Travel and Technology: Or How I Stopped Worrying and Loved the Blog with Wide World’s own Tim Coombs
While most of us travel to get away, these days home can be as close as the nearest internet cafe. For better or worse, the advent of free internet technologies such as blogging (web-based journals) and Skype (web-based telephone) have made it easier to keep in touch–or to simply brag –when on the road. This workshop will introduce you to some of these easy-to-learn services. We will start a blog together, going step-by-step through the process of creating posts and uploading digital content such as photos and video. We will also discuss other ways technology can enhance your experience abroad, from mp3 (digital audio) language guides and walking tours to more recent gadgets such as netbooks and e-readers. And if you’re not entirely sure what all this means, this workshop is especially for you! No computer knowledge necessary.
January 13th Tuesday 7pm
Heavy Earth Golden Sky with editor Michelle Kleisath
This unique collection of life stories written by contemporary Tibetan women gives us a special look into the hearts and minds of today’s young Tibetans. The writers hail from impoverished farming and nomadic communities across the Tibetan plateau, in China’s Qinghai, Sichuan, Yunnan and Gansu provinces. In their stories, the writers take us through their difficult childhoods-often marked by debilitating poverty-and into their early adult lives, where they came together to study English with teacher Michelle Kleisath at Qinghai Normal University in Xining, China. Their writing beautifully articulates their search for happiness and their struggles in society. Through their honest and often heart-wrenching descriptions, we glimpse the hopes and dreams of a people whose way of life is rapidly transforming.
January 17h Saturday 9am
Solo Travelers
Join us for an informal gathering of travelers as they meet and learn from each other’s travel experiences and share wisdom learned on the road. Whether you’re preparing for your first solo journey or your hundredth, you’ll enjoy sharing your adventures with your fellow sojourners. Bring your coffee and your questions!
January 20th Tuesday 7pm
Tantalizing Thailand and Amazing Angkor with Reid Coen
Thailand has long been one of the foremost jewels of Southeast Asian travel. Blessed with a dizzying array of natural wonders, a welcoming society, a splendid cultural heritage, and a well established tourism infrastructure, Thailand makes for a perfect first foray into Asian travel. Furthermore, Thailand is a great bargain for American travelers, making this exotic destination increasingly attractive. Join Reid Coen of Imprint Tours on a visual journey that takes in the best of Thailand’s sights and a bonus of neighboring Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Tonight’s virtual tour will include the Buddhist temples and imperial wonders of Bangkok, the spectacular natural wonders of the Andaman coast, Chiang Mai, and the World Heritage sites of Ayuthaya, Sukhothai, and Angkor Wat. Come learn the ins and outs of travel in this gateway to Southeast Asia.
January 27th Tuesday 7pm
Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan with Meli Seval
Exuberant Meli Seval, best known for presentation of her Turkish homeland, tonight takes us to Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Offering both historic and contemporary views of these far-away lands, her knowledge and enthusiasm will infuse the evening to the delight of all who attend.
