Welcome to Beyond Ordinary Guides, where we curate gorgeous imagery, locally cherished spots, and accessible stories. We hope you enjoy!
All in Africa
Nicole envisioned her summit of Mount Kilimanjaro to be shared with her love. Instead, she embarked on the journey alone, overcoming obstacles with a group of strangers and her guide.
Seven years ago, our friends Fran and Libby set off on an adventure in Sumbawanga, Tanzania. They encountered diseases, worked with Catholic brothers, and attempted to teach at the local school. Originally published as a series on the blog last year, we wanted to revisit Fran's entertaining account of their time in this African town. These are their stories.
I'm sitting beneath a fig tree, on my belly, looking up at a somewhat run down tropical home. The wind is strong, blowing away any bugs and the occasional towel, but the sea remains calm. We're at Port Luanay, on the northern coast of Mahe, the largest island of the 115 that make up the Seychelles.
The island with the most beautiful beaches. We can't say that with 100% certainty because we haven't visited all 115 islands in the Seychelles, but La Digue wowed us with its coastline.
We highly recommend a few days in Mahe before heading to your smaller, more resorty island to get a better feel for the history, culture, and vibe of the Seychelles. Not to mention the beaches.
The last installment of The Flancesca Chronicles. After leaving Sumbawanga, Flan plays tourist in Zanzibar and Tanzania with her friend Jeff.
Sometimes a new perspective helps you truly appreciate a place.
Libby leaves for the US. Flancesca leaves Sumbawanga. Things don't always go as planned.
Fran gets malaria AGAIN. Libby gets typhoid. They both get robbed. Events take a turn for the worst in the latest chronicles of Flancesca for our two volunteers.
There's nothing quite like a somersault over the handlebars to jolt you back to reality on your last day of vacation.
An excursion to Lake Rukwa guided by drunk locals, trying to get a prescription when you don't speak the same language as the non-pharmasicts working at the pharmacy, and getting creative when teaching Biology. Ladies and Gentelmen, we bring you "The Flancesca Chronicles", Part VI.
