Lisa Niver's Blog: We Said Go Travel, page 303

July 26, 2015

The Great Westward Adventure in the USA

Adventure is a funny thing. We have heard the word used and over-used on so many occasions, but have you ever stopped to truly think about what it means? Adventure is the only thing that you can spend all you have, yet somehow make even more.


This summer I had the incredible opportunity to embark on a journey in which we visited thirteen states. “The Great Westward Adventure” changed me, and also my outlook on this beautiful nation I am privileged to live in.


The Pacific Northwest region is exquisite, somewhat uncharted territory. We left from Arkansas and visited Iowa, Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Montana, Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, Nebraska, and Missouri.


The trip was partially to help us find ourselves, but in ways we found so much than we anticipated.


We camped in a tipi in North Dakota, visited national parks in which we witnesses wild buffalo walking right beside our vehicle. In South Dakota we saw quaint small towns and of course the not so quaint Mt. Rushmore. After camping out, Montana gave a gorgeous display of God’s handiwork with cascading, snow capped mountains and crystal clear streams and rivers. The views were breath taking in every sense of the word. The majesty of the mountains took our breath away, as well as the hike up them.


Washington had a variety of activities from coffee and ferry rides in Seattle to awe-inspiring mountain ranges in Olympic National Park, Mount St. Helens and Mt. Rainer. Oregon might have put the icing on the cake of adventure for me. We stayed in downtown Portland the very same week as the Rose Festival, a carnival and Fleet Week. That being said, there were sailors in uniform everywhere we looked. That sight was almost as pretty as the mountain ranges.


When we departed the city we drove to Multnomah Falls and Oneonta Gorge. The waterfalls were lovely to say the least. The last sight of Oregon we took in was the incredible coastal region. Thor’s Well, The mighty waves and even the fog struck wonder into our hearts.


Unfortunately our trip was cut short in Idaho when we were involved in accident. We were driving at about eighty-five miles an hour when we unexplainably lost control and began spinning toward oncoming traffic. We flipped three times. The vehicle came to an abrupt halt, landing upside down leaving us having to crawl out of the driver’s side window. My friend and I walked away from that horrifying accident with only some bruises and scrapes. During the petrifying events, I never had one of those “life flash before your eyes” kind of moments. In an unexplainable sort of way, I knew that everything was going to be all right.


After our hospital stay and one night’s rest, We finished the trip in a rental car hitting Wyoming, Nebraska, Utah, Colorado and Missouri. Even though the accident took place, this trip was indeed the best one of my life.


We saw gorgeous views, met great people and more than anything, we made memories that will last a lifetime.


I am well aware that this piece was meant to highlight Independence, or a place that makes me feel free to be myself. If you really think about it, that is exactly what I have done. You see, there is not one specific place I can pinpoint that gives me this feeling, but rather the open road itself. It is there that all distractions seem to dissipate and the journeys begin to unfold. In between the white lines on the road is wherethe stories are made.


The beauty of adventure is also found here. I can choose anywhere I want to go, drive anything I want to drive, see anything my heart and eyes desire, and ultimately, expand my horizons and discover things I have never seen before. Travel is the most enlightening forms of independence. It is freeing and it is wide open. The road is waiting, where will it take you next?


About the Author:


Rachel is a writer for a youth magazine and also has a bi-weekely blog. She is a recent graduate of Ushan College and an avid traveler and adventure seeker. She enjoys photography, nature, painting, reading and exploring.


Thank you for reading and commenting. Please enter the Independence Travel Writing competition and tell your story.

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Published on July 26, 2015 09:00

July 25, 2015

Sicilian Nights in Italy

There is no feeling in the world, like that of sleeping under the stars for the first time. Looking up at the endless blue-black universe smudged with stars and mist, you cannot help but feel an overwhelming sense of belonging. Of intoxicating infinity. Like the head rush of falling in love, and the tragedy of falling out of it; only all at once, all together – all rolled hastily into a blurry mess of feelings pressing on your chest, that’ll have you so euphoric and dejected and dizzy that sleep is absolutely out of the question.


So perhaps I should rephrase; there is no feeling in the world like the first time you lay awake, awestruck, staring into the night.


 


***



The smell of salt sticks to my teeth, to my skin, is soaked up by a stray strand of hair which has escaped the hood of my green sleeping bag. The scent of this Sicilian summer’s night is heady, fragrant – capers and lemons and salt; that pungent taste of salt which demands to be experienced and permeates every other sense, fine as the sand which grinds and crunches under my every movement, turning each toss and turn into a chalky shiver down my spine.  


I close my eyes; a futile attempt at rest, really. And yet my energy seemed to evaporate, today, rising in the brightness of the open sea as visibly and tangibly as heat on asphalt. A memory, a faint echo of white and blue and turquoise shimmers inside my eyelids – taunting, tempting me into sleep. For a while, I can almost believe I’m halfway dreaming, the rhythmic lapping of the sea (the tide rising dangerously close to our sleeping bags) almost hypnotic in the blue-black night.


An hour or a minute passes – time is elastic in this darkness. All is still except for the crickets and the tide, each singing their summer lullaby to the milky way; beating their own time, whistling their own tune. Hardly in harmony – somewhat like us, a haphazard group of improvised sailors, fleetingly united from every walk of life by a common, irresistible yearning for this elusive something which tastes so much like freedom. Yet there is a musicality in these late night concertos, a hidden prettiness which I am learning to appreciate. Sailing will do that to you. You learn to listen; listen! To the ropes and the deck and the sails – creaking, groaning, moaning from their mooring in the rising tide.


I wriggle myself up, the rustle of my sleeping bag on the sand only a whisper in the enormous night. Even sitting still feels unreal here – it is too mundane to fit into this intoxicating darkness. Too bland to contain all the sensations which seem to be coalescing into fireworks and pyrotechnics in my chest – one feels compelled to stand and tango with the breeze, to tap-dance for the olive trees. And yet here I am, sitting on a slither of beach with the waves inching closer each time they race along the shoreline. There is a moment, when the sea has stretched to its furthest point on land, when the water is at its thinnest and each pebble and grain of sand which lies beneath it is magnified. In the moonlight, as it comes and goes behind the gathering clouds, this gives the beach a lilac shade which dances on my face like a disco light, like a streak of a crazy Van Gogh carelessly strewn like litter on this very stretch of sand. 


I glance around at my sleeping travel companions, scattered around me. Someone sighs. Someone snores.


Then, just the crickets and the tide.


And a quiet thump.


A raindrop plummets onto the hood of my sleeping bag, tracing the lines of my eyebrow and cheekbone, leaving a chilly trail behind as it falls. It moves slowly, a self-conscious newcomer trying to pass unnoticed and blend with the black sea. A distant clap of thunder, like an afterthought, announces the cascade which envelops us a moment later. Sleepers wake and snorers sputter as the sudden shower blurs fantastic dreams of crystalline seas to the murky no-colour of dirty paint water.  Half dreaming, half laughing, half frantic, we stumble to crowd under a little wooden shack by the olive trees – nine shadows cocooned in dripping, fluorescent tints. Laughter and sneezing and gentle, dozing banter follow – we had said it would rain and will you please listen next time and come on, it’s an adventure and after all, isn’t that why we’re here?


Then, at last, dawn. And the salt, and the tide.  


Share your story of independence in our Independence Travel Writing Contest. Free Entry. Cash Prizes.

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Published on July 25, 2015 17:30

Santa Monica: Celebrate at The Little Door

the little doorI loved celebrating at The Little Door in Santa Monica! The setting is beautiful and relaxing. Sul and the entire team took great care of us. I cannot wait to return and try more wonderful choices. The gluten free chocolate souffle was a real treat at the end of this fantastic meal.


We ate:


ZUCCHINI CARPACCIO, BABY KALE, BABY ARTICHOKES, CHERRY TOMATOES, FETA CHEESE & DILL


Lemon and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Toasted Pine Nuts


FRESH GOAT CHEESE LAVENDER TART, TRIO OF ROASTED BEETS


Frisée and Radicchio, Lemon and Extra Virgin Olive


GRILLED MARINATED WHITE MEDITERRANEAN SEA BASS, SAFFRON ESPELETTE SAUCE


Haricot Vert, Roasted Mini Peppers and Basil Pesto Fingerling Potato Mash


 VIDEO: Dine at The Little Door Santa Monica






Celebrating at @thelittledoorsm the atmosphere is inviting! I love the decor!


A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Jul 8, 2015 at 7:41pm PDT








Chef T. Nicolas Peter @thelittledoorsm creating seasonal menus changing monthly with fresh local organic ingredients for unique harmonious dishes A photo posted by Lisa Niver (@wesaidgotravel) on Jul 8, 2015 at 8:22pm PDT






Where to celebrate

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Published on July 25, 2015 09:00

July 24, 2015

Five Favorites: Lisa’s Travel Must-Haves

Lisa Niver, travel guru and creator of We Said Go Travel, knows a thing or two about making travel easier. She’s been to over one hundred countries and six continents, and has narrowed down her travel must-haves to these items. She doesn’t go anywhere without them, so maybe you shouldn’t either!


1. Kindle


Screen Shot 2015-05-11 at 10.01.46 AM


The Kindle is a travel must. It’s the only way to pack as many extra books as you want, with no additional weight! And the genius screen design makes it easy to read outdoors, unlike the iPad. This one has a 6-inch glare free, touchscreen display and is wifi ready. Whether on the hiking trail or by the pool, this Kindle has you covered.


2. Eagle Creek Daypack


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The Eagle Creek Daypack is perfect for hiking or any short-term vacation where you can pack light. If you are taking a long trip and need a smaller backpack for mini excursions, this backpack is a great, lightweight option.


3. Four Wheeled Suitcase


Screen Shot 2015-05-11 at 10.02.55 AM


This Skyway suitcase makes life at the airport a million times easier. A four wheeled system adds increased mobility, perfect for close quarters, like crowded airports and train stations. The bright color makes it easy to spot, and the hard case design protects your belongings.


4. Becca Swimsuit


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Lisa loves her Becca swimsuit. Becca swimwear is durable, comfortable and has added shelf support. They come in a variety of fun patterns, giving you plenty of options, no matter if you are packing for Tahiti or Tahoe.


5. Comfortable, Travel Ready Pants


Screen Shot 2015-05-11 at 10.06.14 AM


A long day of airports and train rides demands easy to wear clothing. These Everyday Pants by Lucy are perfect for travel, with chafe-resistant seams, elastic closure, and invisible zip pockets. The moisture-wicking fabric will keep you cool, even when you’re walking all day through muggy Florence.


Don’t forget to keep up with Lisa’s latest adventures!

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Published on July 24, 2015 09:00

July 23, 2015

Love, Life, and the Pursuit of Paris, France

“Where do you see us after Paris?” I asked my boyfriend of one year and a half as we walked the grey, frigid streets of Luxembourg.


“My priority in life is my career, and I will never make a decision based on a relationship, not even our own,” he replied, firmly, coldly, as my heart began to crumble into one million pieces for the first time in my life.


“So where do we go from here?” was the next question that we both knew we had to answer. “I, despite everything, would like to maintain an independent life,” he replied. “I, despite everything, need a relationship that has room to grow,” I affirmed.


Independence has always been my pride, my strength, my reliable friend that I could fall back on when life disappoints. My parents raised my two younger brothers and I to fend for ourselves and to make our own decisions. They both came from poor families in the the U.S., so their independence was their savior from drugs, hardship, and more poverty. Independence was their gift to their three children.


And yet when I saw the words written in an email across my screen from my, now, ex-boyfriend in Paris, I opened a dictionary and turned to the letter, “i.” “Independent: not subject to another’s authority or jurisdiction; autonomous; free.1” He wanted to make his own decisions. He wanted to be free, free of me. How had independence betrayed me? 


As I quickly moved into the depression stage of grief, I knew I had to change. I had been considering changing jobs for a while. I thought that the only thing left for me in Paris was him. If he was gone, was it time to leave? 


I first came to France when I was 19 years old, a sophomore at UNC Chapel Hill. It was my first time leaving my home country, and I was leaving it for an entire year. I was scared. 


A year later I had fallen so in love with my French life and my new French self that I promised myself I would return again one day, to work, live, and stay for however long I wanted. Ten years later I was going on my third year in Paris, and now I was considering throwing it all away. 


Dad said, “Come home.” Mom said, “Not yet.” All I could think of was my bed in North Carolina where I would go and sleep for months until I woke up and it was all over. 


I dragged myself reluctantly to my next visa appointment and braced myself for the typical six hour wait. This time, however, I was called to the desk within fifteen minutes. The woman explained to me that they were setting me up for a ten-year visa. I was halfway through. I asked about citizenship. She gave me the address of the naturalization office for more information. Why did this suddenly seem so easy? 


After leaving the citizenship office I stopped on Pont Notre-Dame and stared at the Seine, which looked more blue than normal from the sky’s reflection. “Only three more years until I can apply for French citizenship,” I thought. I saw the sign reflecting at me in the Seine as if there was a presence standing next to me saying, “Don’t give up yet. It’s not your time.” 


Three weeks later I found myself in Portugal. I wanted to prove to myself that I could still be on my own, a two week trip to explore Portugal and Spain, by myself. Except that I never made it to Spain. Four days into the trip I threw my back out while trying to pick up my suitcase in Lagos. I had to take myself to the hospital and could barely walk. Had independence failed me again? 


By the time I made it back to Paris I had a new job offer, and I had decided to stay in my city. My heart was not ready to leave. Even if it still bled with tears, it did not want to run away. 


A few weeks after giving my notice I was sitting at a café by myself in the 8th. I had a perfect spot in the sun and ordered my summertime favorite, tartare de boeuf with frites maison. As I sat quietly eating my meal I felt a smile and the warmth of the sun fill my body. At one point a man came and sat at the table next to me. Then a woman, about my age, sat down at the table on my other side. We sat there in silence, watching the ebb and flow of Paris unfold in front of us, independent of one another, but never alone.


About the author: Rebecca Earley is a marketing data consultant by day and travel blogger by night. She was born in Chicago, grew up in North Carolina, worked as a “Mad Woman” in advertising in NYC, and is now living her dream in Paris.


Thank you for reading and commenting. Please enter the Independence Travel Writing competition and tell your story.


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Published on July 23, 2015 07:30

July 22, 2015

Freedom from captivity in Pakistan


 


For me, life has been a constant journey of challenges and survival. Living in an egocentric society dominated primarily by males, we have been taught since our childhood that our opinions and dreams hold no value. Marriage, child bearing and domestic responsibilities are the sole function of a woman, while self worth and self identity are of no importance.


Growing up in a lower middle class family, we were enrolled in mediocre schools, where the only purpose of learning was not to gain education, but only obtain a namesake degree. But I failed to comprehend this notion, and therefore embarked on a lone struggle to achieve more than just a degree. My after school hours were spent reading books and visiting the library regularly. While browsing through a newspaper, I came across an opportunity to apply for a U.S scholarship. However, my aspirations were short lived, when my parents accepted the first proposal that came my way. I was barely 15, looking towards a brighter and optimistic future abroad. Not willing to part with my goals, I gathered the courage to refuse to matrimonial commitment. This raised a hue and cry not only within my family but also among my extended family and relatives. People made up all sort of stories degrading and humiliating my honor. It was a difficult period not only for me but also for my parents who were constantly under societial pressure. Finally, I left my home just to save my parents from further embarrassment and interrogation.


I stayed at a friend’s place, who not only helped me in terms of finances but also provided me with immense support and care. With her unconditional love, I cleared every step of the scholarship program including my GRE. Finally after months of interviews and tests, I rose triumphant gaining access to an Undergrad program in the most prestigious university in USA.


After 4 years of education, knowledge and insight, I returned back to my homeland. With the urge and willingness to help other women around me, I opened up a consultancy desk in a small village. Here I began assisting women to pursue their careers and follow their dreams. Gradually, I discovered this gave me real pleasure and inner satisfaction, rather than working at a multinational company earning a hundred thousand a month. Today I live a nomadic life, traveling village to village with the sole aim to educate and empower the women of Pakistan. This journey of dependence to independence has made me a strong woman.  Life has been a rollercoaster for me, but I endeavor and pledge to make it easy for my fellow Pakistani womenfolk.


Thank you for reading and commenting. Please enter the Independence Travel Writing competition and tell your story.


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Published on July 22, 2015 18:00

Winners: Inspiration Travel Writing Contest 2015

NYC Thank you to all the writers who participated in the We Said Go Travel 2015 Inspiration Writing Contest!

The 2015 Independence Travel Writing Contest Entries are being published now. The Gratitude Travel Writing Contest will open on September 11, 2015. I appreciate everyone who has read, shared and participated in all of my contests.


Thank you very much! Lisa Niver, We Said Go Travel



AND THE WINNERS ARE:
First Place Winner:  Stephen Fabes,  Don’t Look Down in Bolivia
Second Place Winner:  Christina Mehriary, Marine Eyes in Iraq


Third Place Winner: Sheefa Kasar, Fulwa, India
Honorable Mentions:


Nitya Pandy: Right across the river in Nepal


Jamie Williams: Taking the Stairs in the USA


Robin Bortner: Beautiful Ugly Rome, Italy


Sasha Woffinden: The Land of the Rising Sun, Japan


Tess E. Huntington: The Journey Within Starts in Tanzania




WSGT Writer Credly

The We Said Go Travel Team thanks everyone who shared, tweeted, promoted and participated in our Travel Writing Contests. We hope you will join in our next  Travel Writing Contest.


 


Thank you to our esteemed judges!


Richard Bangs, the father of modern adventure travel, is a pioneer in travel that makes a difference, travel with a purpose. He has spent 30 years as an explorer and communicator, and along the way led first descents of 35 rivers around the globe, he is currently producing and hosting the new PBS series, Richard Bangs: Adventure Without End


AnneLise Sorensen is a travel writer, editor, photographer, and TV/radio host who has penned – and wine-tasted – her way across four continents, reporting for multiple media outlets, including New York Magazine, MSN, Time Out, Yahoo Travel, Rough Guides, Gourmet, and Galavante. AnneLise regularly appears as a travel expert on NBC and CNN and she teaches popular travel writing classes and workshops at Mediabistro and travel events and shows.


Thank you for your participation in creating a growing global community of engaged travelers and concerned citizens.


 Other Contests, Courses and Books about Travel Writing


CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR WINNERS!
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO PARTICIPATED! 


I hope you will choose to share a story in our next contest. Thank you!

 


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Published on July 22, 2015 09:00

July 21, 2015

The Iran Nuclear Agreement: What should Congress do?

Growing up an American Jew in Los Angeles, I was always told if you ask three Jews a question, you will get four opinions. Last Friday night, I went to shabbat services at Stephen Wise Temple. I began by reading the words below from Rabbi Joshua Knobel about Pioneers and the weekly parsha. Then, I listened to  Rabbi Woznica’s passionate sermon about the issues with the Iran Nuclear Agreement. I included information from AIPAC and the Jewish Federation about their desire for Congress to oppose the joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s Nuclear Program, signed on July 14, 2015.


Be Brave and Form an Opinion. Take Part and “remember that while the greatest victories are not won without bravery, they are also not won without risk.” What is your opinion on the Iran Nuclear Agreement? What do you think Congress should do? Are you willing to be vulnerable and share your opinion? What risks are you willing to take?


From Rabbi Knobel about this week’s parsha:



In modern Hebrew, the word ‘halutzim’ refers to the pioneers of the Israeli state, brave souls who, in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, ventured forth into an unknown, often dangerous land, determined to create a home for themselves, as well as their Jewish brothers and sisters worldwide.


The origins of the word ‘halutzim’ appear within this week’s Torah portion. The tribes of Reuben and Gad, enamored of the land west of the Jordan River, ask Moses’ permission to stay, rather than pursue holdings in the Land of Canaan. In exchange, they boldly offer to lead the invasion of Canaan by serving as the vanguard – the halutzim.


The gallant bravery shared between the Biblical and modern halutzim seems plainly evident, but these two groups share another characteristic, as suggested by their names’ Hebrew root – halatz. In the Bible, halatz refers to genitals (Gen 35:11), while halitzah denotes a public shaming ritual (Deut 25:9). What common thread ties these disparate ideas together?


Vulnerability.


It appears our ancestors understood that true audacity requires us to expose ourselves to peril. Only by rendering ourselves susceptible to the cost of failure can we accomplish greatness. As we seek achievements as individuals, as a congregation, and as a people, let us remember that while the greatest victories are not won without bravery, they are also not won without risk.



Rabbi Woznica’s sermon from Shabbat July 17, 2015


Rabbi Woznica Assesses The Proposed Deal with Iran from Stephen Wise Temple on Vimeo.


7.17.15 – Rabbi David Woznica’s Shabbat Sermon


From AIPAC:
 The Iran Nuclear Agreement: Unacceptable Consequences

After 20 months of negotiations, Iran and the P5+1 have reached a nuclear agreement. The agreement fails to halt Iran’s nuclear quest.


Instead, it would facilitate rather than prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and would further entrench and empower the leading state sponsor of terror.


Iran is the world’s leading state sponsor of terror and is racing toward a nuclear weapons capability. Through its proxy armies of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Iranian regime is supporting terrorists that have carried out attacks on American troops and Israeli civilians.


Click here to read AIPAC’s press release on the proposed deal.





The Iran Nuclear Agreement: Unacceptable Consequences











Iran must stop its nuclear weapons program.

American policy must unabashedly seek to prevent Iran from achieving a nuclear weapons capability. A nuclear-armed Iran is an existential threat to Israel and would arm the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism with the ultimate weapon.
Iran is the leading state sponsor of terrorism. 

Iran finances, arms and trains terrorist groups operating around the world. It is the leading sponsor of Hamas and Hezbollah, and armed insurgents that have fought U.S. troops in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Stop the human rights violations.

In the aftermath of the 2009 Iranian presidential election, which falsely awarded Mahmoud Ahmadinejad a second term, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) quelled popular protests by arresting civil leaders, beating and killing peaceful protesters and cutting off internet and mobile access to its citizens.

An Unacceptable Deal iran



Urge Congress to Oppose the Bad Deal with Iran

From AIPAC:


AIPAC has consistently supported diplomatic efforts to end Iran’s nuclear weapons program, and we appreciate the commitment and dedication of President Obama and his administration throughout these negotiations. Unfortunately, this proposed agreement fails to halt Iran’s nuclear quest. Instead, it would facilitate rather than prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and would further entrench and empower the leading state sponsor of terror.


We strongly believe that the alternative to this bad deal is a better deal. Congress should reject this agreement, and urge the administration to work with our allies to maintain economic pressure on Iran while offering to negotiate a better deal that will truly close off all Iranian paths to a nuclear weapon.


Congress should insist on a better deal.  Contact your members of Congress and urge them to oppose the bad deal with Iran.


Key Points

The proposed deal does not ensure “anytime, anywhere” short-notice inspections;
The proposed deal does not clearly condition sanctions relief on full Iranian cooperation in satisfying International Atomic Energy Agency concerns over the possible military dimensions of Tehran’s program;
The proposed deal lifts sanctions as soon as the agreement commences, rather than gradually as Iran demonstrates sustained adherence to the agreement;
The proposed deal lifts key restrictions in as few as eight years;
The proposed deal would disconnect and store centrifuges in an easily reversible manner, but it requires no dismantlement of centrifuges or any Iranian nuclear facility.

FROM JEWISH FEDERATION by email July 21, 2015:


This summer Congress will be reviewing the Iran nuclear agreement and it is imperative that our elected officials hear our voice. Below is our statement on this matter of national security. Please contact your member of Congress today — the time is now.


The Jewish Federation of Greater Los Angeles joins with Jewish communities across the country in urging Congress to oppose the joint Comprehensive Plan of Action on Iran’s Nuclear Program, signed on July 14, 2015.


The proposed agreement with Iran is not a partisan issue; it impacts the security of the United States, the stability of the Middle East, the future of the State of Israel and the safety of every Jewish family and community around the world. This Iran deal threatens the mission of our Federation as we exist to assure the continuity of the Jewish people, support a secure State of Israel, care for Jews in need here and abroad and mobilize on issues of concern.


Our Federation wants a diplomatic solution that ends Iran’s nuclear program. We recognize the efforts of the Administration to reach such an agreement. We regret and are gravely concerned that the proposed agreement allows Iran to remain a threshold nuclear state, does not allow for “anytime, anywhere” inspections of Iranian nuclear facilities, and offers immediate rather than gradual sanctions relief without requiring Iran to address the military dimensions of its nuclear program.


The proposed agreement releases Iran from arms embargos in five years and ballistic missile sanctions in eight years. Iran’s past behavior gives us reason to be concerned that these deadly weapons will be shared with terrorists including Hamas and Hezbollah and will hasten the creation of an Iranian hegemony in the Middle East.


As Americans and Jews who yearn for peace and are invested in the future of our children and grandchildren, we must voice our concerns about an agreement that will destabilize a fragile region. We encourage members of our community to raise their voices in opposition to this agreement by contacting their elected representatives to urge them to oppose this deal.


Congress has until September 18th to review the agreement. That means that by acting promptly, you can start the Jewish New Year knowing you made your voice heard when it counted.


Thank you,


Leslie E. Bider

Chairman of the Board


Jay Sanderson

President & CEO


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Published on July 21, 2015 13:00

Rowing to independence in Chile

After a 48-hour journey using all common modes of transportation: bus, plane, boat; I arrived to the middle of nowhere or the centre of the universe depending how you look at it. Futaleufú is a town of 2,297 inhabitants, nestled in the Chilean Andes and just eight kilometres from the Argentinian border.


Everything seemed miraculous; gigantic glaciers, towering misty mountains, aquamarine rivers. Thinking to myself: “what luck to live in this little paradise,” I felt empowered to explore as far as my legs would take me, to know the secrets of Futaleufú. 


A week went by settling into my new life as an English teacher; I was content and taking things day by day. Another week went by and I started feeling different. At first, I couldn’t put my finger on the problem, then it hit me: I hadn’t made any friends. There was no one I could turn to, not even someone I could invite over for “onces” or tea time. Fitting into a new environment is challenging especially in a small town, add to that language and cultural barriers. The questions began: “Am I not enough?” “Did I say something wrong?” “Do I seem boring?” 


Feeling down on myself, I looked out the window and watched the mist slowly pass over the mountains. Remembering that Futaleufú is a very special place and I was on an adventure helped raise my spirits. Always keeping in mind: “as long as I’m learning something, I’m moving forward.” That’s when I decided kayaking would be the next big endeavour. How could I move to a place world-renowned for its class five rapids and not set foot in the river?


Within two days of telling an acquaintance that I wanted to learn, I had a teacher. Thank you small towns! My first day on the lake was wet and cold, but I loved it. A new Caitlyn came home feeling accomplished and ready to give it everything. After weeks at the lagoon practicing rescues, backward paddling, and turns, the day finally arrived to hit the current. 


My teacher had deemed me ready for the big leagues, I couldn’t be prouder. Even if my skills were lacking in some areas I figured I could handle the kiddie-pool section; the river didn’t agree. During our practice crossing, I was sucked under by a wave, panicked for about ten seconds then went for a swim. You might think this scared me from future attempts but it only empowered me to try harder and to paddle with more passion. Why? Because I felt free in the river, I wasn’t going to give that up over one incident. The water is icy cold, yes, but it simultaneously wakes the body, mind and spirit.


Kayaking in the world’s most beautiful river made me feel like a part of the Futaleufú community, and simultaneously like an independent entity. Instead of asking questions and comparing, I starting living a new life. Instead of worrying about the mistakes I was making, I just started being me. Who knew floating down the current in a plastic box could do such wonders for confidence?


Of course, struggles continue; three months have gone by and I still feel like an outsider at times but that’s part of the experience. Having dreams, ideas, and most importantly my independence has helped me to not only survive but thrive in a small community. 


 About the author:


Caitlyn is a 26-year-old Canadian with a passion for travel, soccer and more recently, kayaking. She is doing a one-year internship with a foundation in Chilean Patagonia where she teaches English at the local school. One of her dreams is to be published in National Geographic and the other is to row on the biggest river in Futaleufú before the end of the year.


Thank you for reading and commenting. Please enter the Independence Travel Writing competition and tell your story.


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Published on July 21, 2015 12:00

July 20, 2015

Connectivity Makes Me Feel Free in the USA

CONNECTIVITY MAKES ME FEEL FREE


I grew up in the American Midwest, namely Oklahoma. For four decades, I led an average life; I grew up, went to school, got my first car, fell in love, started a career. I spent twenty years working for a major telecommunications corporation as a so-called ‘cubicle dweller.’


Then everything began to change.


First, the economy changed, and my company began to cut back on its expenses. Before my colleagues and I realized it, we were dropping like the proverbial flies, seeing our positions eliminated, finding ourselves replaced by college kids who would work for a third as much money. After a year of struggling, I found other work as a teacher’s assistant at a local high school.


Then one day as I was driving home from work on the Interstate, I glanced up and realized a car was coming at me head-on.


Blackness.


After seven months in a series of four different hospitals, I went home; I was weak, unable to work or even walk; I depended on a wheelchair to get around.


Everyday life as I had once known it was utterly gone. I couldn’t go to the grocery store, the mall or other public places without assistance; travel was ridiculously cumbersome. It was months before I could ride in a car without being thrown into a panic by every approaching vehicle.


Then I discovered two places I could go without feeling as though I was different; two stations of the cross, so to speak, that brought me back to being myself.


The first was a virtual world where I was able to make an “avatar,” a digital representation of myself, a 3D, articulated personage that represented me in this “place.” Some of the other people I “met” there created fantastic creatures; robots, talking dogs, even the Flying Spaghetti Monster, but in my case, I made a representation of myself, the way I wished I was in real life; slim and muscular, with a rock star’s build and a rock star’s hair (I still manage to have the latter!), with purple eyes and the ability to fly.


The thing is, no one knew I was disabled, and I liked it that way. On the Internet, they say, no one knows you’re a dog; in my case, no one knew I was a wheelchair user, and I preferred it that way.


For nearly two years, virtual reality became my escape. Then I met someone within this world who changed my life yet again.


I had placed an ad on this virtual world’s forum site, looking for users to help me create a music video set within the world we shared. I wasn’t the first to have this idea, but I hoped to be one of the first to create a video that would “go viral,” popularizing both my music and the virtual world. (I had been playing music since the age of 11, and the ability to go out and play live was one of the things I missed the most after my accident.)


One of the people who responded was a woman that I had met before, briefly. As we talked, our chat turned into an hours-long conversation, listening to music together, and before long I was struck at her intelligence and how articulate and knowledgeable she was about so many things.


Strangely, I realized I wanted to “see” her again, in a sort of virtual dating relationship.


Now, I didn’t invent that concept, either. I knew that there were several couples who had met in the Virtual and seen their relationships graduate to the Real; I just never thought it would happen to me.


But there we were. After a couple of months, I had recovered enough to be able to drive a vehicle, and I traveled 800 miles to visit her. We had a long distance relationship for about a year, and then we were married in August 2007.


I still visit that virtual world from time to time, although more of my time is spent in the second of the two places; Facebook, where, similarly, no one knows I’m disabled — unless I want them to. Instead, I am known there as an author and editor, a music blogger, and an advocate for Native American rights.


And that makes me feel free to be myself.


Thank you for reading and commenting. Please enter the Independence Travel Writing competition and tell your story.



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Published on July 20, 2015 16:20

We Said Go Travel

Lisa Niver
Lisa Niver is the founder of We Said Go Travel and author of the memoir, Traveling in Sin. She writes for USA Today, Wharton Business Magazine, the Jewish Journal and many other on and offline publica ...more
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