Travel Tuesdays: Meet Oneika

Welcome to our first post on Travel Tuesdays!

When we were deciding on what or whom our first topic would be about, we decided to go with an ambitious young lady who is actually from our friends up North (Canada) and felt compelled to share her story.  Oneika the Traveller just reached an exciting milestone-- 66 countries in 10 years while working full-time.

Photo Credit Via oneika-the-traveller.com

Read about Oneika's story here.

We also thought we'll provide some incite on our travel journey.  Although we don't have nearly as many years experience or passports stamps, traveling internationally has taught us a few things.

#1 We are all the same. We love and provide for ourselves and family; trust in someone bigger than us; and dance when no one is looking.

#2  Deals are around every corner.  Now that we are constantly on the hunt for our next trip, we are always watching for deals. Airline specials or vacation packages.  Off-season or in-season.  We are always scouring the internet.  Sometimes we get them; sometimes it's a miss.  But one thing for sure, another deal is on it's way.

#3 Speak their language and smile.  Even if all you know is a few words.  It makes a difference in the way you communicate to the locals and their newfound respect for your attempt at speaking their language no matter how much you butcher it up.

#4  Blacks travel too.  While there haven't been many, we have seen a few blacks during our international travels.  Although the numbers are far below other Americans, there are varied attempts to increase the numbers whether through college study abroad programs or initiatives like Facebook's Nomadness Travel that seek to increase the brown population presence abroad.

Change is in the Air!!

Travel Tuesdays will be posts pertaining to...you guess it ...TRAVEL. We will post Inspirational Quotes, Destination Pictures, Videos, Interviews, and Article Links of people who Take A Leap in TRAVEL.  

Photo credit via www.tenontours.com

What is My Passion Thursdays will be posts pertaining to following one's passion into a purposeful career.   Inspirational Quotes, Interviews, Videos, and Article Links of people who have followed their passion to Take A Leap to a new career or into entrepreneurship.

If you haven't done so, check out the column to the right, and SUBSCRIBE yourself,  and your family & friends so that you don't miss out on these posts sent to your inbox every Tuesday & Thursday.

Rhonda & Sharee

BETravel Twitter Chat

During my lunch break this past Wednesday, I participated in the BETravel Twitter Chat sponsored by the Bermuda Tourism Board (Twitter @GoToBermuda).  Many Black Enterprise readers and followers on Twitter were invited to participate. I've been a Black Enterprise reader for over 20 years.  I was astonished to find that I knew and personally met two out of the three special guests.  And of course it was about Travel, so I gladly participated in the Chat.

It was moderated by Suncear Scretchen (Twitter @ConsciousChick1). Special guests were Evita Robinson from NomadnessTV(Twitter @NomadnessTribe) and Andrea Adams (Twitter @AndreaAdams) & Teri Johnson(Twitter @TravelistaTeri) from TravelistaTV.

Questions came in as to how to save on a family vacation to where to look online for airline tickets.  Many advised that to save on family vacations to not stay at hotels, and use Airbnb and VRBO instead.  We Connected Productions,  LLC have have used and mentioned on this site many times apartments and houses you can stay at for less than the price of a hotel.  As for purchasing airline tickets, I knew about Sky Scanner, but never heard of Adioso.  The best days to purchase tickets are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Those two days are also the best days to fly out and return on Saturdays.

Chat participants asked about travel jobs and discussed what travel mean to them. I have personally thought of being a full-time travel writer/blogger.  Travel means to me getting out of my comfort zone and learning about another country's culture, in which in America I may get only one point of view. I realize we are all the same and want many of the same things.

As I read many of the responses, it came to a realization that many of the chat participants thought they were alone in wanting to travel. Specifically to travel internationally. They never knew there was so many "Brown travelers". They will now join the Tribe with Nomadness on Facebook. They started following each other on Twitter so they can have a travel buddy the next time they travel. I did the same, following many from the chat. I replied to a fellow chat participate who said, "Love to pair my love of running with my love of travel", to follow a friend of mine training to run The Great Wall of China in May 2014.  Special guest Evita from NomadnessTV urged her to connect as well.  It turned out my friend and the chat participant with a desire to combine running and travel both reside in California.

The BETravel Twitter Chat got people to not only talk about travel but actually do it.  Go!!  Start with this contest for a trip for 2 to Bermuda.

It was a great and enjoyable Chat.  Can't wait until the next one.

Rhonda W
Watch Take A Leap's interview with Evita Robinson and Andrea Adams.

Let's Take to the Sky

Stunning View of the Duomo in Florence, Italy
(personal photo)

The first time we flew on a plane was to visit our cousin in Brooklyn, NY just before New Year's 1996 in the middle of our junior year in college.  We saved the money from our part-time jobs to purchase the $300 plane fare.  We left on a Delta plane out of Augusta, GA with a connection in Atlanta, GA before heading to NYC.  We had great lift offs that took us to the skies and above the clouds, and clean landings. The best part of the trip was the free beverages, the sandwich boxes, and peanuts.   We've gone on dozens of family trips to NYC and Jersey City, NJ in the 80's to early 90's, and it took all of 12 hours driving time from the South.  So to be able to get there in less than four hours...man, sign us up.  We've been hooked ever since, and you'll often find us flying rather than driving any distance beyond 6 hrs.  Most recently, we have taken to the sky internationally to China and Europe, with more destinations forthcoming.

As is the case, there are people who have expressed to us that they have anxieties to flying, and will take behind the wheel anytime.  Even drive more than three thousand miles to a destination.  No problem, if you have the time; multiple drivers; and a tune-up personal car or rental.  But it does become a problem when you find yourself missing family functions, vacations, and other memorable experiences because of anxieties associated with air travel.  We thought we'll share a few tips on how to combat your fear of flying so that you can get to your destination quicker, if you choose to do so.

#1) Meet the pilot.  The pilot has your life in his hands, and if you are able to meet him or her while boarding, then it can often ease your fears as you gain trust and relinquish personal control. Risk is a part of life. Fear flourishes on control and worry about the future. Let go!!

#2) Find focus point. Mediate.  Lower stress hormones by looking straight ahead and finding a focus point, then count count what you see, hear, and touch by naming 5 things; then 4; then down to 1.  This exercise takes all of two minutes and keeps you from focusing on problematic issues. Additional exercises include mediating by closing your eyes and counting your breath or reciting the alphabet backwards.  Control your thoughts. Don't let your imagination take over.

#3) Learn about your in flight experience. Understand that speed is necessary for lift-off; your ear pops because of change in cabin pressure; the wing moves to navigate the plane; turbulence is caused by changes in air currents; remain in your seat belts until the Captain makes announcement that you are "now free to move about the cabin"; etc.

#5) Know the statistics. Check out this video from Jennifer Poe of Imported Chocolate.  She has additional tips on combating anxiety and shares a few statistics on the safety of air travel.

Do you have a fear of flying? What will it take to get you on a plane?

Stepping Out on Faith

Stepping out on faith is not an option, but our destiny.  No longer can we let our secure jobs hold us back on what we are destined to do with our purpose-filled life.  No, we aren't going to quit our job, today or tomorrow, but very soon. We've put a date out there, and we're going to use the time until then to perfect our craft and follow our dreams.

It was alluded to in a previous post that we wanted to expand Take A Leap.  We've decided to add a career mentoring program based on our recent international travels that indicated that career satisfaction often propelled someone to Take A Leap.  The launch is set for Fall 2013, and we'll invite up to 12-15 persons from all over the world as clients to take on a unique career mentorship.  It'll include meeting with a career mentor/coach in or near your city [or via Skype, if need be], financial planning, activity sheets, journaling, spiritual reflection, and travel.  In fact, one key component in this program is that you will be required to go on an international retreat that will include a series of career and financial seminars; a scavenger hunt in the international city; and more.  The ideal persons are those that are stuck in their current career and/or seeking to transition to another.  Whether you're in your mid- 20's or late-50's, this is your chance to escape the rat race and attain the purposeful life God has intended for you.  We'll also document and film the program in special segments of our Take A Leap webseries.

FYI...Sharee is a certified Global Career Development Facilitator (GCDF) and Real Estate Agent; and Rhonda is a certified Retirement Specialist.  So where ever your new career takes you, we'll make sure you are settled in your new environment if you need to uproot from your current city, and make your money work for you with proper financial planning.  You're in good hands with the Washington Twins!!

Sound off and share your opinion of this unique career mentoring program. Would you participate or know someone who would benefit? 

Rhonda & Sharee Washington

What Would You Do with $25,000??

We Connected Productions, LLC were featured speakers at the True Dreams Showcase and Networking event held in Columbia, SC on the evening of Saturday, March 16.  It was a wonderful spirit-filled event, especially when it was revealed to us that our 2012 proposal was very strong, and had we asked for it, we could of received more than $25,000.  And while there was disappointment expressed by organizers in our low-ball proposal (we asked and were awarded $1000), we still feel no regrets.  Life is too short living in "woulda, coulda, shoulda".  If anything, it fueled confidence in us to not back down on future endeavours.

One of those future endeavours include retooling Take A Leap.  The show concept will stay in place and we will continue to travel and film.  We are seeking to expand the mission of Take A Leap with the inclusion of career mentorship with travel opportunities.  We have found that many adults are seeking help in forging a second or transitional career. And they are also in need of a good vacation.  This can be hard to do when you are in your mid-to-late 30's and are expected to continue on the upward latter of success in your current career. Or maybe you're afraid of financial instability. Or maybe you have far too many family obligations.

Well, there is help. Or there will be.  We will be partnering with persons in some of the most targeted second/transitional careers that adults are flocking to.  The mentorship partnership will last from 3-7 days, and will include domestic and international destinations.  We want to make the program affordable,  and need your help.

1) Please promote WCP, LLC services and businesses sponsorship opportunities as expressed in our most recent WCP, LLC blogpost.

2) Share with us suggested second/transitional careers AND favorite travel destination.  You can comment on this post or email us at weconnectedprod@gmail.com.

3) You can donate to Take A Leap at the link on the right panel of this blogsite and/or the link in the WCP, LLC blogsite for general production funds (equipment; current/future productions; etc.)  We've already had four persons donate in the last two weeks alone.

What would you do with $25,000? I know what we would do, and we are on a mission to raise that amount and more with your help and support.

God Bless,
Rhonda & Sharee

Take A Leap With Us!!

Thank you to everyone for your positive feedback; as well as the constructive feedback that has been offered.  Everything to the good, and future episodes will be great for it.  The biggest feel from everyone was that they felt like they were "with us".  So the question we ask, why not join us?

It is our desire to incorporate the Take A Leap concept into the many facets of your life- personal, professional, and spiritual.  So how can you join us?

Religious: bible study groups; Sunday school groups; singles ministries; couples ministries; family ministries; young adult ministries; adult ministries; older adult ministries; youth ministries; college students; solo travelers; etc- travel with us  internationally on a religious tour. We need a group of a minimum of 10 committed individuals, and we can make it happen.  We're looking at using Globus, and the first tour will be to Greece & Turkey, following the Footsteps of Apostle Paul in Summer 2014.  More info to come.  Email us weconnectedprod@gmail.com if you have an interest.  Please put Footsteps in Subject line.

Budget travelers; solo travelers; family travelers: Traveling can be affordable even for those on a budget; traveling solo; or with a family.  Join us in a few ventures traveling via Friendly Planet. More info to come.  Email us at weconnectedprod@gmail.com if you have an interest. Please put Budget travel in Subject line.

Filmmakers- youth film camp; writers retreats; acting workshop; filmmaking workshop (topic varies- editing, videography, producing, etc)- come  join us as we offer both a youth film camp and adult workshop in exotic locals.  We're looking at offering a youth film camp (age 10-17 w/ accompanied adult) and an Adult filmmaking workshop to Costa Rica in 2015.  We plan to use Friendly Planet. More info to come.  Email us at weconnectedprod@gmail.com if you have an interest in facilitating or attending. Please put Youth Camp or Adult Workshops and area of interest (Acting/Film/Writing Retreat)

Take A Leap: Guest Post by Michelle from the UK

Take A Leap would like to welcome Michelle from the UK as our Guest Blogger.

Tips to Experience a Worry Free Luxurious Travel

Luxurious travel remains as one of the treasured memories of life. In order to enjoy comfortable travel you must have an efficient plan. A blissful trip takes you to a new world where you can have fun and enjoyment. Travelling gives a new experience where you can meet different people, know about their culture, food habits, tradition and can explode beyond the horizons. When you travel to new place you can taste different popular foods in those places by this way you can have self-experience rather than listening and reading about those places .There are several tips to experience luxurious travel such as:

Research: Firstly, decide your travel destination. Then start researching about the famous places to be visited at those locations. Shop intelligently to get the best packages. Most of the sites like Jetsetter, Tripalertz, kayak etc., offer total travel packages. Compare the travel deals from different agents and opt for the best one that suits your budget.

Budget: Prepare a travel budget and make sure that you include all the travel costs such as accommodations, ticket fares, shopping expenses etc. By this you can organise your plan in an efficient manner which helps to reduce the total travel cost.

Planning: Planning is important as it reflects the quality of the trip; if you do not plan well then you cannot enjoy your trip. After choosing the particular destination, decide for the mode of transportation. Book tickets early which reduces the travel costs. Collect all the necessary information about that location. With early bookings you can enjoy many facilities such as good deals, watching shows, fine dining in five star hotels.

Plan off-season: In order to enjoy worry free luxurious travel plan the trip during off seasons. There are many benefits like:

• You can have the best travel experience as there will be limited crowd.
• Can save your money by getting cheaper packages.
• Can take the advantage of various options like selecting the desired hotels, seats etc.
• You will have wide choices of participating in different games and sports.

Accommodations: Know the popular restaurants in those regions through travel guides, magazines or websites. Choose the best hotel that provides luxurious facilities. Go through their amenities and customer reviews. Make sure that they offer the following services:

• Intramural dines
• 24 hours facilities
• Swimming pool
• Laundry facility
• Fitness rooms
• Wi-fi access
• TV’s and snacks.

Travel insurance: It is must have this policy to face all the unexpected situations during the journey. As you can’t predict these circumstances having this policy beforehand gives you peace of mind. It covers the cost of

• Medical expenses
• Flight delays or interruptions
• Belongings loss
• Liabilities
• Accidents costs

Pack all the requirements: Make sure that you pack all the necessary items to avoid difficulties while travelling. For example if you travel with family, pack all the essential food items for children. If you’re under particular treatment pack all your medicines to evade all the risks. Know about the weather conditions and pack the right clothes.

Travel advice: Take advice from friends or relatives who have already visited the places. Taking advice from travel agents can also be helpful as they can guide you to enjoy the trip without any hurdles. By this you can have the best travel experience than ever.

About the Author:

crazy-payday.co.uk offers easiest and fastest same day cash loans for people who require fast cash for any purpose. My name is Michelle. I am a tech writer from UK. I am into Finance. Catch me @financeport

Two More Days!!

So after last week's fiasco with the broken camera which turned into a blessing in the skies, we were like what's next? Little did we know what mother nature had up it's sleeves.  The good news is that we're pretty safe from the perspective of not being in the midst of the storm. And pending the weather, there should be no delays on Thursday in Washington, DC where our connection would take us to our international destination.   What's further on mind is the the massive amount of people we're expected to see!! There are bound to have been persons who have either camped out at the airport or missed their flight from days before, and want to go HOME.

In the past we would give up our seat and take a later flight. Especially if it involves someone trying to get home with their loved one.  Often times it'll come with a perk like a $300 travel voucher and meal ticket for the "bump".  My sister and I even stayed a night or two in a hotel paid for by the airline.  But we're set to fly to Italy.  We just can't bear to miss our flights.  They'll have to offer a significant voucher amount and other perk to have either of us give up our seat.  Is that crass??

Have you ever faced a situation where you had to make a decision with flying between going forward to your destination or taking the "bump" to help someone? 

Udpate: Benjamin Green

Here is an updated interview from Benjamin Green upon his permanent return to the US after spending more than a decade in Asian and European countries. Click on the video link to see where this Morehouse grad has been, and what he'll like to share with Black Americans, Americans, and South Carolinians who have never considered traveling abroad.

Take A Leap....Moving Fwd!!

We have a little more than 50 hours before our Take A Leap Indiegogo Fundraising Campaign ends.  We will likely not reach our goal of raising $5500.  Yet, we are grateful to those who have contributed thus far and those who wanted to give, but were not in a position to do so. We will be able to use the funds contributed to pay for our China Visas.  All remaining Take A Leap expenses that we outlined will be paid for through a combination of personal savings and credit cards.

As is, we will be moving forward from the funding aspect and will concentrate on the experiences of Black Expats.  If you notice, I've started to use the term Black more often because we are finding that our audience is beyond African-Americans, but also Black Canadians, Bahamanians, Jamaicans, Afrikaans, and a host of related races.  Yet no matter where we go, we're called Black/Negro/Morocha or the like.

I was talking to a Caucasian woman the other day.  And she shared with me that she never gave a thought that Blacks may have a different experience than she would in another country.  And while I shared with her fundamentally there are many similar experiences, it is also interesting to know that less than 10% of Blacks (at least in America) have a Passport.  And in many countries, we are considered a rarity.  It is common for some Europeans to never have seen a Black person face to face. Only on TV or Magazines.  Thereby, they tend to request taking a picture or to touch our skin or hair.

It is also common place to be stereotyped based on what one sees on TV or read about in Magazines.  They think we must be rich to be visiting their country, and that we're related to P Diddy or Oprah! What!! I mean, who thinks like that.  Yet, I remember being young in school thinking that there was only Black or White.  It wasn't until high school that I found myself friends with "foreigners".  Point is, we live in a world now that is a true melting pot.

It reminds me of the phrase commonly used by Pilots when flying on an airplane.  "Folks, we've reached our cruising altitude, feel free to move about the cabin."  I feel that way about this global world we live in.  Feel free to move around country to country.  And if you follow the blogs to the right, you'll see they are out there. Moving around.  Some for careers.  Some for adventure. Some for love.  Some to find their purpose.  And Take A Leap will be there to share their stories.

If you believe in what we are doing, there is still time to give.  And if you don't have anything to give, that's OK.  Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.  Keep reading our blog.  And share a comment or two.  What will it take for you to Take A Leap and travel the world??

Beijing on the Mind

We're heading to Beijing, China in December 2012. It's going to be in the midst of Winter, and as this picture alludes to, most likely snowing as we trek The Great Wall of China. I'm super excited about this because my sister and I are from the South. We don't get this type of weather often, and being prone to cold weather isn't in our DNA. But neither is the hot, scorching weather we've been experiencing as of late. Yet, we have to adjust to the environment at hand by being prepared. Somehow, in the time between now and then, we're going to have to strategize how in the world we're going to pack "light" in two small carry-on bags. We've limited our shopping for the rest of year to necessities related towards our trips. And apparently a must have will be a pair of hiking boots.

Another reason Beijing is on my mind is because of the Birmingham to Beijing project. This is a project associated with Teach America, whereas 7 students from Birmingham, Alabama have the opportunity to explore Beijing and learn Mandarin language, over a period of a month.  They also had an Indiegogo campaign, and raised over $40,000. Rhonda and I each made small contributions, and just the other day we each received a personal letter of thanks from one of the students.  I follow their blog every morning, wondering what they did the day before because of the twelve hour difference. And then today, we had an even more special surprise in that we were able to view a video of their first few days in Beijing. I have never been so proud of such young persons. To leave the comforts of their family and home to go to an unfamiliar environment took a leap of faith. I'm just in awe at their tenacity to soak it all in, and enjoy the moment.

That's another reason we want to experience the international countries in the very environment that our interviewees live. That moment can't be understood just by words. Pictures, video, and the sights and sounds, must be captured alongside the words.  I'm so happy we made a difference by giving a few dollars. Please consider making a similar difference today for Take A Leap.

Peace & Blessings,
Sharee

Happy 4th of July! Take A Leap is 4 Months Away Until Our Adventure Begins

We Connected Productions, LLC are EXCITED as we are 4 Months away until we begin our Adventure to Italy in November and China in December. Find out how you can support Take A Leap by going to: www.indiegogo.com/takealeap Enjoy your 4th. Rhonda W.

Holstee Manifesto

I posted a blog earlier in the month with a quote from an unknown author. Now easily, I could have gone to Google to find the answer, but I wanted "divine" intervention to provide it. Or at least one of the readers of my blog. And that's what happened, but in a round-about-way. Funny story how it came about. 


I was seeking more votes for WCP, LLC in the Chase and LivingSocial Mission: Small Business $250K Grant contest. One of the companies I voted for and requested a return favor was Holstee in NYC.  Not knowing it was the Holstee that brought about the Holstee Manifesto, I liked the company. A few days later I was strolling through my Facebook page, and came across their page with the quote “The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”with the name of the author....St. Augustine.  I immediately went to their Facebook account and connected to their primary website.  It was there that the connection rang a bell.  I read the Holstee Manifesto a little more than year ago when I started reading travel blogs.  Many of the bloggers would post it as inspiration.  I've attached a photo of the Holstee Manifesto below as a reference. 

To make this story ever so extraordinary, I mean how could my day get any better, right? I surfed through their website and came across MyLife.  It's a section of their website where people can blog/post stories about how their lives have been effected by the Holstee Manifesto.  So I submitted a story in the travel section, and low and behold, within 24 hours, it got published. Here's the link: MyLife Holstee Manifesto

Saving For Travel

"You can’t accomplish anything worthwhile if you inhibit yourself.  If life teaches you nothing else, know this for sure: When you get the chance, go for it.” -Oprah Winfrey

When I think of travel, this quote resonates with me.  I have the chance to travel while I have health and strength, so I might as well go for it. Then the questions that comes up are, where do I want to go, and how will I pay for it.  And what I found out is that travelling doesn't mean breaking the bank.  Obviously there are costs to any type of travel. Transportation, food, and lodging are just a few of the major expenses to consider.  Rhonda shared with me some information from a blog reading that had a few tips for saving for travel.  Many that I currently use, and others I plan to implement. 

Open a dedicated savings account-name the destination and the time frame/year.

Think about what you're spending that you can slash- coffee and fast-food add up.

Put all extra money into the savings account- pocket change, work bonus, etc.

Get a side job- Whatever your talent, use it. In addition to maintaining full time careers, both Rhonda and I are pursing professional "side hustles" that we'll operate part-time.  I'm currently pursuing a real estate license and Rhonda a retirement financial specialist license.  We take our separate exams next month and the extra money from our "side hustle" will go towards the business, travel, and retirement accounts (ROTH, 403(b), etc).  We also want to "give back" in our community and help out family in need.

Connect to the savings- pictures, read articles and blogs. Keep end goal in mind.

Know how much it's going to costs- budget your travel in advance by writing it down, and sticking to it. Research destination and all identifiable expenses. Also consider an all inclusive package of 10 days or more. It often includes transportation/airfare, food, lodging, and attractions entrance fees.

Sell your stuff- Rhonda and I did this yesterday by selling our stuff at the flea market. We made enough to cover the table and a few "extra" bucks. A little adds up to a lot, and we have less clutter in the house! Yay!!

Keep track of what you make and what you spend before you go- use spreadsheets or sites such as mint.com.  I've personally used http://readyforzero.com to mark my credit card and loan payoff progress.  It keeps me accountable, and allows me to set goals.

The best advice I can give- Keep eye on prize, make sacrifices, and SAVE, SAVE, SAVE.

Why Int'l Travel?

“The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”

I'm not sure where this quote came from, but Rhonda and I have lived by this motto all our lives.  Our parents have always put an emphasis on travel. During the summer we'll make our way along the East Coast to visit family and friends, and a few attractions along the way (Six Flags Amusement Park, Howard University, Virginia Beach, etc). Neither of us took advantage of major travel during college because of lack of finances, and it's one of our biggest regrets. It wasn't until my first professional job did I realize that there was such a thing as business travel. Hence, in the past twelve years, we have both taken advantage of professional development opportunities that haven taken us from the East Coast to the West Coast.  So when our local community college advertised a tour to Italy via the Humanities Department four years ago, we couldn't let the opportunity pass us  by.  Our 8 days of international travel in May 2009 was very enjoyable, and to this day, I would look at my Passport and say, where to next??

In the past year Rhonda and I have followed several blog sites of African-Americans who have traveled abroad extensively. The idea for our show came about because we were fascinated by their outlook on life and the different journeys that led them to Take A Leap. Everyone we've talked to said that faith played a huge part in their journey. Yes, they missed their families like crazy and it can get expensive to live abroad (depending on destination), but many would not trade their experiences for the world.  

Another interesting take about international travel is that you can be yourself even in the midst of "cultural shock".  Or as is often the case, a better version of yourself.  Rhonda and I can be quite reclusive outside of work, but when we were overseas we found ourselves enjoying  "la mia dolce vita" which means "the sweet life". We woke up every morning eager to meet new people and explore new sites.  We kept that feeling going as we returned to the US, and it propelled us to do any and everything God set on our paths, no matter the obstacles.  Gone were the worries about finances. God has and will continue to make the provisions. Gone were the doubts that our family wouldn't understand. They are our biggest "cheerleaders" and "prayer warriors".  Gone were the demands of time, because tomorrow isn't promised. Take A Leap and show your support by donating to our funding campaign at http://indiegogo.com/takealeap.  $20 will get you a souvenir from a destination of choice that we'll be visiting, and copy of our DVD compilation of four short films.

Take A Leap Facebook Page

Take A Leap has a Facebook Page. Check us out at www.facebook.com/WCPTakeALeap

Spread The Word!

 Currently seeking to interview African-Americans who live abroad in Rome, Italy; Florence, Italy; Shanghai, China; and Beijing, China.



Upcoming Trips: 
Tuscany (Rome & Florence Italy) November 1-10, 2012 Collette Vacations via Midlands Technical College Continuing Education Department

China (Shanghai & Beijing) December 27, 2012-January 6, 2013 Friendly Planet

Take A Leap...of Int'l Travel!!

We have been contracted as producers on a number of other people's projects, and in doing so, we have neglected to craft any personal new projects. Should we film another short? How about our first feature? What about the new rage of webisodes? And as alluring as those options could each be as our future project, the one that kept us truly passionate about was the thought of international travel. We went to Rome, Florence, and the French Riviera in May 2009, and our lives have never been the same. We still enjoy our vacations to Myrtle Beach or Hilton Head, and traveling to the big cities of NYC, Chicago, and LA.  But the thought of leaving our typical American life to enter another country's culture is so exhilarating.  What maybe shocking is that we are African-American females. How could we possibly identify ourselves in the mostly white population of Europe, and our interest to step foot into every continent in the world?

The historical presence of Rome in relation to modern day Christianity was very appealing. If I wasn't of a Protestant faith, I'm sure I would be Catholic. I fell in love with Rome with every images of the Virgin Mary with baby Jesus on her lap.  I fell in love with Florence for their beautiful hillside landscape and the Renaissance inspired statute of David.  The country with so much history in a backdrop of ruins was a wonderful place of peace.  I could live here I've said over and over. Or anywhere outside of America.  But can I really?!

I've tried to answer that question over the last three years, and even looked into jobs overseas. But without a sponsored work visa or going back to school on a student visa (learning a foreign language qualifies), I found it to be difficult.  So as the thoughts consumed my mind as to how can I combine my love of travel and filmmaking (within an educator by day salary), a concept took root after reading a number of blogs of African-Americans living overseas and viewing numerous episodes of House Hunter International.  Why not document the stories of African-Americans living abroad? Thereafter..."Take A Leap" was born!!

Sharee Washington

We Connected Productions, LLC Co-Owner