Author Archives: Neds Job of the Week

Your Very Next Step newsletter for July 2009

“Men hang out their signs indicative of their respective trades: shoemakers hang out a gigantic shoe; jewelers, a monster watch; and the dentist hangs out a gold tooth; but up in the mountains of New Hampshire, God Almighty has hung out a sign to show”

– Daniel Webster

The next adventure begins with your very next step.

Driftin' Blues (Charles Brown, Johnny Moore and Eddie Williams)

I'm drifting and drifting,

Just like a ship out on the sea.

I'm drifting and drifting,

Just like a ship out on the sea.

Well I ain't got nobody

In this world to care for me.

If my baby

Would only take me back again.

If my baby

Would only take me back again.

I would feel much better, darling,

And at least I'd have a friend.

I give you all my money,

Tell me what more can I do.

I give you all my money,

Tell me what more can I do.

You is a sweet little girl

But I swear you won't be true.

I'm drifting and drifting,

Just like a ship out on the sea.

I'm drifting and drifting,

Just like a ship out on the sea.

Because I ain't got nobody

In this world to care for me.

“Your Very Next Step” newsletter, published by Ned Lundquist, is a cooperative community, and everyone is invited, no…encouraged, no…urged to participate.

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Contact Ned at lundquist989@cs.com.

*** In this issue:

*** Travel News

*** “Where I'd rather be…”

*** YVNS “Sport You Must Try” for July

*** Faces od decay

*** Ned’s brief family vacation

*** Mike Klein’s third day in Bulgaria

*** Debbie Marcinkowski in Tibet

*** Travel, Outdoor and Adventure Jobs and Volunteer Opportunities

1.) Guide, Eastern Mountain Sports, Foxborough, MA

2.) Stables Junior Wrangler (part-time), Keystone Resort, Keystone, CO

3.) Wranglers, Duchesne County, UT

4.) Marine Mammal Observer, AES Regulatory and Technical Services, Barrow, AK

5.) Retail Associate, Fishing, Cabela's, Hamburg, PA

6.) Captain/Mate/Master, Cascade Fishing Inc., Bering Sea, AK

7.) Breakfast/Lunch Chef, Ruby Springs Lodge, Alder, MT

8.) Tour Guides, Insta-Gator Ranch, Covington, LA

9.) South Pole Area Manager, ITT Corporation, Antarctica

10.) Project Manager – South Pole Traverse, ITT Corporation, Antarctica

11.) MFO Organizer, Military Families Outdoors (MFO) Program, Sierra Club, San Francisco, California

12.) Multimedia Specialist, The Chesapeake Bay Program, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, Maryland

…and much more…and it’s all FREE!!!

*** Do you have that special place you like to get away to for a respite from summer?

Send me your pics and I’ll post at the “Your Very Next Step” website (http://www.yourverynextstep.com/) under the category of “Where I'd rather be…”.

*** It gets hot in Houston, so Susan Burnell is thinking of the beach:

Hi Ned, thoroughly enjoy Your Very Next Step!

Houston is having a heat wave and drought. I'd sure like to be at a really

pretty beach, like Redington Beach on the Gulf of Mexico, south of

Clearwater, Florida. We haven't been there in a few years, got there

precisely at sunset the last time. Barely made it because the parking meters

took quarters and we had none. Dashed to a convenience store, got change,

ran back to the beach. Birds flew by right on cue. Enjoy!

Susan

Susan H. Burnell, APR

Imagination Ink – Business Writing & Public Relations

Houston, TX

*** It gets hot in Phoenix, so Heather Murphy is thinking of the mountains:

Ned,

Temps might reach a [crud, I don't even know the word to insert here…ummm…hellish??? 'Hellish' just doesn't capture it.] 116 degrees by the weekend.

Almost exactly one year ago, I was exploring and hiking the Canadian National Parks of Banff, Yoho, Kootenay and Jasper. It was a sweet break from the Phoenix heat and an opportunity to feed my photographic energies.

Here are three photos that represent where I'd like to be before it hits 116! Sadly, my next real vacation is (maybe) February 2010.

For the rest of the folks stuck in sunny, hot or humid summers, let's hope these photos put you in the mood for a vacation. I highly recommend the Yellowstone/Grand Teton National Parks, the Canadian Rockies and Newfoundland. Newfoundland was the destination for my summer 2007 trip — undiscovered, rugged, hardy folk plus really great stories and hospitality from the locals.

Heather Murphy

*** It gets hot in the springs, says Keith Moore:

Ned, I could pick many MANY places I'd rather be from all the hiking

and backpacking I've done, but just to narrow it down based purely on

the power of the photo, I'd be in Goldbug Hot Springs in Idaho,

sitting in a natural hot springs on a sandy bottom, leaning back

against the rocks watching the sunset.

Best regards,

Keith

*** Where would Debbie Marcinkowski rather be?

“… back in the high mountain passes filled with Tibetan prayer flags…” that I explored for the first this summer…

Debbie Marcinkowski

McLean, VA

Send your photo to Ned at lundquist989@cs.com.

*** From Mike Zimet:

Hi Ned…

Love the newsletter! Makes me wish I had clients who'd tell me where to go more often… :>)

An update to “Fast lane — speeding through airport security”…

Most of the article is about CLEAR, the preferred traveler program. Unfortunately, CLEAR folded on June 22, giving its members only a few hours notice and no refunds. Citing “creditor” issues, they just folded everything up and disappeared from sight (with everyone's money — and at $199/year, that's a lot of $$). (I'm fortunate — I let my membership lapse.)

It's a shame, because it's generally acknowledged that the CLEAR card and its chip (which contained an iris scan and fingerprint) was about the most secure ID document available. But without any real support from the TSA, they were doomed…

Anyway, it was great seeing you (as always) in San Francisco. We never had enough time to chat, but if you're ever in the Philly (or even NYC) area, let me know and we'll meet up.

Have a happy 4th (and a good fifth, too)…

Cheers,

Mike.

*** Check out “Your Very Next Step,” the travel/adventure/outdoors newsletter for July, now posted at www.yourverynextstep. Plus, Ned is offering free 95×600 pixel .jpg banner ads at the YVNS website for conservation organizations (Ned will decline this offer to organizations that conduct or promote illegal activities). Contact Ned at lundquist989@cs.com for details. Well, actually, those are the details. 95×600 pixel .jpg. And free.

*** Sometimes, the nest vacations are when you stay around home. Tell us about your best “Stay-cation.” Send to Ned at lundquist989@cs.com.

*** Trail Ho!

Thanks for the info on the Appalachian Trail events. I've always wanted to take a trip along the trail… as opposed to, say, going to Argentina.

Best,

Paul Hart

San Antonio

(Okay, this was funnier when the South Carolina governor thing went down. That’s the problem with being a monthly.)

*** Here’s the YVNS Travel News for July:

*** Unclear what Happens to Personal Info with Clear

Link to AP story:

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Unclear-what-happens-to-apf-690267501.html?x=0&.v=4

*** Can your EZ-Pass catch you speeding?

Maybe not in Houston.

http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/headline/metro/6537163.html

*** Non-stop from NYC to downtown London:

British Airways is pulling its Gatwick-New York route, the last remaining service from London's second airport to the Big Apple, because of disappointing premium traffic, yet corporate clients have reaffirmed their support for the forthcoming launch of New York service from London City Airport.

The business-class-only service on an Airbus 318 requires a fuel stop at Ireland's Shannon Airport en route to New York, but the carrier said it would enable passengers to clear U.S. arrivals processes during the stop. Eastbound flights will be nonstop.

http://www.btnonline.com/businesstravelnews/headlines/frontpage_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003986163

*** Israel to Install Air Defense in Passenger Planes

Link to UPI story:

http://www.upi.com/Top_News/2009/06/25/Israel-to-install-air-defense-in-planes/UPI-29191245948681/

*** US airlines June passenger revenue drops sharply

US airline passenger revenue plunged 26% year-over-year in June, the eighth consecutive month of decline, while the 20.7% drop in yield was the “sharpest” this decade, the Air Transport Assn. said.

*** Head to the trough:

http://www.bromleytimes.co.uk/content/bromley/times/news/story.aspx?brand=BMLYTOnline&category=news&tBrand=northlondon24&tCategory=newsbmlyt&itemid=WeED01%20Jul%202009%2014%3A58%3A57%3A547

(From TCN. The Transportation Communications Newsletter is published electronically Monday through Friday.

To subscribe send an e-mail to: TCNL-subscribe@googlegroups.com.)

*** 'Do you want to stand up? If you do, you can travel for free'.”

Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary found himself in the headlines again yesterday after telling Sky News “We might take out the last five or six rows [of seats] and say to passengers, 'Do you want to stand up? If you do, you can travel for free'.”

O'Leary said he has asked Boeing to look at converting or producing aircraft with “vertical seating” and asked, “Why is this any different to what happens on trains where you see thousands of people who cannot get a seat standing in the aisles?”

A spokesperson confirmed to Agence France Presse that Ryanair and Boeing are in discussions “in relation to adapting the aircraft to allow people to travel in vertical seating.” They “wouldn't be fully standing. They would have something like a stool to lean on or to sit on.” The same spokesperson told the Daily Mail, “It's really early days but we're looking at a 20%-30% increase in passengers on commuter routes.”

http://www.atwonline.com/news/story.html?storyID=17133

*** World's Worst Airport for sleeping?

Professional Travel Guide's “Travel Relish” tells us about “a website dedicated to airport napping has picked out the world's worst to sleep in – and frankly, it's kind of a surprise. What country is it in? And where do some of America's (so, hint: not in the US) worst departure points rank?”

Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris was named the “Worst Airport to Sleep In” by SleepingInAirports.net.

http://travelinglight.professionaltravelguide.com/2009/07/charles-de-gaulle-airport-in-paris.html

***Watch Out! 11 Airline Fees You Haven't Heard Of … Yet

http://www.frommers.com/articles/6188.html

*** Passengers report declining satisfaction in 2008

J.D. Power & Associates released its annual airline customer satisfaction survey on Tuesday, and despite fewer baggage delays and more on-time arrivals, some passengers overall said they were less satisfied this year with air travel than they were last year.

The survey, which questioned more than 12,900 business and leisure travelers, found the drop was driven by lower satisfaction with in-flight services, flight crews and costs and fees.

In a move originally created to try to fend off the impact of high fuel prices, many airlines last year began charging for services once considered part of the ticket price, including such things as snacks and checked luggage. The extra charges have remained at many airlines despite a drop in fuel prices from last summer's records.

http://online.wsj.com/article/BT-CO-20090630-706566.html?mod=dist_smartbrief

*** Cute date!

Hwee Suan Ong in Abu Dhabi says it’s Liwa Date Festival time. Suan says the “date trees lining every street here are bursting with dates. I am used to seeing coconut trees rather than dates. They are so so so cute.

http://www.gulfnews.com/nation/Heritage_and_Culture/10331885.html

*** The June YVNS sport Ned has never heard of:

Lawnmower racing

The The U.S. Lawn Mower Racing Association says “We turn a weekend chore

into a competitive sport!” Not only is lawnmower racing a sport, they show it on TV…and they even have a video game version. http://www.letsmow.com/index.asp

*** Faces of Decay:

You might not want to go to Chernobyl. But Timm Suess went, and took pictures. Check this out:

http://timmsuess.com/chernobyl-journal/

*** Our family vacation to New England

We drove to Boston on a Saturday at the end of June. To avoid the Northeast Toll and Traffic Corridor we snuck around Harrisburg and Wilkes Barre/Scranton. There was some traffic because of road construction near Scranton. We had some pretty nice days in Auburndale. The Northeast had 20 days or rain in the previous 31 days. We took a quick trip up to New Hampshire.

It is not easy to explain the White Mountains to someone who hasn’t been to New England. I took a college classmate there for a ten-day hike and he of California thought we were going on a picnic until he saw the peaks of the Franconia Ridge, and he turned to me and said, “We’re going up there?” Fact is, the White Mountains, ranging between 3,000 and 6,000 feet are not the foothills people might expect from New England.

The girls enjoyed lobster rolls at D'Angelos in Concord. It rained when we got to Lincoln. We got a week-long parking pass for the White Mountain National Forest. There is an incredible network of hiking trails up here, and the WMNF now charges a nominal fee for the small parking areas at the trailheads. The rain, as it turned out, would limit our walks, but it seemed reasonable to have our pass ready to go on the dashboard.

Much to see and do in this part of the White Mountains (http://www.lincolnwoodstock.com/).

We couldn't get a cabin large enough for all four of us so we rented two cabins at Pemi Cabins (http://www.pemicabins.com/) in Lincoln, right on the river. Pemi Cabins was so chosen because of their pet policy. We enjoyed a dinner at the Woodstock Inn's brew pub, “Woodstock Station.” I had a meatloaf Wellington. North Woodstock is situated on the Pemigewasset River, one of my favorite rivers in the entire world, and is a small but eclectic shopping district.

In Fadden's General Store we got the scoop about the Great Great Grandfather Fadden who served in the Civil War and had the documents on the wall to prove it. Fadden's is known for their maple syrup (http://www.nhmaplesyrup.com). It was here a Southern gentleman inquired about Moxie. Moxie, if you don't know, is a New England specialty. It's what snake oil magic elixir salesmen used to sell. I told the man from Georgia I'd buy him a Moxie if I could watch him drink it. He opened it, made a face, and said, “It's not bad.” His wife took a swig, gagged, scrunched her face, then stuck her tongue out, looking for something to relieve her discomfort, and wiped her tongue on her husband's shirt. She then grabbed her purse, got out some tic-tacs, and popped a dozen in her mouth. I recommend it.

Barbara and I walked to the Basin in Franconia Notch early in the morning and had this glacial formation to ourselves on this foggy mountain. The “Old Man of the Mountains” used to sit atop nearby Cannon Mountain. Beacause of the fog we couldn't see where the craggy face used to watch over the notch. Later we walked up the Flume (http://www.visitnh.gov/flume/index.html), another delightful experience. I like watching the water dripping off the mossy rocks, and the tree roots that cover the boulders. We later took the tram up to the top of Cannon Mountain by the tram.

Another excursion was across the Kancamagus Highway to North Conway. This is an incredible road (http://www.byways.org/explore/byways/2458/ ). The views of the mountains from the road were obscured by fog. In fact, the road was obscured by the fog. North Conway was rainy but fun for poking around the shops. We were going to come back that evening to have dinner at the Notchland Inn but I was outvoted about crossing the cloud-covered road yet again.

Our cabins were quaint, with a fire in the hearth and the river sounded great out our back porch. The innkeeper's son caught five nice trout. Three nights was too short.

*** Minor league ballparks of New England:

Everybody knows Fenway is a major attraction, but what about the lesser known baseball destinations?

http://www.boston.com/travel/explorene/specials/minors/parks_of_new_england/

*** From Mike Klein:

Here's a segment: “My Third Day in Bulgaria”

Bulgaria-Day 3

After a long sleep-in brought on by my lack of somnolescence following the virtuoso performance by the Globally Famous DJ Sash at Den Glade Viking near my hotel in Sunny Beach, Bulgaria, I took one look at the pool area and its collection of aging Germans and tattooed Brits, and then call again for a road trip.

Yesterday's trip, to Nessebar, a small but cute Bulgarian seaside town of Romanesque provenance was pleasant if predictable. Lots of souvenir shops, everything at the relatively-modest-but-high-for-Bulgaria tourist prices.

Today's trip, Burgas, was the real deal. An old school Black Sea port cum beach town, with a resort atmosphere set in authentically ex-commie digs.

One thing that's always struck me about ex-commie places is the sheer numbers of buildings with multiple layers of peeling paint. I first noticed this in Rugen, a Baltic resort that once catered to Erich Honecker and the heavies of the old DDR (East Germany for those who never saw the classic, Goodbye Lenin). Rather than marking eyesores, the peeling paint speaks to these buildings being witnesses to history, as the history in these parts was turbulent over the last 70+ years.

Bulgaria's history is interesting enough. A Nazi ally which nonetheless saved its 50,000 member Jewish community, Bulgaria switched sides to the USSR in 1944 and later embraced communism to such an extent that it asked to be annexed to the USSR in 1973. They must have dug Brezhnev's eyebrows, I guess.

Today, Burgas at eventide is bustling if not ostentatiously prosperous (guys in t-shirts driving late-model Mercedes notwithstanding). Streetside cafes are about half full. Prices are a little cheaper than in Sunny Beach, menus in Cyrillic and either English or German, depending on the place.

Cyrillic is fun. Invented by Bulgarians Cyril and Methodius, who were later sainted for their literacy-spreading deeds, it is at its most fun when Westerners mangle the pronunciation of letters like B, C, H and P, which have differing sounds in the roman alphabet. As was once said of a Moscow dining establishment, “I once thought that 'PECTOPAH' meant 'restaurant'. Then I ate there, and realised that in fact, it really meant 'PECTOPAH'.”. To be fair, in Bulgaria, restaurant means 'PECTOPAHT'. I haven't had a bad meal yet. Must be that extra T.

(Ned: I was just about to ask you if they had multiple layers of peeling paint. You were reading my mind. Does PECTOPHAT mean Keopectate in English?)

Mike: No, that's PEPTOCAHT.

MK

*** The discussion was stewardesses, and the fact that they don’t look like the used to:

PSA invented hot pants…in hot pink.

http://www.wings900.com/vb/general-squawk-talk/29551-air-hostesses-10.html

*** I asked Debbie Marcinkowski to tell us about her Tibetan adventure. Here are two dispatches:

Here you are… just this one of many dispatches is lengthy, so please clip it shorter as necessary…

Yesterday I fell in love with Tibet; today we found Shangri La (two of 21 days in Tibet…)

Woke yesterday morning in the horrid hotel to sounds of Chinese military drills, chanting and marching at 6am again. One of the downsides of staying in towns. Much prefer the river of the last village to these bathrooms for washing. However, opened my curtains to steady snowfall and near whiteout skies. The day was like a dream. Breakfast out with the guys and to the local market for hard-to-find fruit before heading out. (Myself, a Tibetan, a Bhutanese, and a 61-year-old silver pony-tailed Californian named Vic… we were like a circus on wheels piled into our car meandering through Tibet.) Snowy roads, low visibility, breathtaking rock cliffs towering over through breaks in the whiteout. Reached a high pass at 15,000 feet so got out for our usual picture and prayer flag routine. I ran bit further up the mountainside (I DID run up at 15,000! Gave myself an instant headache but it evaporated with the first snowball I threw down at my companions.) War had begun. I whispered to Woeser, our Tibetan translator extraordinaire who once escaped across the Himalaya into Nepal on a 21-day epic trek in tennis shoes and a jacket, “how wrong is it to aim for Tenzin Ngyima while he's praying??” I got the thumbs up so… It was a free for all in this high mountain pass. Vic was in the car about 30 seconds after we let the first one fly, in retreat. The laughter was endless. The mountain views were endless. And the gratitude was endless. True joy and delight. Flowers were poking through snow. Woeser nailed Tenzin Ngyima in the back of the head, and he yelped out the line of the trip thus far: “Migh eyesball are go-eeng to pohp ouht of migh head!” I've been finding reason to use the word “eyesball” at every possible

opportunity since.

We reached mystical cliffs soaring out of the snow and cloud. It would be climbing heaven in mid-summer. An amazing sight I can't describe of prayer flags encircling an entire mountain in the mist. Thongkor. An elaborate Tibetan home perched hundreds of feet above at the entrance to a cave on a sheer rock face, no apparent way to it. A spring of sacred water, if one can find it amidst a maze of prayer flags. Once I duck under

and into the flags, it's as if I've entered a different world of gurgling streams, mountaintops peeking above flags, and finally the crystal clear pool. I stare hard (and then try gazing gently) into its surface for the rumored face of Buddha, but I'm distracted when Vic brushes against a poisonous plant growing out of the pool and his hand swells.

Encountered our first land slide blocking the road, monks trying to move rocks. Stuck there till it was partially cleared, then drove over remaining scree hoping it didn't send us tumbling down the ravine wall into the roaring river far below. (The roads are almost one “lane” wide, no shoulder, just a drop that makes my stomach turn to peer down, no paving, all rock and dirt and so rough that my body feels beaten at the end of each day. Speeds top out at about 50km/hr – that's a high speed of 30mph, traveling several hundred km in a day. )

(Written Monday night) yesterday was more of those roads. A higher pass this time; when we got out for prayer flags and wind horse offerings, with a vast expanse of snow capped peaks thoroughly surrounding us, Vic told me to go ahead to the high point at just over 16,000 feet. Thought one or two would join me but when I turned to see, from my knee-deep snow, Woeser had instead started a snowman right next to the pass. And a van of monks – long red robes and all – had pulled over and piled out to help him. Grinning at this sight, I continued up over 16,000 feet. When I returned to them, this time Vic stayed for the snowball fight. I was afraid my aim would be poor but Tenzin Ngyima assured me the monks would “be very, very happy. Yes, I think that is so,” if I hit one of them instead of Woeser. Again, the laughter was echoing through the pass while we played.

Spirits dampened when we descended the pass on harrowing switchbacks to see a jeep above us, sticking out of the snow, that had tumbled off the road we just drove down.

After, finally got stopped by the police in the middle of no-man's land. I was more rageful at the reality of the Chinese government, but poor Tenizin Ngyima was shaking like a leaf in terror. For the last several days we've been in an area where everything is blocked – we could not make international calls on cell phones and could not send/receive any email. Hard to believe but true. I still can't call the US from where we are. They instructed us not to stop, to keep driving hundreds of km to pass through the region. We're actually roaming here for several days. However, due to this we didn't go into a town for a hotel last night so we instead stayed at our driver's family home. Huge, gaping emptiness, no solar panel for power so once dark came… We were in this place with a dimming bulb and flashlights. Critters skittering overhead all night. More fitful sleep, all too familiar to my earlier night in the sacred cave with the rats and flickering shadows of butterlamps.

Despite all, it was the day something happened and I fell in love with Tibet. We arrived in the family's village late afternoon. Tiny. Set deep in a ravine between steep mountain cliffs, and the river changes to a milky pale blue rushing along the village with giant willows on its banks. Of course the temple… Tendonitis in my right wrist will soon act up with the number of prayer wheels I'm turning when I follow Tenzin Ngyima. Sat out under the trees, listening to the numerous bird calls and mesmerizing sound of the water.

Today we found Shangri La. Figuratively, of course. Driving up, up the most precarious mountain road yet, through the clouds appeared towers of gold that seemed to be floating in the mist. A monastery that was like a fairy tale clinging to the side of a rock-faced mountain. Whimsical, overwhelmingly beautiful, hidden from most. Again, an audience with one of the high masters. Given precious pills in the tiniest silk wrapping that are supposed to cure things you wouldn't believe if I bothered to write. The whole experience was mystical.

Sort of hiding out in a town tonight. Just played pool with Woeser and Tenzin Ngyima… not what you think of as our pool halls; these are open-faced shacks tucked in alleyways with nothing but a mud floor and a couple old pool tables. Another laughter-filled evening as three roaming Tibetans sang genuine nomadic songs to the 5 of us as we ate, begging for $. The music was hypnotic. We were pleasantly surprised when Woeser joined them in singing. It is almost unbearable, now, to think of leaving all of this.

And this dispatch:

It's snowing tonight! First falling snow since I've been here. Crazy

since I was in a t-shirt yesterday morning. Beautiful on the expanse

of mountaintops.

So the whole cave thing was quite a mixed experience for me. First

stop was the monastery Vic has raised money to build, high above the

town. We rode up an unbelievable dirt/rock road that NO vehicle should

travel up, drops into nothingness ravines, in Lama Khempso's 4-door

pickup truck. Woeser and I decided to start our adventure early by

standing, rather than sitting, in the bed of the truck for this ride,

leaning on the roof of the cab and laughing like hyenas at our fun

thrill of danger peering over the precipices as we slowly traveled

upward. To see the shambles of a monastery the orphan young monks

live in is heartbreaking. All 50 who live there must be fed off of

food sponsorships for just 16 boys. The headmaster, a very elegant

and dignified lama, had us sit in the field in the evening light in

front of the monastery, looking over the valley and town far below

(and also over the “cemetery” – a monstrous expanse of prayer flags

that covers acres and part way up a mountain. But they don't, uh, bury

the deceased. They cut the corpses into pieces for the crows and

vultures to eat, believing they are making use of the empty shell –

remember, Buddhists believe every sentient being is reincarnated as

plant, animal or human – to feed other living creatures, and not

ruining the land and wasting money on boxes for burial) surrounded by

velvet green soaring mountains, to have their discussion about

progress on the new building. I later told Vic it was the most scenic

business meeting I've ever been part of. Me, Woeser, Vic, Tenzin

Ngyima, 3 high lamas and a mysterious yogi sitting indian style atop a

mountain in Tibet surrounded by yak poop. (The yak poop, by the way,

is the primary source of cooking and heating; Tibetan homes have an

iron stove that heats and cooks. Yak dung is plentiful and burns

extremely clean for the environment. They also use it to build

walls.). After, the head master brought us into the temple where the

young monks were practicing debates. I MUST show you the video I took

of this; one of the most fascinating things I've ever seen take place.

And pretty remarkable to watch little ones as young as 8 and 9

debating existence v. nonexistence. Not at ALL our form of debate

however, so you'll have to see.

So from there it was up to the cave. I think Woeser and I both felt a

bit reluctant being left there at sundown, as the rest of our party

waved goodbye with knowing grins, telling us to watch our dreams

carefully as unusual things happen in this place where a teacher and

13 of his students attained enlightenment. It was the whole

otherworldly feel that was giving me creepy uneasiness… The mystical

side as well as the very real physical danger of one misstep sending

an unfortunate fool over a thousand feet down. And reading Vic's

earlier email about the rat sitting on a ledge over where he slept in

the cave. So to simply go to the bathroom here is risking the

1,000-foot fall. It's tiny inside. Woeser and the yogi made me go sit

in the upper chamber to meditate while they made dinner. That too is

tiny, but tall walls which are hung with thangkas (elaborate

handpainted images of deities) and a rock ledge-turned altar with a

big buddha statue, many other symbolic tokens, lit only by the

flickering light of butterlamps splaying shadows on the rock of the

cave.

I was there an hour before eating. Over dinner we heard of the yogi's

own escape over the Himalaya; stories of monks who used to fly (yeah,

I said fly) 60 km from one mountaintop to another he pointed out to

us, in droves of a hundred at a time; questions about my own

meditation practice followed by flailing arms of this little yoda-like

yogi, and then a string of instructions as my way is apparently of no

benefit. All being translated through Woeser. He then decided the

three of us should meditate together in that upper chamber. I was

dreading returning to it. This alone was an experience beyond words

here.

Oh, lucky me to also have that space to sleep that night. He insisted

I choose if I would sleep up there alone or in the lower chamber with

one of them. Some twistedly curious side of me picked the upper

chamber. Now, I knew that's where the rats would be. And I was already

haunted by the flickering light and objects in it. But might as well

go for the full experience as long as I came all the way to Tibet.

Woeser looked at me with sympathetic understanding as he said

goodnight, ducked down, and backed out.

Suffice it to say I slept little. I initially fell asleep fitfully,

but I woke soon. Tried to keep my eyes squeazed shut so as not to see

the haunting butterlamps flickering upon staring Buddha eyes and the

images. And – the rats. first time I woke up I tried not to look. But

then saw first two skittering across the ledge. It continued all night

– just had to surrender to it. The yogi's giggles as he said “who

cares if they're in there? Just smile at them” were little comfort

when actually faced with them. I was also awake much of the night in

worry regarding something which the yogi and I spoke at length about

the next day as we ascended two mountains. (Yeah, he took me on a hike

the next morning. 70-something, in long robe, falling-off glasses,

shoes with holes – and he seemed to float up the mountain. Felt like I

was gasping for air by the time we stepped out of the cave, and

immense joy to be on our hike upward. The three of us talked, affixed

prayer flags in idiotically steep places, and meditated at the summit

as Woeser translated more instructions for me.). When we finally

descended on foot all the way down from the cave, past the monastery,

to our friends far below 2 days later, we were both relieved to dump

our packs on the riverbanks while we washed our clothes and hair

(closest thing I've had to shower) and then snoozed on the sunny rocks

with the comforting sound of the river tumbling beside us.

So much more has happened, no way to convey even a small portion. Had

my prediction read by another lama, in a really gross place. Drove

into a new region, days in the car along raging rivers with sheer

mountains narrowly towering over us. Apparently this is brown bear

country. Today Tenzin Ngyima was sitting indian-style much of the car

ride. Aside from the first few days of Vic insisting I sit in front to

soak in the Himalayan views, it's TN, Woeser and I like three

musketeers in the back seat. The roads today were particularly bad and

I wanted to snap at TN for hogging space. Kept reminding myself this

is a Bhutanese Buddhist. So I just smiled sweetly at him and kept my

elbow in his ribs till he budged.

Just left Serta monastery, largest dharma center/monastery in all of

Asia. It is like a fairytale land, my words here will smatter it

terribly. Had lunch on mud roof of Woeser's sister's home (men aren't

allowed into nun's homes). Thousands of delightful homes built in

terraces up mountainsides, mingled with brilliantly painted temples.

In '98 the Chinese destroyed over 2,000 of the nuns' homes here. His

sister is young; they look just alike and it's obvious they are dear

friends. He won't see her again for at least 6 months as most of his

time is in Lhasa guiding people to Everest base camp. We made

offerings for both the 7,000 nuns and 6,000 monks here to pray for a

friend of Vic's and mine who is sick.

Hail in Serta before it turned to snow this eve. Scuzzy hotel no

water, yet it's the best in town. Watching snow fall on surrounding

mountaintops. It was my first night out on the town since being here!

Arrived back and the door to my hotel room was wide open, lights on.

Sigh. Thankfully this amazing day outweighs all else.

*** Virginia Summer Angling Education Workshops Scheduled:

http://www.dgif.virginia.gov/outdoor-report/2009/07/22/#wild-events-you-dont-want-to-miss

*** Travel/Adventure/Outdoors employment opportunities:

*** From Mark Sofman:

1.) Guide, Eastern Mountain Sports, Foxborough, MA

http://hostedjobs.openhire.com/epostings/submit.cfm?fuseaction=app.jobinfo&company_id=15826&jobid=288586&jobboardid=1112

2.) Stables Junior Wrangler (part-time), Keystone Resort, Keystone, CO

https://vailresorts.taleo.net/careersection/external/jobdetail.ftl?lang=en&job=46000&src=JB-10180

3.) Wranglers, Duchesne County, UT

Description: WRANGLERS Wanted wranglers for summer position at guest ranch located in Duchesne Co. Must have at least 2 yrs. exp on horses and have taken guests on trail rides, is willing to learn ranch procedures and safety policies. Works well with guests and is personable. Pay is $120 per day + room & board.

https://jobs.utah.gov/jsp/utahjobs/seeker/search/viewReferralInfo.do?src=gsm&joid=2200843588

4.) Marine Mammal Observer, AES Regulatory and Technical Services, Barrow, AK

http://www.asrc.com/jva/default.asp?id=7011&cp=AES%20Regulatory%20and%20Technical%20Services

5.) Retail Associate, Fishing, Cabela's, Hamburg, PA

http://cabelas.kenexa.com/cabelas/cc/CCJobResultsAction.ss?command=ViewJobDetails&job_REQUISITION_NUMBER=11587

6.) Captain/Mate/Master, Cascade Fishing Inc., Bering Sea, AK

http://www.maritimejobs.com/JobShow.aspx?JobShow=102932&utm_source=Indeed&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Indeed

7.) Breakfast/Lunch Chef, Ruby Springs Lodge, Alder, MT

http://www.thejobnetwork.com/employee/c.asp?action=employee.jobDescription.init&AffiliateID=135&param=3923211

8.) Tour Guides, Insta-Gator Ranch, Covington, LA

http://www.insta-gatorranch.com/jobs.asp

9.) South Pole Area Manager, ITT Corporation, Antarctica

http://sh.webhire.com/servlet/av/jd?ai=591&ji=2343849&sn=I

10.) Project Manager – South Pole Traverse, ITT Corporation, Antarctica

http://sh.webhire.com/servlet/av/jd?ai=591&ji=2343693&sn=I

11.) MFO Organizer, Military Families Outdoors (MFO) Program, Sierra Club, San Francisco, California

Duration: Limited duration of 1 year, possibility of extension depends on funding.

Context: Works with the National Military Representative to coordinate and implement the Military Families Outdoors (MFO) project. Organizes support for MFO project and works with appropriate staff to integrate the program with relevant field and outings programs. Assists in outreach activities and oversight of grants program.

Scope: Plans, organizes and implements education and mobilization efforts for the Military Families Outdoors program. Regularly works outside the office to participate in visibility and outreach events and functions, conduct site visits and environmental education evaluations. Works in close cooperation with the National Military Representative, the National Youth Director, field staff in relevant areas, and volunteer leaders.

Job Activities:

Works with staff to identify, recruit and organize volunteers and leaders who support the MFO program.

Works with appropriate staff and volunteers to integrate MFO program with other Sierra Club programs.

Coordinates visibility events and activities and assists with media outreach to promote the MFO program and partnerships.

Travels to conduct site visits to observe and evaluate grant program and ensure environmental education curriculum is being appropriately implemented by grantees.

Provides information, research, and other assistance to staff, Sierra Club leaders, the public and others about the MFO campaign.

Assists in development of educational and campaign materials.

Performs administrative and clerical duties as assigned by supervisor.

Performs miscellaneous duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

1-2 years' experience working with volunteers in the environmental movement, military community, political campaigns, or other similar organizations.

Valid driver's license, satisfactory driving record, and proof of auto insurance required.

Strong demonstrated written and oral communication skills.

Strong organizational and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work independently, cooperatively and effectively with public, staff and volunteers.

Able to travel as needed. Extensive travel and weekend and/or evening work required

Proficient computer skills; knowledge and experience with word processing, database and communications software. Sierra Club offers competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience plus excellent benefits that include medical/dental/vision coverage, and a retirement savings 401(k) plan

Sierra Club is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse workforce.

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet.

To Apply: We would appreciate if you could take a couple of minutes to answer a few questions about the position you are applying for and about yourself. Please click on this link to take you to this very short survey: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=CIGa9V7O7LA2w8Od9OxY7w_3d_3d. Please send cover letter and resume to: resumes@sierraclub.org To ensure proper routing of your application, please specify job code: (MFO) Military Families Outdoors Organizer — IDTBD in the subject line. Please do not add or modify anything else beside job code in the subject line.

Sierra Club

E-mail: resumes@sierraclub.org

http://foundationcenter.org:80/pnd/jobs/job_item.jhtml?id=259600025

*** From Travis Loop:

12.) Multimedia Specialist, The Chesapeake Bay Program, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Annapolis, Maryland

Can you use a video camera and produce short segments to educate and engage people? Have you produced podcasts and managed audio files? Are you familiar with pushing multimedia content out through online sites such as YouTube, Flickr and Facebook? Do you have graphic design skills?

If so, the Chesapeake Bay Program is hiring a Multimedia Specialist to produce and manage a variety of content. Candidates should have one to two years of experience in video and podcast production, online content distribution and graphic design. The ability to use cameras, microphones and programs such as iMovie, Final Cut, GarageBand and Photoshop is preferred. Applicants should be highly organized, exceptionally creative, savvy with technology and self-motivated, as well as have a strong interest in environmental issues. This is a great opportunity for recent college graduates who have hands-on experience working with multimedia hardware and software.

The Chesapeake Bay Program is a federal-state partnership that works to restore and protect the Chesapeake Bay and the thousands of streams, creeks and rivers in the watershed. For more information about the partnership, visit www.chesapeakebay.net. The Communications Office is administered by the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay (www.acb-online.org ) through a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The Multimedia Specialist will work in Annapolis, Maryland at the Chesapeake Bay Program Office, which is located on the water and near the historic downtown area. The position pays $36,215 and includes a competitive benefits package.

Please email a resume, work samples and salary requirements to Travis Loop at tloop@chesapeakebay.net by Friday, August 7.

*** Your Very Next Step is a service of the Job of the Week Network LLC

© 2009 The Job of the Week Network LLC

Edward Lundquist, ABC –

Editor and Publisher

Your Very Next Step

7813 Richfield Road

Springfield, VA 22153

Home office phone: (703) 455-7661

lundquist989@cs.com

www.nedsjotw.com

Subscribe for free. Send a blank email to:

yourverynextstep-subscribe@topica.com.

“Ideas are like rabbits. You get a couple and learn how to handle them, and pretty soon you have a dozen.”

– John Steinbeck

Your Very Next Step newsletter for April/May 2009

“In India, I found a race of mortals living upon the Earth, but not adhering to it, inhabiting cities, but not being fixed to them, possessing everything, but possessed by nothing”

– Apollonius Tyanaeus

“Never look down to test the ground before taking your next step; only he who keeps his eye fixed on the far horizon will find the right road.”

– Dag Hammarskjold

The next adventure begins with your very next step.

“Your Very Next Step” newsletter, published by Ned Lundquist, is a cooperative community, and everyone is invited, no…encouraged, no…urged to participate.

Subscribe for free. Send a blank email to:

yourverynextstep-subscribe@topica.com.

Send us your comments, questions, and contributions to lundquist989@cs.com.

You are now among 583 subscribers.

Contact Ned at lundquist989@cs.com.

*** In this issue:

*** Travel News

*** YVNS “Sport You Must Try” for April/May

*** What’s the most profitable airline in America?

*** What do children say about the ocean?

*** What stupid things do people say to travel agents?

*** Ned visits Abu Dhabi

*** Ned visits India

*** What does a red light mean in India?

*** What do you do with limes and peppers? Why, ward off evil spirits, of course.

*** How do you make a chickoo shake?

*** What’s the only place in Pune to get mawa cake and Shrewsbury biscuits?

*** See Seva Allu Puri, a Bombay specialty, assembled right before your eyes (yes, Ned eats it).

*** The lake with the longest name is apparently spelled wrong on Massachusetts road signs. Who knew?

*** Travel, Outdoor and Adventure Jobs and Volunteer Opportunities

…and much more…and it’s all FREE!!!

*** Why did it take so long to get this issue out to you? Well, I had so much to say. Even now, I have not chronicled my entire trip to Abu Dhabi and India. So I will stop here and add more later because there is soooo much to talk about. A few photos have been posted at www.yourverynextstep.com. More to come.

*** Here’s the YVNS Travel News for April/May:

*** Airlines See Signs Of End Of Decline

April airline traffic reports showed some signs of improvement over March and airline executives pointed to stabilization in revenue and demand declines, as carriers continue to search for the bottom of the business travel recession—which analysts said could lag an economic recovery.

http://www.btnonline.com/businesstravelnews/headlines/frontpage_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003971433

*** What’s the most profitable airline in the U.S.?

Allegiant Air's prudent ways help it soar amid slump in travel

The little-known Las Vegas carrier is the nation's most profitable: First-quarter profit rose nearly 200% to $28.2 million on revenue of $142.1 million. And that's despite teaser fares as low as $9.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-allegiant13-2009may13,0,1298065.story

*** Southwest adds Milwaukee, fourth new 2009 destination despite 'no growth' strategy

Southwest Airlines announced yesterday that it will start service in November or December at Milwaukee, a market targeted for growth this year by rival AirTran Airways.

http://www.atwonline.com/news/story.html?storyID=16681

*** America's Top Rides

Theme parks are bastions of the American ideal of grand excess. And what better way to spend a summer vacation than by touring the best that the country has to offer.

http://www.professionaltravelguide.com/Best-Theme-Parks

*** Holy Toledo! New budget carrier to serve midsize U.S. cities

JetAmerica is planning to launch more than 30 flights in July. The low-cost carrier plans to serve small- and medium-sized cities, such as Toledo, Ohio; Lansing, Mich., and others that have had service cut back by major airlines.

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB124337412059255903.html?mod=dist_smartbrief

http://www.nj.com/newark/index.ssf/2009/05/next_stop_newark_new_discount.html

http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/travel/46137737.html?elr=KArksc8P:Pc:UHDaaDyiUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU

*** Every Air-Tran flight will be Wi-Fi equipped by Summer 2009!

Pricing for Gogo Inflight Internet service aboard AirTran Airways flights is based on the

length of the flight and type of device:

Laptops:

$9.95 – Flights under 3 hours

$12.95 – Flights over 3 hours

Handheld Devices (iPhone, Wi-Fi Blackberry):

$7.95 regardless of flight length

http://www.everyflight.com/

http://www.gogoinflight.com/

*** Amtrak Inches Closer to On-Track Wi-Fi in Northern California

Bernie Wagenblast send this link to story on Jaunted:

http://www.jaunted.com/story/2009/5/28/84647/7022/travel/Amtrak+Inches+Closer+to+On-Track+WiFi+in+Northern+California

*** One-way AAdvantage rewards:

Use your miles in a variety of award combinations to book a one-way trip, a round trip or a multi-city trip. New One-Way Flex Awards are offered at a one-way mileage rate – exactly half of the MileSAAver® or AAnytime® round-trip rate.

http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?p=/urls/flexawards.jsp&anchorLocation=DirectURL&title=flexawards

*** Observation tower:

American Airlines still operates the largest fleet of MD-80s. But on my recent trip through AA’s Miami hub, I didn’t see a single MD-80.

*** We just finished National Safe Boating Week (May 16-22), making this a good time to remind boaters to be safe on the water. First and foremost, boaters need to think about life jackets and plan to wear them. A significant number of boaters who lose their lives by drowning each year would be alive today had they worn their life jackets. There is no excuse to see a child on a boat without a PFD.

*** What children say about the ocean, submitted by Gwyneth Saunders:

She says 9, 12 and 15 are good – especially 15!!

CHILDREN WRITE ABOUT THE OCEAN

1) – This is a picture of an octopus. It has eight testicles.

(Kelly, age 6)

2) – Oysters' balls are called pearls. (Jerry, age 6)

3) – If you are surrounded by ocean, you are an island. If you

don't have ocean all round you, you are incontinent.

(Wayne, age 7)

4) – Sharks are ugly and mean, and have big teeth, just like

Emily Richardson. She's not my friend any more.

(Kylie, age 6)

5) – A dolphin breaths through an asshole on the top of its head.

(Billy, age 8)

6) – My uncle goes out in his boat with 2 other men and a woman

and pots and comes back with crabs.

(Millie, age 6)

7) – When ships had sails, they used to use the trade winds to

cross the ocean. Sometimes when the wind didn't blow the sailors

would whistle to make the wind come. My brother said they would

have been better off eating beans.

(William, age 7)

8) – Mermaids live in the ocean. I like mermaids. They are

beautiful and I like their shiny tails, but how on earth do

mermaids get pregnant? Like, really?

(Helen, age 6)

9) – I'm not going to write about the ocean. My baby brother is

always crying, my Dad keeps yelling at my Mom, and my big sister

has just got pregnant, so I can't think what to write.

(Amy, age 6)

10) – Some fish are dangerous. Jellyfish can sting. Electric

eels can give you a shock. They have to live in caves under the

sea where I think they have to plug themselves into chargers.

(Christopher, age 7)

11) – When you go swimming in the ocean, it is very cold, and it

makes my willy small. (Kevin, age 6)

12) – Divers have to be safe when they go under the water.

Divers can't go down alone, so they have to go down on each

other.

(Becky, age 8)

13) – On vacation my Mom went water skiing. She fell off when she

was going very fast. She says she won't do it again because water

fired right up her big fat *ss. (Julie, age 7)

14) – The ocean is made up of water and fish. Why the fish don't

drown I don't know.

(Bobby, age 6)

15) – My dad was a sailor on the ocean. He knows all about the

ocean. What he doesn't know is why he quit being a sailor and

married my mom.

(James, age 7)

*** The bald eagles at the Norfolk Botanical Garden are on camera (the chicks are getting big!). Check out the Eagle Cam:

http://www.wvec.com/cams/eagle.html

*** From Larry Bearfield:

Airport Ticket Agents…unbelievable calls received by a

Washington, DC airport ticket agent offers some examples:

1.. I had a New Hampshire Congresswoman ask for an aisle seat so that her hair wouldn't get messed up by being near the window.

(On an airplane!)

2. I got a call from a candidate's staffer, who wanted to go to Capetown, S.A. . While I started to explain the length of the flight and the passport information, she interrupted me with, ''I'm not trying to make you look stupid, but Capetown is in Massachusetts ” Without trying to make her look stupid, I calmly explained, ''Cape Cod is in Massachusetts, Capetown is in South Africa.''

Her response – click.

3.. A senior Vermont Congressman called, furious about a Florida package we did. I asked what was wrong with the vacation in Orlando.

He said he was expecting an ocean-view room.

I tried to explain that was not possible, since Orlando is in the middle of the state. He replied, 'Don't lie to me, I looked on the map and Florida is a very thin state!'' (OMG)

4. I got a call from a lawmaker's wife who asked, ''Is it possible to see England from Canada ?'' I said, ''No.'' She said, ''But they look so close on the map. (OMG, again!)

5. An aide for a cabinet member once called and asked if he could rent a car in Dallas. When I pulled up the reservation, I noticed he had only a 1-hour layover in Dallas. When I asked him why he wanted to rent a car, he said, ''I heard Dallas was a big airport, and we will need a car to drive between gates to save time.'' (Aghhhh)

6. An Illinois Congresswoman called last week. She needed to know how it was possible that her flight from Detroit left at 8:30 a.m., and got to Chicago at 8:33 a.m. I explained that Michigan was an hour ahead of Illinois, but she couldn't understand the concept of time zones. Finally, I told her the plane went very, very fast, and she bought that.

7. A New York lawmaker called and asked, ''Do airlines put your physical description on your bag so they know whose luggage belongs to whom?'' I said, 'No, why do you ask?'

She replied, ''Well, when I checked in with the airline, they put a tag on my luggage that said (FAT), and I know I'm overweight but I think that's very rude!'' After putting her on hold for a minute, while I looked into it (I was dying laughing), I came back and explained the city code for Fresno, CA is (FAT – Fresno Air Terminal), and the airline was just putting a destination tag on her luggage.

8.. A Senator's aide called to inquire about a trip package to Hawaii . After going over all the cost info, she asked, ''Would it be cheaper to fly to California, and then take the train to Hawaii?''

9. I just got off the phone with a freshman Congressman who asked, “How do I know which plane to get on?'' I asked him what exactly he meant, to which he replied, ''I was told my flight number is 823, but none of these planes seem to have numbers on them.''

10. A lady Senator called and said, ''I need to fly to Pepsi-Cola, Florida. Do I have to get on one of those little computer planes?'' I asked if she meant fly to Pensacola, FL on a commuter plane. She said, ''Yeah, whatever, smart butt!''

11. A senior Senator called and had a question about the documents he needed in order to fly to China . After a lengthy discussion about passports, I reminded him that he needed a visa. 'Oh, no I don't. I've been to China many times and never had to have one of those..'' I double checked and sure enough, his stay required a visa. When I told him this he said, ''Look, I've been to China four times and every time they have accepted my American Express!''

12. A New Mexico Congress woman called to make reservations, ''I want to go from Chicago to Rhino, New York ..'' I was at a loss for words. Finally, I said, ''Are you sure that's the name of the town?'' ''Yes, what flights do you have?'' replied the lady. After some searching, I came back with, ''I'm sorry, ma'am, I've looked up every airport code in the country and can't find a Rhino anywhere.' ''The lady retorted, ''Oh, don't be silly! Everyone knows where it is. Check your map!''

So I scoured a map of the state of New York and finally offered, ''You don't mean Buffalo, do you?'' The reply?

''Whatever! I knew it was a big animal.''

Now you know why the Government is in the shape that it's in! Could anyone be this DUMB?

*** The April YVNS sport Ned has never heard of:

DonkeyBall:

http://www.greenmountaindonkeyball.com/howitworks.htm

http://www.dairylanddonkeyball.com/

http://www.donkeyball.com/

*** Keep up with getting around:

Bernie Wagenblast's Transportation Communications Newsletter, a free daily e-mail publication which provides news and information related to all aspects of communications in the transportation field. This includes a wide variety of topics such as: public and community relations, ITS (intelligent transportation systems), traveler information, outreach, and transportation operations. All modes of transport are included. If you have questions please contact Bernie Wagenblast, the newsletter's editor, at i95berniew@aol.com. Archives of the TCN are located on Yahoo Groups while distribution is handled via Google Groups. To subscribe, please send a blank e-mail to: TCNL-subscribe@googlegroups.com.

*** Ned’s travel to the U.A.E. and India:

My cab driver from home to Dulles airport, Tony, always has wisdom to share. “Three religions come from the Middle East. But look at the Middle East. There is no peace.”

My flight from Dulles to Doha was nearly 12 hours, but I slept after dinner and woke up somewhere over Europe. The flight flew over snow-capped Alps, snow-capped mountains in Turkey and snow-capped mountains in Syria (yes, Syria). It was late afternoon when we arrived at Doha. Many other flights arrived at the same time. Even if you were transferring from one flight to another, you had to pass through a carry-on inspection and x-ray. Then, you had to do it again at the departure gate. Even on the short flight to Abu Dhabi I was served a hot sandwich.

At Abu Dhabi, passport control was pleasant and easy. As I waited for my bags I stood near a group a Etihad flight attendants also awaiting their bags. These flight attendants have these really neat scarves that are attached to their hats (http://www.airwaysmag.com/channel/images/coach_etihad/crew_members.jpg). One was giving another a back rub, and I found myself watching this intently. There were African, European, Middle Easter and Indian stewardesses. They were stunningly beautiful.

At Abu Dhabi I needed a hot cup of coffee (yes, they have Starbucks) and some dirham. I took a cab to the Crowne Plaza, checked in and even though it was very late, took a little stroll. At 10 p.m. people were getting a haircut. I ignored the Burger King, Pizza Hut and Baskin Robbins, and stopped into a very clean Chinese fast food restaurant called ChowKing (well lit, with pleasant – if not obsequious – uniformed staff) and grabbed a quick dinner, went back to my room and crashed. On Sunday morning I went to church, something that is somewhat limited in the Arab world. The attendees were mostly Filipino and Indian. One woman standing in the back had braided hair down to her thigh. I wondered how long it would be if it was unbraided.

On Sunday afternoon I visited Hwee Suan Ong at her office and then we went to the Yacht Club in the Intercontinental Hotel to meet with a group of communicators for a roundtable discussion. Suan and I met up later for dinner at the Lebanese Flower restaurant. I had the mixed grill (that’s not what they called it, but you get the idea). Suan had the pigeon. I made the better choice, we agreed. We ate outside, and all of the restaurant’s tables were packed.

I met up with Ranjit Rai on Monday evening and we went across the street to a shwarma place that he recommended. “It’s very clean,” he told me. But I think this is where the chain reaction began that resulted in my losing ten pounds by the time I got home.

The IQPC conference was interesting. There was a very lively discussion, which sometimes doesn’t take place at these conferences if the attendees do not engage, ask questions, and make comments. In this case they did. And there were a lot of people who could speak from knowledge and experience. Piracy was the topic on everybody’s minds.

On Tuesday evening Suan introduced me to her salsa dancing partners.

On Wednesday afternoon I spent some time in the business lounge at the hotel and then took a cab to the airport and checked in with Etihad in their Coral Economy service. Check in was easy and pleasant, as was immigration and security. In the gate area I watched a woman talking continuously on two cell phones that didn’t stop ringing.

The overnight flight on Etihad is not crowded. The two people sitting next to me move to the back of the plane to spread out. I was one of three non-Indians. I chose the fish tagine and decided it was just okay. On Etihad, however, you get real silverware, just like in the old days on U.S. airlines. Etihad aspires to be a five-star carrier, as rated by SkyTrax. I believe that one criterion for 5-star selection is the youthful beauty of the female cabin attendants. U.S. airlines used to dismiss stewardesses if they put on a pound or two, and wouldn’t hire you if you weren’t pretty in the first place. Age is no longer a limitation on U.S. carriers. You see no grandmothers on overseas airlines like Qatar or Emirates, with young flight attendants that come from Malaysia, Egypt, India, Vietnam, Kenya, Ethiopia, Thailand and other exotic worlds where a job like this is a dream for many. Etihad has flight attendants from 75 countries, in fact. The A320 is showing a Bollywood movie which I choose not to watch, but one of the cabin speakers remain on and even with my sound canceling headphones am annoyed by it.

Upon arrival in Mumbai, I proceed through immigration, where I am welcomed. I waited for the bags, and watched some guy who was bringing liquor into the country find that his big duffle bags were full of broken bottles, and I watched him pour his luggage down a drain. I had nothing to declare, but had to wait in a sort of line, more of a gaggle of people push their carts towards the nothing-to-declare X-ray scanner, where our bags are checked for God-knows-what. It’s 3 a.m. Everyone is tired. Many people just came in on a flight from some place where “luggage” hasn’t been invented yet, and so had huge bundles, wrapped in blankets and intricately tied with something. Maybe there were live animals in those bundles, because they were all in a big hurry and had to push in front of me. A man in a white uniform asks me if I have something to declare. I say no, and he looks at me as if to say “Well, why are you in this line,” but then thought of the other side of the issue and looked perplexed, as if he was thinking “We better be sure to X-ray your stuff because you don’t look to trusting.” Then, as if overcome by the moment, he says, “Okay, you can go.” And I bypassed the people with the tied up bundles. There seem to be armies of uniformed airport workers, airline employees, immigration and customs people, and many other bureaus and administrations I don’t even know about, most standing around. I changed some dollars to rupees, including some small bills, knowing I would need to show my gratitude for the person I was told would be coming to get me at this late – or early – hour. I pass through another checkpoint where I must fill out some stub of a form I was given earlier. Outside of the terminal it seems chaotic. But I find the man holding a sign with my name on it, and I am very glad to see him. To tell the truth, this was one of the few moments of the trip I had been apprehensive about.

Mr. Moolya and I leave the airport and he races through the night. Much of the buildings and structures I see, even right next to the airport, are in sad repair or nearing collapse. There is trash every where, like in Catania when the sanitation workers go on strike (I know, I know, that never happened with Mussolini). There are lots of people out and on the road in the middle of the night, and some cars have their headlights on. I imagine how bad it must be in broad daylight and full traffic. I see lots of bodies stretched out on the sidewalk (sleeping I presume). Black and yellow cabs and auto rickshaws (three-wheeled enclosed motor scooters) are lined up, ready to attack the next day. They have red lights on Mumbai streets, just like in the U.S., but it doesn’t mean the same thing. I’m not sure what a red traffic light means here. I’ll have to ask someone. Our drive is mostly along city streets. There isn’t what I would call a motorway between the big airport and downtown Mumbai.

Finally we arrive at the guest house at Harbour Heights. Rajesh, the caretaker, welcomes me. My room has a/c, but I ask about internet or wireless and get a confused look. I try to see if I am within range of a wireless signal and find that none exists. The a/c is loud, and blows right down on my head. I can’t figure out how to get my adaptor plug set to go from my plug to the wall socket. Even now at night I hear many birds outside. There’s one in particular that sounds like a big man kneeling on the rib cage of a boy, you know that sound you make when somebody gives you a body slam? I get up a few hours later and take a shower. I note later that the little gauge on the small hot water heater would have told me what I had just learned, that I was out of hot water (Note to self: Turn on hot water heater before taking shower). The view from my window includes a colorful fish market on a stone pier. I might check that out later. Breakfast is quite a production. I am given five newspapers, including the Hindustan Times, Times of India, Mumbai Mirror, Bombay Times and Economic Times. Breakfast is an Indian omelet, toast and cornflakes. Three people watch me eat. I ask for coffee and watch CNBC, where people in a monotone discuss the fact that inflation is up just a little bit today, and the Rupee is down just a little bit.

I walk out of the Harbour Heights compound, out past the fire brigade and around the naval quarters to the Sassoon Docks, where a busy fish market is underway. Men and women are sorting fish, shredding ice, peeling shrimp, and calling out noisily. It smells like a fish market in Mumbai would smell. The women are dressed in bright sulwars and saris. The boats are topped with colorful pennants. There are many shrines along the sidewalks, adorned with flowers, like marigold petal leis.

On the way back I see a young boy crying as he gets his haircut on the sidewalk. I learn later that this is called an “Italian haircut.” This refers to the word “ita,” which means “pile of bricks.” Seated upon couple of bricks on the sidewalk is where you get the “Ita-lian haircut.”

Back in my room, a short while later I can look out and see that the market is virtually empty. I can also see a big smokestack rising from a sort of industrial ruins. The tall chimney has a tree growing out of the top.

Bombay is an historical crossroads. The world has visited here many times, and left some it of itself behind. There was a small Jewish community that has remained here for centuries. It was targeted by the 26/11 attackers. Bombay is also home to a Parsi community, who emigrated here from Persia long ago. They are Zoroasters, and Bombay is home to more Zoroastrian temples than any other place (40% of them are here). “Four of the ten highest grades of fire (Atash Baram) in the world are housed in fires houses in Mumbai,” reports the Times of India.

On Thursday evening Capt. Vijay Shivdasani takes me to his house to meet some of the members and friends of the Indian Maritime Foundation. “Vijay, may I ask you a personal question?”

He nods.

“What does a red light mean in India?”

I told him about my cab ride very early that morning, where my driver raced through every intersection without so much as a hesitation or a glance.

“That’s a difficult question,” he says with resignation. “It is a very good question. Of course, everywhere in the world, a red light means stop.” He pauses. “But this is India.”

At his house I make a presentation for the benefit of those who joined us and then we have a very lively discussion. It was supposed to be a one-hour session, but while some had to leave, most stayed. It broke up after three hours. The presentation was covered by Sarosh Manna, the defence correspondent with Business India, which is India’s largest business magazine.

Vijay and his wife, Suchita, took me to the Bombay Gymkhana, a private club with a very long tradition (http://www.bombaygymkhana.com/index.asp), where we met up with some friends and ate in the very busy lounge. We ordered a steady steam of goodies from the bar menu, and my hosts had fun getting me to try different Indian dishes. I had kulfi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kulfi) for desert, which is a kind of ice cream on a stick that is also served in a bowl after being cut up from the popsicle stick.

(Here’s the recipe, but I don’t think mine had cool whip in it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKl1aMBCDUk)

On Friday, Bish Mukherjee came in from Chennai, and Elizabeth Zavier joined up from Bangalore and they met me at the guest house at Harbor Heights. Rajesh and my caretakers made breakfast for all of us. Elizabeth ordered lassi for me, along with Poha, a sort of potato pancake made with “half beaten rice,” coriander, mustard, onion, salt and turmeric powder. http://indianfood.about.com/od/sidesandsalads/r/poha.htm. It can also be served with chutney either made out of coconut or nuts. Lassi is a very popular beverage in India, a sort of yogurt smoothie, served slightly sweet or slightly salty (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lassi).

Elizabeth’s daughter decortated her hand with henna. See http://www.yourverynextstep.com/blog/_archives/2009/5/24/4198910.html.

We all had a good look around Mumbai, then went shopping at a place Bish was familiar with. We stopped at the Taj Mahal hotel, which was a major target of the 26/11 terrorists. Security was uber-tight. You had to pass through three metal detectors before you could buy a cup of coffee in the café.

Bish had originally planned an elaborate conference for this day, but the planned had to be scaled back because of the economic downturn. We met with a group of communicators at Tata Chemicals. Later, a smaller group of us went out to dinner.

Bish left early Saturday to return to Chennai. Rajesh arranged for a car and driver to take us around for the day. Our driver’s name was Prince. Our cab was not air conditioned. Our first stop was the Babu Amichand Panalal Adishwarji Jain Temple. Jains comprise just one percent of the Indian population, but have contributed greatly to Indian culture. Jains go to their temples to respect Tirthankaras who have transcended the cycle of rebirths and become examples for all to follow. Jainism teaches that you harm no living thing. “Live and let others live.” We took off our shoes and were able to walk all around without disturbing the worshippers. In fact, several took time to answer questions. They carried prayer beads. Occasionally, upon completion of prayers, a worshipper would ring a bell.

http://pluralism.org/resources/tradition/essays/jain5.php

An older woman was selling small bundles of limes and hot peppers strung together (http://www.nedsjotw.com/_photos/100_0633.JPG). These are to be placed over the doorway to ward off evil spirits. That’s why there’s one hanging over the entrance to the 7-11 right here in my neighborhood.

Later, I watched a few street vendors making Seva Allu Puri, a Bombay specialty. One gentleman was furiously cutting onions in to very fine pieces, along with some other things he had already diced. The other vendor places some rice crackers on a plate and started heaping layers of ingredients on top of the crackers. There was onion, mango, tomato, coriander, puffed rice, and some sauce. It was delicious.

http://www.nedsjotw.com/blog/India/_archives/2009/5/8/4179390.html

http://www.nedsjotw.com/blog/India/_archives/2009/5/8/4179392.html

http://www.nedsjotw.com/blog/India/_archives/2009/5/8/4179395.html

http://www.nedsjotw.com/blog/India/_archives/2009/5/8/4179396.html

A third gentleman tied to sell us peacock feather fans throughout the impromptu puri assembly demonstration. He was persistent, but what was I going to do with peacock fans?

Here are some good pictures of what we saw in Mumba (Not my pics, but good examples of where we were and what we saw)i:

http://www.mego.in/cityguide/viewallcomments.aspx?CG=7&C=143

(More about Mumbai in the next installment.)

Sunday 26 April

On Sunday, Elizabeth joined me and we went to church. It was the children’s mass. One boy came in the middle of the service. The priest interrupted himself to tell him (and everyone else) “You’re late. Very bad.” Elizabeth also stopped at the Police Station to thank them for their help the evening before. (That’s part of the story to be told in the next installment.)

I was in a cab on Sunday. There was a little girl who looked just like Latika from “Slumdog Millionaire,” and was begging at the car window just like Latika. The window was open. When I wouldn't make eye contact she spit at me. Then a little boy ran up and starting singing jingle bells.

I waited patiently in the crowded train station for the Deccan Queen (Victoria Station was another 26/11 target). Rajesh shelled out a couple of rupees to accompany me on the platform. I felt competent to get myself on the train, but he didn’t want to chance my getting misplaced. The sign said it would be leaving from Track 11. But as departure time loomed, no train. Finally, I looked around to see a different status board that said my train was at Track 8. We raced down and found my train and car (C2). My name was listed on the computer printout with my seat assignment, which was posted at the door to the car.

The train ride took about three hours. At first we traveled through crowded Mumbai. I saw rail yards where kids were playing cricket, which again reminded me of “Slumdog Millionaire,” where the kids were playing on the airfield. Gradually it became more rural and agrarian. Still, there were a lot of people living in very meager shelters in many places along the tracks. Vendors came up and down the car selling tea, coffee, snacks and other things of which I did not understand. Since I didn’t know what they were, I didn’t take a chance. By the time we passed through the mountains to the other side it was dark, and I could see very little outside of the tinted windows.

Upon arrival at Pune, Rajeev Kumar was right there to meet me as promised. We then went out of the station, which was teeming with travelers, to meet Rajan Vir. We then convoyed through Pune to the Royal Connaught Boat Club, where I would be staying. It was “movie night.” While we had dinner, everyone else was outside watching Delhi 6 with Abhishek Bachchan (whose famous father, Amitabh Bachchan, played himself in “Slumdog Millionaire”).

The website (http://www.boatclubpune.com/aboutus.htm) says the club is located on the “enchanting banks of rivers Mula & Mutha.” The rivers are not used much any more for boating or swimming. There are 300 million Indians without access to toilets, and another 475 million Indians with only partial access. This is where the rivers come in. Compare that with a total population of 300 million Americans, and then ask yourself how many toilets you have in your home.

27 April Pune

Rajeev and I check out the Osho Ashram Meditation Resort, a spiritual center built by the Rajneesh Shree Baghwan. (http://www.osho.com/Main.cfm?Area=MedResort&Language=English). If you want to visit Osho you need to get an HIV test.

He is best known for creating a sprawling compound in Oregon where people came for enlightenment and lots of sex, and to see him drive by in one of his many Rolls Royces.. We miss the morning tour and have other things planned for the afternoon. So we settle on a couple of photos to prove we were there, as I’m sure lots of other gawkers like us do everyday.

After Osho, Rajeev and I head down town for a little shopping and sightseeing. I pick up a few trinkets, including the lightest of silk carves for my girls, and some beautiful elephant ties for myself and Tom. We step across the street to a shop to get a milkshake. Rajeev gets lychee, and I get a chikoo shake. Chickoo is also called sapodilla, or sapota, or chicle, the white gummy stuff that white gummy chicklets were made of and may still be for all I know, and a bunch of other names

Here’s how to make a chickoo shake:

Chickoo Milk Shake

Ingredients:

4 cubed chickoos

1/2 litre milk

6-8 tsp granulated sugar

Ice cubes

Method:

Remove skin and seeds from chickoos and cut into cubes.

Put cubed chickoos with sufficient milk in a blender and blend until a smooth paste forms.

Add rest of the milk, sugar, ice cubes and blend for another 15-20 seconds

Serve chilled in tall glasses.

My chickoo shake was just 30 rupees.

http://www.yourverynextstep.com/blog/_archives/2009/5/30/4205413.html

(My research also turned this up:

Sapodilla grows to 3-4 m tall. It is wind-resistant and the bark is rich in a white, gummy latex called chicle. The ornamental leaves are medium green and glossy. They are alternate, elliptic to ovate, 7-15 cm long, with an entire margin. The white flowers are inconspicuous and bell-like, with a six-lobed corolla.

The fruit is a large ellipsoid berry, 4-8 cm in diameter, very much resembling a smooth-skinned potato and containing 2-5 seeds. Inside, its flesh ranges from a pale yellow to an earthy brown color with a grainy texture akin to that of a well-ripened pear. The seeds are black and resemble beans, with a hook at one end that can catch in the throat if swallowed.

The flavor is exceptionally sweet and very tasty, with what can be described as a malty flavor. The unripe fruit is hard to the touch and contains high amounts of saponin, which has astringent properties similar to tannin, drying out the mouth.

The sapodilla trees yield fruit twice a year, though flowering may continue year round. The fruit has a high latex content and does not ripen until picked. Some are round and some are oval with pointed ends.

Sapodillas

Other Names

Sapodilla is known as chikoo (“à¤sिà¤.्à¤.à¥,” or “chiku,” “à¤sà¥?à¤.à¥,,”) and sapota in India, sofeda in eastern India and Bangladesh, sawo in Indonesia, há»”ng xiêm (lit. “Siamese persimmon”) or xa pô chê in Vietnam, lamoot (ละมุด) in Thailand and Cambodia, sapodilla in Guyana sapathilla or rata-mi in Sri Lanka, nìspero in Colombia, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Dominican Republic and Venezuela, nìpero in Cuba, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic, dilly in The Bahamas, naseberry in the rest of the Caribbean, sapoti in Brazil, and chico sapote in Hawaii, southern California and southern Florida. In Kelantanese Malay, the fruit is called “sawo nilo” which is closer to the original name than the standard Malay “ciku”.)

In this same place, when you order coffee or tea to go, they wrap it in plastic and staple it for you. See http://www.yourverynextstep.com/blog/_archives/2009/5/30/4205415.html

We pass through some alleys and onto another thoroughfare to the famous Kayani Bakery.

http://www.yourverynextstep.com/blog/_archives/2009/5/30/4205418.html

Rajeev insists I bring home some Shrewsbury biscuits, and picks up a mawa cake for each of us.

(Turns out it was a good thing we did, because according to this, I would have been ion the doghouse if I had neglected my duties:

http://potoba.blogspot.com/2008/10/kayani-bakery-and-mawa-cake.html.)

Outside, a vendor lets me try a neera, a fruit related to a coconut and grows in clusters on palms near the coast. It tastes like young coconut, too.

Here, try some:

http://www.yourverynextstep.com/blog/_archives/2009/5/30/4205423.html

http://www.yourverynextstep.com/blog/_archives/2009/5/30/4205428.html

I point to a legume that has a reddish color to it and call them soy beans (they look like edamame, only with a reddish tinge), and am corrected by a woman who tells me they are Indian tamarinds. I see a man in uniform, and he can tell I am someone of importance. We exchange salutes in front of the tamarinds.

http://www.yourverynextstep.com/blog/_archives/2009/5/30/4205430.html

Later, Rajeev buys a neera drink from a vendor. It’s cloying sweet drink, like coconut water, cool but not ice cold.

Rajeev takes me to the old fort, a heritage site, once a palace to the Peshawars, and later a base of operations for the British.

Here I am in the fort, and also Rajeev and I together:

http://www.yourverynextstep.com/blog/_archives/2009/5/30/4205470.html

http://www.yourverynextstep.com/blog/_archives/2009/5/30/4205472.html

(More later on the rest of my visit to Pune and my flight to New Delhi; my visit to Agra; and my presentation at the International Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies.)

May 1, New Delhi and Gurgaon:

I had a driver take me from Defence Colony to Gurgaon, the commercial city outside of Delhi where Genesis Burson Marsteller is located. Sanjay had a flat tire enroute in the inside lane, and I didn't know whether I should risk getting out in traffic or stay where I was. Turns out Sanjay changed the tire in record time and we were on our way. Much of the trip followed the new elevated Metro system currently under construction. This system, I'm told, is ahead of schedule and under budget.

http://www.delhimetrorail.com/index.htm

*** More on Ned's visit in the next edition of Your Very Next Step.

*** I posted this in JOTW a few weeks ago::

I hope to post a full account of my trip to the UAE and India at “Your Very Next Step,” my travel and adventure blog (www.yourverynextstep.com). But here’s a little tidbit:

Elephanta Island (or Gharapuri Island, “The place of caves”) isjust one of the islands in Mumbai Harbour, between Mumba on the west and the Indian mainland on the east. I took the ferry boat out there to see the world famous cave temples, the Elephanta Caves, carved out of solid rock inside the islands caves.

My friends, Elizabeth, and I took the boat from the Gateway of India, next to the Taj Mahal Hotel, known today for the 26/11 attacks. It was a pleasant ride, albeit on a crowded ferry. They charged us a few extra rupees to sit on the upper deck. We perched next to the pilot house. The boat passes ships in the harbor, the Indian Navy's dockyards, where I could see Leanders and Russian destroyers that now serve in the Indian Navy, as well as a petroleum loading facility on one of the islands. It's not the most crowded roadstead I've see, but among the the top ten. We sat with the wind coming towards us. The young girl behind us who got sick managed to spray the rest of the people on the upper deck (and maybe the lower deck, too), but not us.

Once you get off the boat you pay a fee, which is more for foreigners (about ten times more). Then you take a little narrow gauge train down the pier and around towards the little village, and that costs some more money. They you can walk up the 150 steps or so, past the monkeys and the stalls selling shirts, trinkets, even magic tricks, to the top where they charge you again to get into the cave area.

We had taken a late afternoon boat to the island, and were in a hurry so we wouldn't miss the last boat back. But even a short visit to see the first and largest of the caves was worth the trip. These caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, contain Shaivistic high reliefs in stone of Hindu deities important to worshipers of Shiva. The sculptures date to the Silhara kings of the 9th through 13th centuries (810–1260). The temple complex is said to be the abode of Shiva. Imagine that, I was in the abode of Shiva!

The caves had been somewhat destroyed by time and man. Yet they still had a dignity and power about them. One altar in a dark place, upon closer investigation, had a recent offering on it. This is still a sacred place.

This site has some great photos of Elephanta Island and the caves.

http://www.pbase.com/bmcmorrow/mumbaielephanta&page=1

*** Work & Travel In Greece Summer 2009-2010

http://www.jobsabroad.com/listingsp3.cfm/listing/33271

*** Susan Burnell sent me this delightful photo of Springtime in Texas, with the bluebonnets and Indian paintbrushes:

http://www.yourverynextstep.com/blog/_archives/2009/5/30/4205478.html

*** Early one morning, my sister told me she was having coffee outside her house in Mount Tremper, smelling the lilacs. I asked her to send me pics, because the lilacs from our houses in Auburndale and Harwich Center are so evocative. I miss them.

http://www.yourverynextstep.com/blog/_archives/2009/5/30/4205481.html

*** Women and girls are the “water haulers” of the world. On average, women and girls in developing countries walk 6 kilometers a day, carrying 20 litres of water, greatly reducing the time they have for other productive work or for girls to attend school.

Sanitation in India, Nepal and Bangladesh, particularly rural sanitation, is a high priority. One study in Bangladesh indicated that a separate toilet could increase the number of girls in school by as much as 15 per cent. These countries also need support to mitigate the deadly effects of arsenic and fluoride contamination of groundwater.

(Source: Unicef)

*** From Bill Rooney:

Mass. lake with 45 letters in its name spelled wrong on road signs,

officials say

04-20-2009 8:44 PM

WEBSTER, Mass. (Associated Press) — Officials have agreed to correct

spelling errors in road signs pointing to a central Massachusetts lake

with a 45-letter name. Lake

Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg in Webster has one of the

world's longest place names. It's been spelled many different ways over

the years. Some locals have given up and simply call it Lake Webster.

But after researching historical spelling combinations, the Telegram &

Gazette of Worcester said local Chamber of Commerce officials agreed

that some signs were wrong. There was an “o” at letter 20 where a “u”

should have been, and an “h” at letter 38 where an “n” should go.

There are many stories and legends about the origin of the Indian name.

One popular myth _ later debunked _ holds that the name translates

roughly to 'You fish on your side, I fish on my side, and nobody fish in

the middle.'

*** Travel/Adventure/Outdoors employment opportunities:

*** From Pat Valdata:

Hi, Ned. Here’s one I just heard about on Facebook:

BIOLOGICAL FIELD TECHNICIANS AND INTERNS NEEDED (10) by the Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory (RMBO) to conduct bird surveys for our Regional Monitoring Program that includes surveys in Wyoming, Arizona, Colorado, South Dakota, North Dakota, New Mexico, Nebraska, Texas, Montana, Oklahoma, and Kansas. RMBO is committed to the conservation of birds and their habitats. Technicians will be expected to attend one of the training workshops in late April through mid May and work through the end of July. The training workshops consist of a 5-day comprehensive training on the protocols conducted by RMBO. The workshops will take place throughout the study area, after which technicians will be required to work independently the majority of the time to conduct bird surveys and complete data entry. The standard work week will be ten days on/four days off. Technicians should be able to identify all western and some eastern birds by sight and sound, and should expect to hike off-trail regularly in steep, rugged terrain, sometimes under difficult conditions. Applications will be accepted through 15 April 2009 but positions will be filled as suitable applicants are found.

Qualifications: Experience with point-counts, western tree and shrub ID, backcountry hiking/backpacking, and navigation (w/ maps, compass, and GPS) is preferred. Primitive camping, often without phone service or facilities, will be required. A valid driver's license, personal vehicle, proof of auto insurance, binoculars, camping gear, a strong work ethic, and enthusiasm are required. Monthly salary of $1700-$2400, plus mileage and some lodging will be reimbursed. Internships are also available for those looking to gain experience.

Please e-mail a cover letter and resume with at least three references to Chris White at chris.white@rmbo.org

*** From Bill Seiberlich:

Media Relations Manager, The Nature Conservancy, Conshohocken, PA

The Nature Conservancy is seeking a Media Relations Manager, Marketing

Resource Center (MRC) – East.

The Media Relations Manager is part of a team of skilled marketing

professionals working within the Marketing Resource Center (MRC) – East.

The Media Relations Manager will work with MRC staff and state, region

and country program staff to develop and implement media strategies that

maximize the Conservancys presence in target markets (with a focus on

the Philadelphia media market), develop new and existing constituencies

and achieve fundraising, public policy, and conservation and science

objectives. Overall, s/he will contribute to the development and

implementation of strategic communications strategies, messages and

materials specifically for The Nature Conservancy (TNC) partner programs

served by the MRC.

The Media Relations Manager reports to the MRC Director, does not

supervise staff, and will sometimes manage outside resources and related

vendors in order to complete projects.

Basic Qualifications:

– Bachelors degree in English, Marketing, Journalism or related field

and a minimum of 5 years related experience or equivalent combination.

– Experience in client and account management.

– Experience writing, editing, proofreading, and with oral

communications.

– Experience with all MS Office suites functions.

THE NATURE CONSERVANCY is an EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Contact: To view the entire position description and to apply, please

visit www.nature.org/careers/, click View Positions and search by the

position title and location. All resumes must be submitted through The

Nature Conservancy's online application. A user guide for the online

application is available on our website. Application Deadline is June

10, 2009.

*** Your Very Next Step is a service of the Job of the Week Network LLC

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“India has two million gods, and worships them all. In religion all other countries are paupers; India is the only millionaire.”

– Mark Twain