Summer Activity

Have time to Spare this Summer?

If you spend every summer killing time by the pool or watching TV, then you are in need of dire change. Get out and see the world, volunteer, and learn, all in one summer program! WWOOF or Willing Workers on Organic Farms is an Australian based volunteer program that teaches organic farming and easy living in exchange for your time and energy.

American or Australian, anyone mature enough and willing to work (over the age of 17 of course) can join the WWOOF program. Due to the physical and mental demands of the WWOOF experience, participants should have at least average physical fitness, and of course some cash to fly to and from. Expenses are covered once you arrive in Australia with your host family becayse working in exchange for food and accommodation is the basis of all WWOOFing. Time spent working varies according to the degree of self-sufficiency expected, for example:how busy the host is at the time of your visit and other factors - but it should average out at about a half day's work for a full day's keep.

If you are interested in the program log on to the link provided and get hooked up. All information including the logistics of the program, visa information, cost information, work details, WWOOF blogging, and even WWOOF books are available.

NOTE: If hanging out with Australian dingo's and Kangaroos is not your deal- search the site for programs in other countries like Europe, Japan, and Canada!

A Day in the Hills of Rural England

All I can say is, “This is a place to relax”. It’s exactly what comes to mind when I think of the quiet life. Here are small idyllic towns nestled amidst mammoth rolling green hills. Here are high elevation lakes that reflect a sky so blue you can’t believe you’re in Britain. Here are small family owned bakeries and bed and breakfasts and sheep wandering amongst stone walls that have covered this rural countryside for centuries.

When I look outside and see these hills, the biggest question that comes to mind is how far I could throw an Aerobee Frisbee from up there. And since I am here to relax, I intend to experiment all afternoon with that vary question. But first things first. What to eat?

Outside on the cobble street the English are starting to arrive for the weekend from the busy cities further south, but while they explore the shops and restaurants, I thread my way quickly to my favorite bakery to purchase a signature of these parts, steak and kidney filled pastry. It doesn’t sound very good, but the Scottish friend I am traveling with coned me into trying one and now I understand why the bakeries sell so many everyday.

When we’ve had our fill, Stuart and I (please imagine his name with a Scottish accent to get a more accurate feel for his character) head for the hills. Apparently the protocol around here is to stay off the farmland or incur the wrath of the local sheepherders, but the allure of some of the more remote hills is too great and we find ourselves scrambling over the stone walls and running past farmhouse windows. The climb is steep, and we refresh ourselves several times at little springs that burst from the sides of the hills. It almost sounds unbelievable as I write it, like heaven eh? When we finally reach the pinnacle, which we must share with a very stern looking ram, the experiments begin.

You don’t get to throw very often because the Aerobee is soaring absolutely ridiculous distances. I don’t know if you have ever played with an Aerobee, but if you have, you’ll know what I am talking about. Stuart and I have passed time all summer with Aerobees and more traditional Frisbees, so I must say our technique is getting quite good. Anyways, I say all that to emphasize how far the little hollow disc is going.

After a monumental toss we run down the hills at high speed to fetch it. I can’t stop laughing because Stuart is a big Scottish rugby player with a full beard and he looks so in his element charging down hills at full stride. After all, this is part of the land that his ancestors fought so hard to keep from the British. It’s a hilarious sight. Maybe you had to be there…

By Will McMullen

Destination: The Lake District, England

Flight: If you book at least a month in advance, you can purchase a round-trip ticket to Manchester for under $800. However, if you want to avoid log lay-overs and multiple connections the ticket may be a bit pricier.

Hotels: I recommend staying in the many bed and breakfasts the sprinkle the Lake Districts. These often offer a taste of British hospitality, and in my experience the hosts often go out of their way to make your stay enjoyable. A small comfortable bed and breakfast can run between 25 and 30 pounds or $50-$60.

News/ Current Events Affecting Travel: n/a

Language: English

Culture: England, and especially rural England, like the Lake Districts, has a very principled culture based on tradition. Americans are known for being loud and rude. This does not mean the English will openly look down on you or be unfriendly, but it would do no harm to make an active effort to dispel the stereotype. People’s personal space and privacy are held very precious, so be moderate in conversation.

A Day In Seattle

The best way to wake up on a groggy, sprinkling Seattle morning is to hit up any of the local coffee shops and enjoy a fresh cup of locally roasted espresso. Tons of these places are littered across the town and by simply asking a local for any suggestions you are bound to come across any great café. Joe Bar is an example of one of these great stops, with a warm atmosphere and great service.

Downtown Seattle is where so much of the action takes place. The monorail can get you anywhere that you want to go in that neck of the woods, and is much easier than renting a car or taking a cab. In this area is one of the highlights: the Space Needle. The Space Needle is to Seattle as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris, and at 605 feet, the view of the city is breathtaking. The ride up is only $10, and if you plan to dine at the top the ticket is waived. The area surrounding this landmark is filled with other great places to see and things to do, one of them being the Underground Tour.

For adventure seekers, taking the Underground Tour that takes place in Pioneer Square, you are given the chance to check out the original roadways that now can be found below the city. After a devastating fire in 1889, the city was abandoned, but later the city was simply built again on top of what was already there, creating an entire underground network. So much can be learned from this expedition, and seeing what lies below the ground is always fascinating. Pioneer Square has so much shopping, eating, and a great night life, which quickly changes any travelers attention to what is most crucial to Seattle: its art culture.

Film, theater, music, galleries, anything imaginable having to do with art not only can be found in Seattle, but it’s high-quality, popular, and simply amazing. The music scene has so much to offer that any person’s musical taste can find what it is that they desire in the city. Many great musicians have emerged out of the depths of the city, and it’s always great to be able to catch a show or two at venues like Chop Suey, Fenix Underground, and SeaMonster Lounge are places to definitely check out for a great drink and a great show. If art is more your thing, a definite must see is the Seattle Art Museum. Exhibits include both contemporary Northwest artists, giving locals the opportunity to show their work off.

Seattle is such a vibrant city with tons of places to go, coffee shops to try, music joints to check out, museums to walk through, and so much more. One day is not nearly enough to enjoy all that can be had in this wonderful metropolis.


By Carey Billings

Destination: Seattle, Washington

Flight: Airfare ranges from $300 to $600, depending on the airline you choose and how close to your departure you book the flight. United, Delta, Frontier, and US Airlines have the best deals, and always allow yourself time to shop around.

Hotels: Hotels in Seattle vary in all sizes and price ranges, and picking one just depends on the desired location and price. The Pan Pacific Seattle costs $215 per night and is in the South Lake Union area just north of downtown Seattle. The Space Needle and Seattle Center are only half-mile away, and a quick cab ride can easily take you to where all the action is. If you are looking into doing some shopping and having fun, the Sheraton Seattle Hotel is right in the middle of the entertainment district and costs $189 per night. If your budget is a little tighter, the Best Western Executive Inn Seattle Center is only two blocks away from the Seattle Center, the downtown monorail, and the Space Needle, costing $124.

News/Current Events Affecting Travel: N/A

Language: English

Culture: Performing arts are a central aspect of Seattle’s culture. The city has 29 professional theater companies, more than 80 smaller theater companies, over 80 music venues, and 18 major museums on top of a huge pool of private art galleries. Coffee is a must in Seattle, with an abundance of excellent local espresso roasters, so stopping by as many coffee joints is necessary while in the neighborhood.

One Day in D.C.

As a tourist, you’ll find PLENTY to do in Washington, D.C., especially if you’re into history. Get up bright and early to avoid crowds, and head over to the National Mall. This park links the Washington Monument and the Capitol building, and is very close to many other memorials, such as the National World War II Memorial, Korean War Veterans Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and the Albert Einstein Memorial. There is also the Lincoln Memorial, but check this one out after dark. Once you’ve walked all you can walk, head over to the Le Bon Café, 210 2nd St. SE, where you can grab a cheap but tasty meal.

Feel like seeing more sites? At some point in the day, it is imperative that you see the Changing of the Guard at Arlington National Cemetery. It occurs every half hour in the summer during the day, every hour in the winter, and every two hours at night in all seasons. It’s a ghostly feeling to be in the silent presence of the unknown soldiers interred in the tomb, hearing only the guard’s steps as he walks 21 paces, and the click of his heels as he turns to walk 21 more. It’s definitely something you won’t forget. While you’re in the cemetery, head over to former President John F. Kennedy’s grave. The eternal flame is very moving.

At some point during your stay, you might consider heading over to the Kennedy Center, (800)444-1324, at 6 pm. Here, musicians of all kind come to play a free (yes, totally free) hour-long concert. Who could resist free music?

This is all just a taste of what lies in D.C. There still remains the Library of Congress, the Smithsonian, and so much more. See what time permits, but don’t overdo the tourism thing either. Enjoy Washington D.C. as the Washingtonians do. Explore a little outside of the tourist spots – walk around, ride the metro. Just make sure no to ride it during rush hour, or you’ll see Washingtonians not-so-enjoying D.C.


By Melissa Freeland

Destination: Washington, D.C.

Flight: Try to plan your trip way in advance for cheaper tickets, and if you can, stay away from holidays, as they tend to make airline tickets skyrocket in price. You’ll enjoy D.C. in its off time better anyway.

Hotels: There are a multitude of hotels in D.C. Don’t mind shelling out a few bucks for the experience? Then try the historic Renaissance Mayflower, 1127 Connecticut Ave. NW (800)468-3571. In existence since 1925, this hotel was even preferred to the White House by Harry S. Truman. If you would rather spend your money on other things, try Jurys Normandy Inn at 2118 Wyoming Ave. NW (800)424-3729. The rooms are small and cozy, and you end up only spending $89 - $185.

News/Current Events affecting Travel: The recent massacre at Virginia Tech

Language: As it is the U.S.A.’s capitol, English

Culture: Tourism is a huge part of Washington, D.C., due to its myriad of landmarks and memorials. Art museums, performing arts centers, and other venues of artistic and musical interest are very popular as well.