Sunday, August 31, 2008

Frequent questions...

On this Tuesday, September 2nd, 2008 at 1:20am Austin and I will depart San Francisco for the Philippines, our first stop on a three month trip around the world. For six months we've been planning day and night for a trip that we both agree seems to have no real plan. The basic idea, however, is that we will travel west, hitting Asia, Africa, Europe and finally South America to explore our personal interest in social entrepreneurship. In other words we're seeking out leaders and entrepreneurs who are making a difference in their communities with the help of basic business principles. One example of programs we are interested in visiting are the 10,000+ micro banks scattered on every continent. Maybe we'll just check out a few here and there :). Here are a few questions we've been asked frequently ...

How long will you be gone for? How many countries?
3+ Months. September 2nd until December 18th. Right now we've got 12 countries on our list. Check out the map in our blog to follow along.

Where will you be staying?
This depends (On how much planning we did per country). While in the Philippines we're planning on staying with a few generous families. After that we have little to no clue. Ideally we'd fine dirty hostels or friends along the way who may be willing to host us for a few nights.

Why now? Why at all?
Both Austin and I are interested in social entrepreneurship/economic development/micro finance as an "academic" topic but also as potential career paths someday. More than just amazing trip for a couple of college graduates we're really treating this trip like an educational experience and opportunity to do informal research about how entrepreneurs are providing life-changing services, and opportunities in the developing world.

How much are you packing?
Back packing. 3 pairs of underwear (1 fresh pair per month)

Our mother's question: Will you be safe?
More than likely. Austin has been training in ancient Chinese martial arts and I have been "bulking up" at the gym. We both have officially taken more immunization shots than shots at the HUT.

8 comments:

Mother said...

Hey Sam and Austin,
Darren, Sara and Maria wish you both safe and fun travels. God Bless.
The Woodys

ASIA said...

SOOOOOOOO excited for both of you!! Have a wonderful time learning and experiencing. You inspire me!

Anonymous said...

Samuel,
Take care, have fun, explore and learn. Above all else be safe. We anxiously await each and every posting of the great adventure you and Woody have undertaken. Even more, we want to hear about them in detail when you're back home!

Love you,
Dad

Unknown said...

Quoting Ferris Bueller is always the best way to start an adventure. Very nice! I look forward to future posts. Now off, ye gentlemen sojourners.
- MisterCee

Anonymous said...

Excellent idea, fellas. You do us proud at the International Programs Office at SCU. Safe journey.

-Vid

Krystal Maria Wu said...

i can't wait for updates...you'll be in the philipines so soon!!!

Eleanore Mickus said...

Hi Sam,
You are off on quite and ADVenture and we hope for you to accomplish the mission you set out to do. Take care of yourself and stay out of harm's way. I am on my own quest to learn how to blog! Nana

Unknown said...

Hey Woody! Hope all is well buddy and you are having an amazing time...and being safe. From the pictures I have seen, it looks like you are keeping busy!

Take care.