I could write 10000 words on the benefits of seeing another culture, people, and country. A study co-authored by an economics researcher at Washington University in St. Louis. stated: Most Americans live within 25 miles of their mothers. Think about that for a minute. With such a finite view on the world is it any wonder that people worry about their Iphone, Facebook, and which season of Grey's Anatomy they're going to watch tonight? Travel opens the mind in a way that few other things can.

There was good reason that hundreds of ancient cultures had right's of passage for the boys of the tribe. They NEEDED to see the world outside of their own. This is one of the greatest tragedies of the modern age in many countries. We have no spirit quest, no ritual or ceremony signifying an event of a transition from one stage to another.

I have loved the recent posts on here, the posts about living a life dedicated to iron. The post about embracing death as inevitable. The posts on leadership. This sub has done so much for so many including myself, I would like to pay the community back in some small way.

workaway.info www.helpx.net

These two sites I have used for nearly 3 years and can vouch for. They allow you to travel and live with families on the cheap. You experience the local culture, see the landmarks, and live in the country in a such a spectacular manner that no tourist could hold a candle to your experiences.

In exchange you are expected to volunteer approximately 5 hours a day, 5 days a week. However, these are no blue collar office jobs. Husky training, English teaching, working for a marina giving boat tours, helping with a turkey farm, working for a resort, and thousands of other amazing opportunities.

With only these two websites I have stayed with 12 families in over 9 countries. Some were better than others but all have inspired, in me, memories and taught me something vastly important about myself.

Currently, I am in British Columbia helping on an Alpaca farm. It is dirty, smelly, hard work. I love every damn minute of it. I feel more like a man than I ever have in a long time. I live near a small town with some very cute women and life is good.

Travel my friends! I promise you with every fiber of my soul you will never be the same again!