the Great Ocean Road has a city just for you. Take a trip to see every bit of Australia’s landscape and culture all on one highway.—Cherie Stewart

Gilded costumes require extra hours of preparation. Some even have to be sewn directly onto the dancer. Photo by Jean-Pierre Dalbéra. ccThe stage is backlit with a warm yellow glow. The musicians sit cross-legged in rows on either side, playing xylophones, drums, gongs, and finger cymbals. The voices of a woman and a man intertwine as they swoop in and out of nasal tones and between notes that are unfamiliar to the Western ear. From stage left, a line of women enters the scene in slow motion. They articulate every movement as the heel and then the ball of the foot rises from the ground and floats, dynamically flexed, to a new position. Their hands are flexed, the fingers twisting back toward the wrist in a beautiful, norm-defying curve.The dancers’ slow movements are entrancing. The women arrive at center stage and gracefully lower themselves to their knees. In unison they slide one knee along the floor toward the back, the leg bent at ninety degrees and the foot flexed with toes bent toward the floor, leaving the other knee in front for support. Their backs are arched, and they watch with calm concentration as their curled fingers paint undulant brushstrokes in the air before them. Now they pull the back leg forward as they twist to the right to paint the next side of the stage. This is Tehum Poh, the welcome dance.

To a first-time tourist, bargaining can be intimidating, especially with a language barrier. Here are six techniques and tips to remember when bargaining. Photo by Shreyans Bhansali. Be sure to check out the exchange rate of money since some things may be less expensive, depending on how the local money compares to the dollar. cchttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/1. Know when bargaining is appropriateSome countries frown upon bargaining, while others embrace it. It also depends on the location and type of stores. In places like supermarkets, food markets, and department stores, bargaining usually isn’t allowed. Places where bargaining is acceptable are flea markets, outdoor markets, street vendors, and areas designated by signs for bargaining. 2. Don’t settle for the initial priceMany vendors raise the initial price mainly because they either expect you to bargain it down, or they’re trying to get more money out of foreigners. Either way, don’t settle for the first price, or even the second or third. Ninety percent of the time, you will be able to lower the price. 3. Talk to the vendorParticularly in China and Indonesia, vendors will be more likely to lower the price of the item you want if you have a conversation with them first. Part of the bargaining process is to enjoy each other’s company. If you show the vendor that you understand the culture, you will likely get a better price than if you just haggle prices. 4. Use the “walk-away” method Photo by Sumori. Flea markets offer everything from jewelry to electronic speakers. There’s something for everyone! ccThis method is a very good one because it will cause the vendor to panic. If the vendor gives you a price and you feel like the price could go lower, make a move to walk away. The vendor will usually lower the price in an effort to keep you interested. Remember, the vendor’s goal is a completed sale. 5. Learn some of the languageBargaining can be more difficult in a country with a foreign language. In this case, making conversation isn’t likely, but learn how to say the numbers. This will help you bargain. Vendors will be more receptive to your bargaining attempt if you can speak even a few words in their language—and will probably give you a lower price and a smile. 6. Relax Bargaining may seem frightening at first, but the biggest trick is to simply give it a try. Developing your bargaining skill is like developing any other skill: it takes practice. You may mess up a few times and you may end up paying more for something the first couple of times, but it becomes easier, and you may even have fun.—Heather Moon

Find paradise at 700 feet below sea level.

I was twelve when my parents took me to Washington, DC for the first time. It was the first stop on a family vacation where we would be attending the funerals of two of my grandparents. Washington, DC, was the first major historical place any of us had visited. My father connected easily with the heritage we found there. I wouldn’t have a similar connection with history until a decade later.

One of the hardest decisions to make when traveling is how to remember your trip once you get home. The perfect souvenir can help to rekindle the experiences of your trip long after your sunburn has faded and you have recovered from jet lag. However, finding that perfect souvenir can be tricky. One place many people wouldn’t think to look for amazing deals is large markets, commonly known as bazaars. Found in every corner of the globe, bazaars can be indoor or outdoor, open seasonally or year-round. Each bazaar sells authentic specialty products for very low prices that tourists often pass over because they don’t know what to look for or what constitutes a good deal. Check out what a few bazaars around the world are selling to see where you can find high-quality items for economical prices.

Along the grass-lined streets, George McFly gets beat up by Biff again. Lorraine Baines gazes out the window admiringly at her son skateboarding down the road. Away from the square, the Tannen, McFly, Baines, and Brown houses line the street, waiting for tourists. No cell phones ring. Though opportunities abound, no one takes selfies. Instead, people take pictures with secondhand cameras, not smartphones. Is this the past? No, it’s the future—Back to the Future, that is—of movies with SecretCinema.

Rain pours down the sides of the umbrella protecting my missionary companion and me. We huddle together, walking over to the tricycles parked at the side of the parking lot waiting for passengers. Each tricycle has a particular destination, and we want one headed to a nicer part of town. We find a promising one with few people and struggle into what serves as the cab.

Photo by Patrick Brosset ccWhen seventy-year-old Grandma Lynn visited Paris for the first time, she chose to learn only one word in French: glaçon.

When the Nazis occupied France during WWII, resistance fighters and Jews hid in the mazelike neighborhood called le Panier. Photo by Jared Rutman; all rights reserved.Just three hours from Paris by train lies Marseille, an unusual French city warmed by the Mediterranean sun and flavored by a distinctly North African feel. Marseille is France’s biggest port city and has served for centuries as a gateway between Europe and the Maghreb (Algeria, Tunisia, and Morocco). While all of France has a large percentage of Maghrebi immigrants and their descendants, Marseille’s population is especially diverse. The city’s vibrant blend of cultures makes it unlike any other place in France.

After a short ride on the ferry, I stepped onto the street to face a neo-baroque castle. Turning left, I spotted a large, Victorian mansion half-covered in ivy, and then I started to wonder, “Am I in England?”Victoria, Canada, was named after the famous Queen Victoria of England, and this city on the southwestern tip of Canada stays true to its namesake. Along with its architecture, this tourist destination is starkly reminiscent of England, emitting a foreign and historic energy. With the picture-perfect waterfront, the horse-drawn carriage rides, and the pervading Victorian style, it’s hard to remember that you are less than two hours away from the United States. Victoria is a perfect weekend getaway to escape without spending thousands. Victoria DayIf you’re planning a weekend to Victoria, May Long Weekend is the perfect choice. The Monday before May 24 is Victoria Day, a national Canadian holiday celebrating Queen Victoria’s birthday (actually on the 24th). Victoria boasts the most prominent parade, celebrating its namesake with food, music, and fireworks. For many, Victoria Day is a happily anticipated long weekend and a symbol of the beginning of summer.Darri Guinto, a recent visitor, described Victoria as “quaint and picturesque.” She particularly remembers the numerous flowers that cover the city, adding to its beauty and charm. Guinto said that instead of lampposts, Victoria has hanging baskets of flowers that line the streets.

Photo by Trans Link. ccMoney: Let’s face it, we need it to survive, especially when we are traveling away from home. Unfortunately, thieves like to pick tourists’ pockets, which are easy targets. Traveling with the right gear can help you hold on to your money and still enjoy yourself.Money BeltsThese belts have a pocket on the inside with a zipper and are great for stowing cash, particularly emergency cash. You can open up the pocket and stash a few hundred-dollar bills inside. This is great for emergencies, since you will have spare bills on hand (or in your belt!).Passport PouchesYour passport is your most valuable possession when traveling—a person without a passport is a person without a country. These pouches are good for carrying your passport, but never wear them outside your clothes. It labels you as a tourist and makes it easy for the thief to just grab it and run. Wear the passport underneath your clothes, either under your shirt, or on your hip under your pants. Never put your passport in a bag or a backpack. You can usually find these pouches at places like Walmart and Target.ShoesThe brand Slotflops has designed shoes that have a secret compartment that pops out of the bottom of the heel, letting you carry your credit card and even a little cash. This brand only does flip flops, but the website Stashvault.com offers other styles of shoes with compartments. These shoes are useful particularly for emergencies and when bags are inconvenient. The prices range between $26–30. slotflops.com stashvault.comSecret PocketsWhether you buy clothes and bags that have them or make them yourself, having a hidden pocket somewhere on your clothing is a great trick to store credit cards and cash. Avoid putting a hidden pocket right behind a real one though, to avoid it being discovered in a potential mugging. Having secret pockets in backpacks are good to store your more valuable items.Credit Card Protective CoveringWith the popularity of credit cards, robbers have stepped up their game. Some thieves carry devices that can scan your credit card to get the number, just by getting close to you. The trick to combat this is to get a protective covering. The covering repels the frequencies that the scanners use, keeping your card and money safe. Amazon.com offers these covers for only $5, a good investment.No matter where you travel, you’ll want to keep your money safe. The gear here can help you keep your money close and help you have a wonderful, worry-free vacation.—Heather Moon