#adventuresforsingles

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“Got my ring and absolutely love it! Thank you Kim And Nicki for helping me get one!" - Terri Kilpatrick, Fort Worth, Texas, United States.

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AFS testimony:

Our AFS clients loved the rings, pendant and Southern Cross.

“My ring arrived today and its magnificent! What a momento to remember my AFS Africa Amazing Race trip.” Kim Brochou,

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Hello from Johannesburg! It's coffee o'clock. A beautiful, cool spring morning in the Southern Hemisphere. Have a great day, friends! @adventuresforsingles #shopmargaretvera #adventuresforsingles #johannesburg #coffee #thatsdarling (at Avant Garde Lodge)

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Off the Grid in Punjab

From Suzy Davis, Director of Adventures for Singles

“Coddiwomple” means to travel in a purposeful manner towards a vague destination. I’ll be coddiwompling my way to regions unknown to me. Intentionally, I Googled nothing and reviewed no maps. This would dilute my joy of discovery. I revel in the element of surprise to confirm the axiom, ‘Tourists don’t know where they’ve been and travelers don’t know where they’re going.

“For me, an ordeal is preferable to a pampered vacation...I like to feel vulnerable because it teaches me patience, open-mindedness and tolerance and respect for people unlike me.”

Born with genetic wanderlust, I have an insatiable curiosity to explore the globe and seek the exotic places to reboot my passion for travel. Third World journeys always give me a story to tell.  I can never become a storyteller sipping umbrella drinks on a cruise ship. So...bring it on: places that speak no English, broken infrastructure, no electricity (I have a butane hair curler) and funky toilets. There’s always challenges to get one’s adventure on. For me, an ordeal is preferable to a pampered vacation. Not everyone understands this, but it’s not their journey to make sense of.

I like to feel vulnerable because it teaches me patience, open-mindedness and tolerance and respect for people unlike me. More importantly, it keeps me humble to depend on God and the kindness of strangers. It erodes my ego. The farther I go, the smaller I become. And it’s a spiritual experience that makes me acutely aware of all of my American blessings. I start overflowing gratitude for all I’ve taken for granted the past year.

Understand I love my home and husband, but each year I get the itch that can’t be scratched. The great affair is to move and be soothed. I must exit my comfort zone to practice self-sufficiency and strengthen my weakened self-confidence. There’s often pre-departure apprehension (like what if I die) but I won’t allow that to cheat me from the thrill of exploration.

At home abroad, sometimes the adrenaline of fear hits but this can be my high, my dopamine from conquering dark moments. I become a Travel Warrior suited up with the armor of courage to face any perilous situation. Wherever I am, I find kind locals I call my “angels with skin on“ who are sent directly from heaven in the midst of my path. My Higher Power then grows ten times larger. Still, I’m not stupid. On arrival, I’ll buy a hijab head cover and a beautiful pink sari to wear and blend in with the locals.

The Where – I love to just allow the wind to blow me where it will but I have a plan in Punjab. I’ll begin in Amristar, ‘Land of Sikhs’, those gentle souls who wear the funny head turbans. At the Golden Temple, I’ll help serve the 100,000 daily meals in the world’s largest dining room and I’ll ride rickshaws to the bazaars. Then to the eco-mecca of Billing Valley high in the Himalayas and paragliding capital of the world.

I’ll explore Dharamshala, ‘Little Tibet’, a serenely spiritual place where I hope to meet with the Dalai Lama. (My friend is trying to secure an appointment for me. If not possible, perhaps I’ll meet his cousin Roger--Roger Lama.) Later, if fate allows, I’ll continue to Lahore Pakistan and Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. Finally in crazy Delhi, I’ll visit ‘School Under a Bridge’ of 200 kids with only one teacher.  Then my bucket list dream – the world’s most charitable animal shelter and elephant hospital  – Wildlife SOS. I have no desire to see endless hysterical monuments, temples, palaces and must-see sites. I want to play charades with unwashed children and chew some delicious Punjabi foods. I want to get lost in authenticity.

The Why – 1. Because it’s there, to escape to a place I’ve never been. 2. It’s part site inspection. If these places make my heart leap, I’ll send an Adventures for Singles group here. 3. To give trinkets to children. This tickles my heart. 4. Finally, this runaway is a gift to myself to celebrate my birthday. It’s a Big One, yet I’m filled with gratitude for the privilege of being alive another year. Traveling far always makes me feel young again!

Please read on to learn more.

Thank you, 

Suzy Davis

September 2016   Birth of a Journey

I anticipate a grand adventure to these mysterious lands.  It could however, be a dull journey where nothing happens, where I end up browsing bizarre bazaars.  Anything new is stimulating.  With no humans in tow here, I love being totally responsible for myself, if only to prove to me how capable I can be.  

 Day one in crazy Delhi - I arrived Delhi at 2am and was stunned by the quiet tranquility. Even the stray dogs were snoring.  Le Meridien welcomed me with the world’s most comfortable bed.  But soon I woke to a cacophony of chaotic sound in this city of 17 million. 40 years ago, it was love at first sight with this place. So powerfully alive, it awakens all 5 senses. For me, its madness is its allure!

 I booked a driver and guide for the day. We began at Salaam Balaak Trust for a “Walk into the Street Life.” My spirited young guide, once an orphan himself, lead me around the slums.  This great non-profit works for the care and protection of 7,000 abandoned kids in Old Delhi with a clinic, shelters and mobile school.  There are 60,000 street kids who left their villages for countless reasons. Most are boys who “rag pick” for 150 rupees a day ($3).   They spend this on glue and petrol sniffing.  Girls run away to escape forced marriages. Pimps catch them within a day of city arrival. If girls can’t pretend to be a boy, they’re tragically sold into sex trafficking.

I’ve visited a shelter of 49 clean and happy boys oozing affection.   How I long to take one home.   The needs are so great here.   Please learn more and donate something via PayPal to Salaambalaaktrust.org.  

  I then went to Khan Bazaar for some retail therapy.  The racks of designer silk saris in countless emporiums were so intoxicated.   So difficult to choose just one.   I bought a blue dress thinking it was $360, but it converted to just $36.   Suddenly I discovered Grand Theft Wallet had happened. The pickpocket got away with my 5 credit cards, ATM card and a ton of cash I brought for donations.   I spent the next four hours in a police station no a/c or computer.   I had to write what happened a dozen times on the blank paper. They insisted each time for a more eloquent explanation. Finally, I fabricated a dramatic story which they liked. At one point, I had 8 officers reading over my shoulder with two stray dogs at my feet.   At 7 PM chief constable said,  “I’ll need to appear in court here in November or my statement will be void.”   Or I could file a “lost report” but that’s basically useless.  

 I was remarkably patient throughout this because they were so kind and this is India.  Then thanks to 100 Hindu gods, my “angel with skin on” arrived.  My dear Delhi friend Smita came to my rescue with a loan of a gazillion rupees ($1000).   I canceled the credit cards and carry this new wad of cash in a cosmetic bag. (But I know me with my convoluted logic, I’ll be so frugal I won’t even eat.)  So I head on with a spirit to not allow this to mar my time here. Money is always replaceable. I prepare to embrace the adventure to come!

 Elephants Await!

In India, it’s cheaper than Uber to hire a full day driver who remains at your beckon call for $40. Today Jirish drove me to Mathura near Agra.  He asked if I wanted to stop at the Taj Mahal.  I replied “nope, been there, bought the T-shirt” and we continued to Wildlife SOS Elephant Care Center, my bucket list dream come true.  The directors welcomed me as a VIP for this inspection visit which prompted me to increase my donation envelope I had prepared. I was introduced to the vets and given a brilliant presentation. I already knew the story of each “patient” here since I’ve followed this place for years.  At present 19 broken elephants are here, all with shocking stories of distress:  one near death after being hit by a truck, another starved from being only fed tobacco leaves, deep abscesses from chains, broken legs, feet burned by hot tar roads and circus abuse.

 I spent the day joyfully interacting with each ellie fortune to land in this refuge.  Today they all needed mani’s and pedi’s.  They’re so gentle with their handlers here who use fruit instead of bullhooks.  67-year-old Suzy stole my heart.  She’s blind with no teeth.  The circus abandoned her to a forest to starve to death.  She loved the bath we gave her!  This is the only place in India to rescue and heal abused captive elephants.  They even have a new Elephant Ambulance.  Please take time to read about it and consider a tax deductible donation just one time to wildlifesos.org.

 Punjabi Welcome – Sikh and Ye Shall Find!

I flew north to Amristar, “Divine pool of nectar”, capital of Punjab and home of Sikhism.   It was infatuation at first sight. I dumped my bags at the Hyatt and set off with driver and guide to explore.  (My only request – no ruins.)  The Golden Temple is mecca for Sikhs. I was engulfed by millions in a sea of humanity here. No clue that this place draws more annual tourists than the Taj! Yet there is a spiritual come to be found here. The temple welcomes all religions. Even an atheist couldn’t help but bask in the holy tranquility. Sikhism is said to be the most tolerant religion of all with no rituals or fanaticism allowed.

 My guide Hermont set me up as a helper in the world’s largest kitchen to prepare 100,000 meals daily round the clock.  All stared at me, the lone American.  First job was rolling out a gazillion balls of naan and then serving in the world’s largest Dining Room.  Meals are free for all with the Sikh doctrine of Equality for all Mankind.  Reduction of ego is highly stressed.  (A wealthy Sikh with 6 cars will wash the feet of a poor man to break his arrogance.)  I saw dozens of rich men volunteering to wash the endless dishes.   None of my words can begin to convey the magnitude of humility I witnessed in the Golden Temple.

  Sikhism 101 in a Nutshell: They worship The Book.  There is no heaven or hell, just now.  Women are equal to men.  Men wrap their heads in turbans with 6 meters of cloth.   They must not smoke or cut their hair. They must wear long underwear, carry a dagger to protect family, work hard and clean their house to clean their ego. Tall, dark and fit, I find Sikh men so handsome, they make Richard Gere look homely. They are known for their chivalry. (These gentle reader are just my observations.)   Unlike timid Hindus, they are boisterous and overly friendly. I totally relate to Punjabi women dressed in explosive colors! They were so bejeweled in sequined silk saris and blingy shoes with bells, it would make Lady Gaga envious.

  At night I was driven to Attari on the border that separates two rival countries India and Pakistan.  The famous Wagha Border Closing Ceremony is a must see for the fervor alone! The Changing of the Guards is a synchronized orchestra of “graceful aggression”, like who can look the fiercest. I was sandwiched among thousands of Indians screaming their national anthem so loud, it made the Super Bowl look dull by comparison.   I  stood out like an alien. Someone bought me an orange soda. It was delight.  Later, my first Punjabi dinner of four dishes with spicy hot delicious with the best breads on earth.

 Little Tibet

Dharmshala is so different, it’s like going to another planet. Set on Himalayan slopes, it’s a serenely spiritual Buddhist land. Thousands of refugees in exile fled here from Tibet to follow Dalai Lama and to survive. My dear friend Smita flew up here to surprise me for four days. She’s a huge Asian tour operator hosting 80 plastic surgeons here next month. Together we mixed play with work.  AFSers would love to visit, so I’ll definitely send groups to these diverse regions. Hotel Fortune, perched cliffside in the Strawberry Hills was our home. Weather was cool with alpine valleys set in breathtaking snowcapped mountains. Mind the monkeys!

 We did light trekking (downhill) to tiny Tibetan villages laced with colorful prayer flags. Poverty was extreme here however the friendly locals were rich with contentedness. We toured ‘TCV’ or ‘Tibetan Children’s Village’. I learned about the genocide of one million Tibetans by Chinese in 1959. Ever since, thousands risk their lives fleeing over snowy Himalayan ranges for refuge in Dhar. Nomadic destitute orphans ravaged by hunger lost their parents. This non-profit campus receives them since 1966. 1,562 kids live here now in 42 dorms, each with foster parents and a pet dog. The stories on some children broke my heart but they are showered with love here. Please consider sponsoring a boy or girl at $40 per month for a lifetime of satisfaction at www.TCV.org.in.

 Well of course I went shopping through the endless market stalls for unique souvenirs that will eventually end up in my garage sale. Hand woven shawls were so cheap, I bought a dozen with no clue how to get them home. Suddenly, a monsoon rain drenched me sideways. I walked among cascading waterfalls back to my hotel. It was awesome! Soaked on return, I discover the maid had folded my clothing, meticulously packed my suitcase and arranged my carryon. That was a first.

 Next day we drove 3 hours in the lush Nagar Valley to Bir Billing, a laid back eco-tourism mecca with 15 great hiking trails. It boasts the best paragliding in the world so I just had to ‘run and jump’. No worries with my pilot Joti, a Champion from the Paragliding World Cup 2016 held here. It was simply thrilling and a mere $40 versus same in Switzerland for $220. I learned they can do 60 gliders at a time and can’t wait to bring a group here. Imagine – 40 AFSers doing tandem gliding, followed by a “River Crossing” or zip lining over rapids – oh boy!

 I toured Norbulingka Institute which I anticipated to be as boring as paint by number. It’s a training center of Tibetan art and culture. Definitely worth a visit to see studios of craftsman in metal craft, wood carving, tailoring, jewelry and intricate Thangka Painting. We then toured the stunning 8th century Rock Cut Temples, like a mini-masterpiece of Angor Wat but no humans.

 Later, guide Hermot took me to Dalai Lama’s  Namgyal Monastery, the day I hoped to meet his holiness, if only 5 minutes. We began at the Tantric College full of life. The outdoor debate class was hilarious with noisy histrionics as monks and nuns tried to win the arguments. 11 AM Sharp, I was at the reception hall of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama for my appointment.

 The Secretary Office had in fact received my eloquent letter of request to meet him however he was teaching in Latvia and my balloon deflated.  Imagine, HH-DL stood me up. I tell them I came all this way. Could I perhaps meet someone equally exciting? They did schedule me next day with Lhokdor. We then spent hours arranging a private audience for Adventures for Singes in March 2017.  My new friend Soniya here knows HHDL with good connections and feels that it will happen with karma in my favor. She said he’s 81 years old in good health but his moods vacillate greatly now. He will honor your request if he feels up to it.

 The office set me up for a special private Monk Chat with world renowned Lhokdor, Director of Library of Tibetan Works and Archives – LTWA.net.  What a delight to enter his home and be greeted with a warm smile.  He’s delighted I’m from Atlanta because he often teaches at Emory.  “What questions do you have Suzy?” he asked. Within an hour, I bombed him with questions – from creation to rebirth.  Like a stenographer, I scratched out pages of notes.  A few succinct pearls of wisdom I gathered:  

Happiness is an inside job, but we only look outside.

We’re here such a brief time.  Helping others is most important.  Money is least important.

Religion can be as dirty as politics.  Focus on being a good person, show compassion to all because we are all connected.

Negativity depletes all energy. And so much more.

I’ll treasure this moment with this Buddhist sage.

 The day after I did not meet HH Dalai Lama,  I had a few days back in Delhi to inspect hotels and to play.  Our world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for us to sharpen our gratitude. As my vacay ends, I reflect on a journey well done.  I am happily broke.  I spent more on tipping than all my shopping combined.  It’s ok, because all I can leave behind (aside from my wallet) is my reputation.

 I went to this Land of Wanderlust with an open mind and found astonishing similarities with its inhabitants.  This shifted my preconceived notions to a truthful perspective. I needed to reminded by God above that we’re not that different in our shared humanity - one community, all in the pursuit of happiness.  My joy was discovered in the eyes of its children and in the dozen “angles with skin on” who crossed my path.  In India, all things are possible.  I can hardly wait to bring a group to the 2 planets of Punjab and Dharamshala.   My passion is rebooted, my curiosity satiated and my spirit energized.  I return home with a smiling heart.

 Suzy Davis

Director of Adventures For Singles

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Everest & Elephants, Enchanting Nepal

Everest & Elephants, Enchanting Nepal" Join us to the "roof of the world" for some astounding scenery above the clouds. This is the land of ancient monasteries, holy temples, sherpas and Ghurkas, yaks and tigers. The Kingdom of Nepal has a diverse tapestry of ecosystems; tropical forests, frozen peaks and cascading waters through idyllic valleys. For cultural diversity, there is a tapestry of ethnic people; Hindi, Buddhist and tribal. This is a journey for thrill seekers.

We include Nepal's most sought after activities in trekking, village visits, rafting and jungle safari. It begins in Old Katmandu where you'll experience a sensory overload from the bustling energy of Durbar Square. Tour the temples, ride a rickshaw, shop for handicrafts or meditate on the steps of a Stupa. We will visit Pokhara with breathtaking Himalayan views mirrored on Phewa Lake. In Nagarkot, trek through pristine foothills to villages t hat have rarely seen foreigners. At sunrise, ride a helicopter over Mount Everest for photos of a lifetime. And enjoy an exhilarating rafting expedition down the scenic Trishuli River. The highlight is Royal Chitwan National Park for 3 days in a bush lodge hidden deep in the jungle. This World Heritage Site offers the best wildlife experience in Asia with its impressive number of species. By jeep and on elephant back, we will search for the elusive Bengal tiger. Here you can float among crocs and join elephants bathing in the river. It's a rugged land but you'll be pampered throughout with fine accommodations. For 18 years, many of you have requested this country. So here it is, a once in a lifetime vacation to remarkable Nepal.