Let's Take to the Sky

Stunning View of the Duomo in Florence, Italy
(personal photo)

The first time we flew on a plane was to visit our cousin in Brooklyn, NY just before New Year's 1996 in the middle of our junior year in college.  We saved the money from our part-time jobs to purchase the $300 plane fare.  We left on a Delta plane out of Augusta, GA with a connection in Atlanta, GA before heading to NYC.  We had great lift offs that took us to the skies and above the clouds, and clean landings. The best part of the trip was the free beverages, the sandwich boxes, and peanuts.   We've gone on dozens of family trips to NYC and Jersey City, NJ in the 80's to early 90's, and it took all of 12 hours driving time from the South.  So to be able to get there in less than four hours...man, sign us up.  We've been hooked ever since, and you'll often find us flying rather than driving any distance beyond 6 hrs.  Most recently, we have taken to the sky internationally to China and Europe, with more destinations forthcoming.

As is the case, there are people who have expressed to us that they have anxieties to flying, and will take behind the wheel anytime.  Even drive more than three thousand miles to a destination.  No problem, if you have the time; multiple drivers; and a tune-up personal car or rental.  But it does become a problem when you find yourself missing family functions, vacations, and other memorable experiences because of anxieties associated with air travel.  We thought we'll share a few tips on how to combat your fear of flying so that you can get to your destination quicker, if you choose to do so.

#1) Meet the pilot.  The pilot has your life in his hands, and if you are able to meet him or her while boarding, then it can often ease your fears as you gain trust and relinquish personal control. Risk is a part of life. Fear flourishes on control and worry about the future. Let go!!

#2) Find focus point. Mediate.  Lower stress hormones by looking straight ahead and finding a focus point, then count count what you see, hear, and touch by naming 5 things; then 4; then down to 1.  This exercise takes all of two minutes and keeps you from focusing on problematic issues. Additional exercises include mediating by closing your eyes and counting your breath or reciting the alphabet backwards.  Control your thoughts. Don't let your imagination take over.

#3) Learn about your in flight experience. Understand that speed is necessary for lift-off; your ear pops because of change in cabin pressure; the wing moves to navigate the plane; turbulence is caused by changes in air currents; remain in your seat belts until the Captain makes announcement that you are "now free to move about the cabin"; etc.

#5) Know the statistics. Check out this video from Jennifer Poe of Imported Chocolate.  She has additional tips on combating anxiety and shares a few statistics on the safety of air travel.

Do you have a fear of flying? What will it take to get you on a plane?

Stepping Out on Faith

Stepping out on faith is not an option, but our destiny.  No longer can we let our secure jobs hold us back on what we are destined to do with our purpose-filled life.  No, we aren't going to quit our job, today or tomorrow, but very soon. We've put a date out there, and we're going to use the time until then to perfect our craft and follow our dreams.

It was alluded to in a previous post that we wanted to expand Take A Leap.  We've decided to add a career mentoring program based on our recent international travels that indicated that career satisfaction often propelled someone to Take A Leap.  The launch is set for Fall 2013, and we'll invite up to 12-15 persons from all over the world as clients to take on a unique career mentorship.  It'll include meeting with a career mentor/coach in or near your city [or via Skype, if need be], financial planning, activity sheets, journaling, spiritual reflection, and travel.  In fact, one key component in this program is that you will be required to go on an international retreat that will include a series of career and financial seminars; a scavenger hunt in the international city; and more.  The ideal persons are those that are stuck in their current career and/or seeking to transition to another.  Whether you're in your mid- 20's or late-50's, this is your chance to escape the rat race and attain the purposeful life God has intended for you.  We'll also document and film the program in special segments of our Take A Leap webseries.

FYI...Sharee is a certified Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) and Real Estate Agent; and Rhonda is a certified Retirement Specialist.  So where ever your new career takes you, we'll make sure you are settled in your new environment if you need to uproot from your current city, and make your money work for you with proper financial planning.  You're in good hands with the Washington Twins!!

Sound off and share your opinion of this unique career mentoring program. Would you participate or know someone who would benefit? 

Rhonda & Sharee Washington

Working Sabbatical by Guest Blogger Eve

Thanks to all who submitted comments on Guest Blogger Eve previous post for Take A Leap. We can't be everywhere and it is great to hear other perspectives on International travel.

Have you thought about a Sabbatical. Read what Eve says about it.

Working Sabbatical… Oxymoronic or a Wise Move?

About a month ago I received word from my sister, who lives in Australia, telling me to expect an email from a friend who had “a couple of questions” about living and working in Spain.

I headed for sunny Spain in my early 20s, like most expats, to learn Spanish. My intended year’s stay has since turned into a bit of a life project; between working in a job I like in the publishing industry and having married my Spanish husband five years ago, you could say, like the Spanish do, that “I wouldn’t leave if you threw hot water over me” (a bit dramatic, I know, but the Spanish are like that!).  Still, when I received the anticipated email (which far from containing ‘a couple of questions’ inquired about everything from the average cost of living to employment, rent and even the monthly cost of organic produce, which I had to smile at, as organics are just starting to kick off here and I at least have to drive a good half hour to get my hand’s on a head of asymmetrical lettuce), I didn’t quite know how honest I should be.

Far and Away

In Australia, it would be putting it mildly to say that things are going well, at least compared to Europe. UK unemployment rates are currently hovering at around 2.52 million… in Spain, that number has reached 5 million, leading macro-economics experts like Charles Robertson (of Renaissance Capital) to predict that Spain will be exiting the European Union as early as 2014; for although severe austerity measures are set to achieve some measure of economic growth, employment will have risen to close to 30 per cent by 2014, meaning that the recession will continue to take its toll on workers for many years to come.

The Spanish Recession: In Search of Light

The depressing news on the television and the radio really hits home when one begins to see how it affects family or close friends; my husband’s best friend and his wife bought a home the same year we did; last year, he lost his job and she makes less than €1.000 monthly – the minimum wage in Spain is approximately €650 a month. Yet mortgages are exceedingly high! They were paying almost €1.000 for their home. The loss of one income means that now, they are one of many families whose home has been repossessed by the bank (they are now renting).

Economists say that one of the main causes of the recession is the property boom in Spain during the decade before the crisis; banks handed out mortgages freely, people borrowed more than they could pay back and as a result, it is almost a daily event on the news to see a family being evicted from their homes. One of the saddest stories I heard was of an elderly couple in Mallorca who took their lives in February, 2013, to avoid being evicted.

Stretching your Peseta, Dollar or Pound

Recently, on my way to work I was listening to my favourite radio presenter, who was saying that around 10 years ago, it was real easy to live well in Spain, with very little money. I have to say I agree; when I first arrived, there was no such thing as the EU; the local currency was a ‘peseta’ and boy, did that peseta stretch! At the risk of sounding like an old complainer, a cup of coffee cost 100 pesetas (about 16 euro cents) and just a year after the euro came into existence, the price jumped to €1; it was as if shopkeepers had privily plotted to round off all zeros and just charge five times as much on everything; after all, most of us were simply too slow to multiply everything by 166.3860 (which is how euros were converted into pesetas).

Indeed, when buying items and earning money in a new currency, many mistakes can be made because the idea of value is one that takes time to assimilate. I would definitely suggest that anyone who was travelling with foreign currency, not fall into the trap of exchanging their money at the first bank or exchange office they find (they should definitely avoid airport exchange counters). Also, they should avoid using a credit card to pay for purchases, as there are lots of hidden charges involved and if they are planning on living abroad for various months, these ‘small’ charges usually end up amounting to a significant amount. It’s probably a good idea to bring a bit of cash along, and to spend at least a couple of weeks studying the cost of living, making price comparisons with shops back home etc. The next step is to compare foreign exchange rates offered by the most popular companies, checking out additional factors like relative expediency, delivery options and maximum and minimum order amounts.

Words of Advice

You might be wondering what I ended up advising my sister’s friend. Actually, I just provided her with the facts: the unemployment rate, the accusations of corruption tainting both of Spain’s main political parties, the average monthly wage, cost of renting a small apartment (€500), monthly supermarket costs for one (€300), etc. I also advised her that although her best bet in as far as learning Spanish was concerned, was to head for a big city like Madrid or Barcelona (where she could meet Spanish friends and learn the language the best way there is – via full immersion ), given the tough economic times, coastal areas like the Costa del Sol (Marbella), Benidorm or Palma de Mallorca would probably offer an English speaker better chances of employment. The only problem with coastal areas is that you often end up doing business and socialising in English and you can end up learning hardly any Spanish, since everyone from waiters to shopkeepers will usually be glad to help you out in English.

I also told her that if she was keen on teaching English, she would probably find a job quite quickly; there has been a consistent demand over the past few years for native English teachers, since Spanish people are keen to improve their CVs by showing they can speak ‘the world’s most international language’… some academies don’t require a teacher to have a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) diploma, though it is always a good idea to get one (you can complete a TEFL course in just a few weeks).

It may not be the best time in Spain’s history for my sister’s friend to consider a working trip to Spain, but I truly believe that adversity only makes people stronger; those who are guided by a strong work ethic and an ability to take rejection well, can thrive anywhere. And in the very worst case scenario, if she doesn’t ‘make it big’ here, she can at least take a second language home. All that’s left to say is "Buena suerte!".

Eve

Flying High with Medical Conditions

As many of you know, we have completed over 15,000 thousands miles in the air over the last 6 months.  China, Italy, NYC, and Los Angeles.  Whew, it's enough to make one sick, and it did.  I don't want to go specifically into either of our medical health conditions, but it was very serious, and it will change the way we travel in the future.  Pill supplements, compression socks, changes to diet, and exercise, etc. If we want to continue our jet-setting ways, it's imperative to understand our bodies.  Even the most healthiest individual can take on a condition that is onset by frequent travel under varying circumstances (cabin pressure, altitude, etc).  However, it doesn't have to be the end-all.  It's important to know and understand your medical condition before taking an airline flight, cruise, or lengthy car/train ride. You should share with your doctor your upcoming itinerary and make adjustments as he/she sees fit.  Here are a few tips that can apply to almost any circumstances, whether it's related to travel or not.

1) Don't cross your legs over thigh; if need be, cross ankles.

2) Walk around every 90 min- 2 hrs. This applies to anyone who sits in a chair at work; and air/train/automobile travel.  Walk to car, break room, a co-worker's office, etc. Walk the aisles on an airplane or train.  Walk around the car a few times if traveling long distance more than 2 hours. Switch drivers often.

3) Drink water at high altitudes; avoid alcohol and carbonates

4) Elevate feet- use foot-rest, purse, carry-on bag, etc.

5) Under Doctor's care, wear compression socks during long flights. Your feet should be measured and the socks fitted properly. Many CVS stores have this service. Certain medical conditions related to poor blood circulation, including anyone who suffers from anemia, may need to avoid them, as it could make the condition worse.

6) If you're prone to motion sickness (air, train, automobile, boat, etc), wear a  prescribed patch or ointment; take a prescribed tablet; or wear a wrist-band.

Rhonda & Sharee
Take A Leap

Take A Leap: NYC Travel Blogger Meet-Up

Here is a special video segment of Take A Leap.  We iinterviewed several NYC Travel Bloggers in NYC in January 2013.

Thanks,
Rhonda & Sharee Washington

Guest Blogger: Eve

Thank you Eve for sharing your story. I know it will inspire others as it has us.

Migrating to the University of Life

Brisbane, Australia Kangaroo Point
Photo Credit: Wikipedia

For most people, the idea of traveling the world – gazing at the stars from the deck of a boat sailing along the Great Barrier Reef, spending a summer working at a vineyard in France or teaching English in uncharted territory like Japan, is the stuff dreams are made of. But dreaming wasn’t exactly on my mind when, at the age of 15, my parents decided to take a huge leap of faith and seek a better future beneath the blazing Australian sun. Our family flew from London to Brisbane one grey afternoon in June in 1989, and all I can recall from that day were my friends saying goodbye to me at the airport, their sombre expressions foreboding that it would be a long, long time before we would see each other again.

Learning through Challenge

It is one thing to travel on a month’s holiday and another altogether, to migrate to a new country. At 15, I had two years left to go at school but when we arrived in Australia, the school year had already started. I had to wait six months to start school, the loneliest six months of my life. Having been firmly entrenched in the school system in the UK, with a solid group of friends I had known since we were practically toddlers, being in such vastly different surrounds with people speaking in an accent I sometimes found difficult to understand, was a true learning experience.

In the late 1980s, University in Australia was almost exclusively public and in order to obtain entry, students had to place within the top 10 per cent of the state. Since I started in the last two years of secondary school, the most competitive and relevant for university access, the intensity of academic life felt like a baptism of fire. With the help of a teacher who took me under her wing and introduced me to the magnificent world of the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans, I managed to get by and once I commenced my studies at University, I was well on the way to feeling like I had found my new home. After graduation, I made my way to a far-off corner of the globe: Spain. I had always wanted to learn Spanish and I figured that the best way to do it, was via full immersion. As luck would have it, I met my husband and today, I call Spain home, though I will never forget the highs and lows of the incredible country that is Australia.

                                                            Cultural Crossroads

Brisbane, Australia Town Hall
Photo Credit: Wikipedia

One of the best things about travel is learning about a new culture ‘in the flesh’. Going from rainy days indoors in London to sunny afternoons by the pool in Brisbane was a nice change, but it went a bit deeper than that; I delighted at discovering Aboriginal art and culture and managed to visit the ancient sacred site of Uluru, whose majesty can hardly be expressed in words. It’s one thing to watch Aboriginal musicians playing the didgeridoo on YouTube and something altogether to enjoy the experience live, with Uluru rising in the background, reminding you of the depth and beauty of Aboriginal religion and culture. In Spain, experiencing the collective high of Holy Week in Seville or the April fair, filled with flamenco song and dance, gave me a keen insight into the heart and soul of its people.

Travel is also a must for lovers of architecture, who can glean the extent to which harmony and proportion abound in constructions like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, the Pantheon in Paris or the Forum in Rome, seemingly populated by the ghosts of Emperors past who traipse quietly by, immune to the sounds of the maddening crowd. When you move to these cities and you have the chance to visit monuments many times over, the level of connection and understanding with their architecture increases significantly.

An Informative Edge

When you first migrate to a new country, you normally have an abundance of something most people consider a luxury: time. Much of it will be spent meeting new people and getting to know your new city but in the quiet moments, you can take advantage of the endless hours of solitude by opening a good book and learning about everything from the social customs in your new country or city, to topics you may never even have considered approaching in the past. In my case, my strong background in humanities meant that I really lacked a basic knowledge in business; I decided that the best way to start was using a good introductory business textbook, which taught me everything from how to draft a business plan to the basics of micro- and macro-economics. Holding a book between my hands somehow felt so much more comforting sometimes than using the Internet; in my case, books were my savior and I devoured them voraciously, feeling a bit like a business undergrad by the time I’d finished reading classic textbooks on consumer behavior, retailing and cost accounting. Many years later, I was able to use the knowledge I had gleaned in this time period to open up a small business I had been interested in since I was a teen.

An Edge in Life

Brisbane, Australia Southbank Beach Fireworks
Photo Credit: Wikipedia

Arguably the best thing about living in different countries is the way it teaches us that people are similar, regardless of the cultural differences; I’ve lived in three countries thus far and I have always been lucky to find good friends, each of which enriched my life in ways I cannot quantify and I would certainly not undo, even if it meant going through the growing pains of adapting to a new culture all over again. Travel is the greatest of teachers because it invites us to let go of preconceived notions and ideas and to open our hearts to the unknown.

Eve

What Would You Do with $25,000??

We Connected Productions, LLC were featured speakers at the True Dreams Showcase and Networking event held in Columbia, SC on the evening of Saturday, March 16.  It was a wonderful spirit-filled event, especially when it was revealed to us that our 2012 proposal was very strong, and had we asked for it, we could of received more than $25,000.  And while there was disappointment expressed by organizers in our low-ball proposal (we asked and were awarded $1000), we still feel no regrets.  Life is too short living in "woulda, coulda, shoulda".  If anything, it fueled confidence in us to not back down on future endeavours.

One of those future endeavours include retooling Take A Leap.  The show concept will stay in place and we will continue to travel and film.  We are seeking to expand the mission of Take A Leap with the inclusion of career mentorship with travel opportunities.  We have found that many adults are seeking help in forging a second or transitional career. And they are also in need of a good vacation.  This can be hard to do when you are in your mid-to-late 30's and are expected to continue on the upward latter of success in your current career. Or maybe you're afraid of financial instability. Or maybe you have far too many family obligations.

Well, there is help. Or there will be.  We will be partnering with persons in some of the most targeted second/transitional careers that adults are flocking to.  The mentorship partnership will last from 3-7 days, and will include domestic and international destinations.  We want to make the program affordable,  and need your help.

1) Please promote WCP, LLC services and businesses sponsorship opportunities as expressed in our most recent WCP, LLC blogpost.

2) Share with us suggested second/transitional careers AND favorite travel destination.  You can comment on this post or email us at weconnectedprod@gmail.com.

3) You can donate to Take A Leap at the link on the right panel of this blogsite and/or the link in the WCP, LLC blogsite for general production funds (equipment; current/future productions; etc.)  We've already had four persons donate in the last two weeks alone.

What would you do with $25,000? I know what we would do, and we are on a mission to raise that amount and more with your help and support.

God Bless,
Rhonda & Sharee