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American Aerial Performer Sam Panda Breaks Neck after Equipment Failed in Bali

American Aerial Performer Sam Panda Breaks Neck after Equipment Failed in Bali

Sam Panda was living every traveler’s dream of seeing the world while making a living doing what she loves. The Myrtle Beach, South Carolina native is a trained circus performer and contortionist, as well an aerialist, and has performed in tourist hotspots like Greece and Jakarta.

Sam Panda performing
Photo by: Sam Panda

About six months ago, Panda moved to Bali with her husband, where he was training in mixed martial arts and took a job at Finn’s Beach Club Canggu entertaining guests with her mesmerizing talents. Things were going well for the young couple, but that changed October 26th.

Sam Panda

Panda was performing live in an aerial show when a rig she was on malfunctioned without warning. She broke her neck as she dropped approximately 13 feet onto the stage in front of a packed crowd. She survived the accident, but suffered severe injuries.

She explained her condition in a Facebook post.

“I have broken my C5 vertebrae (that means I broke my neck), burst the discs between my C5 and C6 as well as C6 and C7, and those are pushing into my spinal cord. I also had to get 8 stitches in my head. I am hospitalized at the moment. I am not paralyzed and can move my arms and legs, but I also cannot walk yet (spine can’t support my weight, plus I’m pretty weak and woozy).”

Sam Panda in Bali hospital
Photo by: Sam Panda

Doctors urged Panda to go elsewhere for the complicated surgery she would need and encouraged her to relocate to a different country in order to receive proper care. However, to medevac her to Taiwan, where she would be treated by specialists, it would cost around $40,000. And Finn’s, her employer, wouldn’t cover the costs, according to a Go Fund Me campaign that was started by family and friends.

“To all asking about the medevac: Finn’s has not paid for anything nor have they passed on any well wishes nor been in contact with the performer daily as they are claiming in their responses. We know this because WE are in daily contact with her,” a friend wrote on the Go Fund Me page.

So for 12 days, Panda was forced to stay in a hospital that wasn’t equipped to treat her. A video (which I’m not posting because the family respectfully asked me not to) of Panda’s fall quickly spread online. Angry viewers flooded Finn’s Facebook page with negative reviews and questions as to why they refused to pay for the medevac. Their response was to have employees write fake positive reviews, but that proved to be ineffective due to the overwhelming amount of harsh feedback, so they disabled the review option from their Facebook page.

Screen shot of a negative review before it was taken down

The club is owned by former Australian footballer Tony Smith, who was previously charged with conspiracy to kidnap a bank executive, according to the BBC. 

I reached out for a comment and asked for their account of what happened, for them to address the claim of faulty equipment and why Panda’s medical bills weren’t fully covered. I received a prompt reply back, and as you can see, none of my questions were answered.

Dear Heather

All of the 600 plus staff at Finn’s Bali are praying for Sam at this time.

Finn’s has paid for the best medical care available here in Bali and fully support Sam in her decision to seek medical care in Taiwan where she can be with her family.

We wish her the very best for her ongoing treatment and a swift recovery.

Best regards,

Yuda
Sales & Reservation Executive

The performer is finally in Taiwan thanks to the funds raised for the medevac. Her surgery was successful and Panda wrote another update about the situation.

“Good morning all you babes out there who sent me SO MUCH positivity, because it fucking worked. I don’t remember much after the surgery except that I didn’t think it had even started yet, and that I called my doctor an asshole for slitting my throat, but also that I loved him for the huge success. I’m in pain, but I can tolerate it, and I think Rockstar needs a break. If you’re in the mood to swing by, feel free. Visitors help me a lot. 💜💜💜💜💜”

Photo by: Sam Panda

While it seems like Panda is on the road to recovery—a long, expensive, painful recovery—experts in the field say this could have been prevented and that the accident was in no way Panda’s fault.

Scott Osgood, who has 40 years of experience and is the founder of Acrobatic Solutionsand an acrobatic equipment and rigging system designer, exclusively talked to The Voluntourist.

“From viewing the video, and with my understanding of the equipment, nothing snapped on the rigging. It is clear to me that the electric winch that was supporting Sam and her Lyra was overcome by the small dynamic force generated from her acrobatic movement. The winch gearbox was not able to hold the dynamic force, the gearbox allowed the winch to backwind, once the winch started to backwind, the resistance decreased and the rate of fall increased.”

He added, “As I understand, the winch that Sam Panda was provided by Finn’s Beach Club has NONE of the above standard safety equipment installed. A simple brake costing a few hundred dollars would have made all the difference in the world for Sam. This tragic incident could have been avoided with a few standard precautions.”

Sam Panda

Ray Pierce, a professional rigger since 1973 who specializes in aerial, designs rigging solutions, lectures on advance aerial rigging techniques and is founder of Hollywood Aerial Arts, agrees.

“There was a small metal disc called the lineweight and the specific hook that was used on this leads me to believe that it appears much like a very inexpensive hoist, which is a small $200 little motor that you would use in an automative shop to lift stuff off the ground. To put it on a desk or something like that. They are very good for that application where there’s not a lot of risk involved. A hoist is different from a winch. A winch is something that pulls. A hoist is something it lifts, which means there has to have [sic] some sort of mechanical break on there so when it lifts it up, it will stay in the air.  Based on what I said, it appeared she did a move called a “drop” that exerts excess force on the system. When that force was exerted, it appeared the break failed and it unspooled, which allowed her quickly descend to the ground.”

He added, “There was no breakage in the wire, the hook didn’t fail, the rigging above it didn’t fail because something would have fallen down on the ground. The only thing it appears to be is a break failure in whatever the system was that was holding her up. That wasn’t seen, but the only reason why I’m making that conclusion is because I recognize the hook and the lineweight that was [sic] on there. And that goes to a very inexpensive hoist that should never be used for aerial work for any circumstances. It appears the motor gave out in someway, which allowed the wire to unspool.”

So what exactly is a rigger? Pierce explained.

Sam Panda performing the day she fell

“There’s a missing link between what people come up with as an idea and bringing it to life. So you have the creative part of that, which is someone who says, ‘I want to have a girl spin up in the air and twirl over and land over here.’ That’s a creative concept, and the rigging design group is one that actually brings that to life and says, ‘of the five ways of doing it, here’s the safest.”

Sam Panda

Liz Cooper, who is an aerial instructor and performer in Winnipeg, Canada, also talked to the Voluntourist exclusively and revealed how safety is a big concern in the industry for performers.

“It’s very common. People without direct experience or knowledge simply have no idea of the forces and loads involved in rigging to support human beings.

I once walked away from a nightclub gig when I told them the rigging point they wanted me to use was not adequate. The lighting technician (not an actual trained rigger) said, “oh, it’s fine. We hang big ass speakers from that point all the time. You’re not that heavy.” I answered, “I’m not a big ass speaker…I’m a living human being who would end up paralyzed or dead when that point fails. I’m not using it. It’s not strong enough for any person to hang from safely. Here are the numbers (shown on a rigging calculation app on my phone). Don’t use it.”

Cooper said, “The big problem is that safety is expensive: requires investing in equipment rated for human loading which is far more costly than any off-the-shelf gear from the local hardware store and hiring qualified professionals who charge for their time (and deservedly so). In most cases, venues are trying to cut costs wherever they can and doing so often affects working conditions for performers. When it happens to aerial performers, it can result in serious injury or worse.”

But stated that, “If the risks are managed and planned for correctly, it’s safer than being a football player! I’ve had far fewer injuries from aerial performing than I ever did in dance or gymnastics.”

When more information on the situation and Panda becomes available, I will report back. As mentioned, none of her medical costs are currently being covered by Finn’s so if you’ve like to contribute, click here for her Go Fund Me page. Anything donated is appreciated by Panda and her family and every dollar goes towards her medical expenses.


American Aerial Performer Sam Panda Breaks Neck after Equipment Failed in Bali

American Aerial Performer Sam Panda Breaks Neck after Equipment Failed in Bali

Sam Panda was living every traveler’s dream of seeing the world while making a living doing what she loves. The Myrtle Beach, South Carolina native is a trained circus performer and contortionist, as well an aerialist, and has performed in tourist hotspots like Greece and Jakarta.

About six months ago, Panda moved to Bali with her husband, where he was training in mixed martial arts and took a job at Finn’s Beach Club Canggu entertaining guests with her mesmerizing talents. Things were going well for the young couple, but that changed October 26th.

 

Panda was performing live in an aerial show when a rig she was on malfunctioned without warning. She broke her neck as she dropped approximately 13 feet onto the stage in front of a packed crowd. She survived the accident, but suffered severe injuries.

She explained her condition in a Facebook post.

“I have broken my C5 vertebrae (that means I broke my neck), burst the discs between my C5 and C6 as well as C6 and C7, and those are pushing into my spinal cord. I also had to get 8 stitches in my head. I am hospitalized at the moment. I am not paralyzed and can move my arms and legs, but I also cannot walk yet (spine can’t support my weight, plus I’m pretty weak and woozy).”

Doctors urged Panda to go elsewhere for the complicated surgery she would need and encouraged her to relocate to a different country in order to receive proper care. However, to medevac her to Taiwan, where she would be treated by specialists, it would cost around $40,000. And Finn’s, her employer, wouldn’t cover the costs, according to a Go Fund Me campaign that was started by family and friends.

“To all asking about the medevac: Finn’s has not paid for anything nor have they passed on any well wishes nor been in contact with the performer daily as they are claiming in their responses. We know this because WE are in daily contact with her,” a friend wrote on the Go Fund Me page.

So for 12 days, Panda was forced to stay in a hospital that wasn’t equipped to treat her. A video (which I’m not posting because the family respectfully asked me not to) of Panda’s fall quickly spread online. Angry viewers flooded Finn’s Facebook page with negative reviews and questions as to why they refused to pay for the medevac. Their response was to have employees write fake positive reviews, but that proved to be ineffective due to the overwhelming amount of harsh feedback, so they disabled the review option from their Facebook page.

The club is owned by former Australian footballer Tony Smith, who was previously charged with conspiracy to kidnap a bank executive, according to the BBC.

I reached out for a comment and asked for their account of what happened, for them to address the claim of faulty equipment and why Panda’s medical bills weren’t fully covered. I received a prompt reply back, and as you can see, none of my questions were answered.

Dear Heather

All of the 600 plus staff at Finn’s Bali are praying for Sam at this time.

Finn’s has paid for the best medical care available here in Bali and fully support Sam in her decision to seek medical care in Taiwan where she can be with her family.

We wish her the very best for her ongoing treatment and a swift recovery.

Best regards,

Yuda

Sales & Reservation Executive

The performer is finally in Taiwan thanks to the funds raised for the medevac. Her surgery was successful and Panda wrote another update about the situation.

“Good morning all you babes out there who sent me SO MUCH positivity, because it fucking worked. I don’t remember much after the surgery except that I didn’t think it had even started yet, and that I called my doctor an asshole for slitting my throat, but also that I loved him for the huge success. I’m in pain, but I can tolerate it, and I think Rockstar needs a break. If you’re in the mood to swing by, feel free. Visitors help me a lot.”

While it seems like Panda is on the road to recovery—a long, expensive, painful recovery—experts in the field say this could have been prevented and that the accident was in no way Panda’s fault.

Scott Osgood, who has 40 years of experience and is the founder of Acrobatic Solutions and an acrobatic equipment and rigging system designer, exclusively talked to The Voluntourist.

“From viewing the video, and with my understanding of the equipment, nothing snapped on the rigging. It is clear to me that the electric winch that was supporting Sam and her Lyra was overcome by the small dynamic force generated from her acrobatic movement. The winch gearbox was not able to hold the dynamic force, the gearbox allowed the winch to backwind, once the winch started to backwind, the resistance decreased and the rate of fall increased.”

He added, “As I understand, the winch that Sam Panda was provided by Finn’s Beach Club has NONE of the above standard safety equipment installed. A simple brake costing a few hundred dollars would have made all the difference in the world for Sam. This tragic incident could have been avoided with a few standard precautions.”

Ray Pierce, a professional rigger since 1973 who specializes in aerial, designs rigging solutions, lectures on advance aerial rigging techniques and is founder of Hollywood Aerial Arts, agrees.

“There was a small metal disc called the lineweight and the specific hook that was used on this leads me to believe that it appears much like a very inexpensive hoist, which is a small $200 little motor that you would use in an automative shop to lift stuff off the ground. To put it on a desk or something like that. They are very good for that application where there’s not a lot of risk involved. A hoist is different from a winch. A winch is something that pulls. A hoist is something it lifts, which means there has to have [sic] some sort of mechanical break on there so when it lifts it up, it will stay in the air.  Based on what I said, it appeared she did a move called a “drop” that exerts excess force on the system. When that force was exerted, it appeared the break failed and it unspooled, which allowed her quickly descend to the ground.”

He added, “There was no breakage in the wire, the hook didn’t fail, the rigging above it didn’t fail because something would have fallen down on the ground. The only thing it appears to be is a break failure in whatever the system was that was holding her up. That wasn’t seen, but the only reason why I’m making that conclusion is because I recognize the hook and the lineweight that was [sic] on there. And that goes to a very inexpensive hoist that should never be used for aerial work for any circumstances. It appears the motor gave out in someway, which allowed the wire to unspool.”

So what exactly is a rigger? Pierce explained.

“There’s a missing link between what people come up with as an idea and bringing it to life. So you have the creative part of that, which is someone who says, ‘I want to have a girl spin up in the air and twirl over and land over here.’ That’s a creative concept, and the rigging design group is one that actually brings that to life and says, ‘of the five ways of doing it, here’s the safest.”

Liz Cooper, who is an aerial instructor and performer in Winnipeg, Canada, also talked to the Voluntourist exclusively and revealed how safety is a big concern in the industry for performers.

“It’s very common. People without direct experience or knowledge simply have no idea of the forces and loads involved in rigging to support human beings.

I once walked away from a nightclub gig when I told them the rigging point they wanted me to use was not adequate. The lighting technician (not an actual trained rigger) said, “oh, it’s fine. We hang big ass speakers from that point all the time. You’re not that heavy.” I answered, “I’m not a big ass speaker…I’m a living human being who would end up paralyzed or dead when that point fails. I’m not using it. It’s not strong enough for any person to hang from safely. Here are the numbers (shown on a rigging calculation app on my phone). Don’t use it.”

Cooper said, “The big problem is that safety is expensive: requires investing in equipment rated for human loading which is far more costly than any off-the-shelf gear from the local hardware store and hiring qualified professionals who charge for their time (and deservedly so). In most cases, venues are trying to cut costs wherever they can and doing so often affects working conditions for performers. When it happens to aerial performers, it can result in serious injury or worse.”

But stated that, “If the risks are managed and planned for correctly, it’s safer than being a football player! I’ve had far fewer injuries from aerial performing than I ever did in dance or gymnastics.”

When more information on the situation and Panda becomes available, I will report back. As mentioned, none of her medical costs are currently being covered by Finn’s so if you’ve like to contribute, click here for her Go Fund Me page. Anything donated is appreciated by Panda and her family and every dollar goes towards her medical expenses.


Jennifer Garner and J.J. Abrams Reunite to Help Raise Nearly $4 Million for the Baby2Baby Gala

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Jennifer Garner (L) and J.J. Abrams attend The 2017 Baby2Baby Gala presented by Paul Mitchell on November 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

Jennifer Garner and J.J. Abrams Reunite to Help Raise Nearly $4 Million for the Baby2Baby Gala

The Paul Mitchell Presents 2017 Baby2Baby Gala in Los Angeles brought together heavy-hitters and influencers across a wide range of industries to raise nearly $4 million dollars to support its work providing basic essentials to children living in poverty.

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Gwyneth Paltrow attends The 2017 Baby2Baby Gala presented by Paul Mitchell on November 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

To date, the organization has distributed over 34 million items including more than 20 million diapers. Most recently, Baby2Baby distributed over 3.6 million basic essentials to provide relief to the families and children who had been impacted by the recent series of catastrophic natural disasters.

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Chrissy Teigen attends The 2017 Baby2Baby Gala presented by Paul Mitchell on November 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

The evening kicked off with a surprise Carpool Karaoke featuring James Corden and Baby2Baby Angel Kate Hudson. In a taped segment, the duo entertained guests with a rendition of Mariah Carey’s “Always Be My Baby” and discussed the importance of Baby2Baby’s mission. Baby2Baby Board Member and Gala Chair Jessica Alba then welcomed guests and introduced Baby2Baby’s Co-Presidents Kelly Sawyer Patricof and Norah Weinstein.

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Jessica Alba (L) and Cash Warren attends The 2017 Baby2Baby Gala presented by Paul Mitchell on November 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

The organization honored Gwyneth Paltrow for her support of Baby2Baby and ongoing dedication to children in need around the world. Tom Ford presented Paltrow with the Giving Tree Award, which the organization awards annually to a mother who uses her position in the public eye to advocate on behalf of the low-income children the organization serves. Past honorees include Jessica Alba, Drew Barrymore, Kate Hudson, Kerry Washington and Jennifer Garner.

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Gwyneth Paltrow accepts the Giving Tree Award from Tom Ford at The 2017 Baby2Baby Gala presented by Paul Mitchell on November 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

In an empowering acceptance speech, Paltrow said, “We’re living in very interesting times. We need to rely on each other and we need to go into our communities and help and lift each other up. There are people who really need us, which is why I am here tonight.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Nicole Richie (L) and Kristen Bell onstage at The 2017 Baby2Baby Gala presented by Paul Mitchell on November 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

The evening featured Baby2Baby Board Member Nicole Richie and Baby2Baby Angel Kristen Bell, who took to the stage and encouraged guests to make donations. The evening also featured remarks from Jessica Biel who spoke passionately about the dangers low-income families face without access to basic necessities. “As a mom, I can’t imagine having to wash and reuse diapers for my baby,” said Biel. “Mothers do what we have to do and we get it done. Hearing the stories of these families broke my heart but also energized me, knowing that I could be a part of their solution. And you can, too.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Jessica Biel attends The 2017 Baby2Baby Gala presented by Paul Mitchell on November 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

Additional guests included Jennifer Garner, Chrissy Teigen, Julie Bowen, Kelly Rowland, Sterling K. Brown, Jessica Capshaw, Zoe Saldana, Selma Blair, Jaime King, Molly Sims, Dax Shepard, Rachel Bilson, Russell Simmons, J.J. Abrams, and Mayor Eric Garcetti.

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Molly Sims attends The 2017 Baby2Baby Gala presented by Paul Mitchell on November 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Julie Bowen attends the 2017 Baby2Baby Gala at 3LABS on November 11, 2017 in Culver City, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

Baby2Baby Angel Busy Philipps welcomed two-time Grammy nominee SWV who brought down the house with an incredible performance before the A-list stars made their way to the after party, DJ’d by Samantha Ronson.

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 11: DJ Samantha Ronson performs during The 2017 Baby2Baby Gala presented by Paul Mitchell on November 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Kelly Rowland dancing at The 2017 Baby2Baby Gala presented by Paul Mitchell on November 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Stefanie Keenan/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

For Sawyer Patricof and Weinstein, the evening represented the culmination of a six-year commitment to supporting low-income children and a significant year of growth and impact for the organization, which served on the frontlines of disaster relief efforts and provided immediate assistance to families with small children that had been devastated by this year’s onslaught of record-breaking hurricanes. In total, Baby2Baby sent 3.6 million basic essentials to Texas, Florida, Puerto Rico, and just a few weeks ago, to families whose lives were destroyed by the fires in Northern California.

“While the devastating images of these last few months are still fresh in our minds, there is something that strikes us all at Baby2Baby. Children right here in Los Angeles live in these same dire circumstances every day. These kids might not be homeless from a hurricane but they are still homeless,” said Sawyer Patricof and Weinstein in an empowering speech. “We feel lucky to be able to mobilize so quickly for families in need across the country, but we are also committed to taking care of our own. There are 353,959 children living in poverty in L.A. alone and we will not stop until every single one of them has the necessities they deserve.”

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Rachel Zoe attends The 2017 Baby2Baby Gala presented by Paul Mitchell on November 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Marco Perego (L) and Zoe Saldana attend The 2017 Baby2Baby Gala presented by Paul Mitchell on November 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

Designed by Los Angeles’ top event producer, Yifat Oren of Oren Co., the evening brought together a wide range of the city’s best chefs who joined forces and donated their time and talent to create one of the city’s most culinary-rich events. The dinner extravaganza was led by Jon Shook and Vinny Dotolo from Animal, Son of a Gun, Jon & Vinny’s, and Trois Familia, with custom cocktails crafted by The Spare Room and a curated wine selection from Helen’s Wine Bar, Veuve Clicquot, and Barrymore Wines. Additional restaurants who participated included Trois Mec, Au Fudge, Burritos La Palma, Craig’s, Destroyer, Felix, Genghis Cohen, Hayden, Here’s Looking at You, KazuNori, Kismet, Luv2eat Thai, McConnell’s, Milk Bar, Republique, Rossoblu, Sqirl, Stumptown, Valerie Confections, Wexler’s Deli, Winsome and more. The star-studded night also featured a custom installation designed for Baby2Baby by acclaimed multimedia artist Alex Israel.

Before the dinner, guests mingled during the cocktail portion where an incredible silent auction took place featuring a meet-and-greet with Kevin Durant, a Chanel Paris Fashion Week Experience, an LA Dodgers game first pitch, a private dining experience from Jon Shook & Vinny Dotolo, exclusive access to the 24th Annual Vanity Fair Oscar party, a private island getaway in the Maldives and many more one-of-a-kind experiences.

LOS ANGELES, CA – NOVEMBER 11: Katie McGrath and J.J. Abrams attend The 2017 Baby2Baby Gala presented by Paul Mitchell on November 11, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Emma McIntyre/Getty Images for Baby2Baby)

Baby2Baby, a non-profit organization led by Co-Presidents Kelly Sawyer Patricof and Norah Weinstein, provides low-income children, ages 0-12 years, with diapers, clothing and all the basic necessities that every child deserves. This year alone, Baby2Baby will serve more than 150,000 low-income children in Los Angeles and tens of thousands more in 20 cities across the country through the Baby2Baby National Network. To date, the organization has distributed over 34 million items including more than 20 million diapers. To learn more about Baby2Baby please visit www.baby2baby.org


New Cuba Travel Restrictions for Americans – The Voluntourist Travel Guide

New Cuba Travel Restrictions for Americans – The Voluntourist Travel Guide

President Trump is making good on his word to make travel more difficult to Cuba.

He recently imposed new restrictions that are currently in effect and here’s what you need to know:

Photo by Debbie Emery

There are still authorized categories that will allow you to visit Cuba, which you can see here.

However, the people-to-people category that shows “support for the Cuban people” is no longer a thing. So that’s out. It’s been completely eliminated.

If you go as a tourist, you will now have to be part of an organized group by a U.S. owned tour company, and a representative from the tour group must accompany you on your travels.

Photo by: Debbie Emery

There is also a long list of businesses, which include hotels, stores and tourism agencies that Americans can’t visit. Click here to see that list.

However if you’ve already booked any part of your travel to Cuba before the ban took place, you are still able to go without any issues.

Photo by: Debbie Emery

According to the Washington Post the restrictions “are intended to steer economic activities away from the Cuban military, intelligence and security services . . . and encourage the government to move toward greater economic freedom for the Cuban people,” said a senior administration official, one of several authorized by the White House to brief reporters on the changes on the condition of anonymity.”


Dan Eldon Still Inspires us Today – The Journey is the Destination

How Dan Eldon Still Inspires us Today–See his Story in The Journey is the Destination

Sometimes we encounter people who are so compassionate, driven and inspiring that we just can’t help but to be in awe of them and want to be around them. People so engaging and charismatic that you start to feel something spark in you that you haven’t before. Dan Eldon was one of those people.

 

Dan Eldon Photo provided by Amy Eldon

 

From an early age, Eldon used his visionary talents to create positive change while encouraging others to courageously share the world’s most important stories through innovative storytelling. He believed in contributing to those around him and when he was just a teen, he led a group of kids, which included Christopher Nolan (Director of Dark Knight, Dunkirk), Jeff Gettleman (NY Times Bureau Chief for East Aisa) and Elinor Tatum (Publisher of the Amsterdam News), across Africa to give $17,000 they raised to a refugee camp in Malawi in 1990.

By the time he was 21-years-old, he’d already traveled to 42 countries, had several meaningful adventures-like the one mentioned above, wrote a series of journals that would later have a global impact and shape many lives and he became the youngest staff photojournalist at Reuters.

Eldon was American and British, but living in Kenya with his family who relocated there for work. He went on assignment to Somalia to cover the turbulent events of the famine. As he attended a peace rally, US Marines made the fateful mistake of bombing what they thought was a council of warlords in Mogadishu.

The angry crowd turned on Eldon and his three fellow journalists as a result. They were and stoned and beaten to death. Eldon was just 22 when he died.

His younger sister Amy and his mother Kathy have since dedicated themselves to keeping his spirit alive. Not only did they launch Creative Visions, an organization that helps others use the power of media and the arts to make positive change in his honor, but they’ve written books that show his beautiful photos and detail more about his that fascinating life. And now a movie The Journey is the Destination, which is also the title of one of his books based off his journals, is about his story.

 

Dan and Amy Eldon
Photo provided by; Amy Eldon

 

Written by Academy Award® Nominee Jan Sardi (Shine, The Notebook) and acclaimed director/writer Bronwen Hughes (Stander, Forces of Nature), and produced by one of the producers of Academy Award® and Golden Globe nominated Hotel Rwanda, Martin Katz and Kweku Mandela (The Bang Bang Club, Madiba) the film stars Ben Schnetzer (Pride, The Book Thief, Warcraft), as Dan; Kelly Macdonald (Anna Karenina, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, No Country for Old Men) and Sam Hazeldine (Resurrection, The Monuments Men, The Raven) as Duff and O’Reilly, the journalists who become Dan’s guides to the world of war correspondence, Ella Purnell (Tarzan, Never Let Me Go, Maleficent), as Dan’s sister Amy and Maria Bello (Prisoners, A History of Violence), as his mother Kathy.

“Dan has been a legend for me for 17 years,” says Bello, who plays “My son’s father first gave me the book, The Journey is the Destination, because I was traveling all over the world as well, photographing and attempting to do collage – but nothing like Dan. When I saw it, I was inspired by his way of walking in the world.” The actress admits she sees similarities between herself, and Dan. “My sensibility in life leans towards Dan’s when he was younger. It’s about becoming, and it’s about the journey. And that’s what I try to instill in my child’s life.” Maria says playing Kathy was daunting to take on, because the two are good friends – and know the other so well. “To share this experience with Kathy has been everything…”

For Ben Schnetzer, who plays Dan, it was the realism that really drew him
in. “In a lot of respects, truth is stranger than fiction and it’s more inspiring. You couldn’t make these things up. So, it’s difficult to not be constantly intrigued by the story, and the initiative and the will of someone so young and so curious. It’s been fuel for all of us,” he says.

 

Ben Schnetzer as Dan Eldon in The Journey is the Destination
Photo provided by Amy Eldon

 

Although he was so young, Eldon inspired so many including Oprah, who has featured his story on her show three times, Anderson Cooper, Christiane Amanpour and Hillary Clinton are all fans. In addition, TOMS Shoes founder Blake Mycoskie credits Dan with being one of the main inspirations for starting the globally acclaimed social enterprise.

Eldon set the standard high of how to live admirably, give back to others, love life and inspire future generations. He was a positive role model and example that people can look up to for years to come.

The Journey is the Destination is available to download to rent or buy on the following:

ITUNES:
GOOGLE PLAY
AMAZON VIDEO
VUDU
MICROSOFT STORE


How Start with One Kenya is Fighting the Clean Water Crisis

Lack of clean water in Kenya is an ongoing crisis that’s affecting a large percentage of the population. See how one man and his organization Start with One Kenya is helping.

Disease-free drinking water should be a basic right for anyone, but for millions in Kenya that isn’t the case. According to the Water.org website, “With a population of 46 million, 41 percent of Kenyans still rely on unimproved water sources, such as ponds, shallow wells and rivers, while 59 percent of Kenyans use unimproved sanitation solutions. These challenges are especially evident in the rural areas and the urban slums. Only 9 out of 55 public water service providers in Kenya provide continuous water supply, leaving people to find their own ways of searching for appropriate solutions to these basic needs.”

Bill Coble, a youth pastor from North Carolina, moved to Kenya to help. He started the nonprofit Start with One Kenya and has dedicated his life to helping the country.

“Every year more than 2 million people, mostly children, die from waterborne disease. Fifty percent of all the illness in the world is caused by unsafe water. Globally, unsafe water kills more people every year than violence, including war. Children are the worst affected because they don’t have the resilience to fight water borne illness. As if the numbers on death and disease weren’t sufficiently compelling, many people in developed nations are shocked when they begin to comprehend the vast number of people in the world who have no access to any water at all. Clean water is at the root of many challenges that face most of the world,” Coble said.

Bill and his Start with One Kenya team, which includes his wife Kim (Chat) Coble, whom he met in Kenya, distribute water filters in communities that don’t have access to clean water. I met up with him in Nakuru and watched the inspiring way he’s making clean water available to others.


Donkeys in Greece-Why You Shouldn’t Ride Them!

Donkeys in Greece, specifically Santorini, which is known for its steep hilly terrain, are used to transport tourists and their belongings up an average of 500 stairs at least three to four times a day in extreme conditions. They’re grossly mistreated and without regulations in place, animal abuse is literally crippling and killing the donkeys.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

For those who have been to Greece, you know what I’m talking about when I say it’s literally one of the most beautiful places in the world. Its natural beauty, food, locals and culture make Greece one of the most visited tourist destinations.

 

But there’s an ugly side to the country—animal abuse. There’s a lot of mistreatment of donkeys. I understand on certain islands like Santorini, it seems like a fun, touristy thing to ride a donkey packed with your luggage up hundreds—literally hundreds—of steep windy stairs to get to your hotel, or just for fun. But for the donkey, it’s not fun.

Donkeys are forced to stand in the beating sun without shade, rest, water or food. They’re whipped and yelled at constantly, and while there’s finally been a ban on overweight tourists riding them, their work conditions are still unacceptable.

When I was in Santorini, I told a guy trying to sell rides to tourists that I didn’t appreciate the treatment of the donkeys. He told me, “donkeys been doing this for years.” Well that doesn’t make it right.

And sadly, when the donkeys are injured or too old to work, many owners will abandoned them in a field to die alone, or push them off a cliff because they’re no longer profitable or useful.

I learned this when I volunteered at the Corfu Donkey Rescue on Corfu. You can see my experience at the donkey sanctuary here.

So please think twice about riding the donkeys and don’t be a part of the problem. If people stopped riding them, this service wouldn’t be offered. A touristy thing to do in Santorini is watch the sunset in Firá or Oia, not ride donkeys. That’s just what people want you to think so they can make money literally off the backs of these animals.

There are other ways to get to your hotel or where you need to go.

Thanks for traveling responsibly and not contributing to animal abuse!

 


Video: Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center – Kenya

Video: Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center – Kenya

A fun thing to do in Kenya is to visit the David Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi. It’s a wonderful place to see elephants up close, but in a responsible way. Tourists are blocked off from engaging with the animals, they can observe only. The sanctuary is dedicated to preserving and protecting elephants until they’re able to be released back into the wild. In addition, they care for rhinos, and have been involved in funding anti-poaching efforts.

Another must see place in the Giraffe Center, which isn’t too far from David Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage. Watch as Heather Newgen gets a kiss from one of the giraffes.

Produced by: Heather Newgen

Videographer/Editor: Carolyn Eastman

 


Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center-Kenya

Video: Elephant Orphanage and Giraffe Center – Kenya

A fun thing to do in Kenya is to visit the David Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage in Nairobi. It’s a wonderful place to see elephants up close, but in a responsible way. Tourists are blocked off from engaging with the animals, they can observe only. The sanctuary is dedicated to preserving and protecting elephants until they’re able to be released back into the wild. In addition, they care for rhinos, and have been involved in funding anti-poaching efforts.

Another must see place in the Giraffe Center, which isn’t too far from David Sheldrick’s Elephant Orphanage. Watch as Heather Newgen gets a kiss from one of the giraffes.

Produced by: Heather Newgen

Videographer/Editor: Carolyn Eastman

 


Thailand Smoking Ban–Everything You Need to Know

The Thailand smoking ban, which was put into effect in February 2019, prohibits people from lighting up in several public places including beaches, airports and hotels. Here’s everything you need to know.

Attention smokers: Be mindful of where you take a smoke break in Thailand. The country has had enough of cigarette butts being left behind by thoughtless smokers, so a ban has been implemented. Offenders will be charged a fine up to 5,000 bhat–roughly $160.00 USD.

The new Thailand smoking ban, which includes vaping and e-cigarettes, already prevents people from smoking on beaches. But now there’s many more additional no smoking zones. The new regulations from the Ministry of Public Health state smoking is illegal at the following locations:

  • airports
  • amusement parks and water parks
  • banks/cash machines/ATMs
  • cinemas and other entertainment venues
  • condos, apartments & rental buildings
  • fitness parks and gyms
  • government offices
  • hospitals and clinics
  • hotels
  • grocery stores
  • libraries
  • laundries
  • massage and spa venues
  • public parking areas
  • pubs
  • religious buildings
  • restaurants
  • schools and nurseries
  • shopping malls
  • swimming pools
  • toilets (public toilets)
  • various transportation areas including bus stops, piers and taxi/mini-van stands

One thing for smokers to note is that the Thailand smoking ban is now not just prohibiting smoking inside some buildings, but also outside if it’s within 5 meters of a public entrance or exit. While the new Thailand smoking ban is much stricter, in some cases there will be smoking rooms and areas allowed at transportation hubs and other venues. No smoking signs will be prominently featured.

The Thailand smoking ban was first created after the Department of Marine and Coastal Resources (DMCR) revealed it cleans up tens of thousands of cigarette butts left on Thailand beaches.