inspiration
foreigner FALL 2012 | ISSUE 4
m a g a z i n e
Post-travel INSPIRATION Find out how returning travelers are making a difference in the lives of others.
TRAVELER’S GIFT VACATIONS p. 14 RUNAWAY BRIDESMAIDS p. 22 OIMEI COMPANY p. 30
Drug Hotspot?
Maybe. But Colombia’s reputation didn’t scare this English teacher.
s s s
+ + +
p.56
THIS ISSUE
• Editor’s Picks p.8 • Travel Reads p.38 • Photo Showcase p.78
Native Foreigner Magazine | Fall 2012 1
travel CONTRIBUTORS
MIKEHOWER JOSEPHSTRZEMPKO
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION?
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION?
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
Dominican Republic.
FAVORITE MODE OF TRANSPORTATION?
WHAT WAS THE MOST EXOTIC FOOD YOU ATE?
WHAT WAS THE MOST EXOTIC FOOD YOU ATE?
Mondongo Soup — or what I call the Gringo Buster. It’s a type of soup with vegetables and the key ingredient... tripe.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION?
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION?
India is by far my favorite destination.
Probably Petra, for the opportunity it afforded me to spend a day pretending I was Indiana Jones.
WHAT DID YOU MISS MOST ABOUT CANADA?
WHAT ITEM CAN’T YOU TRAVEL WITHOUT? A book...or several books.
WHAT DID YOU MISS LEAST ABOUT THE U.S.? The fast pace of life in the U.S. — the sense that you have to always be working or doing something “valuable” with your time.
Travel Idols TRUE TRAVEL TALES
Learn a little more about this issue’s travel contributors and some of their incredible travel moments. 10 Native Foreigner Magazine | Fall 2012
p. 56
HEATHERMORTON
ELLENRHUDY
p. 50
Sitting in the surf on Playa Blanca on Isla Baru, sipping beer with friends until the wee hours of the night.
Motoconcho (motorcycle taxis found in the Dominican Republic). Chicken Feet Soup.
p. 44
Cartagena, Colombia.
I missed not being able to make a phone call easily.
MOST INTERESTING PERSON YOU MET? I met a very interesting artist in Hardiwar, India, who collected driftwood from the Ganges (the sacred river to the Hindus). He lets each piece speak to him before he begins carving it.
p. 64
RACHELJONES WANT TO BE FEATURED IN OUR NEXT ISSUE?
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION?
Send your travel story to [email protected] and YOU could be one of our next featured contributors!
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
Barcelona. It was a gorgeous city and nothing like any other city I’ve been to in Europe. Walking the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. I will never forget that moment.
WHAT WAS THE MOST EXOTIC FOOD YOU ATE? Escargot. I’ve had it before but everyone thought I was crazy for eating it!
p. 70 Native Foreigner Magazine | Fall 2012 11
travel STORIES
travel STORIES
French Film:
A Semester in France by Rachel Jones
I DECIDED TO STUDY ABROAD IN FRANCE DURING THE SPRING semester of 2012. I’m a theatre major with a minor in French, which sounds like an odd combination. I will admit, it is. After taking a French class my freshman year, I chose to minor in French. But by my senior year, I still wasn’t that good at it. I was making the grades but I didn’t feel that my speaking skills were progressing. Knowing that French was my fallback to theatre, I decided I really needed to boost my understanding of this romance language.
I was apprehensive at first to study abroad
could combine my passion for film with
since this meant that I wouldn’t be cast
French language classes, then why not?
in a show for an entire semester. But I
Plus, a semester on the French Riviera
threw my doubts aside, hopped online
didn’t sound too shabby. How could I say
and started researching study abroad
no?
programs. After Googling program after
The big day — February 1 — quickly
program, I decided to study abroad in
approached. The night before my depar-
Cannes through the American Institute
ture I felt like a giddy child waiting for
for Foreign Study (AIFS).
the arrival of Santa Claus. Needless to
Why, you ask? The Cannes Film Fes-
say, I couldn’t sleep. Fortunately, the pro-
tival. I must admit, I’m a film nerd. If I
gram eased all of us into the study abroad
70 Native Foreigner Magazine | Fall 2012
Walk in Paris
Native Foreigner Magazine | Fall 2012 71
travel STORIES
travel STORIES Beach in Cannes
Highest point in Cannes
mentality by beginning our
ting acquainted with the
the temperature was around
think of the French Riviera:
much (apparently they prefer
most well-known restaurants
adventure in another English-
British accents and the
40° F when we arrived and
small restaurants and cafes
Venice). In the past, I wasn’t
in Paris, Les Cocottes.
speaking country: England.
London tube, my soon-to-be
dipped down into the 30s at
lining the road into the city.
a fan of the city. It always
As a self-proclaimed
The program began with a
classmates and I flew from
night. At one point it even
I was overwhelmed at first
seemed too dirty and touristy.
“foodie” and one of the big-
few days in London, which
Heathrow to Nice. We were
snowed.
but I knew from that moment
But, with an open mind, I
gest fans of American chef
happens to be one of my
finally in France…Cannes
Although I recall the shock
on I would love Cannes.
gave the city another chance.
Anthony Bourdain, I was
favorite cities.
was now within reach. When
of the climate, nearly every-
While this Mediterranean
And, thankfully I did. I can
determined to follow in his
Although I was pretty
we arrived in Cannes, I felt
thing else from that initial
town became my home, I was
now say that I love Paris.
footsteps by enjoying the
jetlagged, I wasn’t so sleep-
like I was in heaven…sort of.
week was a blur. Between
fortunate enough to travel
I experienced my first mac-
gastronomic pleasures of
deprived that I couldn’t enjoy
It was gorgeous, but freezing.
taking our placement test
outside of the city. And, when
arons from the famous Ladu-
this restaurant. The restau-
some of what the city had
Sure, it was winter, but we
and trying to find our way
given the opportunity to
rée (so worth the money), the
rant’s service lived up to the
to offer. The highlight of
all expected it to be fairly
around town, my friends and
travel, I took it.
Musee D’Orsay, and the glory
hype. The food was amazing
London was going to a bar
mild. Despite its coastal loca-
I were constantly on the go.
One of the first trips with
of the Eiffel Tower sparkling
and the cherry on top of my
and having our drinks served
tion, however, Cannes doesn’t
We lived right by the Suqet
AIFS was to Paris. Oh la la!
against the dark night. But
weekend in Paris.
in teacups. How cliché!
enjoy year-round tropical
— the old town. It is exactly
To Americans, it’s the city of
the biggest highlight of the
Some of the most memo-
After two short days get-
temperatures. As I recall,
what you imagine when you
love. To the French, not so
trip was dining at one of the
rable moments from my time
72 Native Foreigner Magazine | Fall 2012
Native Foreigner Magazine | Fall 2012 73
travel STORIES
travel STORIES Glockenspiel, Munich (lower left); La Boqueria, Barcelona (below); Casa Batillo, Barcelona (right)
abroad, however, were the weekend getaways to other countries. My first trip away from the AIFS group was to Munich — a city I had previously visited. Being in Germany, our first stop on the agenda: a beer hall. So many choices, so little time! The best beer hall I visited was Augustiner Brau. Sitting beside strangers and striking up a conversation proved to be one of the best ways to meet people. Munich gave me a new appreciation for weiss (wheat) beer and introduced me to the world of hostels (which wasn’t as horrible as I imagined). Munich remains one of my favorite European cities. Leaving the Germans and their beer behind, I ventured into Spanish territory next. While London is my favorite city in Europe, Barcelona comes in a
France
the denial. We didn’t want to
ing with its tree-lined street. If
imagine a life outside of our
anyone asked what two things
four months in Cannes but we
they had to do in Barcelona,
knew it would happen.
I would have to recommend
On the morning before my
going to the market La Boque-
flight back home, a group of
ria (note: eat at one of the
us woke up early to see the
food bars and have some of
sunrise over the beach. Sadly,
the freshest seafood!) and the
it was overcast and rainy. We
cathedral La Sagrada Familia.
decided that it was Cannes
Also, it would be a sin not to
crying because we were leav-
eat paella while enjoying an
ing.
ice-cold glass of sangria.
Now, having been back in
Studying abroad in France
the states for a while, I can
I was able to see not just one
say it has been sad. And weird.
European culture, but many.
Studying abroad was one of
But, all good things must come
the best decisions in my life. I
to an end. After four months I
couldn’t and wouldn’t ever take
had to say goodbye to Cannes.
it back. As one of my friends
Before departing, our group
put on our AIFS Facebook page,
watched a reverse culture
“Don’t cry because it’s over,
shock film that we thought
smile because it happened.” ~
was hilarious. It was cheesy.
Dr. Seuss. And that rings true
Seriously. But perhaps our
to all of us who have studied
laughter was simply masking
abroad. j
yy O pened the first department store, Le Bon Marche, in 1838 in Paris yy Over 300 types of cheese are made in France
close second. The influence from Gaudi is all over
yy Crepes originated in Brittany, France
the city, and it is beautiful. The walk along Las
yy 5-time host of the Summer Olympic Games
74 Native Foreigner Magazine | Fall 2012
Ramblas is simply breathtak-
Source: Eupedia
Native Foreigner Magazine | Fall 2012 75
m a g a z i n e
Post-travel INSPIRATION Find out how returning travelers are making a difference in the lives of others.
TRAVELER’S GIFT VACATIONS p. 14 RUNAWAY BRIDESMAIDS p. 22 OIMEI COMPANY p. 30
Drug Hotspot?
Maybe. But Colombia’s reputation didn’t scare this English teacher.
s s s
+ + +
p.56
THIS ISSUE
• Editor’s Picks p.8 • Travel Reads p.38 • Photo Showcase p.78
Native Foreigner Magazine | Fall 2012 1
travel CONTRIBUTORS
MIKEHOWER JOSEPHSTRZEMPKO
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION?
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION?
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
Dominican Republic.
FAVORITE MODE OF TRANSPORTATION?
WHAT WAS THE MOST EXOTIC FOOD YOU ATE?
WHAT WAS THE MOST EXOTIC FOOD YOU ATE?
Mondongo Soup — or what I call the Gringo Buster. It’s a type of soup with vegetables and the key ingredient... tripe.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION?
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION?
India is by far my favorite destination.
Probably Petra, for the opportunity it afforded me to spend a day pretending I was Indiana Jones.
WHAT DID YOU MISS MOST ABOUT CANADA?
WHAT ITEM CAN’T YOU TRAVEL WITHOUT? A book...or several books.
WHAT DID YOU MISS LEAST ABOUT THE U.S.? The fast pace of life in the U.S. — the sense that you have to always be working or doing something “valuable” with your time.
Travel Idols TRUE TRAVEL TALES
Learn a little more about this issue’s travel contributors and some of their incredible travel moments. 10 Native Foreigner Magazine | Fall 2012
p. 56
HEATHERMORTON
ELLENRHUDY
p. 50
Sitting in the surf on Playa Blanca on Isla Baru, sipping beer with friends until the wee hours of the night.
Motoconcho (motorcycle taxis found in the Dominican Republic). Chicken Feet Soup.
p. 44
Cartagena, Colombia.
I missed not being able to make a phone call easily.
MOST INTERESTING PERSON YOU MET? I met a very interesting artist in Hardiwar, India, who collected driftwood from the Ganges (the sacred river to the Hindus). He lets each piece speak to him before he begins carving it.
p. 64
RACHELJONES WANT TO BE FEATURED IN OUR NEXT ISSUE?
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE DESTINATION?
Send your travel story to [email protected] and YOU could be one of our next featured contributors!
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
Barcelona. It was a gorgeous city and nothing like any other city I’ve been to in Europe. Walking the red carpet at the Cannes Film Festival. I will never forget that moment.
WHAT WAS THE MOST EXOTIC FOOD YOU ATE? Escargot. I’ve had it before but everyone thought I was crazy for eating it!
p. 70 Native Foreigner Magazine | Fall 2012 11
travel STORIES
travel STORIES
French Film:
A Semester in France by Rachel Jones
I DECIDED TO STUDY ABROAD IN FRANCE DURING THE SPRING semester of 2012. I’m a theatre major with a minor in French, which sounds like an odd combination. I will admit, it is. After taking a French class my freshman year, I chose to minor in French. But by my senior year, I still wasn’t that good at it. I was making the grades but I didn’t feel that my speaking skills were progressing. Knowing that French was my fallback to theatre, I decided I really needed to boost my understanding of this romance language.
I was apprehensive at first to study abroad
could combine my passion for film with
since this meant that I wouldn’t be cast
French language classes, then why not?
in a show for an entire semester. But I
Plus, a semester on the French Riviera
threw my doubts aside, hopped online
didn’t sound too shabby. How could I say
and started researching study abroad
no?
programs. After Googling program after
The big day — February 1 — quickly
program, I decided to study abroad in
approached. The night before my depar-
Cannes through the American Institute
ture I felt like a giddy child waiting for
for Foreign Study (AIFS).
the arrival of Santa Claus. Needless to
Why, you ask? The Cannes Film Fes-
say, I couldn’t sleep. Fortunately, the pro-
tival. I must admit, I’m a film nerd. If I
gram eased all of us into the study abroad
70 Native Foreigner Magazine | Fall 2012
Walk in Paris
Native Foreigner Magazine | Fall 2012 71
travel STORIES
travel STORIES Beach in Cannes
Highest point in Cannes
mentality by beginning our
ting acquainted with the
the temperature was around
think of the French Riviera:
much (apparently they prefer
most well-known restaurants
adventure in another English-
British accents and the
40° F when we arrived and
small restaurants and cafes
Venice). In the past, I wasn’t
in Paris, Les Cocottes.
speaking country: England.
London tube, my soon-to-be
dipped down into the 30s at
lining the road into the city.
a fan of the city. It always
As a self-proclaimed
The program began with a
classmates and I flew from
night. At one point it even
I was overwhelmed at first
seemed too dirty and touristy.
“foodie” and one of the big-
few days in London, which
Heathrow to Nice. We were
snowed.
but I knew from that moment
But, with an open mind, I
gest fans of American chef
happens to be one of my
finally in France…Cannes
Although I recall the shock
on I would love Cannes.
gave the city another chance.
Anthony Bourdain, I was
favorite cities.
was now within reach. When
of the climate, nearly every-
While this Mediterranean
And, thankfully I did. I can
determined to follow in his
Although I was pretty
we arrived in Cannes, I felt
thing else from that initial
town became my home, I was
now say that I love Paris.
footsteps by enjoying the
jetlagged, I wasn’t so sleep-
like I was in heaven…sort of.
week was a blur. Between
fortunate enough to travel
I experienced my first mac-
gastronomic pleasures of
deprived that I couldn’t enjoy
It was gorgeous, but freezing.
taking our placement test
outside of the city. And, when
arons from the famous Ladu-
this restaurant. The restau-
some of what the city had
Sure, it was winter, but we
and trying to find our way
given the opportunity to
rée (so worth the money), the
rant’s service lived up to the
to offer. The highlight of
all expected it to be fairly
around town, my friends and
travel, I took it.
Musee D’Orsay, and the glory
hype. The food was amazing
London was going to a bar
mild. Despite its coastal loca-
I were constantly on the go.
One of the first trips with
of the Eiffel Tower sparkling
and the cherry on top of my
and having our drinks served
tion, however, Cannes doesn’t
We lived right by the Suqet
AIFS was to Paris. Oh la la!
against the dark night. But
weekend in Paris.
in teacups. How cliché!
enjoy year-round tropical
— the old town. It is exactly
To Americans, it’s the city of
the biggest highlight of the
Some of the most memo-
After two short days get-
temperatures. As I recall,
what you imagine when you
love. To the French, not so
trip was dining at one of the
rable moments from my time
72 Native Foreigner Magazine | Fall 2012
Native Foreigner Magazine | Fall 2012 73
travel STORIES
travel STORIES Glockenspiel, Munich (lower left); La Boqueria, Barcelona (below); Casa Batillo, Barcelona (right)
abroad, however, were the weekend getaways to other countries. My first trip away from the AIFS group was to Munich — a city I had previously visited. Being in Germany, our first stop on the agenda: a beer hall. So many choices, so little time! The best beer hall I visited was Augustiner Brau. Sitting beside strangers and striking up a conversation proved to be one of the best ways to meet people. Munich gave me a new appreciation for weiss (wheat) beer and introduced me to the world of hostels (which wasn’t as horrible as I imagined). Munich remains one of my favorite European cities. Leaving the Germans and their beer behind, I ventured into Spanish territory next. While London is my favorite city in Europe, Barcelona comes in a
France
the denial. We didn’t want to
ing with its tree-lined street. If
imagine a life outside of our
anyone asked what two things
four months in Cannes but we
they had to do in Barcelona,
knew it would happen.
I would have to recommend
On the morning before my
going to the market La Boque-
flight back home, a group of
ria (note: eat at one of the
us woke up early to see the
food bars and have some of
sunrise over the beach. Sadly,
the freshest seafood!) and the
it was overcast and rainy. We
cathedral La Sagrada Familia.
decided that it was Cannes
Also, it would be a sin not to
crying because we were leav-
eat paella while enjoying an
ing.
ice-cold glass of sangria.
Now, having been back in
Studying abroad in France
the states for a while, I can
I was able to see not just one
say it has been sad. And weird.
European culture, but many.
Studying abroad was one of
But, all good things must come
the best decisions in my life. I
to an end. After four months I
couldn’t and wouldn’t ever take
had to say goodbye to Cannes.
it back. As one of my friends
Before departing, our group
put on our AIFS Facebook page,
watched a reverse culture
“Don’t cry because it’s over,
shock film that we thought
smile because it happened.” ~
was hilarious. It was cheesy.
Dr. Seuss. And that rings true
Seriously. But perhaps our
to all of us who have studied
laughter was simply masking
abroad. j
yy O pened the first department store, Le Bon Marche, in 1838 in Paris yy Over 300 types of cheese are made in France
close second. The influence from Gaudi is all over
yy Crepes originated in Brittany, France
the city, and it is beautiful. The walk along Las
yy 5-time host of the Summer Olympic Games
74 Native Foreigner Magazine | Fall 2012
Ramblas is simply breathtak-
Source: Eupedia
Native Foreigner Magazine | Fall 2012 75
