My Bus Driver and Happy Students Day 2 0f 365

Every day I leave my house at 7:30am and my bus driver is stopping next to my front door to take me to my work as I still try to push away the effects of sleep.

Every day at 4pm I get on a bus and with the help of my very clever 4th grade student I'm able to communicate with the helper and the busdriver on the bus. They drop me off  on my street as they take other children to there homes.

This specialized service (perk) of my job is so awesome. How can I not be happy about it. I'm always happy to see this man every weekday morning and every weekday afternoon. It makes me feel welcome and has really helped me adjust to living here.

Without him I'd have to walk up this treacherous hill every single day!  When I do miss the bus my legs get some punishment.

Project 365 BEGINS!

Finishing the day right. Day 1 of 365, a photo by LaughingShutter on Flickr.

Day 1 of 365.

What makes me smile?

Living in Istanbul can give one many reasons to smile.
I love seeing the sunset fall over the water, it's rays of dying light splashing across the sky, lighting up the clouds to a fine simmer, and splashing across the ripples in the water. But what's better is eating while enjoying such a breathtaking view.

This is Istanbul.

This is Day 1. Sept. 27th, 2011

5 Amazing Websites to Help You Volunteer Anywhere

5 Amazing Websites to Help You Volunteer Anywhere

I just found a great website while browsing the travelblog a pair of panties and boxers that has some great resources for those that want to give their time and/or money to charitable causes.
After checking through the sites myself I've found that the sites are for finding opportunities to volunteer in the United States. So all of my U.S. readers have fun browsing and find a program that fits your interest.

In the meantime I'll keep my eye out for great programs that share international opportunities of volunteering. Perhaps I'll even end up trying to make my own if I can't find anything.

Whenever I travel I feel the need to give back a bit to the place I'm traveling. It doesn't have to be with money but it can be with a few hours of my time doing something that helps out the community, whether guest teaching, cleaning up a shoreline, or even teaching in the streets.

I suggest you try the same and you'll find that your next vacation will be so much more memorable and rewarding than just going to a place and taking the regular tour and snapping photos.

Coming Soon!

I've been waiting to open this blog to coincide with my departure from Korea and the start of my journey in Europe.

Here's what I have in store for you:

• 365 Days of smiles   

I will post a photo a day of something that makes me smile. Sometimes, if I capture a
strangers smile I will include that in it as well. Lets see how many smiles I can capture in a year.  :) 

• Travel Blog

With the start of my journey to Turkey and then across Egypt I will write, photograph, and
videotape my experiences while traveling across Europe.  Looking forward to showing the
world from a new perspective and perhaps bringing some smiles to some of my readers as well.