travel essential: be flexibile

I was recently reminded of the importance of flexibility. I am referring to a type of attitude or trait needed for successful international travel experience - especially in the developing world.

In October/November of this year, I had the opportunity to return India - a country that has enchanted me.

Photo of a woman on the street in Yelamanchili

As soon as I exited the plane, my heart felt full to overflowing. My dad, who is often my travel companion, said it was like I was "glowing." It had been six years since I had returned, and I was super happy to be back. I love visiting India. I cherish time with my mentor and "Indian Daddy" who lives there.

My "Indian Daddy" and my adopted dad and frequent travel companion

I love our dear friends in southeast India, and I am honored to be mommy, sister, and friend to hundreds of children who live there. These have held a special place in my heart for a decade.

Some young ladies from Light of Love Children's Home - including Chandini, the girl we tried to adopt.

However, I was quickly reminded of one very important travel essential: flexibility.

Cyclone HudHud hit southern India just two weeks before our scheduled arrival. Though we were told it would not affect our travel plans, I am a seasoned enough traveler to suspect that we were embarking on a bit more of an adventure than originally intended. My suspicions were accurate.

Sign at Visakhapatnam (Visag) International Airport

Our international flights from into India were cancelled as a result of storm damage to the airport. We were unaware of a change in our travel plans until we tried to board the flight from Dubai to India. We weren't stranded, but it did take some effort and patience to figure out that our flight itinerary had been rerouted to an in-country destination first, in order to reach our final destination in Visag as domestic passengers.

When we arrived in Hyderbad, our transit location, there were airline staff waiting to guide us through customs, the ticketing process, security, and to the awaiting plane. The plane that took us from Hyderbad to Visag was full and had been waiting for nearly an hour - for us. I was happy that scheduled departures are flexible, rather than rigid, because it meant we did not miss our flight. I was also grateful for the helpful airline staff and the hospitality we were shown during transit.

Once we arrived at our destination, power was intermittent due to damaged power lines from the storm. We had generator power available, but could not run it 24/7. One of the planned activities during the trip was a dental clinic for the kids. We didn't cancel our plans because power was inconsistent,; rather, we did our work with hand tools by head lamp.

Dental Clinic: without power

Incidentally, we also completed the dental clinic a day early and decided to spend our "found time" by taking 100 young people to the beach.

Fun at the Bay of Bengal

So, when traveling internationally, I recommend one important travel essential:be flexible. It's better that way.

Just Sheri, enjoying the adventure

crossroads of the world

Recently I was stopped at a light on my way home. On my left was a Latin Hair Salon with all their services listed in Spanish. Next to that was a Halal butcher with writing in Arabic. Across the street was a Korean grocer with a Korean neon sign and across from that was an Afghan kabob restaurant which smelled of curry and cinnamon.

I took a deep breath and thought, "this is what I like about living here - the mass amounts of diversity. It as if every corner of the world is represented in one place."

The nations come here. It's wonderful. Really wonderful.

just Sheri, embracing the diversity

Food Street

For dinner on our last night in Wuhan, we toured "food street." This was a first for the Whincop family and we had a great time checking out the stalls and tasting a bit of what they had to offer.

D.J. was impressive! Here she is eating squid from a food booth. There wasn't a thing she didn't sample. Not only is she nearly as tall as me (and likely to surpass me by our next visit), but she is braver than me when it comes to cuisine. Well done!

 D.J. does have a mentor when it comes to adventurous eating. Her dad! Like father, like daughter. Look at those smiles!

 This man was smoking while cooking. I tried to get a snap (photo). He caught me and this was his response. Uh-uh-uh!

There were many wonderful smells and tastes...and some not so wonderful (stinky tofu for instance). But, this delicacy called "chocolate fish" left a big impression. Warm dough with melted chocolate inside - in the shape of a fish. Tough to beat - especially for someone who likes bread and chocolate. Mmmm, good! I want another, please. Too bad they are so far away.

just Sheri,  samples make a great meal

Dancing in the park

Parks in China are a gathering place. There are those playing Mahjong. Those singing or playing instruments. Groups participating in Tai Chi. Kite flying. People watching. But, my favorite public park activity - DANCING! 

I love to dance, though I don't get to do it much these days. I found a group of ladies doing ballroom dancing. One seemed to be the teacher. I jumped right in for a lesson. Ahh, dancing! Apparently, a universal language as it did not require us to communicate with words in order to connect. 

 

When I travel, it is moments like these (unscripted and shared with the locals) that I cherish. Thanks for documenting the moment, Fiona.

just Sheri, danced in the park

Patience is a virtue

Asia is full of beautiful handicrafts. In China there are many elaborate wood and marble carvings on display. Any time I see work like this, I have one thought, "that took a LOT of patience." Patience is something we lack in America. We value immediate results, but that leads to a lot of cookie cutter products. Only patience, LOTS of patience, can create a thing of such beauty.

just Sheri, an impatient American

"Venice" of China

Not far from Shanghai is an ancient water town. We took a tour. So glad we did!

Two of my favorite people on earth.

our "gondolier"

Fiona striking a pose.

Every day life happening around us. A lady doing her washing in the river as we pass by on our boat tour.

just Sheri, explorer on an expedition

Touring Shanghai on foot

Our first full day in China was spent taking a walking tour of Shanghai. This is a city that was new to my dad and I. He came with a list of things to see written on a piece of paper. Our tour guide, Fiona, did her best to show us those that made the top of her list. Here is a sample of what we saw on our tour...

Yuyuan Garden

Just outside the gardens is shopping, eating, and crowds. Though I am told this is not crowded. We came just after a long holiday, which means most folks had to return to work and this was only the remnant. Can you see the small Starbucks sign on the left? 

The city was calling to us from the distance. That was the next stop. 

Museum at the Pearl Tower
There were a couple of sites that earn honorable mention at the museum.

This is an ancient bridal carriage. Very ornate. Likely heavy. The bride had to be teeny-tiny to fit inside. A must see in person as photos don't do it justice.

The museum curators had set up scenes of ancient China throughout the museum. They fenced these off with short iron gates and put up signs asking people not to disturb the display.

I guess the locals believe that message is for everyone else (though written in their language). At each display there were locals jumping the fence and making themselves part of the scene. I took a picture of them taking a picture of themselves in the display. Ahhh, China!

The Bund (a.k.a. financial district of Shanghai)
You may look at these buildings and think, "I wasn't expecting buildings like this in China. Those look more European." You'd be right. Back in the day when international trade happened through ship ports, Europeans built this on the water front for trade purposes. Today, it houses financial institutions, hotels and high-end shopping. It is a major tourist attraction for the city - glad I got to see it first hand.

just Sheri, enjoying the role of "tourist"

I went to China and I saw...

Red lanterns. Lots and lots of red lanterns.

 An iconic building. The Pearl Tower. A symbol of Shanghai.

Chinese writing...on sidewalks, buildings, and even a Snickers bar from the airport. (hand modeled by Fiona)

Local markets. (The only shopping I actually enjoy.)

Fishing in the middle of a park in the city of Wuhan.

 People that I love - despite the miles between us.

Signs that make me laugh. Someday, I hope to get a good photo of footprints on the toilet bowl. This was the next best thing - a sign telling people not to stand on the toilet seat.

"Indigenous food."

These scenes were experienced with my favorite travel buddy by my side, from beginning to end. My dad - an exceptional man who is dear to my heart.

just Sheri, a jet lagged traveler with a happy heart

lychee fruit

Would you eat this?

Apparently most Americans shy away because of the spiky outer shell. But, tear in to that and there is a sweet, refreshing fruit in the center. I had my first lychee fruit in Thailand many moons ago. I have eaten many over the years and became fond of the juice too. On a hot day in the tropics, it is refreshing! Thankfully I can still get them at my favorite grocery - Global Foods. I am attracted to them now because seeing one produces fond memories of far away lands...I have yet to experience Cambodia hot outside of Cambodia.

Recently I was hanging out with a group of people. One of them from India, one from Laos and two Americans. I was one of the two Americans. The Indian had tried to introduce lychee to his American friend. But the friend wasn't having it. Myself and the Laotian encouraged him to get past the exterior, because what is inside is tasty.

My fellow Americans hesitancy did make me question who was the first person to discover the gem inside the lychee? I certainly wouldn't have tried it solo. I tried it because I watched others eating it and I was curious.

Have you eaten a lychee? did you like it? would you be willing to try it?

just Sheri, still loving the fruits of the tropics

Courage...what am I afraid of?

A few months ago I wrote about a song that was on repeat in my car. Fast forward to the present...it is still on repeat. It still brings me to tears. As I listen, I see the faces of so many that I met on my journey. Those whom I care about. I pray they are well and I want the best for them. A portion of the lyrics are below:

Your pain has changed me Your dream inspires Your face a memory Your hope a fireYour courage asks me what I'm made ofAnd what I know of love

This week I have been focusing a lot on the idea of courage. One of those faces has recently re-entered my life. His story is defined by courage. It leaves me asking myself - if in the same circumstance, would I have the courage to respond as he has? What am I made of? What am I afraid of? 

I don't know the answers to these questions. But, I do know that my life has been blessed by those I met on the road and I am grateful when they stay in touch.

just Sheri, witness to courage

re-emergence of human trafficking

I have never taken a job with a focus on human trafficking. However, this issue has emerged in every endeavor I have been a part of in the past seven years. To me, that speaks to the prevalence of this issue.

I have been writing on this blog about human trafficking since 2008. You can read those posts: here, here, here, here, here, here, and here. It is mentioned many more times, but these are the posts dedicated specifically to the topic.

In November I returned to America. Though I know that America is a destination point for humans that are trafficked and I am well aware that this is a global issue - I didn't expect to run in to it. Then BAM! There it was again, rearing it's ugly head.

Human trafficking appeared almost immediately when I started volunteering for the Community Foundation health research project. Someone suggested I include it in the report. I hadn't considered the possibility. I started asking around and the results were astounding. Yes, human trafficking was an issue of concern - even in Fredericksburg, Virginia.

At one interview I had an undergraduate intern with me. The interview subject worked for an organization helping individuals overcome substance abuse. Near the end of our interview I asked the question about human trafficking. Oh, the stories they had to tell! When we got back in the car, the intern was in shock. I told her I felt like I had robbed her of some innocence, simply by having her present during those graphic descriptions. She mentioned it for weeks.

The 2010 global Trafficking in Persons report states the need in the United States for education of law enforcement - how to recognize and address the problem. Given one local news story, I agree with that recommendation. One interviewee told me a horrible story of police behaving badly. Apparently, in an effort to crack down on prostitution local detectives were participating in sex acts with the accused. When asked why they behaved in such a manner, the detectives said the sex acts were necessary because the ladies "don't speak much English." The obvious question, at least in my mind, is - where did these girls come from? It would seem to me they were victimized multiple times - trafficked, sexually exploited, and then treated as criminals. I am not making this up, you can read this story in the Washington Post.

After I was made aware of the issue locally, I also learned that Virginia was forming an anti-trafficking task force. Good move. But, they were limiting the majority of activities to the big city of Richmond. That is unfortunate.

I have also learned that not all cops behave badly (thankfully!). In my new job I was told a story of an officer who rescued some girls from a brothel, and rather then prosecute them he worked to find them a safe place to stay. He enlisted the help of a faith-based youth residential facility. That facility has now taken on this issue as one of their own.

When discussions began with this youth facility and they mentioned human trafficking as one of their focus services, I shouldn't have been surprised. It seems to come up so often I should expect it by now. But, I didn't. The issue of human trafficking had, once again, found it's way in to my work.

just Sheri, beginning to think this is more than coincidence

P.S. One of the largest, and most effective, organizations addressing this issue right now is Polaris Project. Click on their logo to learn more about their work.

cultural experience: grass jelly drink

My student has decided to share some cultural experiences with me. I embrace these opportunities, it was part of why I wanted a student from another place - so they could expand my horizons, and broaden my perspective.

Once she brought me home-made food. Recently, she brought me a new drink - grass jelly.

I wasn't really sure what to expect. Drinking grass hadn't been on my bucket list, nor did I think it would taste good. But, she assured me it was fine. After our meeting, when we had already said our good-byes I opened the can. The smell was unusual. I forged ahead.

The taste wasn't bad - sort of like root beer or strong tea. I kept drinking.

Then I was hit by a surprise - chunks. I suddenly discovered the "jelly" part of the drink. It included chewy squares of something. Again, not bad - just unexpected.

I finished my first can of grass jelly drink. Then I texted her my reaction, including the surprising chunks.

Her response, "LOL." She promised to bring me more items to taste test.

just Sheri, enjoying new experiences

Guest blogger: The Traveling Spouse

Today, I am a guest blogger at Little Creek Life. My friend Athalia writes about life in the mountains on a five acre swamp.

I was asked to be part of a series on "Holding down the Fort." This series is dedicated to those leading a life of adventure...and attempting to overcome the struggles that come with it. My perspective was unique, as I was the traveling spouse, rather than the one being left behind.

just Sheri, hoping someone can benefit from my experience (and mistakes)

Where am I?

ANSWER:  My favorite grocery - Global Foods.

This place is fabulous! Items from all over the world. Unique finds. A variety of people and languages filling the aisles. Sights (and smells) that I've only experienced on other continents. Entering the doors leaves me feeling as though I have suddenly left America and been transported to another space and time. Ahhh...

just Sheri, (still) loving diverse people and foods

Demonstration Farmer

In my old life as an international development worker I was involved in a few agriculture projects. The most effective projects would find individuals who had a knack for growing things. We would invest in them, teaching them about soil cultivation and new crops. Then ask them to invest in others. These individuals were called "demonstration farmers."

Saturday, I met a man originally from Thailand who would have (absolutely!) been selected as a demonstration farmer. However, he now lives in downtown Fredericksburg, Virginia. He is Phim's dad. His name is Lope. I am not sure if that is how it is spelled, but that is how it sounds.

Lope has turned a small plot of land in to an amazing garden. He has fruit trees, herbs of all sorts (including some exotic varieties), vegetables and more. The front of the house is also surrounded by an impressive wall of bamboo.

One of the most notable things about his garden is how "green" it is - and I am not just talking about the color of the plants. He uses natural fertilizers and other environmentally friendly tricks. He doesn't do this because it is trendy. He does this because this is the method he knows for growing a garden. He also has a number of reused materials. This is a garden seating area with a canopy of bitter melon growing over it, made out of scrap metal and chicken wire. It is beautiful and serene.

Phim and I had free reign of the garden. We could harvest to our hearts content. I was allowed because of my association with his oldest daughter. After wandering the garden for a few minutes, mostly admiring it and not picking. He told me to pick. Apparently I did not do well enough as he came to me with a load of fresh cucumbers and even offered a full basil plant if we dug it up. If only I had a place to put it...

I would love to learn gardening tips from Lope. Maybe someday that will be a reality. When we were happy with our bags of fresh vegetables and herbs, he equipped us for our next adventure that day - fresh water fishing.

I had to sneak this snap while he was sifting through his tackle box with his grandchild standing by. Phim's mom said the grand-baby likes to walk around without a shirt so they can be like their grandpa.

You can take the man out of Thailand, but you can't take Thailand out of the man. You can take the international development worker out of the field, but...

just Sheri, inspired

When helping hurts

Study suggests UN force brought cholera to Haiti

http://m.apnews.com/ap/db_6775/contentdetail.htm?contentguid=UCZhgoh4

casualty of an embargo

I thought my days of adventure were on hold because I have no International travel plans scheduled and currently reside in my homeland where everyone speaks my mother tongue. Then I get this email from the company that is supposed to ship our goods.

EMBARGO ON HOUSEHOLD GOODS TO USA

TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS,

Dear sir or madam,

We hereby inform that with immediate effect, SAA has put an Embargo on transport of Personal Effects and Household Goods to or through USA until further notice.

USA authorities appointed this commodity of high risk.

We apologize for any inconvenience that this measure may cause in your business.

Cordialmente,

Director de Operações

What this means to us is that we aren't getting our stuff from Africa any time soon. Why? Apparently my homeland has labeled my stuff "high risk." I didn't know that muffin pans, clothes and other household effects could be so dangerous.

I hadn't heard there was an embargo issued on the country of Mozambique. So, I did a Google search to see if I could find anything related to this in order to try and predict when the "inconvenience" might be lifted. Nothing. I came up with nothing.

Adventure found a way to re-enter my life. A cross-continent move isn't enough. On all the other moves our items arrived 10 days after they were shipped, following closely behind us. Not so this time. This time we get an interesting story due to a shipping delay that became a matter of national security. I wonder if it has any ties to the earlier sanctions on Mozambique due to the kingpin law? Or is this just some other issue of national security? Things that make you go, hmmm...

Maybe I'll start a count on my blog of the number of days (at this point it has already been weeks) that it takes for our stuff to arrive...maybe.

Just Sheri, apparently a magnet for adventure

Adventures in Africa: Road Trip!

 Kenyon and I recently took a road trip in Mozambique. I wanted to share with you some of the photos from that adventure.

Taken from the car on my little point and shoot camera. I took this photo to show the people walking in the road. For some reason there are always people walking in the road in Africa. It is quite the obstacle and rather dangerous at night when visibility is low.

There are obstacles beyond the people. On the left is feet of dirt pile up, ready for grading someday. I am told this road has been under construction for years. There are sticks every few feet to keep people from driving on the left side of the road. You should be able to recognize what is coming at us on the right. We fit between the two, but I still wonder how.

This is another common site. People piled in the back of a pick-up. They drive like this for hours. Many commuting to places like Maputo (the city we live in) or South Africa for work.

So far, all of our road trips have been taken with the Whitlocks. Usually in their 13-passenger van - though it is often driven like it's a much smaller, more agile vehicle. I have decided we are too soft on our vehicles in the States. Vehicles in America lead a very cushy, sheltered life!

This trip, we really pushed the van to it's limits on the sandy terrain. Four wheel drive vehicles, like the one we drive, can rise above the sinking sand. The Whitlock van wasn't so lucky.

Thankfully, there was a good samaritan willing to help. He gave it the best he had and nearly burnt the clutch on his vehicle trying. In the end, they had to send a tractor to dig the van out of it's hole.

These are the events memories are made of!