Lisa Niver's Blog: We Said Go Travel, page 151
December 5, 2018
Millie Goes encourages people to step outside their comfort zone
Leaving school, Millie had no intention of going anywhere other than 5-star resorts. Three years on, aged twenty one, she is very different than the person she used to be. A social media influencer with nearly 100k Twitter followers and 56,000 Instagram follwers, her Millie Goes travel website encourages girls who always say, ‘I can’t’ to start saying, ‘I can’. The main message she wants to share is that the only person stopping you from achieving your dreams is yourself.1.)Where was the first place that you traveled that made you think WOW—travel is amazing (think history book come to life or …..)
I mean where hasn’t taken my breath away? It’s hard to narrow it down to a single moment or place that made me fall in love with travel, it’s more a series of moments that have added up to make me who I am today. However, if I was really pressed for one it would be the first time I went snorkelling in a tropical paradise. I was seriously lucky growing up with parents that saved like crazy to take me and my sister to some incredible destinations, and this included the tropical island paradise that is the Maldives. Just seeing the pristine white sands, the huge manta rays and fish along with that delicious morning tropical breeze made me fall truly in love with the idea of exploring new places.
2.)If you had unlimited resources, where would you go and what would you do?
If I had completely unlimited resources, I think I would just throw everything I have into MillieGoes. I adore writing and exploring, but in today’s world unfortunately it doesn’t pay much. If I relied on the MillieGoes brand entirely, I would unfortunately be very disappointed when I could no longer afford to travel anywhere! The idea that what I do and write inspires other people to do the same means a huge amount, even if it makes a difference to just one other woman like me. With unlimited resources, I guess I’d also want to highlight two things I feel very strongly about, marine conservation and protection of women who have suffered from severe domestic and sexual abuse. Fairly different topics, but both close to my heart that are drastically affecting people and oceans worldwide.
3.)What were you afraid to do and how did you find the courage to overcome it?
I was seriously afraid of flying, which is hilarious considering how often I now travel; so far this year I’ve been on almost 50 flights worldwide! I refused to get on a plane for about 4 years, and had a major panic attack on board one, to the point where they almost has to ask me to get off (beyond embarrassing I can tell you). It got to the point where I had explored everywhere I realistically could without hopping onto a plane so just had to grit my teeth, have a little cry and deal with it all the way to New Zealand from England (26 hours of true pain with every muscle in my body tensed up beyond belief). However, on this trip I managed to narrow it down not to a fear of flying, but a fear of falling. So to get over it that hurdle, I jumped out of a plane. Yes, the first few seconds were awful and I screamed like a child, but in that minute free fall I had as part of my skydive, I realised that actually it’s kinda fun! On that same trip to New Zealand ,I got over my fear of small and dark places (caving in Waitomo) and a fear of being out of control (white water rafting on grade 5 rapids, you don’t have much control in those situations I can tell you). The courage to do it has to come from a place deep within, however I’ve made it a bit of a mantra in life that if you can survive your young teenage years in todays world, you can make it through pretty much anything. 
4.)What apps do you use regularly that make your life easier? Travelling into todays world is 10 x easier than 25 years ago – technology has seriously upped the travel game in terms of safety. While I do agree with the die hard explorers of the world who believe that it has taken some of the adventure out of the experience, as a female solo traveller, I cannot thank my phone enough for helping me find where I’m going, book transport & accommodation or keep in touch with that really attractive skydive instructor ;). It has truly revolutionized the travel game.
My favourite apps would have to be Whatsapp, Hostelworld, Skyscanner, Uber and Google Maps though. I know they’re fairly standard for everything, but there is a reason for that! Google drive is also really handy for storing my snaps along the way.
5.)What place do you wish more people have seen?
I hate to say this, but I think the beauty of the places that are rarely seen is the fact that you find them when no-one else has. The magic of stumbling onto a true hidden gem is just amazing, a place that takes your breath away but is your own, personal little secret. You and the people you find it with share that moment, that sunset, that skinny dip or just that picnic and take it away with you to keep forever. The world is so big that you’ll always find them somewhere; just hop on a train, close your eyes and see where it takes you.
6.)Best advice you have been given and by whom?
I was 18 and about to head off on my first adventure, solo backpacking through Europe. I was unbelievably excited, but understandably nervous since I had agreed to travel with someone I’d never met in only a few weeks time. I was driving back from town having picked up some of the essentials for the trip and as I parked up noticed our neighbour walking past so pulled over. We chatted for a few minutes and she clearly had her mum radar on, so seeing that I was apprehensive just told me, “You can always come home”. It’s weird but it was the most comforting thing. In my head, I’d signed up for a trip and my biggest fear was that I wouldn’t like it and would be stuck with it for 6 weeks. Being reminded that actually, if it wasn’t what I wanted it to be I could just hop back home was just the little boost I needed to get out there and start this incredible whirlwind of adventure my life has become.
7.)When were you surprised by the kindness of strangers on a trip?
I’m genuinely always surprised at how kind people are when travelling. I’m fairly sure on every trip I meet people, both locals and other travellers, who have blown me away with their kindness. In a world where we’ve been convinced by the media that everyone is out to get us, it’s nice to be reminded that most people aren’t.
Most recently, I was in Bosnia & Herzegovina and had dinner with a local family in their home. The city they live in, Sarajevo, was home to a 4-year siege that left them living in a war-zone. Despite this, the people are so generous and I had such a lovely evening drinking wine, eating a delicious meal & learning about local life in this stunning city (now my absolute favourite in Europe).
8.)What inspired you to travel for extended periods of time or live in a new country?
The first time I did a long trip, it was to see as much as possible in the 6 weeks I had off work. However, once you’ve explored once for an extended period of time you just fall in love with the adventure of it. For me, it’s the people you meet and the hidden things you see. On a short trip, you only get a chance to see the highlights in each place you go. However, if you have longer, you have time to linger. You talk to the locals; you find that hidden waterfall & the secret bars, you make new friends and really get to know them. After doing it once, I was sold on adventure for life.
9.)I travel because….
There are so many reasons I travel it’s hard to even attempt to list them all. I love that I’lll never be finished because the world is just so big with so many places to see – it’s comforting to know that I’ll never be bored or run out. I’m pretty sure that will always piss off the ‘list tickers’ among us who are desperate to see it all, but I’ve quietly accepted that it’s highly unlikely that I ever will. I’d rather see as much as possible but still take my time to explore each place.
I’m also a pretty inquisitive person, so am always searching for answers to the most bizarre questions. Does the water truly spin the other way when you flush the toilet on the other side of the world? Is the moon really upside down when you look at it from New Zealand? Does the air does taste different somewhere in each country you visit? Sure I can just google these things and find out, but seeing it for yourself is just that extra special. The people you meet, the things you learn and the places you see always leave you with the greatest memories; if answering my weird and wonderful questions along the way comes with it then it’s a true bonus.
10.) My favorite travel or business book is… Secret Life of Walter Mitty. It inspired me to travel, to stop daydreaming about the experiences I could have but just go and do it myself.
11.) How about hotels? What’s your favorite or one you’d recommend?
Ah there are so many gorgeous hotels in the world it’s always hard to narrow it down to the greatest. I generally fall in love with a place not a hotel, however one does stand out a little – Lily Beach in the Maldives. I am truly a beach bum at heart, even though the mountains do always have me crawling back to them, so the idea of being on a private tropical island is always a glorious one. Along with that, what kind of girl doesn’t sometimes love a little luxury? So having a stunning resort on a tropical island ticks every box for me, even if I try to steer away from too much luxury at a time!
Lastly, can you please recommend a resource for up-and-coming travel writers; this could be a course you know, a book, conference etc.
Other travel blogs, I spend half my day checking out what other people are doing and how well it’s working for them. There are some incredible Facebook forums as well which can connect you with other people working within your niche and they will have some advise for you. I’ve found other bloggers help invaluable in the past and they’ve certainly steered me in the right direction a number of times when I’ve needed it!
Millie has skydived, surfed, trekked, swum with massive crocodiles, kissed a komodo dragon, tackled tumbling falls and raging rivers, camel raced and sipped cocktails in over a dozen countries. She encourages people to step out of their comfort zone no matter how you do it; in a 5 star resort or camping on a beach. Millie has set foot on 5 of the 7 continents and is far from finished. She says, “Trust me, trust yourself, hit the road, it will change your life..”
Stay up to date on her travels:
Website
Our next Travel Influencer interview will be up soon, follow the series here.
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December 3, 2018
Get The Gift Of Music From Nashuva for Chanukah
Bring the Nashuva band into your home with their new album, “Heaven on Earth – Songs of the Soul!” Click here to purchase a copy for yourself and one as a Chanukah gift!
Nashuva’s new album is produced by Don Was. The music is full of light to lift your soul! This is a special limited edition of 500 copies —
Make sure to get yours now!
Video:
Sing With The Nashuva Band: Heaven On Earth Songs Of The Soul
Thank you to the amazing band including: Jared Stein, Justin Stein, Jamie Papish, Ed Lemus, Fino Roverato, Bernadette Mauban, Andrea Kay and Alula Tzadik.
At Nashuva, we believe that prayer can heal our souls and help us find personal peace. But it also leads us to action. It reminds us that we are here to heal this broken world.
“Music has the power to elevate one to prophetic inspiration.
With song, we can open the gates of heaven.”
Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liady
More from Rabbi Naomi and Nashuva:
I wrote about Rabbi Naomi’s book for my 50th birthday: Click here to read From Terrified to Blessed (about when I went sky diving!) Buy her book: “Einstein and the Rabbi”
I wrote about another book by Rabbi Naomi in this article, Spirit of Adventure in 2010:
As Rabbi Naomi Levy says in Hope will Find You, “By far the most human condition I learned to guide people through is this: an overwhelming feeling that life hasn’t begun yet. They would say to me, “My life will begin when…when I lose weight, when I fall in love, when I get a job, when I get married, when I have a baby, when I buy a home, when I get divorced, when I quit my job.”
Video: Join Nashuva at Santa Monica Beach for Tashlich
Join in Shabbat services once a month: “Our Shabbat services offer an opportunity to take a break from the daily stresses of life. Come nourish your soul, connect with community and experience the beauty and joy of Shabbat. All are welcome, no tickets, membership or advanced reservations required. We look forward to seeing your there!”
Happy Reading! Happy Singing, Happy Chanukah and Happy Shabbanica!
The post Get The Gift Of Music From Nashuva for Chanukah appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
December 1, 2018
An Ancient Craft Undergoes a Revival
An Ancient Craft Undergoes a Revival
by Diana Ungerleider
In today’s high-tech world, everything moves at an increasingly frenetic pace. Innovations in technology and communication bring us up-to-the-minute news and information on our screens, but can also leave us feeling stressed and tense. In addition, almost every object that we use daily, from dishes and clothing to computers and cars, is mass-produced in factories. Making things by hand is seen as too labor-intensive, expensive and inefficient.
In sharp contrast to all this digitally-induced tension is the resurgence in interest in hand-made crafts, especially pottery. Shaping clay with one’s hands – a process that humans discovered many centuries ago – into a useful bowl or vase or sculpture involves the eye, the mind and the hands in a way that satisfies a primal human urge to manipulate one’s environment and create with simple materials.
Today in Los Angeles, there are many ceramics studios where one can learn this ancient craft.
The most venerable is the Clayhouse in Santa Monica, the oldest continually operating pottery studio on the westside, which first opened its doors in 1971. A working studio, school and gallery, it offers classes on the potters’ wheel, as well as “handbuilding” (shaping clay by hand, without a wheel). It also offers memberships to experienced potters who use the facilities to make, glaze and fire their creations. From the street, all one sees is a small, unassuming gallery that sells the members’ work. But behind that gallery is where the real story happens.
At any time of day or night, a visitor to the studio can observe members and students at work. Electric potter’s wheels hum as balls of soft clay get “thrown” into bowls, mugs, vases and platters. At long communal work tables, others are busy constructing with flat slabs or coils of clay. Two gas kilns are almost continually in use, firing the clay objects into colorful, finished works of art.
In addition to the physical space and equipment, the Clayhouse provides something else: a sense of community. Members and students get to know each other and bond over their shared interest in ceramics, technical problems are discussed, and friendships develop in a relaxed, congenial atmosphere. As long-time member Amy Kivnick remarked, “There is a great deal of creative inspiration here”.
For over four decades, the Clayhouse has provided a welcoming space for potters of all ages and abilities, from complete beginners to advanced artists who show their work in galleries or on their own websites. Many come just to get away from their computers and workday stresses, and spend a little time enjoying the satisfaction of getting their hands into soft clay and recapturing the joy of being a 5 year old making mud pies.
If you are interested in seeing the results of these low-tech but highly creative endeavors, come to the annual Clayhouse Holiday Pottery Sale. Sale hours are Friday, December 7 from 4 to 9 pm, and Saturday, December 8 from 10 am to 5 pm. The address is 2909 Santa Monica Blvd, Santa Monica 90404. Telephone 310-828-7071.
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November 29, 2018
I am Grateful: WSGT November News 2018
Nov
News
2018 with We Said Go Travel:I hope you enjoyed your Thanksgiving holiday and time with the people who are important to you. My aunt and uncle hosted 48 family members for a wonderful dinner with not one, not two but three turkeys! Thank you to everyone who has asked about my mother, she continues to recover amazingly quickly from her fall and has a great attitude!
Thank you to Ms. Magazine for publishing two more of my stories:Polar Bears Can’t Vote, So You Have To!
Dr. Stephen Petersen, head of conservation and research at Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre, has only one word of advice for the environmentally conscious this week: “Vote.” …. Polar bears are at the top trophic level of the food chain, and climate change is having a massive impact on their lives. As their environments evolve, Petersen is calling for more marine protected areas and doing work to protect the denning areas where polar bears have their babies. But there are many species that need to be protected—birds in Papua New Guinea, orangutans in Indonesia and polar bears in the Arctic among them.
Are You Ready for the Feminine Revolution?
I have been told that I am too sensitive or too emotional. I’ve been told that I use too many capital letters. I have been told repeatedly that my emails scared someone, that I should tone it down to appear professional. (I was even named “Most Likely to Clap Her Hands for No Reason” in my high school yearbook.)
It’s true: I have always been enthusiastic and had more obvious feelings than others in a room. That’s why I loved reading The Feminine Revolution: 21 Ways to Ignite the Power of Your Femininity for a Brighter Life and a Better World, by Catherine Connors and Amy Stanton, which flipped the narrative—and encouraged women like me to reframe old standards that have claimed that “traditional” feminine traits are weak or bad.
I am honored to write for this incredible magazine. My first print story for Ms. Magazine will be in the Winter issue.
READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE ON MS. MAGAZINE
Thank you to Mike Wreyford for having me on his radio show, The Good Life, for my 3rd visit. Listen to us here: Talking Travel on The Good Life.
Thank you to everyone who entered our 2018 Travel Photo Award. As soon as my tech wizard gives me the okay, I will start publishing the fantastic photos!
Walking with Polar Bears by Lisa Niver with Churchill Wild near Hudson Bay
Recent Travels to Canada and Vegas:
Did you see all of my stories and videos from my Adventures in Canada with Churchill Wild:
Part One: Do You Want to Walk with Polar Bears?
Part Two: Are You Ready for an Adventure? Walk with Polar Bears
Part Three: How Do You Get To Churchill Wild?
and my time in Winnipeg: Are You Ready to Discover Wonderful Winnipeg?
Have you always wanted to go behind the scenes at the Bellagio Fountains? Join me for a private daytime fountain tour:
VIDEO: Join Me Behind the Scenes at the Bellagio Fountains
Learn more about my Vegas adventures with Virtuoso when I stayed at ARIA this summer:
What FUN Happened At Virtuoso Travel Week?
What Happened At Virtuoso Travel Week?
WHERE CAN YOU FIND MY TRAVEL VIDEOS?
Here is the link to my video channel on YouTube where I have over 842,627 views on YouTube! Thank you for your support! Are you a subscriber? I hope you will join me and subscribe!
Recent video from Nashuva Band: Happy almost Chanukah! May your holiday season be filled with music and light.
Thank you! I am so proud of all I have accomplished this year. Thank you for watching my videos, reading my stories, following along on social media and asking me about booking your travels!
I am now planning and booking travel! Where do you want to wander? Find more information about me and my luxury travel advising as an independent affiliate of CRUISE and RESORT, Inc with Virtuoso Luxury Travel Network on my new microsite!
My fortune cookies said:
“Don’t be afraid to take that big step.” And
“Our greatest glory is not in never failing but in rising every time we fall.”
I hope your entire year will be filled with celebrations!
Thank you for your all of your support. Lisa
Discover more on my social media accounts: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and at LisaNiver.com. My social media following is now over 140,000 and I am verified on both Twitter and Facebook.
Lisa Niver’s selfie with a Polar Bear with Churchill WildThe post I am Grateful: WSGT November News 2018 appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
November 26, 2018
Are You Ready for the Feminine Revolution?
Are You Ready for The Feminine Revolution?I have been told that I am too sensitive or too emotional. I’ve been told that I use too many capital letters. I have been told repeatedly that my emails scared someone, that I should tone it down to appear professional. (I was even named “Most Likely to Clap Her Hands for No Reason” in my high school yearbook.)
It’s true: I have always been enthusiastic and had more obvious feelings than others in a room. That’s why I loved reading The Feminine Revolution: 21 Ways to Ignite the Power of Your Femininity for a Brighter Life and a Better World, by Catherine Connors and Amy Stanton, which flipped the narrative—and encouraged women like me to reframe old standards that have claimed that “traditional” feminine traits are weak or bad.
“Femininity isn’t some pre-determined, universal condition,” the authors assert, “nor is it a set of one-size-fits-all rules about ‘what it means to be a woman.’ Femininity is an experience that flexes and moves and evolves according to the terms of the person who is living and defining it.” The definition Connors and Stanton offer throughout the book’s 21 sections is radically subversive—and illuminating.
“Femininity is powerful,” they write. “It’s really powerful. And being in that power doesn’t only feel good and lead to better relationships and a more fulfilling life—it can change the world.”
I cry in public. I love stickers and emojis and being a cheerleader for my project teams. I am tired of people trying to shame me for being a sensitive person who shows her emotions, and I am ready to claim my own feminine power and admit that those very traits that others have disparaged are some of the very reasons I have accomplished so much.
Connors envisions sensitivity as a superpower in the first chapter of Feminine Revolution, which felt personally revelatory. I notice things, but I often do not share them—because people have tried to convince me that it is inappropriate. Now, I can see that I have superpowers: that what I observe is special, and that I have the upper hand in many situations because of what I can see.
“Your emotional sensitivity connects you to the world,” Connors and Stanton remind readers. “It gives you insight into your own experiences and those of others. It is both a means (a tool and an ability that helps you get what you want) and an end in itself (the rich experience of being in tune with the world and with others is its own reward). Cultivate and enjoy it.”
I am ready to openly own my powers.
Nearly every chapter in the book spoke to me—from “Cry Openly” to “Flirt Freely”—but the fifth urged me to continue considering one of the things I have been focused on since my divorce: how to “Own Your Intuition.”
I have not always trusted my inner voice, but it has always been the right path. Clarissa Pinkola Estes urged readers of her legendary text, Women Who Run With Wolves, to “practice listening to your intuition, your inner voice; ask questions; be curious; see what you see; hear what you hear; and then act upon what you know to be true.”
Catherine Connors, Amy Stanton and Lisa Niver at The Feminine Revolution book launch eventConnors and Stanton pick up where Estes left off in chapter five. “Why should we trust these powers?” they ask. “Your ‘sixth sense’ isn’t extrasensory—it’s supersensory. Your ability to draw insight from what seems intangible or mysterious is in fact just heightened sensory ability: you’re using your finely honed skills of observation to pick up on cues that others miss.”
This is something I have always been good at as a teacher, a speaker and a writer. It is part of what makes me great. It might look like magic, but it is possible.
More than ever, I am determined to listen to myself. That determination continued to resonate as I worked through chapter six: “Express Yourself.” I have been told repeatedly and by many people that I am “over-expressive.” I have been told to “contain and control it” if I want to be taken seriously. Connors and Stanton urged me to do just the opposite.
“As social animals,” they clarify for readers, “we crave meaningful communication and are gratified when it is embedded with clear cues and signals. Especially in today’s digital world, when there’s so much room for miscommunication (in texts and emails), we would all benefit from more awareness, attention, and intention in how we communicate with each other.”
I am going to continue to express myself in my enthusiastic way—with colors, capital letters and even stickers. I am going to insist the world take me just as seriously anyway.
Connors and Stanton also continue to channel Estes in a later chapter aptly entitled “Unleash Your Wild Woman.” I’ve traveled to 101 countries. I once lived on a ship for seven years. For 18 months, I traveled in Asia on one journey; in another, I traveled for 11. I have been often been in the state the authors describe as “being free-spirited.” I am the woman they describe who can “go with the flow.” And I agree with them: “It’s wildly powerful.” I know that we need to roam and wander.
My choices to leave graduate school or work on a cruise ship seemed extremely poor to many family and friends, but they were the right choices for me. I had to follow my inner voice and create a path that worked for me. The authors suggest more of us do just that, as much as we can and in every way. “Do something that scares you every day,” they prompt us. “Push yourself to the limit. Know that it’s going to be uncomfortable. Embrace the experience. Be emotional and overwhelmed.”
When I left my marriage in Asia and returned to America alone, I joined a performance salsa dance team in Los Angeles. I wasn’t sure it was a good idea, but it turned out it was one of my best ideas. I was part of a group, part of a functional team. I had to show up every time and work as hard as I could. These were things that had stopped happening in my relationship, and I was practicing them on the dance floor. These were the things I remembered as the book closed out, and I reached one of the last chapters: “Sing and Dance.”
“Singing and dancing allow us to let go, to share ourselves, to be truly in the moment,” Connors and Stanton note. “The freedom we experience from taking time for ourselves and letting ourselves go physically and emotionally is distinctly feminine.”
I have my own advice for you: Be more wild. Dance more. Use as many exclamation points as possible. And grab a copy of The Feminine Revolution today, right after you hit “send.”
The Feminine Revolution
Read this article on MS MAGAZINE
The post Are You Ready for the Feminine Revolution? appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
November 25, 2018
November 22, 2018
Are You Ready to Discover Wonderful Winnipeg?
I went to Winnipeg in order to get to Churchill to walk with the Polar Bears. Click here to see my articles and videos about that bucket list experience. I was not expecting to discover a city full of treasures! It is located in the center of Canada with a population of 800,000 and was the third largest city during the height of the Railroad. What did I see and do? Watch my video: Exploring Wonderful Winnipeg
What to see and do in Winnipeg?
International Polar Bear Research Centre is located at Assiniboine Park Zoo and houses rescued polar bear cubs from Churchill. I met with Dr. Stephen Petersen to talk about the Polar Bears and how we can help the environment. Read about what he told me in Ms. Magazine.
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The Inuit Art Centre will open its own new building at the Winnipeg Art Gallery in 2020 and will have the world’s largest collection of public Inuit art to share with the world.
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The Canadian Museum for Human Rights opened in 2014 and is inspiring change with human rights stories from around the world. https://humanrights.ca
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Who inspired the character of James Bond 007?
Sir William Stephenson was a solder who was from Winnipeg and his code name was Intrepid.
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Where to relax?
I had my first Scandinavian Spa experience at Thermëa – Winnipeg. It is very close to the city but feels 1000s of miles away. As they say, “Discover Thermëa: The ultimate relaxation experience!” There are 4 outdoor baths, 4 saunas including one with Eucalyptus and an indoor/outdoor restaurant. You can make s’mores and relax in a hammock.
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Where to see art and meet the artists?
First Fridays in The Exchange
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Where to stay?
I loved Inn at the Forks and was lucky enough to have drinks with local writer, Shel Zolkewich at SMITH.
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Read Polar Bears Can’t Vote, So You Have To! on Ms. Magazine
Do you want to walk with the Polar Bears?
Read and watch all of my Churchill Wild Adventures:
Part One: Do You Want to Walk with Polar Bears?
Part Two: Are You Ready for an Adventure? Walk with Polar Bears
Part Three: How Do You Get To Churchill Wild?
The post Are You Ready to Discover Wonderful Winnipeg? appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
November 19, 2018
Talking Travel On The Good Life With Mike Wreyford
Thank you to Mike from THE GOOD LIFE Show for inviting me on his radio program for the 3rd time.
What did we talk about?
Lisa:
I have always loved traveling.
My parents took us on a cruise when I was little and I saw the pyramids and the parthenon and I felt like my history books had come to life. As an educator, it taught me how to make something interesting and engaging. As a student, I felt like reading about Greek history was boring but then I was there and I thought how can anyone make this boring.
Mike: It is important for kids to go visiting and traveling to be inspired about the world. The magic of travel is it allows us to be kid-like again.
Lisa:
When you look at other cultures, they talk about “beginner’s mind.” When you are traveling, you don’t know where is the bathroom, how to use the money and you feel out of control and like a child. You have to learn to read the signs and only because of the kindness of strangers I got on the right bus.
Mike: There is a different language, food and culture—Take some effort to learn new words and connect with other people. When I was trekking in Nepal for a month, the people would offer us tea with fermented yak butter. They offered us the best they had and wanted to connect.
Mike: You have so many views on your videos, 135,000+ followers on your social media and have grown your website so well: Tell us about it:
Lisa: WeSaidGoTravel.com I started the website to promote a book. I joined Facebook and then when someone recommended it, Twitter. At the time, I did not even know what twitter was. Someone recommended that I start in video—I bought a used Cisco flip video on Ebay for $50. I have added one thing after another.
Mike: I see that you have the writing award and the photo award. Tell us about the journey.
Lisa: Last year we had 500 entries in the photo award. We had so many beautiful entries. Click here to see the winners.
I recommend to people when you get started, don’t spend money on a custom url or a logo. Start doing long form on Facebook, enter an award, get a free site like blogger. In the beginning, no one is watching what you are doing anyway. Just get started and see how you like it. Write once a month on your birthday. Do not have unrealistic expectations that you will write every day. No one is that interesting every day. You have to start somewhere. Make a commitment to yourself. I started with writing once a week. Whatever you do, you will get better. Ask questions. Take an online course. Go to conferences.
Mike: Meet different people from all strata and learn. Chuck from Malibu has a question for you about getting out of your zip code.
Chuck: Happy Birthday!
When I was young, I went to Copenhagen and saw the fijords. What do you think of the Northern Cruises?
Lisa:
It sounds like you had an amazing trip. I worked for several cruise lines for seven years. I love that part of the world. For me, cruising is a great way to experience many destinations and only unpack once.
Mike: Is that only a summer trip?
Lisa: Mainly there are summer itineraries. But there are cruises to see the Northern Lights and some lines like Hurtigruten may sail more of the year.
Chuck: The sun had to set around 4am and kiss the horizon and rebound and start the new day. It was pretty neat to see.
Lisa: It sounds like you should write a travel story about this amazing adventure.
Lisa: I have been focused on making videos, growing my videos and telling travel stories for KTLA TV in Los Angeles.
Mike: Tell us about your trip from Tanzania to Kenya.
Lisa: I was invited to Tanzania which was my 100th country and I went on Safari with Abercrombie and Kent for a small group luxury tailor made journey. We stayed with Sanctuary Retreats. We traveled overland from Tanzania to Kenya. It was so interesting to meet the people and see the border crossing. I had learned 5 words of Swahili in Tanzania and then I learned Maasai to speak in Kenya.
Enkereri school children in Maasai Mara. Photo by Matt PayneMike: Did you meet the Maasai?
Lisa: I got invited to a Maasai village near Sanctuary Olonana. I asked the Chief of the village if I could bring my hula-hoop. I showed him a video because I had hula-hooped with some of the staff at Sanctuary Kichakani earlier in the week. He said, yes I could bring my hoop. After the warriors did their performance. I was able to teach them to use the hula-hoop. They had never seen one before. A couple of the warriors were willing to try, one of them was excellent. One of the warriors was laughing so hard, he fell down!
Mike: What a great idea!
here is a bunch of Maasai warriors, I have seen the way they jump and they have their cows. They are cattle farmers. To think that those proud warrior type guys, would hula-hoop! I have to watch that!
Lisa: Find me at WeSaidGoTravel.com for the website and all social media and on YouTube channel. I am going to Philadelphia as my best friend is being honored for her work with Living Beyond Breast Cancer.
Mike: Find Lisa Niver at We Said Go Travel!
Watch Lisa Hula Hooping with the Maasai:
Listen to Lisa on THE GOOD LIFE:
March 2018 (More March news and links to the show)
More information about my safari in Africa:
Part 1: Where Did I Travel on My First African Safari?
Part 2: Are You Ready? Today We Are Going to the Serengeti!
Part 3: What is the Best Way to Travel from Tanzania to Kenya?
Part 4: How can you see Black Rhino, Maasai Warriors and Hula Hoops?
Part 5: Do You Love The Animals of Africa?
Thank you to Abercrombie and Kent for sharing so many of my photos from our East African safari on their Facebook page:
Travel expert and writer, Lisa Ellen Niver, recently returned from a safari in East Africa with A&K. Here she shares some of the highlights from her recent adventure.We Said Go Travel
Posted by Abercrombie & Kent USA on Thursday, October 11, 2018
The post Talking Travel On The Good Life With Mike Wreyford appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
November 15, 2018
Polar Bears Can’t Vote, So You Have To!
Thank you to Ms. Magazine for publishing my article,
“Polar Bears Can’t Vote, So You Have To!”
November 5, 2018 by Lisa Niver
Dr. Stephen Petersen, head of conservation and research at Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre, has only one word of advice for the environmentally conscious this week: “Vote.”
Polar Bear by Lisa Niver at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge, Churchill Wild
The Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg, Canada, which currently houses 10 polar bears, is home to the Centre where Petersen helps polar bear cubs orphaned in the wild adjust to life in the zoo, where they have far greater chances of survival.
On the same campus, visitors can explore the Journey to Churchill exhibit, where they’ll see snowy owls, caribou, musk oxen and seals, as well as his cubs—and do their part as citizen scientists to help him monitor the bears through whisker print patterns. Petersen’s research has focused on Arctic marine mammals like narwhals, killer whales, polar bears and beluga whales; his other projects at the Centre include a ringed seal-tagging map.
Polar bears are at the top trophic level of the food chain, and climate change is having a massive impact on their lives. As their environments evolve, Petersen is calling for more marine protected areas and doing work to protect the denning areas where polar bears have their babies. But there are many species that need to be protected—birds in Papua New Guinea, orangutans in Indonesia and polar bears in the Arctic among them.
Sleeping Polar Bear by Lisa Niver with Churchill WildProfessor Petersen’s family has one car, and it’s a hybrid. Apps like Oceanwise, from the Vancouver aquarium, help him figure out which companies and products are invested in sustainability to guide his shopping, and he looks for items with reduced plastic packaging. (If a plastic container comes into his house, his family makes certain to have at least two more uses out of it before they recycle it.)
“Little choices create a big signal,” he told Ms. “Each choice, from who you vote for to how you select your food, creates change. Lots of people doing small things will make a big difference. You can start by picking one thing to try, from biking to eating local to active living, and be on the lookout for new ways to do things better. It all makes a difference to the bears.”
Petersen recommends that activists interested in supporting work like his, and the bears and wild populations he serves, contribute time or money to environmental research, education and advocacy organizations like Polar Bears International and World Wildlife Fund—but his initial call to action, he says, stands as the most important way we can have an impact.
“Vote for people who care about the environment,” Petersen urged. “Polar bears cannot vote, so you need to.”
You can watch videos from Lisa’s trip to the Center on YouTube.
Lisa Ellen Niver is an award-winning travel expert who has been to 100 countries. Her website, We Said Go Travel, was read in 222 countries in 2017; her videos have over 2 million views on Roku, Amazon Fire TV and YouTube. Lisa has written for AARP, Sierra Club, Delta Sky, Smithsonian, and Robb Report and talks travel on KTLA-TV, but you can often find her underwater SCUBA diving, in her art studio making ceramics or helping people find their next dream trip.
Read the article on Ms. Magazine
The post Polar Bears Can’t Vote, So You Have To! appeared first on We Said Go Travel.
November 13, 2018
How Do You Get To Churchill Wild?
This is Part Three of my adventures walking with Polar Bears with Churchill Wild at Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge. Click to read Part One and Two.
Are you wondering how to visit the Polar Bears? See my videos below for the steps to get from Los Angeles to Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge.
Video #7: How do you get to Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge?
Churchill Wild Adventure Begins…September 2018
At Churchill Wild, you can walk with the polar bears.
I flew from Los Angeles to Vancouver, then Vancouver to Winnipeg and stayed overnight at The Grand Hotel across from the terminal. My first night I had dinner with another writer, Shel at the Blue Marble.
I met my group at the hotel the next day. We had an orientation meeting and dinner at the hotel and in the morning woke up and walked back across theto the airport.
We flew from Winnipeg to Churchill and then took a Cessna flight up to Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge by York Factory and Hudson Bay.
I was so excited to glimpse our home from the air and we saw polar bears too.
There are 8 rooms at the lodge.
We put out bags in our rooms and went to get our boots and jackets to get ready for our first ride on the arctic rhinos and go exploring.
Video #8: Fly from Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge to Churchill
Enjoy the views and fly with me from Nanuk Polar Bear Lodge to Churchill. I sat front right seat and took as much video as I could to share with you!
Video #9: Do you want to see POLAR BEARS?
Walking with Polar Bears September 2018 with Lisa Niver.
Please enjoy my videos of polar bears from my trip to Nanuk Polar Bears Lodge.
I traveled with Churchill Wild. I decided to make a video of only the polar bear footage for you to enjoy. Please see the other videos for wolves and everything else that happened! Safe Travels! Lisa
Video #10: Do you want to see WOLVES?
Walking with Wolves September 2018 with Lisa Niver.
Please enjoy my video of wolves from my trip to Nanuk Polar Bears Lodge.
I traveled with Churchill Wild. I decided to make a video of only the wolf footage for you to enjoy. Please see the other videos for polar bears and everything else that happened! Safe Travels! Lisa
Read and watch all of my Churchill Wild Adventures:
Part One: Do You Want to Walk with Polar Bears?
Part Two: Are You Ready for an Adventure? Walk with Polar Bears
Part Three: How Do You Get To Churchill Wild?
On Ms Magazine: Polar Bears Can’t Vote, So You Have To!
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