Jessie Voigts's Blog, page 5
June 19, 2025
Welcome to Wilson, NC
Last year I lived in North Carolina for 18 months, and one of my favorites places to visit was Wilson. The friendly people are very united as a community and are very respectful.
The city of Wilson has a rich history, beautiful parks and natural spaces, a vibrant community, and offers countless places to visit and enjoy. Despite being a small town, it offers a wide variety of options for spending time with family and friends. It's known for its cuisine, especia...
June 16, 2025
Music for Truly Listening
Shifting times. That’s certainly true. In all areas of life, it may seem challenging to find ways to take time to reflect, to take a step back, even to take a moment or two for quiet conversation.
It is said that really listening to a piece of music, concentrating on it for the several minutes, can help with that.
At times, that means reflecting on the words; other times, it is music without words that’s most helpful; in still other circumstances, considering ways word...
June 13, 2025
From Ruins to a Fairytale Castle: Neuschwanstein Castle
Seeing Neuschwanstein Castle in person, surrounded by stunning winter landscapes, was even more incredible and magical than I could ever expect. It truly took my breath away.
While soft snowflakes drifted from the sky, the castle stood tall against the pale blue sky. Its towers and mountains surrounding it were dusted with snow, looking like something out of a fantasy book. It's actually known to be the inspiration behind Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle, and bei...
June 12, 2025
Why You Need to Explore the Rich and Fascinating Stockholm Archipelago
There’s something alluring about the idea of thousands of scattered islands stretching out into the Baltic Sea, each one of them with its own share of pristine nature. Simply imagining the cool air brushing against my cheek, the smell of pinewood filling my lungs, and the sun glistening off the sparkling waters, makes me want to head out to explore the Stockholm Archipelago this very instant.
Sweden’s Stockholm Archipelago consists of over thirty thousand isl...
June 11, 2025
Park Drive Gallery: Sanford, Florida's Hidden Gem
Sanford, Florida is another gem in Central Florida that bears closer scrutiny!
There are numerous venues that feature music, art, and food from around the world.
Park Drive Gallery, located at 2557 Park Drive in Sanford, is owned by a black female and has been at its current location for almost 5 years!
Park Drive hosts private events for local organizations, and sponsors a paint n sip with local artists; the next one is coming up on June 28, 2025, featuring J...
Five Dinosaur Activities to Get Children Interested in Science
Imagine finding a dinosaur bone or a fossil of a plant or animal that existed millions of years ago. Most kids love dinosaurs, and their fascination with these exotic creatures can spark an interest in science.
Here are five activities you can do with children to ignite their passion in dinosaurs:
1. Go Fossil Hunting
• Google where to find fossil hunting sites in your area.
• Fill a backpack with a couple of small shovels, a small rock hammer or chisel, and t...
June 10, 2025
Visiting one of the seven wonders of the world: Chichén Itzá
As someone born and raised in Mexico, visiting Chichén Itzá wasn’t just another family vacation. It felt like a homecoming.
We planned the trip over a school break, partly to do something special together, but mostly because I had always dreamed of standing in front of the ruins I’d only ever seen in textbooks and documentaries. When I finally stood before El Castillo, the towering pyramid at the heart of the site, I felt an unexpected wave of pride. In that mo...
Why Western Kids Can Struggle At South Korean International Schools
When we moved to South Korea for my husband’s teaching job, we were excited about many things. Living on a stunning island, the cultural immersion, safety, and the chance to show our kids a whole new way of life.
Sangdong District, Bucheon. Wikimedia Commmons: Kimhs5400(누리위키), adapted by Wandering Educators
All three of our kids (who were 3, 7 and 9 when we first moved) attended the South Korean international school my husband worked at. The school w...
June 2, 2025
Through the Eyes of an Educator: The Magic of Possibilities - It’s All Possible
"Somewhere… something incredible is waiting to be known" - Carl Sagan
On my first ever trip to Australia, a fellow traveler told me he drove the train at Busch Gardens in Virginia. He swore he had the best job in the world. The upturned corners of his mouth could have told you this - but he literally glowed when sharing what a privilege it was to help be a part of the happiness of others. He worked to travel and both brought him immense joy. That trip unlocked more th...
May 31, 2025
Cyber Hygiene While Traveling: Top Tips from a Cybersecurity Expert
Letting kids play with technology can be as dangerous as leaving them alone in a playground.
Here's what you need to know:
Traveling is stressful enough—with planning, packing, long flights with delays, and screwed up hotels. The last thing most people think about is how they and their traveling companions stay safe online. Whether it’s a business adventure or family road trip, most people simply toss their laptops, iPads, and other tech into a bag without much...
