Women Striving toward a Global Degree

Those of you that have been following my travels know how much travel means to me. But, what you may not know is how much traveling as a woman has impacted my life. I have found that many women are not given the confidence they are needed to go out and earn their own global degree. We push ourselves to explore, work hard, and accomplish a goal; we are supposed to graduate college, go right into a job, and have a family. But what if this isn’t your goal? What if your goal is to travel and to hit every country? You may be thinking, well, that’s an unattainable dream. It isn’t. Life is not about fitting into the norms. It is about not letting fear dictate your choices. While earning my Global Degree, I am breaking the mold. I am taking a chance and pushing past society’s expectations; there is a new culture of women out there that I am so eager to become a part of.

The 21^st Century woman is not meek, submissive, or polite. She is a courageous leader who owns her identity. She decides her future by choosing experiences that create her own real-world masterpiece. When traveling, a woman is not a daughter, sister, or wife, she is a person exploring the beauty of humanity; equality and equity thrive in exploration. There are no boundaries, proclivities, or prejudices, but the innocent display of common good. It is up to us. We become exposed for who we are. When exploring the world, we are our own natural selves: innate beings unaffected by the tenets of our lives.

“A woman in a man’s world” is no longer a valid phrase. It’s neither a man’s world nor a woman’s world. It is OUR world. And our world deserves more women, from all walks of life, getting out there and making a difference.

Bloukrans: The World’s Highest Bungee Bridge!

The day had come: Bloukrans Bridge. The World’s Highest Bridge Bungee Jump! Run by Face Adrenalin, the Bloukrans Bungee will give you such a load of exactly that: Adrenaline. After harnessing up, I followed our guide onto the pass below the bridge and, let me tell you, that is the scariest part of the entire ordeal. The metal grate under your feet is completely see-through, urging you to look down. All the way down. Typically, the way to conquer any “heights” activity is not to look down, but Face Adrenalin makes that virtually impossible, challenging you to conquer your fears and tackle the bungee head on. I, on the other hand, wasn’t so worried. Not in the slightest. A minute or two later, we made it to the middle of the bridge where there were at least 10-15 men there to help us out, tighten our safety harnesses, and pump us up with very loud music. I was, literally, bouncing with excitement. The men sat me down, wrapped pads around my shins to protect my ankles, and attached my second (backup) harness to my chest. Another employee came over to triple check my harness, and I was ready!

Two staff members appeared at my sides. I was to throw my arms around both their shoulders and hop over to the very edge of the bridge (remember, you’re ankles are tied together). You hop. And you hop and you hop, until at last you are standing on the edge. Slowly, you inch your toes until they are actually over the edge. I couldn’t wait.

At the count of three, I jumped with the biggest grin my face. This was it: I was free-falling off the world’s highest bungee bridge. Instinctively, I tightened my whole body, so I felt zero “jerk” once the bungee went taught (I knew I practiced flying trapeze for a reason!). I hung there upside-down for a bit, soaking it all in. I completed the jump that I’d wanted to do for many years. I just couldn’t believe how easy it was for me to jump off a 216m (700+ ft) bridge. After a few moments, a staff member lowered himself down, attached me to another harness, and repositioned me upright. I was slowly pulled up, lifted onto the bridge, and ready to do it all over again!

Face Adrenalin’s bungee is an absolute MUST for any adventure-junkie. It is worth noting that Face Adrenalin has been running the bungee for 23 years without any incidents; you will feel as safe as you possibly could while throwing yourself off a bridge. I have never felt more secure doing an adrenaline-inducing activity than I did with Face Adrenalin – and, trust me, I have many adventure sports to compare it to. You would be hard-pressed to find anything so exhilarating. Go face your fears.

Vote for The Five Foot Traveler to Earn her Global Degree!

Hey Everyone!

I just found out this week that the guys over at Global Degree are looking for a girl to join their team – a girl that would be the youngest girl in the world to hit every country. Unfortunately, I’m about a month late to the competition (which ends THIS WEDNESDAY) and could really use your help!

Please SHARE this video on social media and LIKE it on YouTube to help keep me in the running for my Global Degree! We don’t have much time to get the likes in…

I really appreciate the support!

Much love,

Sarah

South American Escapades 2013

Installment #1 – The beginning of my South American journey. Chronicling Argentina, Chile, Ecuador, Peru, Uruguay, and Bolivia. Thanks to those who joined me along the way!

Keep your eyes peeled for the next few videos…