I stood at the doors of my initial dream for exactly one week. For seven days I was a volunteer for Refugee Support Europe (RSE) in Nicosia, Cyprus. As world news became local reality, it became harder to ignore.

"The so-called leaders of Turkish occupied Cyprus/ The so-called leaders of Greek occupied Cyprus have closed the borders"

Nicosia, Cyprus The sound of rain needs no translation- Alan Watts Waterfalls of rain pour off the roof of the Dignity Center. Only...

We close our doors to imploring or frustrated glares in order to set the tables with simple breakfast foods.

Despite the politics, what I really cared about was finally getting to work. Little did I know how much politics would play into my time on Cyprus

The time to join Refugee Support Europe was nearing

A great way to practice zen is to climb aboard an old mashrutkha and release your notions of what constitutes safe driving.

Crossing the threshold into Georgia at night was a rude awakening. Having expected humble mountain homes, we were greeted by a Russian Las Vegas

“A map is the greatest of all epic poems. Its lines and colors show the realization of great dreams.” ― Gilbert H. Grosvenor

Thankfully, the call of minarets guided us towards the border as the light to a lighthouse. The unmistakable call to prayer; a wake-up call to our exit not only out of Europe, but out of what we knew.

The mountains beckoned, and we embraced them.

Crossing into Bulgaria felt like opening the door to possibility.

The question I get asked the most is: "You travel alone?! "

The first time Barbara played cello for me, I couldn’t see anything.

Needed help with animals & house by the sea in Ionian, NW Greece. I read the profile & felt the need to send a message right away, even before being sure I’d get my export plates.

one last family breakfast, and heartfelt goodbyes stalled by a battery in need of a jump. Fog all around as I drive away in a daze.

Super Simple Van Bed Recipe

So that you don't have to suffer the same soul-crushing tedium of the bureaucrazy machine I was up against, here is a haiku detailing my experience:

The weight of what I've set out to do is now in tangible form: A Ford combi van.

It is 12 o'clock on a Saturday. I am in the little garden shed in the parking lot of Auto Leo, and the phone is ringing. I can hear the conversation happening, but I have no idea what is being said. Finally Leo hangs up, and tells me: "It is not buy; you can buy".