People Tell the Story: Ghana
Ghanaian people are friendly, outgoing and genuinely interested about where you come from. . .and if you’ll take them there (we were asked by locals to help with everything from providing American visas to finding the perfect girlfriend). There’s a sense of wonder and curiosity about the Western world that can be seen from people ages six to sixty. Yet, they love their country and have so much pride in being Ghanaian. I understood from a few different people that even when most citizens leave, they almost always come back. Ghana’s people are loyal and it’s contagious.
Read MorePeople Tell the Story: China
The people of China seem to be an interesting breed and the cities and countryside paint vastly different pictures. While the pace and personality of people in the big cities resembled some major US cities, there are still some major cultural differences. It was not uncommon to see children almost trampled during a rush while waiting in various lines. Spitting and burping in public are not seen as dirty habits. And personal space can be a pipe dream. Countrysiders, however, brought us back to earth with their friendliness and humility.
People Tell the Story: Vietnam
The people of Vietnam could easily be our favorite from our experience in Asia. We seem to be saying that every time we travel to the next country, but it’s true. Somehow, our impression of people keeps getting better and better. The Vietnamese are so likable because they are extremely friendly, welcoming and overly hospitable.
Read MorePeople Tell the Story: Cambodia
Cambodians seem to wear their life stories on their faces. After getting a basic background on the country’s war-filled past, it’s developing present, and it’s promising future, you can almost see these different stages while looking at the people. The elderly seem content, fortunate to have made it through the killing spree of the Khmer Rouge. The middle-aged seem caught in between. Many of them were alive for the horrific events that transpired in the late ’70s, but try to mask that experience with friendliness and positive interactions. And the young are full of smiles and curiosity. Aware of the past, but more importantly, excited for their future.
Read MorePeople Tell the Story: Thailand
The people of Thailand undeniably lived up to the hype. Their overly-friendly personalities, curiosity with foreigners and general sense of happiness far exceeded any other country we’ve visited. The “Land of Smiles” is not only an incredible country to visit, but also a place to experience some of the world’s best hospitality and nicest people.
Read MorePeople Tell the Story: Nepal
The people of Nepal were extremely friendly. Maybe it was due to volunteering and being a member of the working community for two short weeks, but we felt welcomed, safe, and appreciated by the Nepali people. We built relationships with volunteer coordinators, host family members, students and teachers. Smiles and greetings of “Namaste” always made us feel a part of the city. Keshab is a prime example of all things Nepali.
Read MoreGiving Back
A huge part of our journey is about giving back. While the personal travel is sure to dazzle, we are confident that it will be the volunteer experiences that will show us the most about the world and touch our souls. Read more...