"'Behind the Scenes'" beanie777's Profile

12 January 2010- The day I decided to put feet to my words.... 15 June 2010- The day those feet changed my life. I went to Haiti and met up with the group All Hands Volunteers (called Hands On Disaster Response at the time I went) I spent the next 15 days of my life removing rubble, helping to finish painting the first of 9 scheduled schools, training to help at the local field hospital (think M*A*S*H), and the dreaded base chores. We worked very hard for 6 days of the week 10 hours per day and had Sunday's off to rest, go to the beach.. do whatever. The work was very demanding in the island heat, plenty of water breaks made it bearable. Never have I worked so hard and yet had so much fun. To know you helped even one person on the road to rebuilding their home, and returning to the normalcy of a daily routine was the greatest pay I could receive. I plan on returning to Haiti before the project is due to close in December of 2011. The people of Leogane captured my heart with their infectious joy in the midst of such utter destruction and loss. Haiti may be the poorest country in the western hemisphere-- but they sure are the most resilient and joyful people despite their circumstances.. making them quite wealthy in my book. Those that are left know that joy and wealth are not found in the things they have, but in the bonds of family and relationships. Haiti- you have forever changed me... for that, I thank you.

Nightly view from my Hotel window across Old Town

Many years I tried to get there.. Summer of '09 with my Mum we embarked on an 11 day cruise of the British Isles followed by 4 days in London, a trip to The Netherlands and concluding in Prague, CZ. The cruise was nice, though I would have rather puttered around the ports rather than take so many excursions. T'was potentially Mum's last trip overseas.. so.. I'll get another chance. London was expensive, though I did enjoy the markets and Indian food. The Netherlands... Saw parts of it that many tourists miss. I did the obligatory stroll through Amsterdam and cruise of the canals, then it was on to Northern Holland and a little town of Julianadorp. The beach there is not to be missed.. simply Beautiful! Flew out of Eindhoven to Prague.. which took my breath away! Prague is simply THE MOST ROMANTIC CITY I have ever had the pleasure to experience. They say home is where your heart is.. well, my heart was left in NL and CZ is my heritage and I will return!

The Family Crest

Went on an ancestry finding trip with my Mum during August of 2007. It was my first trip through Chicago- that I remember. Was nice to have that first view of Lake Michigan-- wow, was like looking at the Atlantic Ocean. We first stopped by a childhood friend of my Mum's house in Fond du Lac. Then stopped for a few nights in Algoma where the Blahnik family settled after immigrating from the Czech Republic.Enjoyed the Von Stiehl Winery in Algoma. From there we doubled back and stayed in Green Bay and visited the expansive genealogy department at the University of Wisconsin @ Green Bay. Held the actual immigration card from my great(x4) grandfather. Continuing on our trip, we arrived in Menominee, MI. Course that was after Mum had some fun with me going back and forth across the river between Menominee, MI and Marinette, WI untill I was thoroughly confused as to what state I was in. While in Menominee we stayed with one of the cousins. The area was just as Mum remembered from her childhood and it was very humbling to have a peek into where she grew up. Her childhood home was a high point, listening to the stories- priceless. I understood why she insisted I bring my passport as after we left Menominee we went further north into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan to the Sault Saint Marie Locks. Spent time there and crossed into Canada for my first trip through there. Travelled RT 17 through Toronto and onto Niagra Falls... Great 2 weeks.. stayed with family and in all kinds of hotels along the way.. but great fun!

JungleRiding

Stayed at the Palladium Resort. Great Food, Wonderful Atmosphere, Great Service. I suggest visiting the Cenotes they are amazing. The area is very humbling and beautiful. Don't forget the mosquito repelent if you go riding in the jungle :). We traveled end of November, the time of year was perfect, not to hot nor crowded.

Winter Training ride

I have been traveling all my life. Guess it's in my blood. I have traveled across the United States many times by plane and have road tripped with my family when I was very young. Before I married, I had been only in the US and Mexico, and the Bahamas. I have always longed to travel to Canada and Europe. Those times came in 2007 and 2009. Since my trip to Europe, the bug has caught hold and I now want to travel all the time. I currently and working with my Mum on a return trip to CZ to see the where our family all began.
Until then, I actively cycle and love it. Caught that bug during the European vacation in 09 while staying in The Netherlands. Cycling has been the best thing for me and I train year round. Goal is to complete a Century ride- tried in October '10 but an injury to my knee the day before the ride prevented me from completing. Next year.. next year...A cycling vacation is in the works as well. I would love to cycle the entire country of The Netherlands as that is where it all began for me.
Keep traveling and be kind to cyclists on the road :) 1W2W

Sunset over High School Stadium

Though I'm not the best at photography... I simply LOVE to photograph clouds and sunsets (the occasional sunrise if I can catch 'em)
Now if you are reading this far down, perhaps you can help me add some photo's to my photo tab.. Sadly, I am not overly computer savvy. My lonely photo only has my original photo posted from a trip to Mexico in 2004 when I opened my Vt page... any help would be appreciated :)