Today I spoke with my new friend David Douglas who called in route to the San Francisco International airport. As I write this, he’s flying half way around the world for a two month trip to Nepal, Indonesia and Thailand (I wrote a little about him in during my recent crazy travel week). David’s story is amazing. He had it all (or at least thought he did) the gorgeous three story home in San Francisco, a Lake Tahoe condo, five cars, a BIG corporate salary, etc. He came home one day and asked his wife, “IS THIS all there is?” That question eventually led him to ponder what he was doing with his life and totally shift his priorities. He’s now in the volun-tourism field. Check this our from his web site:
If you have ever dreamed of visiting Nepal, then this is an adventure you won’t want to miss. Members of the tribe will be trekking Nepal this Fall in the Annapurna Sanctuary, considered by many to be the most beautiful trek in the entire world.
“October is the best time to visit the majestic mountains of Nepal—when the countryside is fresh, the temperatures mild, the air clear, and the views breathtaking.”
Nepal holds a special place in the heart of Off-the-Rails co-founder Dave Douglas. So he has put together a trek that makes a great introduction to the Himalayan experience visiting friends in various villages that encompass the culture and traditions of Nepal.
“I have no doubt that anyone joining in on this trip will come back with a new perspective on life…there’s something inherently special about meeting the people of Nepal and re-discovering a way of life long forgotten as we visit the villages and terraced rice paddies dotted along the base of these amazing Himalayan giants.”
We will do beautiful day walks working our way along rivers and ridges from one village or settlement to the next, staying and eating in Nepalese style bed & breakfast inns (no camping!). All you need is a light day pack for essentials throughout the day and we will have porters carry your other necessities during the trek.
We’re giving David the job of being our international correspondent for the World’s Biggest Blog Party. He’ll be writing weekly about his adventures, the people he meets, and some very RICH stories on voluntourism. Look for his stories soon on the WBBP.
 As my friend, WBBP party goer, and former National Speakers Association president Scott Friedman says, “Enjoy the Journey!” I’m quite sure Dave will and hopefully we will vicariously through his posts on the blog.
Tim Richardson is an inspirational speaker who speaks about how giving increases employee morale, lowers employee turnover, increases customer loyalty and creates higher profits for Fortune 500 companies, associations, and national conventions. He is the founder of the The Worlds Biggest Blog Party an event which will connect bloggers from all over the world to raise money for charity. He is also founder and president of the Bill Walter Melanoma Research Fund. For more information on Tim, go to www.TimRichardson.com
