Travel opens your mind up to places you never knew existed. I love looking at all the buildings, landscapes, landmarks and tourist attractions, but what I love the most about travelling; is the people I met, the friendships that I formed and the different cultures I got to immerse myself in. Each person I met is like a teacher passing down their life experiences, and in turn, their knowledge onto me. For me, I learnt so much about the world around me by talking to many different people from all corners of the globe. Not only did I meet people from the countries I visited, but met people from other countries visiting the same places I was. I met a few people from Israel, and it was interesting to hear their views on their countries own politics and gave me a better understanding about the situation, that wasn’t what the media told me. Learning about everyone’s different situations and what they’ve accomplished in their lives and what they’ve had to battle through, inspires me to want to be a better person and be all that I can be.
I loved South America and all the different cultures and I hope to return there in the near future. When I was in Peru, I did the Inca Trail with a tour company known as GAP Adventures. Some of the money we pay towards the tour goes to help Peruvian women. They have not just given the women money, but have provided them with tools and supplies to make clothing, blankets, jewellery etc to sell and make their own money. This means that they don’t have to rely on their husbands for support. It was great knowing that I had made a difference to these women’s lives.
When I was in Quito, I met a group of Swedish friends that were teaching English to children. They got to help educate children, understand some of the backgrounds of disadvantaged children and were able to learn Spanish all at the same time. They got to do this, while immersing themselves into a whole new country. I plan to do 3 months there doing the same thing within the next couple of years.
I want to return to different parts of South America and indeed the world to really help people that have not been given the same opportunities as I have. I guess I feel strongly about helping women and to make sure they are treated correctly and have access to a good education. This will ensure they have a good quality of life and are equal to the males of society. In some cultures women are not even allowed to attend school. This backwards thinking is changing, but it still needs a lot of work. I don’t want to change people’s cultures and westernise everybody, but I want everyone around the world to be happy, healthy and have access to clean drinking water: Things we take for granted!
For now though, I have just got involved with a not-for-profit organisation known as RideAid (http://www.rideaid.net) and I am helping to organise a "lapathon" with school children to help raise money for the cause. There are many reasons that I have got involved, of course the first one is to help the children in Cambodia. However I have also got involved to learn about the many different aspects of organising an event, especially one that it is for a not-for-profit organisation. This will help me to learn more about PR, Event Management etc while I’m studying. I will keep you updated on the progress.
I think it’s very important to keep learning and I think the best way is not just reading books, but to jump head first into life, be open to everyone, their thoughts and ideas and embrace everything this amazing world has to offer!
Love your work Rhi, well done
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