Port-au-Prince, Haiti: Flashback - January 2010

Guest Blogger: Jennifer Verprauskus

Global Citizen, Volunteer Relief Worker & Entrepreneur

In 2010 a catastrophic 7.0 magnitude earthquake rocked the island-nation of Haiti. With its epicenter about 16 miles west of the capital of Port-au-Prince, the earthquake which occurred at 4:53 p.m. local time on Tuesday, January 12th, was to this day one of the most devastating natural disasters on Earth. By January 24th at least 52 aftershocks measuring 4.5 or greater had been recorded and most of the country was displaced from their housing. Eventual death toll estimates are over 230,000.

Like many people throughout the world, I remember time standing still that day. I had been living in the Dominican Republic a month prior to the disaster and had spent time doing aid work in Haiti as well. Frightening thoughts of the pain and suffering of people who I had worked with ran through my mind. I knew I needed to be of help to these people somehow or in some way. I contacted the organization I worked with in the Dominican Republic and they were organizing volunteers to help with the crisis. A few weeks later I was with them crossing the Dominican Republic border to the grief-stricken country that lacked sufficient infrastructure and amenities even before the quake.

Our mission took place in Fond Parisien located in the southeastern region of Haiti. While not in the worst hit area, where at the time the U.S. government and large NGO's were working, the people in the southeastern region were cut off from food and other supplies. Many were severely injured people fleeing the epicenter or locals who had damaged homes, little food or safe drinking water. When we approached the town, several temporary housing units, large tents, had been set up and make-shift hospitals were everywhere. These refugee camps were housing sick, homeless and grieving people from all over Haiti and offered no permanent solution.

Of all of the emotion I had felt in my life, nothing could compare to what I was feeling at that time. It was a mix of hopelessness, sadness and frustration, but more importantly a great sense of amazement. I had never seen so many people, from all over the world, come together for such a humble cause. In the main hospital, an old school building that was quickly converted, there were teams from Spain, France, Chile and the United States. Despite the language barrier, everyone was communicating and things were running like a well-oiled machine. Surgeons were operating in small rooms, pharmacies popped up out of communal areas, and recovery rooms converted from classrooms were filled. I'm not sure how I ended up as part of the transportation team but it happened quickly. Myself and about 5 other volunteers jumped in loading the injured on stretcher boards and into the beds of pickup trucks to take people back and forth to the operating rooms. We moved people to and from the recovery area from morning until night. Doctors were everywhere treating people, and volunteers helped in any way that was needed. Leaving the hospital one evening I encountered about a dozen teenage boys playing soccer on a dirt road. I asked if I could play, and assuming I was no threat, they let me in the game. They couldn't believe a girl could play soccer like I did. My biggest opponent was a one-armed boy about my height. He kept slide tackling me, and I let him do it every time.

When I first arrived my frustration and helplessness seemed to be coming from feelings of inadequacy. I wished that I had studied medicine, was proficient in Creole or understood more about emergency relief work. As the days passed and I connected with the Haitians who I had met along the way, I realized that the camp had many doctors and nurses, many translators and people who knew how to manage disaster relief. I realized that although my strengths were different, they were valued and needed. I've never felt as part of a whole as I did during that time. The people who devote their lives to causes like these are truly amazing and I will forever be inspired.

Helsinki, Finland: Giant Peeing Man Terrorizes City - September 2015

Well, "terrorizes" is a bit extreme, but there is in fact a giant peeing man statue which is making the conservative residents of Helsinki quite uncomfortable. And by the looks of it, the man is a bit embarrassed, too.

The capital city of Finland is home to a host of charming attractions. From centuries-old churches to a port lined with open-air markets, Helsinki is a picturesque city that should top your list when visiting Northern Europe, but this particular attraction just may cause you to raise a questioning eyebrow. Currently situated near the west harbor where ferry boats and cruise ships dock, is a 8.5 meter (nearly 30 foot) statue of a man openly urinating onto the street.

Firmly planted alongside the roadway near restaurants and shops, the statue is a fully-functioning fountain spouting unknown quantities of water each day onto the ground and unknowing passersby. Formerly residing in other parts of the city and even briefly visiting neighboring Sweden, it's debatable whether the statue is a large baby or an elderly man attracting all of the attention.

Finnish artist Tommi Toija is to thank for this unique sculpture formally named "Bad Bad Boy." Toija has explained, "For me, it's just a guy peeing in the river, no more, no less. Some might see it as a funny thing, others might be provoked." Whatever your reaction, it is certainly worth a look.

Of note: public urination is NOT an arrestable offense in the country of Finland.

Albufeira/Lisbon, Portugal: Flashback - September 2011

Guest Blogger: Lindsey Kaltenbacher

Beach Enthusiast, Cocktail Connoisseur & All-Around Awesome Chick 

Did you know that 50% of the world's cork supply comes from Portugal? Yup, it's the country's number one export.

With free-flowing wine beckoning us, four years ago, my bestie and I embarked on a week-long exploration of new territory (to us, at least!) … Portugal. After quizzing my European colleagues, I found that Portugal beaches were a hot spot for many Northern European travelers. Convening on our layover in Philadelphia, Ms. Leupo and I boarded our direct flight to Lisbon.

Despite a rough flight with inclement weather - I’ll spare you the gory details - we powered through the Lisbon airport to the bus station to catch a ride to the beach town of Albufeira in the Algarve region. The Algarve is the southernmost region of mainland Portugal and covers an area of about 5,000 kilometers. 

After a long, hot and rather smelly bus ride, we checked into our beachside resort and enjoyed its beautiful pool. With typical September weather around 80°F, sunshine and a breeze, we set out to trek the coast. Beautiful (and packed) beaches with bronze bodies rolled in the distance. The hills made it look like you could see for miles. After walking a few minutes, we found the “Old Town” Albufiera. Lined with bars, restaurants and vendors, we knew we were in the right place as we observed many groups of tourists from the U.K. Old Town Albufeira is a happening spot, due to its coastal location and several miles of pedestrian walkways. While in the south, we also spent a day in the picturesque beach town of Lagos.

After some much-needed rest and relaxation by the ocean, we traveled by bus back to the capital, and largest city, of Lisbon. Our new home base, we set out to see what Lisbon had in store. A day bus trip took us over the hilly, cobblestone streets of downtown and to the sites of the:

• Monument of the Discoveries (Padrão dos Descobrimentos) – A 1939 testimonial to the Discovery Ages, built by Portuguese architect José Ângelo Cottinelli Telmo.
• Belem Tower (a.k.a. Tower of St. Vincent) – Built in the early 16th century, this tower, located on the Tagus River, played a significant role during the Portuguese discovery period.
• Jerónimos Monastery – Just down the road from the Belem Tower, the monks of the monastery provided assistance to the seafarers during the Discovery Ages.

We also day-tripped to the coast again to see the beautiful cliffs and towering cross of Cabo da Roca - the western most point on mainland Europe after visiting the town of Sinta. Guarded by the Castle of the Moors on an overlooking hilltop, Sinta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing several unique attractions including a grand palace often used as a summer home for Portuguese royalty.

Our week in Portugal was the perfect blend of beach, cocktails and exploration. It's hard to believe the trip was four years ago, I'd say it's about time to start planning our next adventure!

Valencia, Spain: Our Search for the Holy Chalice - August 2015

Our search for the holy chalice ... is over. We found it. While I didn't actually know we were looking, we found the cup from which Jesus allegedly drank during the last supper in a magnificent cathedral in Valencia, Spain.

According to the Bible, during the Last Supper, "He took a cup and when He had given thanks He gave it to them saying 'drink this, all of you; for this is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you, I shall not drink again of the fruit of the vine until I drink it new with you in My Father's Kingdom.'"

Legend has it the Christian relic was passed from Saint Peter to a succession of Popes until 258 A.D. At that time, to avoid confiscation by the Romans, the holy chalice was given to a Spanish solider who helped it find a home in the Cathedral of Valencia.

The dark red agate cup with curved handles is housed in its own chapel within the cathedral and is paid homage to daily by those on pilgrimage.

While the holy chalice isn't said to have the supernatural powers like those of the holy grail, the holy lance and the true cross, it is revered my many. Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI have both held mass at the Cathedral of Valencia celebrating the holy chalice and its rich place in Christian history.