Blog

Below are the 20 most recent posts to our blog.  To check out our full blog click here!

  • Meet Liz and Dex - by Emlyn Lee

    8/3/20103:51:54 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Africa, Emlyn's Expressions

    Who you travel with is as important as where you are traveling. Let me introduce you to my two traveling companions, Liz and Dexter. Liz and I have known each other since 1997, when we were workmates at a luxury travel company based in St. Louis. We were housemates for about a year in 1999, and have been dear friends ever since. She currently resides in New York City, although she spends about 60% of the year abroad as a sales manager for Four Seasons Hotel & Resorts. Through the years, we have shared personal explorations through Honduras, Belize, Hawaii, and many other cities across the States, and visit each other in Austin or New York at least once a year. Dexter is a good friend of Liz’s in NYC, who I had met once before at Jazzfest in New Orleans in 2001. He has been traveling in and out of Africa for long stints at a time for the past fourteen years, and is interested in opening up a resort in Northern Mozambique.

    When it comes to traveling with others, you have to find a good balance of personality, respect, trust space, communication, and humor. The three of us are seasoned travelers, and connected very quickly and easily to each other’s traveling style. South Africa is a slower paced country than what we experience in the States. While we may bite our tongues at the slower and less efficient service at a hotel check-in, or the lukewarm water in the sink, or the paper think toilet paper, it’s part of the beauty of traveling. It provides time for one to take a deep breath, slow down, and embrace the culture, and on the flipside, allows one to appreciate the efficiencies back home.

    The great thing about traveling with Liz and Dex is that they are even keeled people. They are full of energy, yet low maintenance and roll with the punches, whichever direction they come. Additionally, I enjoy their sense of humor, which is very important when you are traveling. They crack jokes and can be a wise-ass to me, yet be the first to laugh at their own tumbles. We enjoy doing things off the beaten path, prefer the less crowded bar than the loud, popular, overcrowded clubs, aren’t huge history or museum buffs, and have a good sense of street smarts. For example, I feel comfortable leaving my personal belongings with them, knowing that they will not flake and be wise enough to cover my back.

    We have similar appetite and thirst levels, and are sharers when it comes to food. This is huge for me! The Asian in me comes out at feeding time, and perhaps this explains why Chinese restaurants use Lazy Susans, or why we serve PuPu Platters…to share! There is nothing more discouraging to me, when my tablemates won’t share dishes at meals. I love food! I can’t select just ONE dish in my favorite restaurant back in Austin, let alone one choice in a foreign country staring at a new menu. Let’s order a variety of dishes, so we can try more things together!

    Sorry, I often get sidetracked with the topic of food…but not only is it nice to share food, wine, and laughs when you are traveling with friends, but you can also rehash your stories with them when you return home. Although you will share your traveling tales and photos to your friends and family; your traveling companions will be the only ones that can relate to your adventure, and get the inside jokes. They are the ones, like you, that have explored and experienced the world first-hand.

  • Lion's Head, Thai Food, and God...Oh My! - by Emlyn Lee

    8/3/20103:39:42 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Africa, Emlyn's Expressions

    My first full day in Cape Town ‘on my own’, without a tour bus, a handheld sign, or passengers to herd around. We walked around the various districts, and then decided to hike Table Mountain National Park. My travel mates and I have been to the infamous Table Mountain numerous times…so we decided to hike the other side of the park, where there were several trails and peaks that we had never experienced. We chose Lion’s Head, and trekked along…and along…and along. I love to exercise, I love the outdoors, and I love beautiful scenery…and today’s hike had all three. The weather was beautiful, and the scenes were breath-taking…overlooking all the different districts of Cape Town, the waterfront, the ocean, Table Mountain, paragliders, helicopter emergency drills, and so much more.

    I consider myself to be in decent physical shape, but the steepness of this trail made my heart, thighs and quads scream mercy on me. I don’t know if it was the jetlag, or the fried potato wedges that I ate at lunch, but I was ti-red! In fact, by the time we got back down to town, we stopped at an adorable café called, “The Bombay Bicycle Club” and I needed the waitress to bring me a bag of ice for my knees! We sat around resting our tired bones and muscles insistent that the sea level had dropped in Cape Town and that altitude must have been the factor for our exhaustion, until Dex asked, “What’s for dinner?”

    I was like dog hanging out a car window—ears perked, tongue out, drooling to support Dex’s question. Liz was craving curry. Dex was craving more beer. I was craving anything that didn’t look like a mountain. We went back to our hotel, got ready and found a recommended Asian restaurant on-line. Pon’s Asian kitchen—thumbs up by the viewers, and definitely thumbs up by me and my mates! Cape Town is a diverse and cosmopolitan city, and Pon’s menu represented SE Asian cuisine delectably--Thai, Vietnamese, and Indonesian dishes. We licked every piece of jasmine rice off our plate, had a very pleasant bottle of local South African wine, and had a very interesting dinner conversation about religion, faith, and cultures.

    While we had different beliefs and upbringings, we discovered the similarities, and shared the differences of opinions. Isn’t that what life is all about? We are all unique individuals, and we have the capability to bring our gifts to the table and share it with others. The common bond in humans is that we are able to communicate. Even if we speak different languages, dialects, or are mute…we share the commonality of being able to express love, kindness, peace, forgiveness, and understanding. I am striving for this, not only in the mission of Cultural Embrace, but in my daily life.

    How ironic is it, that I’m at a writer’s block, not really sure how to end this blog…when I look up from my bed, and see a framed picture of Nelson Mandela on the wall. I guess a picture is really worth a thousand words.

  • Counting Sheep on South Africa Airways - by Emlyn Lee

    8/3/20103:34:19 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Africa, Emlyn's Expressions

    I’ve lost my sleeping mojo…I used to have the ability to fall asleep before taking off on any flight, and wake up just about the time when the flight attendants come by to remind us to put our tray tables away and to put our seats back to their upright position. I was really looking forward to some shut eye during this flight, since I just spent three weeks busily on the road recruiting Cultural Embrace along the East coast, and pulled a few late nighters trying to get as much work done before this trip. But for some reason, I’m on my second movie, typing up this blog off-line, and restlessly awaiting to land so I can stretch my body.

    I am flying on South Africa Airways to Cape Town, and even though there is nothing appealing about flying ~17 hours including a stopover in Dakar, Senegal, and then a layover in Johannesburg, l am impressed with their flight crew, aircraft, and service. Although I am not a hard critic when it comes to transportation, I have been in the travel & service industry for over 14 years and know the difference of quality of service. C’mon, there really is nothing peachy about getting to and from a destination. I think the tribulations from traveling happen, so that we can appreciate the destination that much more once we get there.

    I have taken every mode of transportation known to mankind--from the chicken buses in Peru, to propeller flights in Zimbabwe, to the Orient Express in Australia, to boats and cruises along the European waterways, to a Flying Pigeon bike in China, to a hot air balloon across the Serengeti, to an elephant ride through Nepal, to the Concorde across the Atlantic Ocean—I’ve accumulated frequent travel miles in some shape and form. It’s not the way I got to the destination, but the destination itself. It’s the people, the music, the food & drinks, the sites, and the experience (including the transportation) that I seek to discover when I travel. Now that my grandmamma knees and back are agitatedly questioning when we will get there…they’re just the reminders to make me anticipate and embrace being in South Africa so much more. Three hundred twenty-four thousand six hundred seventy two sheep…three hundred twenty-four thousand six hundred seventy three sheep…three hundred twenty-four thousand six hundred seventy four sheep…

  • The Secrets of Packing - by Emlyn Lee

    8/3/20103:30:28 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Emlyn's Expressions

    I have been called "Queen Packer" when it comes to traveling (yet many other names when it comes to moving...). My friends, staff, and family often turn to me to help them figure out what to bring, and how to fit it in their luggage, so I thought I'd share some of my tips.

    Besides the fact that I can throw things in to a bag just minutes before heading out to the airport, I am able to assess the size of the suitcase and choose all the essential things for a trip, without sitting on the bag trying to zip it up.

    Tonight is no exception, as I am packing for my 3 weeks trip to South Africa. I will be visiting Cultural Embrace's service project sites, meeting with partners, checking out cultural and recreational activities, and having some r&r time with friends. Plus, I am bringing clothes to donate to children and women at orphanages and shelters. So how do I fit all this in to one rolling backpack? Read on...

    Firstly, decide a handful (handful is the key--no more than 5 days worth) of clothes that is appropriate for mixing & matching, easy washing & drying, and all types of activities. Cotton material blended with polyester and rayon are great since it is wrinkle free and easy to wash, dry, and wear. The darker the better since it will hide dirt and dust.

    Secondly, choose shoes that will not take too much space. I'm sorry ladies, it's time to leave Carrie Bradshaw behind when you travel--pick 2 maybe 3 shoes max! Comfort is key, and lucky for the non-heel embracers) the flat and ballet-type slipper shoes are fashionable and perfect! You can wear them with skirts, dresses, jeans, and shorts. Wear them to walk around town, a night out on the town, and they don't take up too much space in your suitcase. Bring another pair of flip flop or sandal type shoes that can get wet at the beach, showers, pools, etc. Tennis shoes or hiking boots will be your best bet if you are going to do some hiking, walking, and adventure type activities.

    Thirdly, the necessary toiletries--contact solution/eyeglasses, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, sunscreen, insect repellent, etc. I'm a big fan of travel pack or individual packaged wet wipes or sanitizer wipes. Someone recently informed me that they bring a small bottle of Listerine on trips to serve as mouthwash, antiseptic, and cleanser. I have never used it, but thought that was great idea.

    My laziness and can't-be-bothered attitude benefits me during my travels, so I don't need nor pack a lot of hair products or makeup. Facial lotion with sunscreen, and shampoo with conditioner are great 2-for-1 space saving products. Leave the hair dryer, straightener, and curling iron at home. They are too bulky, too heavy, and may fry out if the voltage is different abroad. This is your chance to embrace the au natural look!

    Now how to fit everything? Roll baby roll! Most of your clothes should be rolled tightly, unless you have jeans, slacks, jackets, or sweaters. Fold these items neatly and lay them in the bottom of the bag. Then place your rolled clothes in between, filling in the spaces. Shoes should be put in disposable bags (grocery bags are perfect) with socks stuffed in to them. Pack your toiletries in to Ziploc bags, and bring a few extra ones, since they are perfect to keep cameras, documents, etc dry from water, rain, and sweat.

    I try to bring clothes, supplies, vitamins, health/medical items to donate in underprivilege communities. It is such an easy way to clean out the closet, and will be appreciated and in good use by at-need locals. For this S. Africa trip, although I had space to put my donatable goods in my rolling backpack; I decided to bring an old bag that I could leave behind too. Plus, I used different tote bags that I have collected at conferences to divide the clothes, so I can easily donate them to different orphanages, shelters and communities.

    I hope this helps you for the next time you need to pack for a trip abroad. Cultural Embrace also provides a suggested packing list in our Pre-departure Travel Handbook for each trip and program. I'm sorry that we can't be there to help you roll your clothes, but Cultural Embrace and I are there in spirit to make sure your trip starts off with less weight on your back.

  • All Aboard - Good ole American Style! - by Emlyn Lee

    8/3/20103:16:08 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Emlyn's Expressions

    Since I grew up in the metro DC area, and love New York, I'd cruise up and down I-95 with friends, family, Peter Pan, and Greyhound. While you can't beat road trips with friends and family, and always have random stories riding on Greyhound or Peter Pan buses, I wanted to share a new enjoyable way of getting between these two great cities. Tripperbus.com, a fairly new bus shuttle service that offers wi-fi, electrical outfits, and cordial drivers that are articulate on the microphone.

    Who would have thought that I would be writing a blog, checking Facebook, and sending out work emails, while going through the Baltimore Harbor Tunnel? This brings a whole new meaning to multi-tasking!

    I just did a whirlwind business trip along the East coast the past five days, promoting Cultural Embrace from Maryland to New Haven, CT and return via a night stopover in New York City last night. I was debating whether to hire a car, thinking that it would give me more freedom and accessibility to see and do more things with my limited schedule. On the contrary, I think I saved more time, money, and stress taking these public transportation. I was able to work while traveling, enjoyed the scenic drive, met strangers on the train and bus, and reduced my stress level battling East Coast traffic.

    I first took the Amtrak (amtrak.com) train from Maryland to New Haven, CT. I have ridden trains across China, Vietnam, Europe, Australia, yet never embraced Amtrak in my own country. But am jazzed about my wonderful experience. From the clean carts, to electrical outlet access to keep my laptop juiced up, to the friendly conductors, and timely schedule, I am All Aboard the public transportation system that we have in our own backyard.

  • Bids, Bids, and More Bids - by Emlyn Lee

    8/3/20103:05:17 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Emlyn's Expressions

    I'm taking a break from writing up bids and proposals for 2011 trips. There are many schools requesting international opportunities--yay! I'm thrilled about that! But the formal process, particularly state funded schools--whoa, it is tedious. I'm working on one now that the proposal details are 48 pages! Most request formal response with anywhere between 4-8 copies, bounded, original ones notarized, etc. I'm happy and willing to do it all, I'll give them my blood if it offers more young adults to gain international exposure and a first-hand view of our world.

    But man, would be great if there were some on-line and paperless options. Perhaps I'll propose a 'green' version of bids to state schools?! :)

    Ok, back to the drawing boards. Now I know why we were taught how to write footnotes, addendums, and roman numeral outlines in grade school!

  • What Do Conferences Do for You & Me? - by Emlyn Lee

    8/3/20102:34:19 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Emlyn's Expressions

    I spent the past week attending back-to-back conferences in Boston, MA and Charlotte, NC. I attended these conferences to support the trends of education abroad, and work-integrated learning programs, and to market our programs and services. At Cultural Embrace, we organize programs that support students, alumni, faculty, and educational institutions to go abroad to enhance their academic, professional, and personal endeavors.

    In Boston, colleges and universities' career service departments met together to discuss the trends of internships and cooperatives. The vision of many career services parallel the vision of Cultural Embrace, and how professional workforce may enhance student's education, and it's ability to improve continuous learning.

    In Charlotte, the Forum of Education Abroad's conference brought faculty members who are passionate about education abroad under one roof. The conference focused on "articulating the vital nature of education abroad and the many benefits that it brings to students, organizations, institutions, communities and societies."

    Cultural Embrace's Internship and Volunteer programs provide individuals and groups to go abroad to gain first-hand experience with large, mid and small size companies, non-profits, and NGOs throughout Africa, Asia, Australia/New Zealand, and Europe. We pre-arrange and guarantee placement based on one's work & education background, personal, professional, and academic goals with the needs and availabilities of the local employer and community.

    Internship placements are classified as professional and technical jobs, such as but not limited to: architect, business, computers, engineering, nursing/medical, education, fashion, law, etc. Volunteer placements may be in similar related fields, but usually with non-profits, NGOs, and humanitarian efforts. Most placements are 'unpaid' due to visa regulations, with the exception of Brazil and China. Cultural Embrace tries to negotiate and encourage our local partners and employers to compensate our participants based on their work performance and duration (ie: airfare reimbursement, pocket allowance, transportation, meals, housing, sight-seeing activities, etc).

    Our Teach and Work placements are great ways to get paid while you travel abroad. Paid teach opportunities are available for semester and year-long commitments in Mexico, Chile, Guatemala, China, India, and Thailand. Most schools require bachelor's degree in any major, and foreign language knowledge is helpful, but not required. Short-term unpaid tutor English placements are available in Argentina, Brazil, Costa Rica, France, Italy, Spain, India, and China. These placements include room and board, which provide a very affordable way to travel abroad with flexible work schedule.

    Work placements are available in the non-technical, childcare, farm, and hospitality fields. Cultural Embrace pre-arranges placements in France, Italy, Spain, and Germany, and provides job placement assistance in Australia and New Zealand for 18-30 years old of many nationalities.

    Our Austin office will work with individuals and groups to learn more about their background skills, schedule, budget, and goals. We will phone interview, pre-screen, and help each participant prepare for a cultural experience abroad. Cultural Embrace has English-speaking local coordinators in every country we work with, so they work with the local employer, nonprofit, NGO, and make the local arrangements for housing, transportation, etc.

    Attending conferences allow me to meet and discuss with education and workforce leaders about the latest trends and opinions of how to improve your future. It allows me to know what is needed, and how we may better serve you, schools, communities, and the world.

  • Embracing the Culture called Social Media - by Emlyn Lee

    8/3/20102:19:17 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Emlyn's Expressions

    The time has come for me to bite the bullet and embrace...social media. You would think for someone that started a business, enjoys writing, and thrives off of connecting people to life-rewarding experiences, I would relish off of this phenomenon. Unfortunately, I tend to live in the Flintstones age when it comes to technology, yet I will put the turkey leg down, ignore the 'would ofs,' 'could ofs,' and 'should ofs,' and move forward, to say...WELCOME, and THANK YOU for reading this!

    My friends, family, staff, and clients frequently ask me where I am, what I am doing, and how to keep in touch. I travel a lot to promote Cultural Embrace, attend industry conferences, visit sites, meet partners, see friends and family. So hopefully through my blogs, Twitter, Facebook, and other social media tools, together, we are able to connect, learn, grow, and explore exciting life-rewarding experiences. I stress the word, together, because I want to hear what you have to say, and encourage you to share your opinions, questions, and feedback.

    I want you to know what Cultural Embrace is all about. You deserve to feel comfortable with a company that is trying to make you feel at-ease with going abroad. I started Cultural Embrace in 2002 as a direct result of 9/11/01 attacks. My main drive was to initiate peace, cultural sensitivity, and to re-awaken the 'tourism' industry, but selfishly, I wanted to combine my passion and 'hobbies'--travel, education, helping others, with work. (I'm sure I will blog more about C.E.'s history later, so if you have any questions, please ask away.)

    I may have a lot to learn about utilizing social media, but am excited to keep you informed of what is going on at Cultural Embrace. So here is to another adventure...one that doesn't entail a passport, a map, or guidebook; but practice, for it to become my new hobby.

  • Keeping the Dream Alive - One HUG at Time! - by Emlyn Lee

    1/15/201011:07:52 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Emlyn's Expressions

    “An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.” – MLK, Jr

    Happy Birthday to the one and only, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr! A true hero. My biggest hero. Many of my personal motivation and professional philosophies are influenced by his principles and “Dream” for this nation. But my ‘dream’ goes beyond the U.S., to a planet that embraces each other regardless of skin color and socioeconomic status. A world full of peace, love, happiness, and HUGS!

    I recently spent a month visiting, meeting, and building relationships with poor villages around Antigua, Guatemala. One of my goals for 2010 will be to “sponsor” a few communities around the globe, in efforts to support education, local solutions, and sustainability. We are identifying these as our HUG projects--Help Understand Give. As for me, nothing makes this world smaller, warmer, and friendlier than through a HUG!

    Cultural Embrace will continue to organize customized programs to Intern, Work, Volunteer, Teach, and Travel around the world, but this is our way to ‘give back’ and serve a few at-need communities. We are partnering with impoverished villages to help, understand, and give (our time, hands, heart, donations, support) to help meet their goals and objectives to improve their education, sanitation, health, and living conditions. We will work alongside the local people, to support their needs and create a positive impact to their community.

    If you are interested, I encourage you to help through child sponsorship, donations, and active participation by visiting and experiencing Guatemala first-hand. Consider spending your next vacation combining fun, meaningful, and adventurous activities, while you meet and integrate with the local communities. We have several pre-established group departure dates for Guatemala in 2010 and 2011, as well as flexible individual dates that may be extended; or if you wish to join me on a service, safari, and sun adventure to Kenya, we have a pre-arranged July 30, 2010 departure.

    More details of our San Mateo Milpas Altas, Guatemala HUG project will be shared next week. But for now, let’s redirect the purpose of this blog—in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Let’s keep his “Dream” alive, so we are able to continue his strive to make this nation, and world, full of peace, equality and justice—one step (and hug!) at a time.
     

     

  • Feliz Ano desde Guatemala - by Emlyn Lee

    1/2/201010:34:53 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Emlyn's Expressions

    Happy New Year! It’s hard to believe it’s a start of a new decade. Since August, I have probably spent more consecutive days living in Antigua, Guatemala than I have in Austin, TX, and I couldn’t have asked for a better place to end and start a new year. I’m sitting next to the beautiful private annexed pool in Porta Antigua Hotel, reflecting upon the projects and programs Cultural Embrace has accomplished in 2009, and motivated for a better 2010.

    In 2009, we have sent over 40 participants to teach English (and other subjects, such as: history,  American culture, physics, computers, math, etc) in Chile, China, Mexico, Spain, and Thailand for at least a committed semester or school year.

    We have organized dozens of volunteers to help at-need communities in Africa, Asia, Australia, Latin America, and Austin, TX from 1-52 weeks. Sample projects have included: building schools in Guatemala, helping with reforestation projects throughout Australia, the Galapagos Islands, Costa Rica, and Thailand, training at health/HIV clinics in Kenya, Thailand, Ecuador, and India, and tutoring kids and orphans in Argentina, Austin, China, Kenya, Nicaragua, Peru, South Africa, and Thailand.

    Over 50 students or recent graduates have interned abroad gaining professional development in their field of study. Some of the interns’ needs were to earn academic credit, but all of them were focused on developing practical work skills in the global market. Examples of where and what some of these interns did are: working as an assistant for the Hermitage museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, coordinating events and cultural exchanges for Brazilian students to go abroad, marketing for businesses in the software, auto, language schools, radio/media, engineering, biotech, etc in Argentina, Spain, Australia, China, France, Costa Rica, and Brazil. Interns have also shadowed doctors in clinics and hospitals in Costa Rica, Ecuador, India, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Peru.

    We have had over 25 young adults work in the hospitality and non-technical fields in Australia, Spain, France, and New Zealand. They have worked in hotels, restaurants, chateaus, golf and ski resorts, farms, and families as au pair/nannies. This is a great chance for them to earn a local wage, afford to live, work, and travel abroad, make new friends and professional contacts, and gain a sense of independence, responsibility, and global mindset.

    Every business needs to set daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual goals. The New Year is an obvious time to lay down new resolutions and aspirations, and to increase and improve our services to encourage people to recognize and appreciate cultural diversity. We plan to build deeper relationships with at-need communities, by ‘sponsoring’ and facilitating their projects. I am starting with Guatemala, and developing relationships with several project leaders to discuss ways that Cultural Embrace may assist with marketing, fundraising, and providing awareness and guidance in building sustainability within their village. Plans to sponsor communities in Kenya, and India in 2010 are in the works.

    I encourage you to put international travel on your New Year’s resolution list for 2010. There is no better way to balance your personal, professional, and spiritual state of mind than by going abroad. Cultural Embrace and I are committed to provide you the service that will allow you to have a safe, healthy, and memorable experience to...“Discover the Similarities…Share the Differences” of this beautiful world.  Feliz Ano! I look forward to making this the best year and decade!    

  • Spirit of Adventure - by Emlyn Lee

    11/22/20093:31:55 PM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Emlyn's Expressions

    Yesterday was one of those perfect ‘do nothing’ days, that we rarely allow ourselves to encounter in our busy lifestyle. I just returned back to Austin after being on the road promoting Cultural Embrace for most of the fall season. I was actually content with the chilly, dreary, rainy weather in Austin, as it gave me an excuse to stay wrapped up in blankets in bed or on my couch, sipping Green tea and hot cocoa, and catching up with the piles of mail, magazines, and books that I have neglected for three months--yes, even on a Saturday, UT home game night, before a holiday work week.

    It was a perfect day. I read articles from Oprah magazine, salivated over Food & Wine’s holiday menus and recipes, dog-eared pages from various travel and industry trade magazines for further research, and admired the physique and tips from trainers of fitness and health magazines (while dipping my hand in the cookie jar…duh!) By early evening, I mustered the cold, wet weather to do some necessary errands. Actually, I would have preferred to stay put as a hermit crab, but I left my tube of Crest in the last hotel I stayed at, so toothpaste was definitely a necessity! Waiting in the checkout line, a little boy was with his mother, and pointing at the video “Up” advertised at the RedBox video rental stand. He was hopping up and down like a wind-up toy, repeatedly shouting “Mami, podemos ver el video ‘Up’”. His excitement was contagious, so I went over to the Redbox stand, and rented the movie.

    Surprisngly, it was one of THE best movies that I have ever seen and touched me so much, that I want to write about it. Pixar does it again, with a beautiful, uplifting, witty story that addresses the spirit of adventure, love, dreams, friendships, child-elderly bond, animal welfare, relationships, and heroes. Not to give away the full story, but here's a quick summary of the storyline, and why you must watch it: 78-years old Carl Fredrickson ties thousands of balloons to his house to set off on a journey to fulfill his (and his departed wife, Ellie) lifelong dream to live by Paradise Falls in South America. After lift off, he discovers that an 8-years old boy, named Russell, who is trying to earn an ‘assisting the elderly’ badge to graduate from his Wilderness Troop was stowed away in his home. The two form an unique friendship and relationship as they embark in an adventure, while meeting jungle birds, talking dogs, and an evil villain.  

    Which character do you think best resembles you? Or maybe you have a combination of them? Perhaps you are an Ellie that seeks adventure; or a Carl that is determined by love and honor to live out his and his late wife’s dream; or Russell, who lives life through care and assistance; or Dug who is loyal to a ‘master’ that he entrusts; or Kevin that is passionate for chocolate and family?

    I believe there are "Up" character traits in each of us. While Pixar does an amazing job animating life and providing us entertainment (no matter what age you are), Cultural Embrace is here to be your helium tank. We will fill the balloons necessary for you to go on a safe and exhilarating journey. We will provide pre-departure and English-speaking local support, to take the weight off of your shoulders, and alleviate the stress and struggles to reach your dream, passion, and quest to reach the “Spirit of Adventure”.

    Although I cherish my rare ‘do nothing’ days, it only took 1-1/2 hours watching this DVD to rejuvenate my spirit and energy. So, replicating Ellie’s closing of her scrapbook, “Thanks for the adventure. Now go have a new one.” Love, Emlyn

  • Life, Liberty & the Pursuit of Happiness - by Emlyn Lee

    8/1/20091:18:17 AM Link 1 comment | Add comment

    Emlyn's Expressions

    Last night I watched a film called, “Happiness Is” created by local Austin filmmaker, Andrew Shapter.  It resonated so strongly within me, that I wanted to spread the word in hopes that others will see and enjoy the film as much as I did. The premise of the movie is defining happiness, measuring it, and knowing when we’ve reached it.  
     
    This film reminded me of what my mission statement is, not just for Cultural Embrace, but for me personally, as well. I believe that traveling is a reciprocated flow of communication and interaction between people...the more you seek, the more you learn.

    This brings me back to my first international experience. I had just graduated from the University of Maryland-College Park with a communications degree. I didn't know what I wanted to do with my life. I had a good job, but wearing a business suit and sitting behind a desk sucked the life out of me in just seven months; I wasn't ready for graduate school; and the Peace Corps application seemed too long and unsettling to not know where I was going to be placed for two years. So I faxed (yes, um, this was before the internet and e-mail) my resume to relatives that lived in China. The next thing I know, in February, 1995, I boarded a plane and flew across the globe to teach at Wuhan Iron & Steel University. I wasn't sure what I had gotten myself in to—my Mandarin Chinese skills were poor, if not pathetic, the air was polluted, and the streets were overpopulated and noisy. I earned less than US$120 per month, which was double the local teacher’s salary, and enough for me to live comfortably and travel extensively in SE Asia for 2 years. I shared a basic 3-bedroom apartment with two other foreign English teachers, on the seventh floor (without elevators). Even though I had 'downgraded' my lifestyle, I felt more ‘uplifted’ about my life. 

    I was supposed to be the teacher giving instructions on grammar and pronunciation, yet I felt like I was learning and taking in so much more during my experience abroad. There was one class lesson in particular that I will never forget. I wrote “What do you want to do after you graduate?" on the chalkboard, anticipating a lively open discussion with my students. Many of them stared blankly at me and responded that they would go back to their home city and work at their local factories. I was shocked at their ignorance for not wanting more out of their lives…but then I realized I was the ignorant one.

    China has a 'hukou' system, or residential permit, that binds a person to their home town. This isn’t necessarily where you were born, or where you went to school, or where you worked, but where your family is from. For example, if a child was born in Beijing, if his parents have a hukou of a village, the child is registered back to the village. Although it is not as important as it was before, it is still pretty significant. It affects where you can study, work, get medical, social insurance, and other benefits. It does not allow people to relocate very easily, therefore limiting choices and possibilities. I finally realized how fortunate I was to have so many opportunities and freedom to do such simple things that I took for granted—like relocating to different cities, having electricity and potable water every day, choosing my major, and so much more.

    After that class, I wondered how my life would have been if I was born and raised in China, instead of being an American-born-Chinese. Unlike most of my students, I got to select the school, city, and major that I wanted to study. In fact, I chose not to choose a major, and was ‘undecided’ for five semesters. I am a prime example of the “restless American” that was referred to in “Happiness Is.” I’ve gallivanted around the globe to teach, work, volunteer, take cultural classes, sight-see, relax and explore. Is my restless energy due to the pursuit of happiness? I guess so!?! To me, the world and my passport are my life lines, and getting on a plane reminds me of my liberties. All of the amazing people, sites, foods, culture, and communities that I encounter bring me happiness. And what brings me even more joy is when I am able to teach and share my experiences and knowledge about travel to other people, so they can learn, take it in, and embrace their own experiences and fond memories. 

    So, is my pursuit of happiness going to be the same as your pursuit of happiness? Maybe.  What makes me happy may be different than what you define as happy. But if you find joy in learning about other cultures, I and my staff at Cultural Embrace are here to alleviate the stress and energy that affects your pursuit of happiness when you travel abroad. We give you personalized attention before you embark on your international journey, and once you are abroad our English-speaking local coordinators will ensure that you are having a safe, healthy, and comfortable time. So feel free to contact us when you need guidance and assistance on all your logistical details for your next journey. Embrace your life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, as you embrace other cultures.
     

  • Cultural Embrace's Tribute to Michael Jackson - The 'King' of Entertainment and Humanitarian Efforts

    7/2/200910:45:09 AM Link 0 comments | Add comment

    Emlyn's Expressions

    I’m sure, like me, many of you were stunned with Michael Jackson’s recent and sudden death. He was one of my favorite pop stars, if not THE favorite. In my mind, his music, dancing, and philanthropic ways put him in a league of his own. Even if you didn’t like his style of music, or were unimpressed by his dance moves (seriously?!), or questioned his criminal background…you have to admit, his ‘King of Pop’ status not only defined “American” pop culture, but characterized a “World” culture.

    His talent as a musician and songwriter were insurmountable. He paved the way for black artists to be shown on MTV and elevated the standard for music videos—transcending it to an art form comparable to short films. I don’t know how many attempts I have made to moonwalk, or multi-rotate spin like him. I never came close to what seemed so effortless to him.

    But what I admired the most about Michael Jackson was his compassionate heart. The amount of time, energy, and money he dedicated to humanitarian causes is unfortunately often overshadowed by the media hype surrounding his private life. He was one of the major celebrities who contributed in organizing “Hands Across America.” Do you recall May 25, 1986 when millions of Americans joined hands to form a line stretching across 4,152 miles of the United States to raise money to fight hunger and homelessness? Have you dug through your boxes in your parent’s basement to find the “We Are the World” 45 record that Michael Jackson co-wrote, to raise funds to help famine relief efforts in Africa?

    MJ’s hit songs, platinum albums, and relief efforts were the mainstream media and entertainment news events continuously reported on during my childhood and teenaged years…how could it NOT impact who I am today? I am by no means as talented, or as altruistic as Michael Jackson was, but I will try to emulate his efforts by helping those less fortunate than myself, and those in need of love, dedication, and attention.

    One of the major reasons I founded Cultural Embrace was to provide opportunities for individuals and groups to recognize and appreciate cultural diversity. I believe that visiting a place firsthand allows one to truly experience the authenticity of a culture and develop one's own impressions. Personal experience is beyond the influence of textbooks and media. You experience a unique connection when you roll up your sleeve to help someone in need. Or when you extend your arm to shake a stranger’s hand or give them a hug, and you see that despite your outward differences, you share a similar genuine smile.

    Cultural Embrace     offers programs all around the globe--throughout Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and Oceania. And on June 25th, 2009 we officially launched our first US program – right here in our home city, the live music capitol of the world: Austin, TX!

    At Cultural Embrace, we organize all types of programs: trips, volunteer, internship, work, teach, as well as cultural classes in increments from from 1-52 weeks. Our staff is dedicated to guiding you to a program that will help you achieve your goals and passions. Let us know where you want to go, what you want to do, and how it will significantly impact your life, as well as the people and communities you wish to encounter, and we will arrange logistical details for you to have a safe and memorable adventure.

    We can continue MJ’s spirit. We are the man (and woman) who can look in the mirror, and say if we want to make the world a better place then take a look at ourselves and make that change. R.I.P Michael!
     

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