Please feel free to contact me. I will read everything you send but I cannot promise to respond to everything, as I will be traveling a good deal of the time and will be limited by access to Internet connections. Email me by clicking HERE or use the address barbara (at) holeinthedonut (dot) com.
Thank you,
Barbara Weibel
Publisher, Hole in the Donut Cultural Travel
if you would like to house an International Missionary, pleae let me know: [email protected]
My question is about I phone. I don’t want to get e mail. I am going to countries that I can text from but when I turn on my phone I don’t want my e mail coming up as that will amount to a lot of charges. Do you know what I can do?
Thanks
Hi NJ: you can turn off your email “push” services (refer to the article for instructions) and set it to manual. However texting when you are in an international destination will use the AT&T network and you will rack up high charges.
Hi Barbara! I’m a college student graduating in May. My goal is to celebrate by going to Tanzania for a few weeks. I have been doing some research as to places to visit and whatnot, but what I would really like is to stay with a family such as the one you did while you visited. Do you have an advice on how to stay with a family outside of the city, that would be helpful to know? Thank you! I love your blog so much!
Jennifer
Hi Jennifer: So glad you like my blog! It’s my passion, so I love to hear these kind of comments. I arranged my homestay with a Maasai family through the company that handled my safari. If you choose a firm in Tanzania that has offices locally in Arusha, almost any of them should be able to arrange this kind of cultural travel for you. My firm was Safari Makers. They were OK, not terribly organized but the safari itself was great. You might also want to look i nto a side trip to the island of Zanzibar. Technically it’s part of Tanzania, but it’s a wold apart in culture and attitude. While Tanzanians on the mainland will positively get in your face about taking their photos – even when you rare trying to take a general shot of the town-scapes or markets – you will find people in Zanzibar to be very open to having their photos takes, to the point where they have big, broad smiles for the lens. Best of luck to you and happy travels.
But Wait, There’s More! Scanning down the comments, one from 11 months ago: Bingo!
I wandered away from our group at the Divisadero, and ate my chalupas sitting at the mouth of a small shelter cave, my legs dangling over several hundred feet of air above El Canon del Cobre. I was enthralled, fascinated, and gradually became enveloped by a great inner peace, a tranquility brought on by the utter silence and the vastness of the landscape before me. An epiphany? I had the sense of wonderment, and some spicy food, so I guessed so. The only indications of mans interference with nature visible were tiny trails made by the Tarahumaras, the worlds greatest native runners. Back at the Divisadero 10 days later, the four of us West Virginians in our tour-group of 30 cavers rubbed it in to the rest of the group by eating their salads and fruit for them and drinking tap water with ice cubes while they were limited to expensive bottled water, as we four had done throughout the tour. We attributed our intestinal stability to our decades long exposure to WVa cave water. While most of our companions had limited their eating to Americanized Mexican restaurants, we had ebjoyed eating anything and everything, anywhere, including delicasies like fresh roasted goat from street vendors. When one travels, we knew, one must embrace the surrounding culture to have the full experience.
I discovered your Blog while searching for the object of a brief infatuation of sixty years ago, Miss Anne Pierce Weible of Charlottesville, Virginia. I didn’t locate her, but now I believe I’m in love with TWO Weibles!
As an Army Brat, and as a Caver (Some folks call us Spelunkers; we say: “Cavers rescue Spelunkers!”) I have been able to travel extensively over North and Central America, taking lots of pics, but I have for many years wanted to do what you’re doing, but have never allocated the resources to that end.
Now, I see, I can travel vicariously, worldwide, via The Hole in The Donut. Incidentally, that was a great shot of boys swimming in a Cenote in the Yucatan, I’ve gotten a few like that myself.
So, you keep a’shootin’ and I’ll keep a’watchin’ as you Travel, Travel On!
Bill Nelson (Some folks call me Willie.)
Hi Bill:
Thanks so much for taking the time to leave such a nice comment. Glad you found my blog to be interesting. It’s my passion in life, so it always helps when people let me know how much they enjoy reading it and looking at the photographs. And by the way, you don’t need a bundle of money to travel. I am not wealthy, in fact I just squeak by. I stay in hostel dorms and love it. My budget for accommodations is usually around $10-15 per night. Of course, I’m staying i parts of the world where it’s very cheap to live and eat :-). Take care and
thanks again.
Barbara
You article on Gulf shores is irresponsible and you should let people know that BP has nto doen what they and you have claimed. I have several buddies that have bug up lots and lots of tar just the other day.
Dear Barbara – Just a brief note to let you know how much I love your Blog, and how grateful I am that I can receive it. Someday – when my book is off to the printer – I will retrace some of your footsteps. Thanks for showing the way.
Anna Edey http://www.solviva.com
Thank you so much Anna. Best of luck with your book.
Hi, I like to know what is it that you do, are u providing placement, rooms or services for people traveling, or send people story of your trips, only. I like to trvel inside of us. and like to know how. and i do like to do volunteer. is it possible for me to start in US first, or it has to be in poor countries, and how do i get the membership.
Hi Barbara it’s John here who you met briefly in Niagara Falls at the Red Lounge. Anita and I just wanted to let you know that Ron kindly managed to put us up at his place (in his double bed at the back of the office) and he was so lovely and helpful to us both in so many ways. So we wanted to just let you know that this stage of our trip got sorted at the last minute thankfully and we’re continuing on with our trip. Thank you for helping us get in contact with Ron and your helpful tips on everything. Take care and we’ll follow your blog in the future! John and Anita x
Hi John and Anita! So glad it all worked out for you. And for letting me know – I was a bit worried when you left and everything was still in limbo, but I figured it would all get sorted. Hope you enjoyed Washington DC and wishing you a wonderful time on the remainder of your tour around the U.S. If I can be of any help as you continue, please dont hesitate to ask. Hugs to you both!
Hi Barbara, I do not want to unsubscribe from your wonderful emails, however their frequency seems to have increased. Since June they seem to be coming everyday instead of once a week or so. Everyday is more than I have time for….is it possible to just decrease the frequency rather than unsubscribe completely?
Thanks for your blog and awesome photos!
Barbara Darsey
Hi Barbara: So sorry but I’m afraid not. I had so many requests from people to see my photos in a larger format that I added a daily photo post to the blog. They do not show up on the home page, but are included in the emails, as it includes all new posts and it is not possible to include only some of the posts. I have made sure that the photos each day have a title that starts with the word PHOTO, so it is easy for those who are not interested to just click the delete button, however on the days I write posts the email includes both a photo and the post, so it would be necessary to look at each email to make sure it only has a photo before deleting. I’d hate to see you go, but I understand if you decide to unsubscribe. I get about 100 emails a day and struggle to keep up myself.
Hi Barbara
I stumbled across your blog while googling various international phone options. I am an American student about to study abroad in Europe for 5 months. As far as turning off your iphone data and only using wifi.. were you able to receive calls as well or mostly just make them? Are you solely limited to areas with wifi? I am trying to find the best option for phone usage while abroad and yours seems like something I want to look into more. In the spring I may study abroad in Australia so I wouldn’t want to have to change the phone plan again. If you could get back to me I would really appreciate it. Thanks!
-Heather
Hi Heather: If you haven’t already, you may want to scan the (many) comments on the original post, as much of the information you want is contained there. However, briefly, I have a Skype account and a Skype phone number. Before leaving the States I forward my regular cell number to the Skype number, which also has voice mail. That way, whenever I have wifi access, I can retrieve voice mail and return calls via Skype. When you put our phone in Airplane mode, you will not be able to make calls, receive calls, texts, or voice mail messages directly, which is the whole reason for setting it up this way, as all those things would rack up huge charges from AT&T when traveling overseas.
Barbara where your travels take you all over the world, have you ever visited Grand Manan Island in the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick?
Right now, the very begining of August, the whales have come. This is the Whale Nursery and my friend has a home where they are literally swiming and performing off her her front yard. Amazing place, yet so unkown, a totally different culture.
Perhaps you woud like to visit. August is the time to go if the whales are of iterest and why miss these truly amazing creatures!
Hi Fran: Nope, haven’t yet visited New Brunswick but it (and Newfoundland) are both on my list of places to see at some point. I’m totally booked up through next spring but who knows, I may well get there next summer!
I feel like I found a rare jewel when I found your site. I happened upon it like many here on your page searching for a way to stop the crazy cost of International calls. Just got hit with a huge bill from traveling to Cabo San Lucas from AT&T. I have always wanted to write a children’s book and your testimony truely inspired me. I want to thank you for that. Also, thank you for the tip about forwarding to skype. Great idea…..I see you learned how to travel on a shoestring budget. May God grant you safe travels no matter where you go in the world.
Warmly,
Jane By The Sea
Thank you Jane by the Sea!
Good Morning Barbara
Marion Bayly here……….I am the photographer you met at the Speculator (NY) Farmer’s Market last week (7/28/11). I enjoyed visiting with you and sharing my photography work. I just visited your web site and want you to know I found your blog / photography very interesting. I especially liked your ABC story!! May your travel and experiences continue to bring your much joy! You are truly an inspiration to many who wish to break away from the norm!!
My best to you!
Marion Bayly
http://www.marionbaylyphotography.com
Hello Marion! It was such a pleasure to meet you as well, and to see your incredible photos of wildlife. Thank you for your kind comments. I believe the world would be a better place if we all tried to follow our passions, and it is obvious you have done just that!
I’m also a woman in her 50s who just took a leap of faith to start a travel website, www.thebestbeachs.net. You are an inspiration to me because you’ve succeeded at doing what I’m hoping to succeed at: following my passion and turning it into a successful business. Congratulations! By the way, I’m from the Chicago area too and still live there. I wonder if there’s something about us Chicagoans and love of travel?
Hi Lisa: Best of luck with your new travel website.It’s a lot of work, but if you persevere, you’ll get there.I highly recommend going to some blogging conferences and/or seminars where you can learn about SEO and other very important technical issues. As to the Chicago thing, all I can say is that when I went to my 20th high school reunion (many years ago), they said that something like 85% of the graduating class still lived within 5 miles of the school. Hmmm? Of course, that was the south side. The few Chicagoans I meet on the road all seem to be from the north side. Just glad you and I are not included in that 85%!
im looking to drive from ny to fl
Love reading your articles of travel in Asia.
Barbara,
Are you from Chicagoland?
Hi Vayabien: Yes, Chicago is my hometown, though I haven’t lived there for
40 years. However I love the city and visit as often as I can, especially
since my family is all still in the Chicagoland area.
I, too, am from the Chicago area ( Downers Grove)– but have lived in Northern California for the past 37 years. I really do LOVE your writing and your photos and really look forward to reading your emails.
I travel to SE Asia each winter- mostly to visit my son, who lives in Bangkok– but also to travel around. I love reading what you have to say about that area.
Keep up the good work!
Vaya
ps where in chicagoland are you from??? 🙂
Hi Vaya: I’m from the south side – 59th & Kedzie area, but haven’t lived
there for 40 years. Still love the city though. Thanks so much for the
compliment – you just made my day 🙂
Hi Barbara — So glad to have found your blog, I’m hoping that you might consider being part of a fun outreach we’re doing to travelers here at KPCC, Southern California Public Radio. We’re asking people to call in or write us with their worst vacation stories. We’ll put the best on the air on The Madeleine Brand Show, which is the 9 a.m. magazine show, heard throughout Los Angeles and four other Southern California counties.
To write us and upload a photo of your tale, use this link: http://www.scpr.org/network/questions/worstvacation/
We’ve set up a special telephone hotline to record your nightmare summer vacation story. The number is 626-583-5281.
We’d love to hear from you – with your travel background, I’m sure you’ve got a doozy — and if you’d like to pass this on to your readers, that would be fun as well.
Thanks,
Sharon McNary
Public Insight Journalism at KPCC 89.3 FM
Southern California Public Radio
Hey, I added you to my cool blogroll:) (http://bit.ly/kweY70) Would you add me to yours too? Let me know! Thanks! Giulia
I loved your slideshow on Luang Prabang and was really surprised at how pristinely clean the streets are. Disappointed that the comments were closed.
Curious about what slide show program you use, and how long it takes you to select, process, and set up the pictures into the slideshow. That’s my downfall when traveling. I never get pictures up in a timely fashion because the process seems to take so long.
What a great travel blog! You are my inspiration. As a North Side Chicagoan, I really appreciated – where you come from. Just as you said, I’ve often thought, “You can’t take the Chicago out of a Chicagoan.
Wondering if you have someone helping you get the marketing, organization and standing online? Did you learn everything and do everything yourself too? Kudos, kiddo!
Loved reading about your airline trip to Nepal. My friend Michelle from: http://www.nepaldog.com spends a lot of time in Nepal. She developed a business representing local artists who paint customized “Danger Dog” signs.
Me? My motto is, “If not now, when?” on my website, http://www.BoomerBroadsAbroad.com
From one Broad to another, “Happy trails!” I’ll be watching you. Best regards, Krystina Marie Price
Hi Krystina:
Thank you so very much – means even more coming from a fellow Chicagoan. I’m
self-taught, and up until a year ago I did absolutely everything myself. But
I was going crazy trying to stay on top of everything: in addition to the
regular photography, videography, writing tasks, I have extensive social
obligations to meet, SEO work, guest posting on other sites, design,
advertising sales & management, and about a hubdred emails a day, on
average, to juggle. I finally turned my site design over to a professional a
year ago and that’s been a big help, but I still spend way to much time on
technology. I just keep telling myself there are parts of every job that
aren’t pleasant and the truth is that I so love what I do that I can easily
put up with the parts that aren’t so much fun. Best of luck with your site
and since I’m in Bangkok quite a lot, perhaps we’llmeet on the road someday.
Barbara
Your picture gallery is absolutely stunning.
Thank you for doing what you do.
I can’t wait to get out into the world and take pictures myself. Excellent inspiration 🙂
Thank you sojo. I get a lot of comments about my writing, but not many about
my photos, and photography was my first passion before I ever started
writing, so I’m grateful for your comment.
Hi Barbara! I think it is so inspiring what you’ve done/become. I am a photographer looking to travel to Cambodia or Nepal in August for at least two months…any advice/suggestions? I would like to go through an organization…any idea of one that’s affordable?
Thank you, and all the best on your travels…so incredibly cool!
Hi challphotos: Thank you so much; glad I have been an inspiration for you.
Unfortunately, I never travel with a tour operato or organization, so I
cannot help you there. However I might suggest you consider doing
independent travel.It is quite safe, and you can pre-book with
HostelBookers.com in both Nepal and Cambodia. That’s the most affordable
option; an organization will charge you an arm and a leg. If you need
specific suggestions for Nepal I can certainly help you; just let me know.
Hello Barbara,
I came across your intriguing blog while doing a Google search for photos of Quechee Gorge. Like you, I do a considerable amount of travel and I do a lot of writing and photography (my first passion, however, is music).
I just wanted to write to express my joy in discovering that there are others out there who walk similar paths to my own, and I’d like to offer my encouragement in your ongoing adventures and endeavors.
Vanessa
Hi Vanessa: How very kind of you to take the time to leave your comment. It
made my day. There are definitely times when I want to put down the pen and
camera because I wonder if I’m doing any god or if anyone is really
interested in what I do. This last couple of weeks has been like that, so
your comment meant more to me than you can know. I also just finished
browsing through some of your nature and landscape photos. The pink sunset
over purple mountains is especially stunning. Thank you so very much.
Hey, you! Thought about you and googled just to see if I could find you. Looks like you’re having a blast! Wonder if this is even current. I’m still out Asheville way. Hope this finds you well. xoxo, pamela tiger (obx) 🙂
Hi Pamela: So great to hear from you! Glad to know you’re still in Asheville
and yes, this is current. At the moment I’m in Nepal, then on to Tibet,
Scotland, England, Canada….then who knows where. Take care.
Hi Donut
I hope all is well. My company RentACarNow.com is an online car rental aggregator we rent cars from all the top brands for every city in the USA and we are launching internationally shortly. I wanted to see if we could partner with your site and what types of opportunities might exist. We are one of the few independent aggregators out there specific to rental cars and because of our independent status we do most of our partnerships on a revenue share basis, which would be quite lucrative for a site like yours. We have great Technology in that we can provide Widgets/Booking Engines, Banners, Text Links and other marketing tools. Maybe we could set up a time to chat and further explore this opportunity. Please let me know your thoughts. Thanks!
Best Regards,
Brett Sklar
Phone: (646) 248-7453
Fax: (646) 365-3288
Email: [email protected]
http://www.rentacarnow.com