Sunday, 28 June 2009

Wednesday, 24 June 2009

Losing control

I've been checking out this blog lately; it's been a topic of special interest and I've read some interesting, thought-provoking articles. Here's a recent one from the Happy Days blog. Sometimes it's hard to let go and not try to control things, I know, but sometimes it's nice to let things go and see what happens and not worry so much. Sometimes you just have to understand The Limits of Control.

Monday, 22 June 2009

On taking an adventure

Some interesting articles I've come across over the last little while (perhaps to justify my jaunts?):

On why you should travel now.

On taking an adventure.

On why you should just get up and go.

Wednesday, 17 June 2009

South America bound

So, I'm off to South America next. Yes, South America.

The tentative plan is to travel to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia and Chile. Basically the Andes. Anyone have suggestions of places to go? Places not to miss? Other tips? I am, of course, deliberating over what to bring, or what not to bring. Any (useful) suggestions with that also appreciated!

Wednesday, 10 June 2009

No longer "in Liberia"

The observant amongst you will have noticed I haven't posted much lately. And will also have noticed that I am no longer in Liberia (well, those that read the blog at least!). I have indeed finished my stay in Liberia; it was a really great experience and I'm glad I went. It is something different to see first-hand the challenges a country is facing and the changes that are taking place. Every day things are changing. I hope, at least, I was able to make just a little bit of a difference.

I've gone back to London and am now in Toronto. Soon, I'll be heading south again. I'm not sure when things will take me to Africa again, but if you are interested in learning more about Liberia, post-conflict states and development in general, definitely check out Chris' blog. He does some pretty interesting research, particularly on ex-combatant reintegration projects, and always has insightful and stimulating posts! With occasional diversions from the development realm, of course.

If this has piqued an interest or if you've always been interested in working in a developing country, there are many different options you can pursue. Of course, there's the route with large international organizations such as the UN, World Bank, IMF and others, along with NGOs such as Oxfam or Save the Children. But there are other routes as well; VSO or other volunteer opportunities, and even working directly for organizations based in the country. For more advice, you can check this out.

So, I will soon be writing of new adventures. For those interested in still following along (and you haven't gotten sick of my updates yet!), I'll be posting to a new blog: smallsandstorms.blogspot.com. Hope to see you there!

Signs, signs, everywhere signs

There's this sign that caught the attention of a few people. It's a sign imploring people to keep the beaches clean. Nothing strange there.

But on closer inspection, you discover just how explicit the sign is. And all the things that you shouldn't do to dirty the beach....







Art of randomness

As I'm no longer "Jen in Liberia" but am still Jen somewhere around the world, this is my new blog! I may import old travel blogs but for now, this will be my 2009 adventures.

Thursday, 4 June 2009

What's in a name?

Hello Hello!

Since I am no longer "Jen in Liberia" and I may continue the blogging, I need a new name for a blog! And Adam's suggestions are, well, just not what I'm looking for...Suggestions?