World Footprints

Make A Wish foundation, Adventure Travel Law, Business Globetrotter

Travel is one of the most transformative life experiences anyone can have. It can renew one’s energy, bring immeasurable joy, even inspire a life’s direction and encourage hope. The Make A Wish foundation understands the power of travel. Since 1980 the organization has granted over a quarter of million wishes for children with life-threatening diseases. 75% of the wishes involved travel. Josh deBerge from Make A Wish joins us to share some inspiring stories and how the organization (with your help) can continue bringing hope and joy into children’s lives.
For people like us we felt we needed to choose between our legal careers (yes, we are both lawyers) and travel. However, Chun Wright, combined law with her passion for travel led her fill a void in the travel industry. Chun has carved her space as an Adventure Travel Lawyer and is considered the preeminent attorney in this emerging legal field.
Bob Hemphill has spent the better part of a decade racking up millions of airline frequent flier miles traveling the Globe helping to build a multi-billion dollar solar energy company from a start-up. From his service in the Vietnam War to international business negotiations and unique cultural practices, Bob has seen and done it all. In his new book, Dust Tea, Dingoes and Dragons: Adventures in Culture, Cuisine and Commerce from a Globe-Trekking Executive, Bob shares hidden gems and 5 rules for international business travelers.

Around Macinac Island and Destination speed-dating

Mackinac Island, named by Native Americans for its shape as a turtle, is a northern Michigan island made famous by the Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour movie, "Somewhere in Time". Just as the Victorian-period movie reflected, Mackinac Island has maintained its old world charm. Many of the buildings reflect Victorian architecture and there are only two ways to travel around the 9 mile island--by bicycle or horse drawn carriage. Join World Footprints as wel explore the island by horse drawn carriage today.
There are only two ways to travel to the island from the mainland--small plane or ferry. World Footprints had the pleasure of meeting Chris Shepler of Shepler's Ferry on one such journey between the island and the lower peninsula of Michigan. Chris shared the imporance of his family's legacy and Shepler Ferry's philanthropic mission. Chris also gave Tonya and opportunity to play Captain as she navigated the waters of Lake Huron at the helm.
Finally, World Footprints had a chance to meet representatives from a number of East Coast destinations at a Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) conference. We did a bit of speed dating with each travel destination to discover the special things that each offers to travelers. Pack your bags and stay tuned to see what adventures await.

UN Foundation: Women’s Voice in Fragile States panel

On the occasion of International Press Freedom Day, World Footprints was invited by the United Nations Foundation to attend a powerful event sought to change the narrative and examine women's voices in fragile states and why those voices matter. The UN Foundation co-hosted a distinguished panel which was led by Ambassador Melanne Verveer of the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security. She was joined by Krista Hendry from The Fund for Peace, Amy Slaughter and Yar Ayuel with RefugePoint and award-winning filmmaker Elaisha Stokes. The panel discussed the challenges that women face in fragile states and areas where women are taking the lead in reconciliation. They also examined what happens to girls and women as the most vulnerable and neglected victims in conflict afflicted states, and why telling these stories is important.

Macinac Island’s historic Grand Hotel

What does great fudge, the world’s longest porch, U.S. presidents and Hollywood have in common? Mackinac Island.
World Footprints will take you on a journey to a little known crown jewel that sits in Lake Huron between Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas –Mackinac Island (pronounced “Mack –in-aw”). The island was named by Native Americans in the Straits of Mackinac region who said that the island resembled a turtle. They gave it the name "Mitchimakinak" meaning "big turtle". When European exploration began in the 17th century French settlers used a version of the original pronunciation: Michilimackinac and the British later shortened the name to Mackinac.
Today’s show will explore the island’s rich history and how that is being carefully preserved as a National Historic Landmark. When Europeans landed, Mackinac Island served as a strategic position amidst the commerce of the Great Lakes fur trade. This led to the establishment of Fort Mackinac on the island by the British during the American Revolutionary War. Mackinac Island was also key in two battles during the War of 1812.
In the late 19th century, Mackinac Island became a popular tourist attraction and summer colony but the island still maintains its Old World charm. It is well known for its numerous cultural events; its wide variety of architectural styles, including the famous Victorian-style Grand Hotel; the aforementioned fudge; and its ban on almost all motor vehicles. (Golf carts are allowed but only on the golf course.)
Hollywood discovered the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island and they have been the setting of two feature films: This Time for Keeps in 1946 and Somewhere in Time, filmed at the Grand Hotel and various other locations on the island in 1979. Mackinac Island has been written about and visited by many influential writers including Mark Twain, Henry David Thoreau, Bill Bryson, Margaret Fuller, Herman Melville and Alexis De Tocqueville, among others.
As we will hear, U.S. Presidents and politicians from around America and the world have enjoyed respites on Mackinac Island. The Grand Hotel has honored these visits by designing some staterooms with the assistance of a few former First Ladies.
Today’s guests include:
Dan Musser, President, Grand Hotel
Ken Hayward, Executive Vice President, Grand Hotel
Bob Tagatz, historian

Yahoo! travel editor, historic San Antonio and Orlando beyond the theme parks

Today World Footprints will talk travel; specifically international travel and study abroad programs with Yahoo! Travel's Paula Froelich. Our conversation follows an invitation to the White House to participate in a travel summit focused on encouraging more travel, volunteer travel and study-abroad opportunities for Americans. Of course, as Yahoo! Travels editor-in-chief, Paula will share some of her recent travels, top destination picks and travel philosophy.
Then, take a stroll through history as we explore San Antonio, Texas. The city of San Antonio is one of the oldest European settlements in Texas and, for decades, its largest city. Thousands of years before the Spanish settlements began the city was populated by various cultures of indigenous people. Today, San Antonio is investing energy in preserving its cultural heritage and ecosystem for future generations to come. We will discover the development initiatives taking place in San Antonio and get an update on the city's possible inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list.
Finally, everyone knows Orlando, Florida as the theme park capital of the world. However, we will discover another side of Orlando as we explore the Maitland Arts Center--the city's first National Historic Landmark.

History, folklore and people of St. Vincent

We journey to the island of St. Vincent to explore ancient places and the history of a proud people few know anything about. Our first stop is to the Botanical Gardens of St. Vincent, the oldest such garden of its type in the Western Hemisphere, and we are joined by historian Dr. Edgar Adams for a look into some of the events and experiences that have defined his life and the history of St. Vincent.
Then we travel to Fort Charlotte where we meet Augustine Sutherland, a decendant of one of St. Vincent's indigenous ethnic groups, the Garafuna. Fort Charlotte was built by the British (1793-1806), not to defend against a naval attack but as an inland defense against attacks from the Garafuna, Kalinago and the French. This is evidenced by the fact that the cannons of Fort Charlotte face inland. Augustine shares some of the tragic history his ancestors faced here and some of the challenges he faced growing up as a Garafuna on St. Vincent.

Great resorts around St. Vincent and the Grenadines

World Footprints will give you a taste of paradise as we journey to St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG)—a multi-island country of 32 enchanting islands and cays. Of those islands only nine are inhabited and each offers unique accommodations. We’ll introduce you to three of our favorite properties today. Our first stop is Buccament Bay Resort on the island of St. Vincent. Buccament Bay is a brand new 5 star all-inclusive resort surrounded by lush green mountains, rainforests and a white sand beach. Resort Manager Christine Nelles will offer a virtual tour of the array of experiences that families, couples and business travelers can enjoy. From the Liverpool Football Club Soccer School and Pat Cash Tennis Academy to the Harlequin Performing Arts Academy, and world-class cuisine the resort offers something for everyone. Our next stop is the island of Bequia, the largest of the Grenadine Islands. Here we’ll introduce Bengt Mortsted, owner of the newly built Bequia Beach Hotel. This boutique hotel is inspired by stylish Mustique villas and situated on the beautiful Friendship Beach. Lush tropical gardens embrace the grounds and provide a luxurious and relaxing experience. The private island of Palm Island, in the Southern Grenadines, and the Palm Island Resort is our final stop on this tour. The resort is an eco-friendly, all-inclusive, 135-acre resort that is intimate with only 41 guestrooms and two villas. General Manager Chris Ghita will entice us with a tour of the amenities, activities, dining options and accommodations.

Exploring the island of Saint Vincent

World Footprints returns to St. Vincent and travels through the village of Layou on St. Vincent’s Leeward Coast. Layou, which sits against a stunning backdrop of rockscapes and ridges, is filled with historic homes and churches, a small beach and crescent shaped bay. On the ridge above the village you’ll find the Layou Petroglyph Park; the spot where we begin today’s broadcast with our guide Marlon Joseph. From Layou we travel to Argyle, where, in the near future St. Vincent will welcome the thousands of visitors in its newly built international airport. The quarter-of-a-billion dollar Argyle International Airport is the large development project in St. Vincent’s history. Jennifer Richardson of the Airport’s Development Corporation takes us onsite to talk about the mega project. We end today’s show at one of our favorite resorts, the newly built Buccament Bay. General Manager Gianluca Cugnetto, a powerhouse in the hospitality industry, will discuss his passion for food, nature, and hospitality, and his desire to incorporate them all to provide visitors with a unique experience. Speaking of one of the many unique features that Buccament Bay offers, Tonya enjoyed an afternoon with two of London’s West End talents at the resort’s Harlequin Performing Arts Academy. Actor & Singing Coach John Barr (Convict #5 in Les Miserables) and Musical Director Tim Davies helped Tonya find her true voice as she performed the song “I Dream A Dream.” For more information about St. Vincent and the Grenadines visit www.DiscoverSVG.com Hang out with World Footprints on Twitter and Facebook @WorldFootprints.

New Orleans’ French Quarter Festival 2014: History and Voodoo (Hour 2)

World Footprints returned to New Orleans for our 7th annual French Quarter Festival 2-hour broadcast. This year we set up at Tableau Restaurant, Dickie Brennan's newest culinary gem in Jackson Square. This second hour of our French Quarter Festival (FQF) broadcast explores the unique history of New Orleans with two prominent professors from the University of New Orleans. The diverse heritages of the people of New Orleans makes this city very unique, interesting and alive with traditions that are not found in any other city in the country. New Orleans is a place where Africans intermingled with Native Americans and European settlers ultimately creating a sustainable culture that distinguishes New Orleans today. Dr. Mary Mitchell, History Professor at UNO, joins us to discuss the African contributions to New Orleans and the dynamics that slavery played in the development and culture of this city. Most people don’t equate compassion and beauty when they think of Voodoo, but Voodoo historian, Professor Martha Ward, says that is what she discovered when she first began researching the practice. Prof. Ward is a Professor Emeritus at UNO and author of the book, Voodoo Queen: The Spirited Lives of Marie Laveau, the only academic account of the famous New Orleanss voodoo priestess and her daughter, Marie Laveau II. Professor Ward offers a Voodoo history lesson and her belief that Hollywood and media have incorrectly racialized and stigmatized Voodoo. Enjoy our FQF hour one discussion of New Orleans art and history.

New Orleans’ French Quarter Festival 2014 - Hour 1

World Footprints returned to New Orleans for our 7th annual French Quarter Festival 2-hour broadcast. This year we set up at Tableau Restaurant, Dickie Brennan's newest culinary gem in Jackson Square. The first hour of World Footprints showcase New Orleans international outreach, the arts and history. We introduce a hidden gem, The New Orleans Historic Collection. The Historic Collection is a museum, research center, and publisher dedicated to the study and preservation of the history and culture of New Orleans and the Gulf South region. This year they are showcasing homegrown stars, The Boswell Sisters, and we are joined by the exhibit's curator Mark Cave. We are pleased to introduce the granddaughter of Vet Boswell, Kyla Titus, who joins us to share treasured memories, her new book and her work to keep the memory of The Boswell Sisters alive. We also talk about a special event that the world is sharing this year--the 70th anniversary of the landing at Normandy. The National World War II Museum's Alan Raphael joins us to talk about how the museum is commemorating this anniversary and the special role that New Orleans played in WWII. We promise you'll enjoy this first hour and we invite you back to listen to the 2nd hour broadcast where we talk about the history of Voodoo and spotlight the contributions of Africans in New Orleans.