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Customs and Etiquette

Blog Post #6 by Shae-Lin

Travelling to new places comes with a great deal of new experiences and knowledge. From religious practices, traditions, food, music and more, immersing oneself into an entirely new culture also brings with it expected customs and etiquette. While not all cultural values and formalities may align with those of your home country, respecting the etiquette of the locals is essential to being courteous of their lifestyle, as you are a foreigner who has the privilege of entering their world and not the other way around. As ASB’s two 2019 teams make their way to India and Honduras, here are a few key practices they will have to keep in mind while interacting with the native citizens.

India, known widely for its strong religious and familial values, is jam packed with unique customs generally not practiced in western society. Most notably, there is zero tolerance for any public displays of affection, including actions as simple as holding hands or hugging. It is also essential that women of all ages wear loose and conservative clothing, that covers their knees, shoulders, and chest. Women should also never shake or initialize a handshake with a man unless prompted by a man to do so. Furthermore, one must never eat, touch, point or pass along anything using their left hand, as the left hand is considered unsanitary and the right hand performs all tasks. Other parts of the body are also a part of a hierarchy, where the head is in the ‘right’ and the feet are in the ‘wrong’. As such, one should never point or gesture at anything using their feet/toes, shoes should always be removed before entering a household or temple and feet should never be excessively visible (ex. One leg elevated and crossed over the other leg when seated). With that said, it is wise to always keep a pair of spare socks in your day bag or purse to slide on when it is necessary to remove your shoes. As well as, try to avoid wearing expensive shoes that you would be upset about getting stolen when they are left unattended. Moreover, if need be make sure to always take the path around someone and never step over someone’s feet or legs, as it is a sign of disrespect. Finally, don’t be offended if asked very personal or intrusive questions, as the locals are very inquisitive and tend to lack the same sense of privacy as people in more western societies are accustomed too. It is also alright to ask them similar questions in return, as long as topics such as caste, poverty, healthcare, religion, politics and the Kashmir tensions are avoided. That is to say, family, marriage, sports, food, and music are excellent topics are pretty safe to discuss.

In contrast, Honduras, besides being not nearly as strict or numerous in terms of expected customs and etiquette as India, surprisingly also has select formalities that are completely opposite to those in India. An example of this is when a man and woman are greeting one another in Honduras, it is best for the man to wait until the woman extends her hand first, to ensure she is comfortable with shaking hands. It is also common for men to catcall woman in the streets. Although seen as rude or tasteless to western foreigners, it is a way of vocalizing affection or complimenting a woman, which for the most part is considered harmless. Furthermore, it is essential that you directly hand an object to someone and never toss it, as this is an action reserved for animals. In Honduras, time is also prioritized differently than at fast pace and punctual western societies, where delays and estimates are a regular part of the lifestyle. Additionally, although as foreigners you will not be expected to be up to date with the social status of every family in the country, it is important to be aware and potentially observe how people in poorer classes tend to avoid eye contact with those of a higher status. Whereas people from the upper class are very self-asserted and direct. Finally, try to avoid topics such as politics and religion, and focus more on family, football, food or even the weather.

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How to Travel without Leaving

Blog Post #5 by Caitlin 

Traveling without going anywhere? Sounds impossible, but in a city like Toronto you would be surprised how much "traveling" you can do.  As a student it is hard to find the time and money to hop on a plane and visit your dream destinations but by using these 4 tips you might find yourself a little closer. 

1. Destination: The first step is to choose where you are going to "go". Are you dreaming of the Mediterranean coast or is your head in clouds of the Alps? 

2. Food:  After you have chosen your destination it's time to do a little research. What are iconic dishes of that region? What is their best dessert? Once you are armed with this foodie knowledge hit up some sites like BlogTO and Yelp to find the best spots in the city for that food. This is a great way to try the cuisine and get a taste of what is to come once you can finally buy that plane ticket. Don't be afraid to go as local as you can! The more authentic the restaurant the better and higher the chance you have to meet some great people from that region.

3. Culture: Toronto is known for its diverse culture and subsequently the amazing array of festivals and exhibitions that come with it. Be on the lookout for festivals and events that pertain to your destination.  Sites like BlogTO and the Toronto Star are on the top of their game reporting these activities. The AGO and ROM also offer an art and history perspective that might be very intriguing as well.

4. Music: Nothing makes you feel more engrossed in a region than listening to its native tongue and authentic music. Hop on YouTube and Spotify to find popular artists and stations. As well in a city like Toronto, there is bound to be at least one club, bar, or live music event with your destination written all over it. 

Hopefully, these tips will put your travel bug at ease. Use that wanderlust to see where you can escape to in your own backyard. The best part about using these tips is the preparation it gives you for when you are able to finally get to your dream spot. Having a grasp of cuisine and music is not only going to make you feel more comfortable when you get there but is also a great conversation starter once you arrive. Don't be afraid to get out and explore the city and everything it has to offer.

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ASB’s Unnoticed Life Lessons

Blog Post #4 by Chara 

ASB is a student group about travelling with purpose, but there are many meaningful aspects that team members have already been learning in the many months of meetings leading up to our departure in May. Growth is happening all the time, even if we don’t see it. Today’s post is about recognizing those seemingly ordinary and unnoticed life lessons we learn on campus outside of lifting off the air into another country.

Humanitarian Work & International Development

Another important topic that directs ourselves towards, is not only travelling with a purpose but also learning to travel ethically and sustainably. We’ve learned about the nature of NGOs and what they actually are, the challenges in international development, and where ASB’s vision fits into those complexities. It’s important to educate oneself not only about the place they’re going but the contexts in which they exist and in which we are volunteering. One of the major pillars of humanitarian initiatives is assessing community needs and responding with ways that they need, instead of imposing unnecessary agendas that don’t fit their needs. To face this opportunity with adaptability, openness, and a willingness to learn is crucial while learning to be a global citizen. Recently, we learned about the history of Honduras and India to gain a better understanding of the culture and the environment we will soon be immersed in. Fundamentally, it is ever so important to remember the words of our advisor Dr. Arne Kislenko, which is that “we are not going to save anybody but ourselves from a lifetime of apathy and ignorance”.

The Art of the Pitch

In the past few weeks, ASB team members have been working diligently to fundraise for the trip, embarking on donation scouting meetups throughout various sects in Toronto. These snowy expeditions aimed to rally support from local businesses to donate silent auction items or funds to fundraise. Members of ASB were divided into groups to meet up and pitch our student initiative to shop managers, answer any questions they have about us, and ask for support. We learned to handle rejection and scrutiny, but most importantly of all, we met extremely kind and unique individuals alike. The thought of going up to strangers and asking for support is always daunting, but it turns out, people are more open to listening and supporting than you would think. It was also a fantastic opportunity to spend more time with fellow ASB members and encourage each other!

Team Building

Part of the beauty of joining a group like ASB isn’t just the adventure of a lifetime in another country, but the opportunities for self and community growth. I think that it’s important to celebrate and recognize the small moments that we get to share a laugh through a catch-up conversation, getting to know each other with fun games, and investing those three hours every week to learn about the world together. At the start of reading week, ASB had a team build at The Riddle Room, a trendy board game cafe and escape room. In these months past, we’ve also done fundraising events doing Yoga and fun nights at Dance Cave. To say the very least, ASB members invest a lot of time and effort leading up to the trip to make it possible. Perhaps the greatest gift of joining ASB isn’t necessarily travelling to another country for a humanitarian initiative, but the chance to cultivate lifelong friendships simply by showing up to a 6 pm meeting on a snowy, muddy November. It’s a special opportunity to learn to be open to another, share who we are, and together form bonds with people we would probably not meet otherwise. These are opportunities and life lessons that should be recognized in itself.

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Culture Shock

Blog Post #3 By Nick 

Culture Shock!

If you’re like me, you are usually willing to hold the door for some change. Of course, it’s fair to say that some people embrace change more than others. However there is a certain type of change that is in a league of its own, and that is culture shock.

Global travel has been a force in human curiosity for centuries. From the days of early exploration to now, there’s always been a desire to visit places we are unfamiliar with. Some may even argue that it is part of human nature. However the thrill of travelling can have its side effect, and that is culture shock.  

The definition of culture shock can go many ways, but a simple definition used in sociology is “A feeling of anxiety and disorientation that occurs when an individual encounters an unfamiliar culture”. Indeed culture shock is much more complicated than a simple definition, as it can come with homesickness, frustration, general uneasiness or even distaste in the new culture you have entered, and the reverse effect when you go back home. It is very common and well documented, and the effects that come with it are numerous and can vary by individual. I hope that I am with many when I say that if one experiences culture shock, it doesn’t reflect their mental toughness or their “skills as a traveller”.  This stuff happens. The world holds countless traditions, symbols, languages, faiths, and values: overwhelming to say the least. In the twenty first century, with international travel dominated by aviation, one can hop from one nation to another in mere hours. One can compare culture shock to jetlag, because being picked up into the air and dropped into an entirely different environment is not natural, and I doubt nature ever anticipated that we’d figure out how to teleport from Toronto to Delhi (as an example) in a swift 14 hours and 25 minutes. Spice traders would take days to get to India, and that was only a couple centuries ago. High-speed travel only reinforces the phenomena of culture shock. You can look at jet lag as the physical effects, and culture shock being mental.

With all that said, I doubt that you opened this blog to get a history lecture on nature and spice trades or know how long flight times are. Let's talk turkey. Of course, two extraordinary teams with even more extraordinary members are heading to India and Honduras very soon. With four weeks on the work site, along with new friends, and new interactions, there will be a lot at once. So how does one approach culture shock? There is no one right answer, but a lot of it comes from understanding. Understanding that every culture is different, and the world wouldn't be the world without that. Understand that where we come from in Toronto, in a vibrant region with many new immigrants, that culture shock is likely happening in people all around us and that it is only natural. Understand that culture shock, in theory, is no different than the first day of kindergarten, middle school, high school, or perhaps more relative, the first week of university. Life is full of adjustment periods, and culture shock is just one of them. Many can remember their first day of high school, and the nerves and anxiety that may (or may not) have come with it. While the challenge is there initially, we often seem to find our way, and we can look back on the tough times and feel rewarded. Furthermore, as a member of ASB, I feel truly privileged to have such great people to be with while we all go through an experience of a lifetime. I think I can conclude my spiel by saying that a great way to deal with culture shock is to have each other’s backs. Check in on each other, ask each other how we are doing, talk about what’s great and what’s different, take turns reflecting on the day, offer your best support, you name it. After all, we are truly all in this together. (Together, together, together everyone J)

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A List of (Not So Obvious) Necessities to Pack on a Humanitarian Trip

Blog Post #2 by Kirstin

You’ve decided to embark on the adventure of a lifetime and volunteer overseas for a meaningful cause. Now what!? How do you even begin to think about preparing for 4 weeks in a completely new place so far away from home and so different from the culture and customs that you’re used to?? Aside from the obvious things like clothing, toiletries, medications, and work gear, there are few less obvious necessities that you’ll want to pack to ensure that you’re making the most out of your trip! The first, and only, mission trip that I have ever been on was to the Amazon rainforest through an organization called Me to We. I signed up blindly, not knowing anyone or what to expect, and I can say with confidence that it was the best leap of faith decision that I have ever made. A few things that I can suggest packing from my own personal experience traveling abroad would be…

1)   A JOURNAL (with prompts)

Whether or not you purchase a pre-made one at Indigo or Chapters before your trip or you write out your own prompts beforehand, this is an item that will impact your experience away from home immensely. Sometimes after a long day on the job site, you are tired and can’t think of anything to journal about. That is why it’s helpful to have a journal with prompts that force you to think about your day and record your thoughts. Trust me when I say that you will regret not recording every single moment of your experience. I still TO THIS DAY go back and read my trip journal when I am feeling a type of way.

2)   CARDS

There will be many nights where you are winding down and hanging out with your team where you’ll want to entertain yourselves. You will be so thankful that you remembered to bring a deck of cards on nights where you’re chilling in the middle of isolation [the mountains, rainforest, beachside etc.) Cards are lightweight and versatile and so much fun to play within a big group. Bonding, am I right!!!?

3)   A BUG NET

So many of us did not bring a bug net and hardcore regretted it. The people who did bring one slept a lot more soundlessly. Pretty self-explanatory. Unless you like being itchy and red, I’d suggest packing one of these one hundred percent.

4)   PICTURES OF YOUR FAMILY

Because you’re going to miss them and you’re not going to want to be on your phone searching through your camera roll. When I went away I decorated the wall beside my bunkie with pictures of my family, friends, and doggies. It made me feel calm and reminded me of home.

5)   A DISPOSABLE CAMERA

It’s super convenient to buy a cheap disposable camera for a trip so that you don’t have to worry about ruining an expensive one or having to take out your phone. It’s also disrespectful to flash your electronics in underprivileged communities. They also just look super-duper cool when you get them developed and it forces you to actually have hard copies that you can keep and cherish forever!!! Definitely a must. Maybe even bring more than one ;)

6)   BABY WIPES

This one is actually super important/ not something that is commonly thought about. But, a lot of the time the places where volunteer work takes place they have a limited supply of clean water. In the Amazon, we had to have bucket showers that were cold and very short. Usually, you don’t shower very often at all when you’re on a trip. Sounds gross I know, but you get used to it. I found it so smart that people brought baby wipes and used them to clean off at the end of a long day. After being out in the sun doing physical labour, the last thing you want to do is go to bed dirty and smelling like body odour. Baby wipes smell nice and are a good alternative (maybe not as effective) but, definitely a good way to wipe down and get rid of dirt and sweat at the end of the day. People also brought dryer sheets to put inside their work boots and shirt sleeves which is also another smart idea to avoid smelling yucky!!

There are probably some other (not so obvious) packing items that you want to bring on a trip that will make a huge difference to enhance your overall experience. The best way to decipher what those items are would be to talk to someone (LIKE ME) who has been on a humanitarian trip before. They’ll have tons of tips and tricks based on their time in the Country. Your trip leaders are a great resource and are always available to give advice and answer any questions you might have. Good luck and be safe!

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Interesting Facts!

Blog Post #1 by Shae-Lin 

ASB 2018-2019 is beyond excited to be traveling to such amazing destinations this year. Whether it be returning to the serene state of Kerala in India, or exploring the diverse beauty of Honduras for the first time, both countries have so much to offer. Besides being rich in culture and surrounded by immense natural allure, both Honduras and India are filled with interesting facts.

Honduras, for example, is the largest Central American country that borders Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, the Gulf of Fonseca and the Gulf of Honduras. In fact, it is the only country to touch all four borders of the other Central American countries. Not to mention, the word ‘Honduras’ itself means ‘depths’ in Spanish and the country is second in the world (to Australia) to possess the most coral reefs. There was also a time where the economy was entirely dependant on the export of coffee beans and bananas. Moreover, Honduras was the first country to ban smoking in your own home and uses coconut milk in nearly all food preparations, from savory to sweet. Uniquely, on the 10th of September, the country celebrates Children’s Day or Dia Del Niño in Spanish, to acknowledge the importance of youth and childhood. Similar to an annual birthday, children receive gifts and have parties to celebrate the day.

Not to be outdone, the South Asian country of India borders Nepal, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian and Laccadive Seas. India, which is a word derived from ‘Indus’ signifying the river Indus where people first settled, is also the second largest English speaking country in the world, with one of the largest democracies. Additionally, not only did the first ever university in the world (Takshila) open around 700 BC in India, but India is also home to the invention of chess, as well as shampoo when herbs were used for strengthening hair. Oddly enough, India has never attacked or invaded another country but remains the world’s largest importer of arms. Furthermore, India has the largest postal system in the world with more than 150,000 postal offices, which is nearly 24 times greater than the size of that in Canada. Strikingly, the ‘Lonar Lake’ in Maharashtra, India was built due to the impact of a meteor formed over fifty-two thousand years ago.

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ASB 2019

ASB 2018-2019 is in full swing and we can’t wait to get started on our projects!

This year ASB is returning to Michaelgiri village, a small town in the Western Ghat mountains near Marayoor. The team will take part in small scale building work to improve housing and sanitation conditions for local families in the area. The project site is quite rural and has challenging terrain. There is limited access to electricity and piped water. The community we work with are very welcoming and engage with the volunteers to make them feel welcome and ensure completion of the project. The project will involve the building of sanitation facilities along with being involved in the installation of the Solar Light Kits at the nearby tea settlements. All project builds will be fully managed by the team with the support of local a YOI coordinator and staff.

Our second ASB team will be heading to El Porvenir, Honduras for the first time. Our team will be working on two different projects during our stay. The first is a classroom extension project. The local school is currently using a small house as one of their classrooms. Our team will be assisting local builders in the construction of a patio extension onto the back of the house that will allow the school to serve more children. The patio will have a metal roof in order to keep the students out of the rain and sun. The second piece of our project is playground construction. We will be assisting in building playground equipment in hopes to create a safe space for children to play. Projects and volunteer roles will vary from community to community as local needs may change at any given time.

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The Countdown Is On!

Blog Post #6 by Josiah Jarvenpaa 

It’s officially less than 40 days until Team Zambia departs, and it isn’t much longer afterwards that Team India will head out towards their project site as well. Between getting supplies ordered online and bags packed, preparing for final exams as well as wrapping up group projects, and getting ready to move out of Ryerson residence; it is pretty safe to say that the remaining time will disappear in the blink of an eye. Although it will be a busy next couple of weeks, I wouldn’t hesitate to choose the same first-year university experience again!

Getting to know the team so far has been an amazing experience... The post created by Olivia that detailed our current ASB members and their strengths is incredibly accurate - everyone on the teams has something unique and positive to bring to our weekly meetings. I appreciate having the chance to bond with the others that will be heading abroad with me, knowing that I will have one of the strongest support systems imaginable when outside of Canada.

Apparently in most places around the globe it can only take 100 km to reach outer space whereas the circumference of the world itself is roughly 40,070 km. Despite being a small speck in the universe, is there a way to accurately describe how amazing it is to imagine all of the possible adventures to be had in the countries that make up our world? I added up the kilometers that I would be travelling this summer by plane and it looks like I will be reaching a grand total that is just under 97% of the distance around the planet. Although not quite a complete trip around the world, I’m grateful for the opportunity to widen my perspective on life by 38,760 km. ASB has given me the unique chance to consider how others outside of my own upbringing live on a day to day basis and gain a glimpse into the unknown - all while surrounded by others that are passionate and encouraging. And for that I am thankful to everyone involved in ASB, both past and present!

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Meet the Team

Blog Post #5: By Olivia DeRoche

For this week’s blog post I’ve chosen to share with you what I’ve learned about my team members throughout the year.

Alana is as fierce as she is loving. If there are teams make sure she’s on yours.

Alessia is a champ. Her talent, kindness and encouraging spirit is incredible.

Andrea J always leaves you feeling heard and valued. Her genuine want to get to know you and her endearing honesty about her passions and life make her a wonderful friend.

Andrea Z has a heart of gold. She is all kindness and smiles.

Brileigh is quite literally sweeter than chocolate. She is the definition of a go getter and inspires people with her commitment and love for everything she does.

Carling is queen. May we all one day be as amazing as she is.

Courtney thinks you are amazing. Whenever I or a team member accomplish something or have an idea Courtney never fails to reply, “amazing”. This word so perfectly suits her because she not only uses the word but lives the definition. She is encouraging and supporting in every aspect of her interactions. She acknowledges you for every victory large or small and is there to guide and cheer you on at every crossroad. She is amazing.

Joey is our ray of sunshine. Even the worst of days can be turned around by his smile, hugs and never ending love.

Julia loves life. She lights up a room and you can always count on her to put a smile on your face.

Kiernan is the go to for a good dad joke and is always ready to have a good time.

Mac makes you laugh so hard you think you will pass out.

Maddy’s love for adventure shows through in every meeting. Every discussion with Maddy leaves you wanting to explore any and everywhere.

Mat is the most intelligent and knowledgeable person we have. His passion for history ignites curiosity in everyone who converses with him.

Nayla could take on the world single handedly. Equipped with the brains and the heart, Nayla has been the best right hand man I could have ever asked for.

Oliver is the light of all lights. His smile, his hugs and his general love for life enhance every team get together and fill you with joy.

Liv is by far the coolest person you will ever meet. She is the person you strive to be and love to have around.

Sophia is stunningly talented. Her artwork is nothing short of incredible, like her it is honest, captivating and empowering.

Sydney leads with her heart. In every aspect of her life she leads with compassion for everyone around her and is intentional in the way she interacts with others.

Vasuki will be famous one day for one thing or another. She is the kind of loud that fills your heart with joy and makes you want to be the sidekick to her Superwoman.

Abishaa loves to push herself to be the best she can be. She loves a challenge and is constantly seeking, learning and continuing to grow in the amazing individual she is.

Jacob is the big brother.  He is always cheering us on, hyping up the party and making sure we are having the best time.

Mo IS the party. He is the definition of fun and will make any get together a good time.

ASB is defined by the people in it. They are what make this experience so incredible. I cannot wait to travel with these people I have grown to love so much this past semester.

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Sydney’s Adventure (with the help of ASB!)

In 2017, ASB held their second annual raffle in partnership with Goway Travel. The raffle was for a travel voucher that could be used for flights, hotels, and any other travel experience. Sydney Owchar was the winner of the 2017 raffle. Read more about Sydney’s experience and see some of her amazing photos below:

“Thanks to the Ryerson ASB travel grant I was able to fly to Lisbon, Portugal and travel through Spain to Paris, France by train with stops in Madrid and Barcelona in between last summer, and I was able to do this despite being very low on money in my first summer post-Ryerson. This was an opportunity that I could never have said yes to at that point in my life had I not been helped immensely by the grant. We explored lush tropical gardens in Portugal, took in some of the most breathtaking art and architecture in Madrid, swam in the sea under a full moon and marvelled at all the magical Gaudi in Barcelona, and of course… just everything about Paris! We learned some Portuguese, Spanish, Catalan, and French all in one trip and met many a fascinating character. We tried so much incredible food and expanded our palates and imaginations. We freaked out over almost missed trains, directions, and extreme heat, and relaxed over sangria or wine and the music of the city we were in. And I was able to experience all of this with about 500$ from my own pocket (and kept myself on a budget of about €25- €30 a day- which is not only do-able but comfortable.) We were able to stay in amazing Airbnb’s throughout the trip in the most interesting and central parts of town. It was the trip of a lifetime and a part of my story that I owe entirely to Ryerson. Thank you, thank you, thank you.” - Sydney Owchar

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Returning to ASB

Blog Post #4: By Oliver Montgomery 

    At the beginning of this year, a blessing came upon me in the form of the rarest of opportunities; a second year as an ASB team member. From beginning to end, my ASB experience last year was entirely indescribable. I was immersed in a foreign culture and completely taken out of my comfort zone. There were beliefs challenged, eyes opened, and tears spilled (on more than one occasion). But, above all, I was introduced to the most unique and wonderful group of individuals ever to cross my path. Never have I had such an impression left on me as by these spectacular people. None of my former team mates ceased to amaze me with each new moment spent with them. As we climbed every mountain, crossed every road, and overcame every challenge, their intelligence, perseverance, strength, and unending kindness and compassion never failed to shine through. One recurring question never stopped rattling around my brain as I spent that month with those people: “How could I be so lucky?”

    Picture the dumb smile on my face as I sat in the first ASB meeting this year, just taking in the new faces that surrounded me. I sat there and wondered about all of the amazing things we would do, what crazy stories they would tell me, what beautiful and tender hearts lay under their shy and nervous demeanours. I couldn’t wait to get to know all of these people. With one semester down, to say they have exceeded my expectations would be an insult to the term “understatement”. It can never be soon enough that the next ASB event will come so that I’ll get another chance to spend some time with all these remarkable people, learn more about them, watch them connect with each other and see them grow alongside one another. It is with no doubt in my mind that I say ASB is truly a wonderful phenomenon that has no small impact on the individuals involved and the Ryerson community as a whole. And, I patiently wait the day that I get to see the growth in all of these people that each trip will inevitably inspire within them. 

ASB has provided me with an opportunity to express my love and to feel love in return, and for that I am truly and deeply thankful.

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2016 Goway Travel Voucher Winner

ASB is once again teaming up with Goway travel for our travel voucher raffle. This year we will be raffling off two $1000 vouchers. For only $10 per raffle ticket, you could have your dream trip! Read on to see how our 2016 winner, Sydney, used her travel voucher!

“I used my ASB travel gift card to travel to Croatia and Italy this summer. Alongside my best friend (also named Sydney) we headed first to Split, and then Dubrovnik. Split was incredible, we stayed just a little way out of the town centre and spent our days there at the beach, drinking red wine, eating incredible food, and even had the chance (through my travel gift card) to take a private guided tour of the old town, and drive into some beautiful neighbouring seaside villages. Dubrovnik was full of insane nightclubs, a gorgeous old town, and some of the most spectacular views. Sydney and I went our separate ways and I headed to Groznjan, a small mountain village to partake in a Michael Chekov acting workshop for a week. Groznjan is by far the most beautiful place I have ever been in my life. Both the village, and those who inhabit it are wonderful. To conclude my trip, I was off to Venice for four days of solo exploration. I was able to take in art galleries, Venice’s beautiful historical infrastructure, and take day trips to surrounding islands. My trip was one of the best I’ve ever taken, and I was so incredibly lucky to have it funded through this amazing prize.”

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Do you have plans on February 20th? For as little as $5, you could be headed to the Leafs game! We are raffling off one pair of tickets in section 113. $5 for one entry into the draw, and $10 for three entries. ** Draw will be held on February 13th ** Raffle tickets can be purchased through out eventbrite page below, or through any of our team members. https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/asb-raffle-2-leafs-tickets-tickets-42444986096

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Beginning of 2nd Semester Thoughts

Blog Post #3: By Josiah Jarvenpaa

The first semester has quickly passed us by and it’s already freezing cold here in Toronto. With temperatures in the low negatives over here in the city, it has been hard to say the least not to daydream about how warm it will be abroad when our team embarks towards Zambia. Although the country will be nearing winter when we visit in May since it’s in the Southern Hemisphere, the average daily temperatures for Livingstone don’t sound too bad at 19 degrees Celsius!

Our meetings and team activities have been taking place inside up to date, but I’m looking forward to ice skating with all of my new team members and friends in the new year (when things warm up a tad)! Even though four months may seem like a long period of time on paper, it really is a short time to get everything prepared for departing to India and Zambia. I have quickly discovered that keeping organized with lists and accomplishing small tasks whenever I have the time to fit something in to my schedule is the way to go.

I recently visited the travel doctor with the expectation that I would be getting a few shots, but was quite pleasantly surprised to find out that I don’t need any more vaccinations in the form of a needle. I walked away from the clinic with zero band aids but with prescriptions instead for malaria pills and other medicine that may be needed when in Africa. My next personal task is to start making another list filled with the things that I need to purchase before we head out to Zambia. I’m going to try my hardest to make everything fit into a carry on size travel backpack, so efficiency is definitely required. It will certainly be interesting trying to play real life Tetris with all the clothes, mosquito repellents/nets, and other supplies that I’m packing for the trip!

Moving forward, I’m most excited for the team-oriented fundraisers that allow me to spend more time with my ASB fellows. Everything from making slime to running polaroid photo booths with the other members has given me the chance to get to know my new friends better. I’m looking forward to the smiles and laughter to come in 2018, and am beyond grateful to be surrounded by others that encourage me to be adventurous and step out of my comfort zone!

[asbtmu]

Thoughts on Travelling

Blog Post #2: By Andrea Josic

Following my volunteer trip with ASB in Zambia, I have the option to deviate and travel as long as I want. Because I have two layovers on my way home, one in South Africa and one in England, I plan on spending three months travelling various parts of two continents.

Making the decision to travel for almost the entire summer wasn’t easy. There’s this anxiety I get about missing out at home. The last time I travelled, I felt this excruciating homesickness, even though I was only gone for three weeks, that tainted the first few days of my trip.

Something pushed me to follow my gut. It might’ve been the fact that I spent my entire last summer attending summer school, interning part-time and working 40 hours/week, and it completely burned me out. I vowed to never repeat that again in my life. Or maybe, everything just fell into the right place at the right time so that life could hand me this opportunity.

Part of me looks forward to the adventures I’ll have with all of these cool people, and the solitude I’ll experience once I separate from everyone else and I’m travelling alone. Part of me is also trying not to think about any of these things and just let it happen.

To be entirely honest, I’m a little scared. Travelling puts things into perspective – I am one person out of seven billion on this planet, with just one set of experiences that make up a tiny part of a massive world. I hope reality humbles me as much as it smacks me in the face.

There’s a quote from my favourite movie, Forrest Gump, that always makes me feel a little bit better about whatever I have going on. “I don’t know if we each have a destiny, or if we’re floating around accidental-like on a breeze, but I think maybe it’s both.” Like Forrest, as nice as it is to believe that we are in control of our lives, sometimes things just happen.