Climbing Away
Shaping Cultural Experiences
Travel has been an integral part of my life since I was a young child. I grew up in a multicultural, bilingual home in the Netherlands with a Polish mother and a Dutch father. My
Update & BBC News Link
A brief update: One interview video will be uploaded tomorrow evening. I believe the BBC News One-Minute World News provides well-balanced reporting of news, hence why I wanted to share it. Top stories on May
From Nigeria to Boston
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VNkCazT_T4&feature=youtu.be
When you first meet Oluwagbeminiyi Osidipe, you encounter a very vibrant, friendly, and unique personality. Oluwagbeminiyi or Niyi – as she shortened her name for simplicity – was named by her mother, who had a “very personal experience” when she had her, Niyi explained. Niyi is a Yoruba Nigerian transplant who arrived in the U.S. in 2006. As one of the most densely populated (West) African countries, Nigeria derives its name from the river that spans its land. To the South, it borders the Gulf of Guinea to the Atlantic Ocean. Originally colonized by the British, Nigeria gained independence in 1960. Its main ethnic groups are the Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba, who speak English and their own respective languages, while major religions include Islam, Christianity and indigenous beliefs. Niyi shares her story, her views on politics, cultural differences she’s embraced with humor, and what we can learn from each other by expressing curiosity. Her message is simple: travel enriches us through its exposure to new cultures, and enables us to grow.
Mark Twain on Travel
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” (American author Mark Twain, Innocents Abroad).
Have you had the opportunity to travel (extensively, within your country, or even once abroad)? Can you relate to Twain’s sentiments? How does travel enrich us?
Pleasing The Taste Palate
Food has the wonderful quality of uniting us no matter where we are. There is nothing partisan or narrow-minded about food. It simply invites us to indulge, create recipes, and share with others. Two of my favorite Polish dishes (included in collage) are pierogies and barszcz czerwony – a beetroot soup – served on Christmas Eve in Poland. How does food bring us together? What are some of your favorite dishes and why? Can food trigger memories?
Stereotypes: Truth or Fiction?
DEFINING STEREOTYPES: “An idea or statement about all of the members of a group or all the instances of a situation.” (Merriam-Webster). Stereotypes enable bias and preconceived notions to perpetuate, but can also reveal valid
Annual Human Rights Report
“The world changed immeasurably over the course of 2011. Across the Middle East, North Africa, and far beyond, citizens stood up to demand respect for human dignity, more promising economic opportunities, greater political liberties, and
Euro Crisis & Emerging Stereotypes
Brief Crisis Breakdown Since the onset of the global financial crisis, or Great Recession, in 2007, the Eurozone has feared impending growing global debt levels, as well as sovereign debt within European countries themselves. In
Remembering Tiananmen
Today marks the 23rd anniversary of Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests in Beijing, China. Inflation, a lack of career prospects, the fall of Eastern European communism, and political corruption, are all said to have fueled anger
Coffee's Uniting Power
A cup of coffee can bridge cultural gaps. At least, that’s what Gizem Salgicil White, founder of Turkayfe.org, believes. Her organization aims to create awareness of Turkish culture, particularly within America. Gizem is a Turkish native,
A breath of fresh air, the ability to enjoy ‘peace and quiet’ with family and friends, and healthy exercise. These are all perks of hiking.
ZAKOPANE, POLAND
One of my favorite spots in the Tatra Mountains is Morskie Oko, “Eye of the Sea,” the largest lake in the mountains. The lake has a large trout population and is arguably the most beautiful lake I have seen.
Around the lake is the highest peak in the Tatras, Rysy (2,499 meters), which my mom took on by herself once. I hope to return there again!
HIKING CLOSER TO BOSTON
This weekend, I explored Purgatory Chasm State Reservation in Sutton, Massachusetts. As the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation notes, “the Chasm is believed to have its origin in the sudden release of damned-up glacial meltwater near the end of the last Ice Age, approximately 14,000 years ago.”
Though its name suggests a somewhat daunting prospect, the short hike was very enjoyable. Rain and thunderstorms threatened, but luckily it remained dry. As you continue through Purgatory Chasm’s Loop Trail, you walk along large ‘granite walls’ and can easily spot boulder caves. Rock formations in the area boast comical names such as Lovers’ Leap, the Devil’s Corn Crib, and my boyfriend and I braved “Fat Man’s Misery.” Though I like hiking, I’m also a bit afraid of heights, but I pushed myself to “conquer” Fat Man’s Misery and it was a great rush!
OPINION
Where are your favorite hiking destinations? What do you enjoy about hiking?
Hi! I'm the founder of Culture With Travel and #CultureTrav. Please chat with us on social media and contribute in the comments! Follow @Nicolette_O
Comments (13)
jacek29
07 Sep 2012Zakopane my home town,what a place
Nicolette
07 Sep 2012Hi Jacek! Thank you for stopping by! It’s a wonderful place!
jacek29
07 Sep 2012Thanks
Nicolette
13 Jul 2012I remember that day very vividly, mom! I was excited and proud of you for conquering Rysy! I hope to do it one day, too. I also think that some people underestimate nature sometimes. It is vital to be adequately prepared for a hike with plenty of drinking water, and you should alert friends/family/park rangers of your intentions especially if going alone!
MamaOrlemans
13 Jul 2012This post, uNicolette, took me back to Poland, to the Tatra Mountains and to one of the most amazing adventures I once had climbing Rysy.
One may say that Rysy is not Mount Everest,, so what’s the big deal?
Rysy peak was my Mount Everest…. I conquered myself!
I have seen idiots/”optimists” trying to reach the top wearing flip flops! With proper gear, attire and supplies I let the GOPR people (mountaineers first aid organization in Poland) know where I was going. They provided me with valuable tips and warnings about ice patches to avoid (while climbing in July) and I knew that they would search for me should I not report back at a certain time.
And let’s put it back in perspective – 2, 499 meters of Rysy pale in comparison to over 8,000 plus in Himalayas. BUT, even climbing at this altitude your breathing changes,; you need to make decisions whether to go on or to ditch the plan… I allowed myself a break after every 100 steps, and then it felt easier.
The point I’m trying to make is that too many people underestimate the power of nature and their abilities (or lack thereof) no matter where they are.
The beautiful lake you mentioned, Morskie Oko, is now crowded by the “bussed” tourists. A moderate/difficult hike around it brings one to Czarny Staw “Black Lake” where you (probably fortunately) cannot swim, canoe, or do anything else. This place offers an absolute silence and peace and contact with your inner self.
I hope that the “travelingbag” will stay safe and happy in the Himalayas! Hopefully we will be able to enjoy some pictures and stories.
Strenuous hikes make you challenge yourself, pause and have a “moment”… Wish you all such memorable moments.
Nicolette
11 Jul 2012Hi there! I’m a city girl at heart, too, but I also love the “escape” that hiking and other outdoor adventures offer! I’ll be sure to let you know if I’m around the Maryland/DC area. If you need any additional tips about hiking in Poland, feel free to email me!
zoetic * epics
11 Jul 2012Oh I love hiking! As a big city girl I always escape to the woods on my weekends! So hiking in Poland is now on my list! Never went hiking while we were in Boston, but good to note for my return visit! If you are ever in the Maryland or DC area and want hiking recommendations, ping me! =D
Kayley
11 Jul 2012When you come to San Francisco, we’ll plan an afternoon wandering in the Marin Headlands! Gorgeous area.
Nicolette
11 Jul 2012Ooh! Sounds wonderful, Kayley!
travellingbag
10 Jul 2012I have just made the momentous decision to trek in the Himalayas next year to celebrate not only my 60th birthday but also the 60th anniversary of the ascent of Everest by Edmund Hillary. Could be interesting so thank you for this post – very timely.
Nicolette
10 Jul 2012Thank you for sharing! What an amazing decision and wonderful way to commemorate your birthday and history. Wishing you all the best!
Nicolette
09 Jul 2012Thank you! Had a great time with you all :). I can’t get over how beautiful the lake is…I want to go. Kayaking there would be amazing!
susanwbailey
09 Jul 2012Proud of you for conquering Fat Man’s Misery! That lake in Poland … ooo, would love to kayak there!