Central America is a hop, skip and a jump away from the United States. It’s that kind of access I want my students to know. It’s that possibility and ability of choice that can help make travel happen. Places become more than dots on a map - they become memories. Accents are not solely other languages or sounds fumbled through in high school - they become conversations with new friends. Customs are not only cultural artifacts in a classroom or answers to a standardized test - they are embraced, honoured and learned in an adventure-filled afternoon.

Unobstructed freedom, as I see it, is our right and our privilege to be who we are, to live and to breathe without fear of our lives or our breath being taken away.

This past year, I lost my ability to breathe while visiting El De Haus, a four-story brick building that was under construction in Cologne, Germany in 1935 when it was taken over by the Gestapo.

Traveling internationally since the age of six, Karyn Planett designed her studies and career to continue on the journey. After three years at Long Beach State College, she sailed aboard Chapman University's Semester-At-Sea ship for two semesters (8 months) completing her first of many trips around the world. Karyn also attended the International College of Copenhagen for their summer student exchange program to the former USSR and 5 other Eastern Block countries, going behind the "Iron Curtain" as an American in 1969.

The Texas Travel Industry Association, an Austin-based nonprofit organization, is holding its 30th annual summit at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in downtown San Antonio this week. Dozens of TTIA members from across the Lone Star State are expected to attend. 

These are not the state of Texas travel marketers who gave us the slogan, “TEXAS It’s Like a Whole Other Country,” or “Remember the Alamo.” TTIA members are employed by or own a travel-related business in Texas.

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We can learn much from those who have searched for answers. One such seeker of knowledge is Ed Berger, who continually impresses me with his curiosity, love for learning, and sense of adventure. We've shared their family's worldschooling adventures - now it's time to share his. 

It is with great, great pleasure that I share with you a remarkable story and video. It comes from Alex Berger, a friend and fellow international educator, who runs a fantastic site called Virtual Wayfarer (here's our interview with him!).