“Money mister? One dollar? One pen? One bon-bon? One rupee?” Coming to grips with poverty whilst travelling in developing countries, and deciding how you might respond to beggars can be distressing. Intrepid’s approach varies from culture to culture, but with advice from those in the aid and development sector, we suggest a few pointers:
- Don’t give to begging children. Giving to children is a sure way to perpetuate their poverty, particularly when they and their parents consider it more lucrative than attending school. If you want to support children, seek out organisations that are working to provide educational opportunities to the poorest children. A good education will be their best opportunity to climb out of poverty.
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Between the 9th and 13th centuries the Khmer Empire commissioned the construction of a magnificent temple site. Perfectly balanced in symmetry and composition, these wonderful temples of Cambodia continue to astound, as Intrepid’s Danielle Watts experienced…
“The alarm sounds while it’s still dark. A small but much-needed breakfast is served and we’re off on an adventure to see one of the most spectacular sights. We are in Siem Reap, the previous capital of Cambodia, to see sunrise over an ancient wonder of the world, Angkor Wat.
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The country only celebrates its 20th anniversary of independence on 21 March this year, but as Intrepid’s Gill Leaning discovered, Namibia is an ancient land of dramatic deserts and stunning landscapes…
“Golden quiver trees burst proudly out of the dusty ground, reminding the clumps of dry grass and black skeletal tree frames surrounding them that it is possible to thrive in this harsh environment. Sociable Weaver nests weigh heavily on the branches of camel-thorn trees like giant haystacks hanging out to dry in the midday sun. Ostrich show off their impressive plumage as they parade along the roadside, whilst agile Springbok skip lightly across the road in front of us.
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We have received new flood reports from our Peruvian staff and from our friends at Plan Peru. On Monday, 01 March, another landslide affected Cuzco after intense rains had been falling on the region for more than 24 hours. The capital of the district of Taray, where Plan has been at work for the past ten years, has been one of the areas affected by a landslide in the Huancalle community and the overflowing of the K’esermayo River, whose waters have flooded more than 80% of the households, causing the collapse of adobe buildings.
The overflowing of the river occurred at approximately 3 am, when the families were asleep. Preliminary reports indicate that there are 8 deceased persons (among them 2 children), 3 missing persons, 300 affected families, 37 collapsed households, 147 houses deemed uninhabitable and a completely collapsed water system. The Taray Health Centre is close to collapsing as the water has severely damaged its foundations.
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Intrepid travellers who have joined our Road to Budapest and Balkan Adventure trips have remarked that they should be named ‘Katie’s Fruit Dumpling Tour of Eastern Europe’, especially when belts need to be loosened by the end of their trip. But they’re not complaining and there’s no argument from Katie Olsson, as she explains why she developed this sweet obsession…
“It’s such a simple concept – boiled dough, fruit, topped with melted butter or cream – yet it’s such a delicious, tasty treat. Eastern Europe is the home of comfort food and fruit dumplings are a great way to top off a meal of potato perogies, cabbage rolls or goulash.
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If you’ve travelled through Poland then we hope you got the chance to try delicious kolaczki. These sweet flaky pastry treats can also be enjoyed in other Central European countries, but much like Australia and New Zealand arguing over who invented the Pavlova, the debate of who first baked kolaczki rages on in Europe.
Kolaczki come in various shapes and sizes, round, square or diamond, and you can fill them with your favourites, such as raspberry, apricot, strawberry, blueberry and the famous sweet cheese.
The recipe…
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Eating in Turkey is as much about social interaction as it is sustenance. In the late afternoon you will see cafes filled with cake lovers enjoying a sweet session of pogaca (buns), syrup-drenched lokma (fritters), or 40-layer baklava. It’s believed that food and drink sustain the body and the spirit, and as Intrepid’s Rachel Wasser discovered, dining with local friends is definitely an uplifting experience…
“On the Cairo to Istanbul trip, we had the opportunity to have dinner in a family’s home in Cappadocia. The whole evening was amazing. We sat on cushions on the floor in a stone cavern-type room. The kids were doing their homework, the wife was cooking and the husband was stoking the fire and serving the meal. We were able to sample some homemade wine and the meal that followed was incredible!
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While travelling the globe Intrepid staff are fortunate to meet many extraordinary women who are making a difference. One very special lady whom we have enjoyed getting to know through The Intrepid Foundation is Sabriye Tenberken. Originally from Germany, 39 year old Sabriye founded Braille Without Borders and late last year she was one of 13 expatriates honoured with a You Bring Charm to China award. With thanks to the China Daily newspaper, we share with you the following story…
“Sabriye Tenberken not only developed the Tibetan Braille script, but also travelled to the Tibet autonomous region alone and founded the first school for the blind there.
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Never leave home without safety pins in your hat! That is just one of the tips that Emily Mitterhuemer has picked up from local women on her Intrepid Peru adventure…
“The people of the Andes still, for the most part, live in their traditional way. You don’t have to go far out of the city to find yourself among women in colourful skirts and hats herding sheep, pigs and cows. They still speak Quechua, the traditional language that can be traced as far back as the pre-Inca periods and has no relation to Spanish.
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