Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Travel smart, Travel safe


So as the world has been reminded once again that at anytime, anywhere we can be vulnerable to acts of terrorism. But we can't allow the fear of terrorism hold us back from living our lives, that's ultimately what terrorists are hoping to accomplish right? To terrorize us into fearing them or the world we live in. I was in Paris just a few days prior to the attacks, in fact had dinner and stayed at a hostel within a 10 minute walk to where the shootings all happened, I am beyond grateful I returned to Ireland safe and sound. Not for one second while touring around Paris did I ever feel any level of insecurity, and I would return to Paris tomorrow and walk those same streets without fear. What we have to realize is it can happen anywhere at anytime, whether you're in New York City, Maine, Paris, anywhere in the world there's unfortunatly always a risk something bad could happen, but with this comes and even better chance that something great will happen. This has sparked many friends and family members questioning my travel plans, and I have told them all the same thing. I am not afraid, nor do I question my safety, and truthfully if something bad was to ever happen to me I can deal with that if the time comes, but I will certainly not let an act of terrorism hold me back from seeing the real beauty in the world. The fact is there is more good people than bad in the world, so why should I feel unsafe? 
But it is always important when traveling that safety is the most important thing. Always make sure to tell others where you are and how long you'll be there. Contacting your embassy and informing them of your stay incase something bad was to happen, and above all always be aware of your surroundings, try to travel in groups, keep your important items such as passport, wallet, phone close to you at all times and hard for others to get ahold of. Follow your gut, if you ever have a feeling things may not be good, go with it and find somewhere you're more comfortable, some risks aren't worth taking. Most importantly always be cautious and never naive. Explore, have fun, learn, experience new things, but always be safe. 
On that note off to Prague for the weekend with another trip offered by WSA. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone back stateside, eat extra turkey, stuffing, potatoes, and pie for me. 

Monday, November 2, 2015

While I have a free minute

The past couple weeks have been a bit chaotic between numerous assignments due all at the same times combined with traveling but here's a quick update!
For those who know me know that the mountains are my happy place, and if they happen to have snow I'm in paradise. So when thinking of where I could travel, the Alps where certainly a top of my bucket list. I flew into Geneva and took a 4 hour train ride into Zermatt which this little ski village in a valley looking up at one of the most distinguishable Mountains in the World: The Matterhorn which was purely breathtaking. I spent my time exploring the village, having genuine Swiss food (which basically consists of potatoes and fondu) or my new favorite dish I can't wait to make for people back home called Rösti. The weather couldn't of been any better made for an amazing experience of paragliding over the Gornergrat Glacier. On my last day in Zermatt I took the gondola way up to Klein Matterhorn which is 13,000 feet in elevation, this made for one breath taking view after another, the air was thin but the experience was everything and more of what I had dreamed of. After hiking over a mile to a further peak I overlooked the Mountains of France and Italy, a site so beautiful my eyes couldn't even believe it. The following day I took the train back to Geneva and had a night to explore Old Town which is an old Roman market place made up of tiny winding streets with cafes and shops lining them. Switzerland has left an incredible impression on me and I can't wait to return someday.