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How Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O’Connell teach their kids to give back

Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O’Connell have always advocated for animal rights and now teaching their kids to do so as well.

By: Heather Newgen

Rebecca Romijn and Jerry O’Connell are not only devoted parents to their twin girls Dolly and Charlie, but to a house full of pets as well.

“We are avid animal rescuers. It’s a real passion for us. Animals are front and center in our lives. We’re very much outnumbered by pets to people in our home,” Romijn told The Voluntourist at the Humane Society Gala in New York, which she co-hosted with her husband.

Rebecca Romijn Rebecca Romijn, Jerry O’Connell speak on stage at the Humane Society of the United States To the Rescue! (Larry Busacca/Invision for The Humane Society of the United States/AP Images)

The couple, who currently have five dogs and one cat, revealed how their love for animals has been passed on to their girls.

RELATED: Gary Sinise on taking a break from Hollywood to focus on advocating for the U.S. military

“Most of them are fosters. We got an email from a local adoption organization who said please take this dog. The clock is ticking so so said we’d take it temporarily and that was about 7 years ago,” O’Connell joked.

“Our kids are already getting involved in animal rescue. They’ve been helping out with adoption events on weekends and loving it. They’ve really taken to it. They know a lot of their job is to pick up after the dogs. That’s what the gig is,” Romijn said.

“I’m sorry to say they haven’t adopted a dog out yet,  but they go to sites and set up the cages,” O’Connell  said, but “they sit in the pins with like six dogs and they walk around with them. It’s the cutest I’ve ever seen,” Romijn gushed.

She added, the problem is the attitude in our family is why we can’t take them all in and Jerry has to pull us back sometimes. I used to say that to my mom as a kid and my girls inherited that from me. “Why do we have to stop at 5 dogs. There’s like 10 more who need homes.” To be honest Jerry might not even notice if I bring another home, the “X-Men” star laughed.

The Hollywood actors are thrilled to see their children so involved in animal rescue efforts.

“It’s so amazing that our kids are understanding there’s no greater feeling than giving back. It’s so great to see them so into it so young. I’m really proud of our kids. It’s really exciting to see.”

The Humane Society of the United States Raises Over 2 Million Dollars at “To the Rescue!” New York 10th Anniversary Gala and Rebecca Romijn encouraged people to adopt.

“Whatever your dream dog is it’s out there. If there’s a specific breed you’ve had your heart set on they’re a full breed dog out there that’s waiting for a home.”

Reporting by: Neil Frias

Gary Sinise on taking a break from Hollywood and advocating for U.S. Troops

On Monday we pause to honor the selfless men and women who fight to keep the United States safe, but Gary Sinise doesn’t just honor the U.S. Armed Forces on Veterans Day, he’s been celebrating them for decades. 25 years ago the actor played the iconic role of Lt. Dan Taylor — a platoon leader who loses his legs in the Vietnam War and struggles with alcoholism and mental illness in the Oscar- winning film Forrest Gump. Since then the actor has dedicated his life to serving U.S. military veterans and their families.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

In an exclusive sit down interview with The Voluntourist, Gary Sinise talks about his passion for helping veterans, his Lt. Dan Band and how Forrest Gump was not only a career changer, but sparked his commitment to supporting the Armed Forces.

Gary Sinise WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 27: Co-host Gary Sinise and Silver Star recipient Leigh Ann Hester pose for photo during the finale of the 2018 National Memorial Day Concert at U.S. Capitol, West Lawn on May 27, 2018 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capital Concerts)

The Voluntourist: You’ve hosted the National Memorial Day Concert  for thirteen years now. Why is the event important for you to be a part of?

Gary Sinise: 2005 was my first year. I was doing USO tours and I had been on several handshake tours, that is when I just go out and shake hands, take pictures, and visit with the troops. Then I started taking the band and we’ve done some tours to Asia and around the States. I was doing quite a bit and Joe Mantegna, my buddy, knew about that and he was involved with the concert a few years before that. He invited me to come do a segment on the USO. They were planning to highlight the USO in one of their segments and so he said “come and play and you will be a part of that segment”. We brought the band here and the band was very early. We started playing our first things in 2003, but we really ramped it up in 2004. Next thing you know, we are overseas and on a USO tour to Europe. It was our first tour to Germany, Belgium, the UK, and the Netherlands. Then we had arranged to come straight here to be a part of the National Memorial Day Concert. It’s a huge crowd and it’s televised and we were very early in our evolution there. Being up on stage with all those people and everything was really something special. They also asked me, as long as I was coming, to narrate some segments throughout the show. So, I played and then I went on and I narrated things and got off and talked and was a part of the show as an actor. The following year, Joe and Jerry Colbert, who were producing, asked me to come back and co-host.

Gary Sinise WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 29: Actors and co-hosts Gary Sinise and Joe Mantegna onstage at the 27th National Memorial Day Concert on May 29, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Paul Morigi/Getty Images for Capitol Concerts)

RELATED: Vietnam Veterans Brad Kennedy and Ernest “Pete” Peterson: “We are all blood brothers”

The Voluntourist: You and Joe go way back. You’ve been friends since Chicago Theatre days, right?

Gary Sinise: We were acquaintances then. We became friends, real serious buddies, after we started working together. We were acquaintances, we knew each other from the Chicago stuff, we did a movie together back in the late 90s. It was the National Memorial Day Concert and my coming and spending time that kind of galvanized our relationship and really began to solidify. Joe is a big military supporter and I’m out there doing things, so I asked him to become an ambassador for my foundation, which he did.  So he will do events with us and things like that whenever he can support. He’s been on “Criminal Minds” for a long time, so during the shooting season his time is limited.  We have done various things together. This is our big weekend that we spend together every year.

RELATED: How Sergeant Ray Lambert is Honoring his Fellow Soldiers 75 Years after D-Day

The Voluntourist: You’ve done so many great TV shows and movies, but the last few years you haven’t been acting as much. Is that so you can focus more on your foundation and your work for the military?

Gary Sinise: It is a blessing to be able to say that because I’ve had some success on television, and if I hadn’t had that, the pressure would be on a lot more to go out there and continue pounding the pavement as an actor. I had a successful television series and then another couple years on “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders.” Both “CSI: New York” and “Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders” put me in this place where I am financially secure and I can devote some of those resources to building this service mission, which is something I am very devoted to. I have a lot of veterans in my family. I’ve been around our wounded veterans for many years going back to the “Forrest Gump” days. I’ve supported Vietnam vets going back in the 80s. I’ve got Vietnam veterans in my family and in WWII, and on and on and on. After September 11th, I felt called to a mission of service and, shortly after that, I was handed this television series that gave me all kinds of resources that I could devote to this mission. So now, “Criminal Minds” went off the air in December 2016. Much like in between “CSI: New York” and “Criminal Minds” when I had two and a half years, I just devoted all that time to the foundation and my military service mission. That’s what I’m doing, traveling all around, trying to raise money and raise awareness, and trying to keep spirits up.

The Voluntourist: A lot of people in your position would not necessarily dedicate them to the activism, so why is that so important for you?

Gary Sinise: I’ve just met extraordinary people over the years who have inspired me and motivated me and taught me. I’ve learned so much from a lot of different people and I saw on that terrible day, that we all faced as a nation, our country kind of come together in response to that. Part of that was young men and women signing up to deploy to the war zone of Iraq and Afghanistan and they started getting hurt, they started getting killed. Having Vietnam veterans in my family and remembering what it was like for them to deploy to a war zone and come home to a nation that didn’t treat them very well and turn its back on them. It troubled me to think that we would face this terrible attack on our country, and we would be going into the 21st century war on terror and our defenders would not be taken care of. I wanted them to know that I supported them, so I just started going everywhere I could to make sure that they knew that. I started to raise my hand to support many military charities out there that are trying to help in many different ways, and getting involved in events that were raising awareness, much like the National Memorial Day Concert, which is a fantastic form to highlight and spotlight the sacrifices of our defenders. I just started doing that so much that it became clear that I should start my own foundation and over the years as that has all accumulated. It is clear that I feel somewhat called to this mission and that the resources that I’ve been given, the blessings I’ve been given of this nice career that I’ve had and the financial security that that’s provided me. There is a reason for it, beyond just spending it on myself and taking care of my family of course, which is a priority. But I’ve got plenty to do that and I’ve been able to devote a lot of those resources to creating a foundation. I’ve been able to go places where most Americans never would get to go, to the war zones and different places like that and see our military in action, so that I can come back and talk as an educated person about what they do and why we should support them. Having done that so much, it feels like that’s where my life is right now, and I need to continue to serve in some way. It doesn’t mean that I won’t act again. Right now, I’ve been blessed with a lot of good fortune and it is nice to be able to do something positive with it.

The Voluntourist: I know that the band is named after your character in Forrest Gump, but where did that idea come from?

Gary Sinise: When I started visiting our troops after September 11th in the war zones through the USO, this was prior to CSI: New York. I had done a fair number of films, but I was still kind of one of those faces that you recognize, and you’ve seen in movies before, but you are not sure what the name is. When folks would recognize me in the war zones and places like that, they would recognize me as Lt. Dan and would see that face. “Lt. Dan you’ve got legs” and start making jokes. I thought when I got the band going, I don’t want to see “Gary Sinise’s Band”. Well, who is Gary Sinise? I thought if I put Lt. Dan Band in there, they would kind of put it together. When I put Gary Sinise and Lt. Dan Band, they would kind of put two and two together and figure out “oh, it’s the real Lt. Dan who is coming to play for us.” Now, we play hundreds of shows for the men and women who serve our country, and our first responders. We play hospitals and on and on. We are well known within the military community for sure, because we have played on dozens of dozens of bases all around the world. I meet people who have seen us five times on different military bases. Now they know who Gary Sinise is and my television series was on for eleven years, so we don’t have the same issue with people wondering who that is. I think early on, it made real good sense and the other reason is that that character represents something positive to our military folks. The story of Lt. Dan is really a great story, it is a resilient story, a story that had not been told about our Vietnam veterans up until that point. This is 1994 when the movie came out. Prior to that, there were Vietnam movies that had come out, but all the Vietnam veterans that were being portrayed in those movies were going through a lot of serious depression and things were not going well. At the end of the film, you would always wonder if those guys were going to be okay. At the end of Forrest Gump, you know Lt. Dan is okay. That is what we want. We want our soldiers to come home from war and move on with their lives and be successful and have businesses and do alright. We’ve never seen that story before of a Vietnam veteran. It’s a resilient story, it’s a positive story, and that’s the story they [troops] want. If they get out the service, they want to know there is life after their service, and there is a good life ahead and that’s one of the nice things I like about the story; that he is okay in the end.

The Voluntourist: When did you realize he was going to be such a huge positive impact on the community?

Gary Sinise: The movie was so popular in 1994 and that changed a lot of things for me as an actor. I hadn’t done that many movies prior to Forrest Gump. I’d only done a few, so nobody knew who I was at that point. But I got a call from the Disabled American Veterans organization, the DAV, about four weeks after the movie came out. The DAV have 1.5 million disabled veterans that are a part of that organization and, at that time, they were going all the way back to WWII. These are wounded guys and gals who were banged up in service and they were a part of the DAV organization. I didn’t know anything about them, but they’ve been around for ninety years or something like that. They contacted me and invited me to come to their national convention. They wanted to give me an award for playing Lt. Dan. I walked out on stage and there were 2,000 wounded veterans in the audience, and they were all clapping and applauding and everything. I realized at that time, this character represents something really positive to them. That’s why they have asked me to come to their national convention. They gave me their National Commanders Award for playing an injured veteran in a positive way and bringing the wounded veteran back into the consciousness of the American people. When you think about that, why should we have to bring the wounded veteran back into the consciousness of the American people? They aren’t always at the forefront of our thinking. They serve, they get banged up, and they disappear. Lt. Dan sort of brought them back. In some way they felt that Lt. Dan and the positive story was bringing that wounded soldier, their stories, to life in a positive way. I realized that for our veteran community, at that time, this character was bigger than just a movie part I was playing. This was their story and it has been that way ever since.

Patricia Heaton on supporting mobile clinic Claris Health

Patricia Heaton steps out to support Claris Health–an organization dedicated to providing free and low cost healthcare to people in need.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

Patricia Heaton has taken center stage as one of America’s favorite TV moms for the last couple of decades starring on hits “Everybody Loves Raymond,” and “The Middle.” The Emmy-winning actress is now the lead on the new CBS sitcom “Carol’s Second Act” where she plays a divorcee in her fifties who begins a new career. While the veteran actress remains one of the most in demand people in Hollywood, she still finds time to give back.

Heaton recently attended the Claris Health City Lights Gala, which raised over $200,000. The organization has created a custom mobile unit vehicle that will visit 27 sites monthly throughout Los Angeles County. The areas the mobile clinic will be visiting are known for limited access to health care and a high mistrust of the medical community. The first stop will be in Compton on Oct. 27 at Shields for Families.

“I’ve been a supporter of Claris Health for many years and love their unique approach to care,” Patricia Heaton said. “They provide compassionate, non-judgemental support to women and families in need. This mobile clinic will go the extra mile reaching those who lack access to healthcare and need to know they are not alone.”

RELATED: Project Angel Food Honors Jamie Lee Curtis

Claris Health’s mission is to equip and care for women and their families before, during, and after pregnancy and sexual health choices. Patients who come to Claris are provided with information regarding pregnancy options and ongoing support through direct services and a network of over 190 committed community partners. Free and low-cost services include medical care, education, support, and community resources. Claris continues to expand its scope of services while implementing innovative, evidence-based programs that respond to overall individual and community health needs.

“Shields for Families is very excited for the mobile unit… healthcare is an important part of our treatment model, and we work diligently to incorporate health into all elements of treatment. The mobile unit will allow direct access to health care, and allow us to assist all of our families with developing skills to ensure health care and routine check-ups become a regular practice in their lives. We look forward to our continued partnership, and seeing all of our families take advantage of this amazing opportunity!” – Danielle Lowe, Youth Services Director, Shields for Families stated.

In the last year, 1,700 patients have been seen and Claris Health has served over 7,000 men, women & teens throughout Los Angeles with their services.

About Claris Health:

Claris Health is a Los Angeles based 501(c)3 organization that educates and supports women and men facing an unintended pregnancy or other sexual health issues. Claris Health’s story began over 40 years ago when a small group of women were inspired to start an organization that offered life-changing services to women, men, and families. Their mission from the start has been to equip and care for individuals and their families, before, during, and after pregnancy and sexual health choices. The organization provides free or low cost medical, support, therapy, parenting and educational services to women, men and families with children under the age of five.

Real Life “Dirty John” Survivor Terra Newell Shares Tips on Surviving a Knife Attack

Terra Newell killed her mom’s husband in self-defense, stabbing him 13 times while her dog Cash bit his ankles trying to protect her. Now she’s sharing her tips on how she survived.

By: Heather Newgen

Three years ago John Meehan, known as “Dirty John,” was killed by his stepdaughter Terra Newell after he attacked her at knifepoint. His long history of scamming and abusing women was documented in the Los Angeles Times and later in a Bravo series and podcast of the same name.

In an exclusive interview for The Voluntourist, Terra Newell talks about her terrifying experience and gives tips on how to fight back in a knife attack that might help save your life.

Terra Newell Terra Newell with her dogs PHOTO COURTESY NIKKI RYAN PHOTOGRAPHY

“Do you remember me,”  Meehan said as he grabbed her from behind and tried to force Terra Newell into the trunk of his car.

“John didn’t want to look me in the eyes. He didn’t want to engage in conservation with me. I wasn’t beneficial to him so he needed to get rid of me,” she revealed.

And that’s exactly what he tried to do. Meehan waited for Terra Newell at her apartment building in Newport Beach, Calif. After she parked her car and opened the door to let her dog Cash out, she was blindsided and had to fight for her life.

“I don’t realize that he was stabbing me at first because the knife is in a Del Taco bag,” she explained. “So I think he’s punching me and he keeps on trying to grab me, put his hand over my mouth. I bite as hard as I can. And I just keep trying to get away from him,” she told The Voluntourist.

RELATED: “Dirty John” Real Life Survivor Terra Newell Reveals 6 Red Flags to Look Out for in Relationships

“The knife lands into an ice pick position,” she said. “I picked it up and I just start wailing back on him. And then he falls on top of me. “My dog’s attacking his ankles at this point too,” she said.

“I’m pushing him off on me but I’m holding his head because I don’t want him to bite me,” Newell recalled. “And so I push him off of me with holding his head … I thought I don’t want him to wake up and just try to hurt me again because I think he’ll try to kill me again.”

Newell stabbed her assailant 13 times and used skills she learned from her favorite show “The Walking Dead” to fight back. “The last one was in the eye because that’s the softest point of entry so I wanted to kill his brain for like a zombie, essentially,” she stated.

Although residents from her building watched the attack happen, they didn’t intervene because according to Newell, “they thought I was going to be dead either way and so they didn’t do anything. Other people didn’t want to approach someone with a knife.”

But, some did call 911. Once paramedics finally arrived, Newell was screaming for them to get away because she didn’t know if he was dead and she didn’t want him to try to kill them as well.

Four days later Meehan was pronounced dead and the nightmare her family had been living was finally over.

Terra Newell is still dealing with PTSD, but is trying to help others see the red flags and warning signs of someone like John Meehan. She’s also sharing her tips on what to do if you are attacked.

1. Run.

The first thing I did in my attack was John tried to grab me and I tried to flee from him right away because you have the most success rate of trying to run away from them.

2. Fight.

When you’re unable to run you’re going to do everything you can in your power to fight back. Right when you get grabbed immediately screaming. I was unable to disconnect and he tried to cover my mouth, bite as hard as you can. Never let them fully cover your mouth because you won’t be able to scream for help. I bit him and I don’t think he tried to cover my mouth after that because I bit him really hard. He started punching me and my automatic response was to hold my arm and purse up to my chest.

That’s one thing that really saved me because instead of getting stabbed in my chest, I got stabbed in my arm.[During the fight] I ended up on the floor, which was a really good scenario for me. When you’re on the ground it’s important to use all of your legs because they have the most power in your body.

3. Kick.

You’re going to kick and pedal kick as hard as you can. I actually had someone message me and told me they did this the other day and got out of an attack, so using your legs is really important and key. If they have a knife, control it in the fight. If they’re coming down on you, you want to kick their forearm. You have more of a chance of making them let go of the knife because there’s a lot of nerves in the forearm. It’s the best spot to kick because you don’t want to kick the knife or the upper arm.

4. Bite.

When I bit John that’s when he dropped the knife. You want to pick up the knife as quickly as you can and start throwing back at them. Everything happens in a matter of seconds in a fight. Don’t even think about not grabbing the knife. Grab it right away. A lot of attackers don’t think you’re going to fight back. So you have the element of surprise and in their mind they’re confused for a second, which you can use to your advantage.Stab them in the head. You can kill their brain even if you don’t kill them. You will make them brain damaged and they won’t be able to think to get up and fight back.

5. Throw the weapon.

Toss the knife as far away from the body and then get away and start screaming for help. Watching “The Walking Dead”, “Dexter” and true crime shows. I remembered to hold the knife tightly because of an episode of Dexter.  I didn’t want to cut myself the way a character on the show did by not holding the knife tight enough. Also you don’t want to cut yourself because you don’t want to get your attacker’s blood in your wound.

“I think he was going to kill me no matter what. I think he was going to try to stick me in his trunk and get a ransom payment then bury me in the backyard of the Vegas house. He sent some emails to a lawyer saying that he was going to bury my mom there or her kids, Terra Newell revealed. “He was going to for sure kill us. He was either unable to get to my sister the night before or because I think my mom’s favorite sometimes. I’m the baby of the family. I’m also like my mom in some ways so I feel like it was going to be the best sting to her. At first we were all in shock.”

It’s been over three years since the attack and Terra Newell is now in therapy once a week to manage her PTSD, gives back as often as she can to others experiencing domestic abuse and enjoys spending time with her family who she says “are closer than ever.”

To learn more about Terra check out her podcast Time Out With Terra.

 

Taylor Swift, Jonas Brothers, Billie Eilish and More at We Can Survive Benefitting the American Cancer Society

Taylor Swift along with some of music’s biggest names took to the stage at the iconic Hollywood Bowl to perform at the 7th Annual We Can Survive sold out benefit.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

We Can Survive supports the American Cancer Society and featured intimate performances by Lizzo, Billie Eilish, Camila Cabello, Jonas Brothers, Marshmello, Becky G and a surprise appearance from Halsey who performed “Graveyard” and “Bad at Love.”

Taylor Swift belted out her 1989 singles “Blank Space” and “Shake it Off. The singer, who dazzled in a sequined romper, also performed her newest hits “ME” and delivered an emotional performance of “Lover.” The headliner sang all of her tunes from a pink microphone in honor of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Over $135,000 was raised from ticket sales and Twitter activations from fans. Backstage, musical performers also “bowled for a cause” warning the American Cancer Society an additional $1000 for every pin knocked down.

Highlights from the night:

Billie Eilish, having never bowled before, landed her first ever strike earning $10,000 for the American Cancer Society

Viola Davis attended with her daughter who got emotional when meeting Billie Eilish backstage

Lizzo dominated the stage in a suit with a “100%” bedazzled on the front and “That Bitch” blinged-out on the booty. “Give it up for my outfit!” she shouted.

“I’m all about body positivity, self love and self-care,” she continued, as the screen flashed to a girl in the audience holding up a sign that read “Lizzo, you built my confidence.”

She continued her heartfelt speech during her performance saying “I want people to feel good! We can heal the world but first we have to heal ourselves. Your energy is important tonight.”

Isabela Moner attendee with a friend and sang along to Lizzo’s entire set.

Donations secured from the event will help the American Cancer Society continue their life saving, breakthrough research, while also providing a live 24/7 cancer helpline for answers and support, rides to treatments and lodging near treatment centers for cancer patients all free of charge.

Teotihuacan Pyramids travel tips–everything to know before going

A trip to Mexico City isn’t complete without exploring the picturesque Teotihuacan Pyramids. Here’s everything to know about visiting the historical location.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

Located 30 miles northeast of Mexico City, the Teotihuacan Pyramids are full of mysterious charm. While it’s unclear who built the majestic structures that are still fully standing, it’s estimated  the pyramids were built by hand over 1000 years ago. It’s also believed Teotihuacan, known as “place where gods are born,”  was one largest cities in the Western Hemisphere and home to various cultures including the Aztec, Maya, Mixtec, and Zapotec.

The breathtaking  Teotihuacan Pyramids are considered to be one of world’s most visually stunning archaeological sites and contains the largest existing ancient pyramid in North America. It’s one of the must see places in Mexico so if you plan on visiting, here’s a few helpful tips.

Teotihuacan Pyramids Tourists climbing the Teotihuacan Pyramids

GETTING THERE

The Teotihuacan Pyramids are about an hour away from Mexico City. It’s a quick easy day trip and there’s a few ways to get there.

  1. Drive. If you rent a car driving can seem daunting. There’s major gridlock traffic and not all drivers abide by the rules. Many don’t stop at stop signs and won’t hesitate to cut you off. In addition, there’s no proper way to merge onto certain roads so it’s a free for all and all the signs are in Spanish. That said, it’s freeing to be on your own schedule and it’s really inexpensive to rent a car. Parking at the Teotihuacan Pyramids is just 45 pesos.

***There are several toll roads along the way that take cash, IAVE card, or Tag Telvia, which is sold at Walmart stores across Mexico.  Tell road fees are usually around 3 pesos. You can pay with U.S. dollars, but you can’t mix currently. Either you pay all in pesos or all in dollars. Signs for toll roads in Spanish is cuota.

2. Public Transportation. Buses run every 30 minutes to the site. You can catch one at two different locations.  Terminal del Norte (outside Autobuses del Norte Metro station, Line 5) or from outside the 2 Potrero Metro station (Line 3). A one-way ticket will cost 50 pesos as of April 2019.

3. Group Tours. It’s not difficult to find a tour that either picks you up from your hotel or you meet in a designated area. Half or full day tours are always available with a guide.

4. Uber. The ride share service is much cheaper than it is in the states and is a good alternative to driving.

THINGS TO DO

There’s no shortage of spectacular sights at the Teotihuacan Pyramids. It’s a full day of adventure so plan accordingly.

Pyramid of the Sun is the largest structure in Teotihuacan, and the third largest pyramid in the world. It’s believed to have been built in 100 CE.

Pyramid of the Moon is the second largest pyramid in Teotihuacan. According to Wikipedia the “platform atop the pyramid was used to conduct ceremonies in honor of the Great Goddess of Teotihuacan, the goddess of water, fertility, the earth, and even creation itself. This platform and the sculpture found at the pyramid’s bottom are thus dedicated to The Great Goddess.”

Temple of the Feathered Serpent is the third largest pyramid in Teotihuacan and takes its name from the detailed carved  serpent heads on the eastern side of the structure.

Palace of Quetzlpapalotl  has ornately carved pillars and colorful murals centered around a stunning courtyard.

Avenue of the Dead – The main long path between the pyramids in Teotihuacán. Along the way you’ll see plenty of ruins of smaller pyramids to climb.

On-site museum – There’s a museum at the entrance for those who want to learn more about the history of the Teotihuacan Pyramids.

VENDORS

As you make your way to the entrance, there is a row filled with booths on both sides selling everything from hats, t-shirts, magnets, sunscreen, water and other trinkets. This is a good place to pick up things like a hat or sunscreen because you can’t buy those items inside. The vendors near the pyramids sell scarfs, blankets, carved statues, etc.  The sellers aren’t too aggressive. Sure, they may call out to you as you walk by, but that’s the extent of it. The prices are fair and mostly very inexpensive so bargaining isn’t necessary usually.

PARKING

If you drive there’s plenty of parking for 40 pesos. But beware of scams. People on motorcycles will offer you a free tour of the area before entering the Teotihuacan Pyramids. They ask you to follow them down a bumpy dirt road where you’re taken to a gift shop. There’s no tour, they really just want you to buy things and they expect a tip.

EATING

There’s a plethora of restaurants surrounding the Teotihuacan Pyramids. You have a lot of dining options ranging from casual and inexpensive to more upscale. La Gruta is the iconic cave restaurant that’s less than a 10 minute drive away and worth experiencing at least once. It’s recommended to make a reservation on weekends and evenings. In addition, it’s easy to find vegan gluten free choices and there are snacks available throughout the Teotihuacan Pyramids.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

The hours are 9am-5pm every day and it’s better to arrive as early. It gets incredibly hot so you want to avoid the crowds. Plus, the Teotihuacan Pyramids is an all day excursion so you want as much time there as possible.

You can climb the pyramids but they are steep. There is a rope covered in plastic you can hold as you make your way to the top. It’s easier to walk down sidestepping it because you won’t lose your balance as easily.

Take your time going up, but be mindful of other guests. Don’t stop on the stairs for photo opps if there’s people behind you.

Wear comfortable sneakers. You’ll be doing a lot of walking and climbing. Also opt for light workout pants or jeans. It gets extremely hot and trekking to the top of the pyramids is no easy task for most so go for comfort.

Tickets are 75 pesos, but on Sundays the entrance is free to Mexican residents. So avoid this day since it will be more crowded than normal. You buy tickets at the entrance.

You can exit the site and return on the same day.

If you hire a guide on location, make sure they are a licensed guide. You can find them by the entrance.

There are restrooms.

THINGS TO BRING

Water, hat, sunscreen, camera, backpack, light jacket for the evening sunglasses and an external battery to charge your phone.

Amsterdam raises tourist taxes and is now the highest in Europe

Planning a trip to Amsterdam? Travelers will need to budget a little more for accommodations starting January 2020.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

In an effort to combat overtourism, Amsterdam is raising the tourist tax. The Dutch capital will add a fee of €3 per person , which averages to about US$3 — per night for hotel stays.

That’s in addition to the 7% of the room rate it currently charges.

Children under the age of 16 are exempt from the new Amsterdam levy, and campsites will charge €1 per adult. Airbnb and rental properties are also getting a price hike. The existing tax will be raised to 10% of your rental.

Tim Fairhurst, director of policy for the ETOA (European Tourism Association), told CNN: “It will likely make Amsterdam’s the highest overnight tax in Europe, on average.”

The city has been severely impacted by mobs of overzealous tourists and the Netherlands is taking action.

Netherlands tourist officials recently took the bold decision to stop advertising the country as a tourist destination. Their “Perspective 2030″ report revealed that the priority will now be on “destination management” rather than “destination promotion.”

18 million annual visitors travel to the Amsterdam and authorities have taken additional measures such taking down the “iamsterdam” sign — a former selfie spot — outside the Rijksmuseum in December 2018 and announcing a ban of “disrespectful” tours of the popular tourist drawn red light district in March 2019.

CNN reports a spokesperson for Amsterdam city council denied that the raised taxes were planned to deter tourists, calling it a point of “principle” to make visitors pay their way in the city.

“Visitors will contribute more to the high costs of keeping the city safe and clean, and of keeping the public space like pavements, quays, bridges and streets, in a good state,” the spokesperson said.

Venice is another European city that is fighting overtourism and has recently announced its own plans to charge tourists a day fee to enter the popular destination.

In comparison, the tourist tax for Paris, ranges anywhere from €0.20 (for 1- and 2-star campsites) to €4 (for palaces) per person, per night. Berlin charges a 5% tourist tax and Rome currently has the highest fixed price tax in Europe, at €7 per person per night in a five star hotel.

Local Volunteer Shares How We Can Help the Cancer Support Community

Looking for an impactful way to give back locally? The Cancer Support Community helps people face the challenges of cancer and always needs volunteers.

By: Kaylie Defilippis

Cancer is likely something we will encounter at some point in our life. Whether it’s someone we know, or something we will struggle with ourselves, the disease has the ability to affect us all.  But there are organizations to help cancer patients and their families like the Cancer Support Community (CSC) that offers free programs to those in need.  Laurie Peterson, a volunteer and board member from the Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara chapter, spoke with The Voluntourist about how to get involved.

The Voluntourist: Can you tell us a little bit about what Cancer Support Community is and how they help those fighting cancer as well as cancer survivors?

Peterson: Cancer Support Community Valley/Ventura/Santa Barbara is located in Westlake Village, CA.  Our mission is to ensure that adults and children impacted by cancer are empowered by knowledge, strengthened by action, and supported
by community. We offer support groups led by licensed facilitators, educational sessions, and health and wellness programs. Our programs are free of charge to anyone affected by cancer, including patients, caregivers, loved ones and children. Our emotional support and educational programs are designed to address the loss of control, hopelessness, and social isolation that cancer patients
and their families often experience.  We also have Kids and Teens Circle.  One of our kids said it best, “Kids Circle has really helped me get through my Dad’s cancer. In fact, Kids Circle is the only place, except for home, that I feel comfortable talking about cancer.” In addition to our support groups and education, we offer monthly workshops and seminars, as well as fun activities like yoga, Zumba, and a walking group.

The Voluntourist: What made you want to begin volunteering with CSC?

Peterson: One of my closest friends, Gail, was diagnosed at age 39 with Stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. Her prognosis was very grim. She started attending support groups at the Cancer Support Community and she told me, “This place is saving my life”. While the doctors treated her disease, CSC was treating her soul by giving her hope. Gail often said, “People here are like me and they understand me. We laugh, we cry and we laugh some more”. I told Gail that I would start volunteering in her honor and I never looked back. Gail’s miraculous recovery gave me the incentive to start volunteering and it has truly become my passion. After years of volunteering, I have also joined the Board of Directors, a caring, diverse group of people who really care about this community and our participants.

The Voluntourist: How is the Cancer Support Community able to cover costs so that patients do not have to? Is it run completely on donations, etc.?

Peterson: All of our programs are provided FREE of charge thanks to the generosity of corporations, foundations and individuals who believe in our mission. We rely on our donor community to keep our programs going. We receive no other funding.

The Voluntourist: How can people get involved with their local branches? What is the first step?

Peterson: It’s easy! Call your local Cancer Support Community and join the volunteer list.

The Voluntourist: What is required of CSC volunteers? Do they have to dedicate a certain amount of time a week or can they pick and choose which events to volunteer at?

Peterson: There are so many ways to get involved. We have volunteers that help in our office four or five hours a week and others who want to help run our fundraising events. We appreciate all the time, treasures and talents that our wonderful volunteers provide. We couldn’t do it without them.

The Voluntourist: If someone wants to volunteer, but can’t necessarily dedicate a lot of time to the organization, how can they make a difference?

Peterson: There are many ways to help if your schedule doesn’t allow. We have wonderful donors who give money, products or services.

The Voluntourist: What do you want people to know about the Cancer Support Community? How do you want the organization to be remembered?

Peterson: This is a very special community where people find support, hope and community. Anyone affected by cancer, including patients, caregivers, loved ones and children are welcome. Cost should never be a barrier to hope. We provide a home-like environment where people with cancer, families, and friends can come to gather information and support. Research shows that people who receive social support, in addition to standard treatment, can have longer, less stressful lives than those without a core, supportive community. I believe our mission statement says it all…”we exist so that no one faces cancer alone.”

Medina of Fez: 10 Safety Tips for Travelers

The Medina of Fez is the city’s ancient quarter and a must see. While it’s safe for tourists, it is essential to take a few safety precautions.  Check out our list of travel tips below.

By: Heather Newgen | Twitter: @hnvoluntourist

The Medina of Fez is an intricate maze of streets that consists of narrow alleyways filled with thousands of vendors selling pretty much anything you can imagine, mosques, blanked-wall houses, stunning decorative courtyards, delicious cafes and more.

As you walk through the historical location you’ll be enticed by the rainbows of color, spice-market smells, and orchestra of sounds you’ll hear. There’s so much beauty within the gates of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, but also things to be aware of.

It’s easy to get lost in the labyrinth of the Medina of Fez.  The sellers can be aggressive in getting you to purchase something; and the, locals will not hesitate to approach you for money, or say inappropriate things. But don’t let that deter you.  It’s an unforgettable adventure you can’t miss so here’s some tips to help you stay safe.

Medina of Fez Colorful narrow street inside Medina of Fez

1. Hire a reputable tour company beforehand and go to the Median of Fez with a guide. They will bargain for you, the vendors won’t be pushy with you and you will be shielded from catcalling men. And certain companies like Plan-It Morocco give you the option of having a driver pick you up, which makes things so much easier because you don’t have t try and navigate your way on your own. Tips are not required or expected, but it’s polite and courteous to tip your tour guides and drivers 15-20 percent.

RELATED: How to see Morocco in 3 Days

2. Donkeys and mules are the main mode of transportation—no cars are driven through the Medina of Fez. When you hear someone yelling “Balak” it means look out so get out of the way. Also be careful where you walk since the animals relieve themselves along the way so always wear close-toed shoes.

3. Everyone seems to be a guide so beware. Local men will usually hang out around the twelve gates into the Medina of Fez asking if you want their services. They’re unofficial guides, and you don’t know how legit they are. It’s better to hire from a professional tour company in advance. However, if you go alone and decide last minute you do want a guide, determine the price before hiring anyone.

4. The shops start closing around 9:30pm, so make your way to the gate before the lights go out. You don’t want to be there in the dark, especially if you’re alone and female. You will draw so much unwanted attention and advances from local men. It’s not safe and you will be harassed because it’s not the norm for women to travel alone in Morocco, particularly at night.

5. You should dress casually. Do not wear low cut tops or form fitting clothing. Your shoulders and chest should be covered. Morocco is an Islamic country, so it’s important to be respectful of their culture. Plus you will get way more stares and unwanted attention if you dress inappropriately.

6. Bring hand sanitizer and toilet paper with you. Many eateries and restaurants only have squat holes, but there are of course Western style toilets in some.

7. Watch your bags and belongings at all times. As a tourist, you stand out and will be subjected more to scams and pickpockets. Again if you go with a reputable guide, you won’t be bothered.

8. When someone invites you inside a shop for tea, it’s not just a polite gesture. They’re trying to get you to buy something, so respectfully decline unless you’re interested.

9. If you insist on going alone, which you shouldn’t, but if you do, take photos of the nearest gate so you know your surroundings and can find your way back.

10. Bargaining is expected with the vendors, but remember to be fair. This is how they earn an income chances are items are already priced much less than you’d pay at home.

Have fun and enjoy yourself. There’s so much to see and do there besides shop, which is why the Medina of Fez is one main things to see in the city. But always be cautious and alert, even with a guide.

Here’s a few beautiful spots to check out in the Medina of Fez:

-Al Qarawiyyin Mosque
-Merenids tombs
-Bab Boujloud “Main gate of the Medina”
-Water clock
-Bounania
-Medressa Attarine
-The Jewish Mellah
-Tannery
-King’s Palace Doors–outside of the Medina of Fez