Travel notes from Sam - July 2024

Dear Fellow Adventurers,

I had an unforgettable safari in still undiscovered Malawi - if you want to hear how this went and to learn about our safari tour there, watch our webinar here. You'll hear how our vehicle (pictured) broke down in a dry riverbed, resulting in an impromptu night safari after we were 'rescued'; leading to a number of exhilarating lion encounters, including being a stone's throw away from a roaring male in the dark sending shivers up our spines! It was one of those magical travel experiences you can never plan for and will always remember. 

YellowWood had a stand last week at the Midhurst Town Cup polo tournament, where we got to chat to all sorts of horsey people on our home turf, down the road from our spiritual HQ of Westerlands Farm in the South Downs National Park, West Sussex, UK. Why not drop by and stay with us one weekend? The main house on the farm is also regularly booked up for corporate events and away days so if this can also be of interest please do get in touch.

Taken from: Walking in the Nomadic Steps and Steppes - Marcia Mauter, USA, June 2024 

"Experiencing nomadic culture has always held a fascination, ever since my 4th grade geography class, years ago! My recent one month sojourn  to Kyrgyzstan, involving two bookend organisations, Council of International Fellowship and YellowWood Adventures, fulfilled that dream for me.  

YellowWood Adventures, the final piece of my travel, was a rich immersion into cultural, historical, and wilderness areas. So much to see, learn, and experience as we slowly navigated through people and place. Whether viewing mountains in all their glory, along foot trails in the National Park, on horseback in the high passes, or out the window of our vehicle as we motored to different areas….. 

• Or sharing the broad swaths of jailoo (summer pastures) with many hooves and a cacophony of animal sounds…..
• Or traveling the Silk Road, imaginations on fire as we mentally pictured travel and commerce and influence of past centuries…..
• Or grasping  the eagle man’s knowledge and skill and eagle hunting way of life….

Our groups in Northern Spain have been raving to us about the delectable regional wines & pintxos (tapas) they are feasting upon, and the joys of exploring this hidden gem of Europe: 

“Every day of the trip was full of exiting discoveries and will be remembered. The northern part of Spain is beautiful in all weathers; just be prepared to see this beauty. The tourism definitely benefits the local communities, but reducing environmental impacts is really depending on every traveller. Please remember not to leave waste in the grass. It is simple to do, and it is so valuable to the environment and local communities. 5 stars - this trip was well organised, full of new discoveries and very interesting.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ – Elena, June 2024

As mentioned in our last newsletter, we have launched two new and entirely unique multi-island adventures in the Canary Islands for this coming winter, exploring the lesser-visited parts of these gorgeous sun-kissed islands:

Hiking the wondrous landscapes of the Canary Islands

Grade 6, from September 2024

Undiscovered towns & trails of the Canary Islands

Grade 3, from September 2024

Inspired by our recently re-vamped Japan itineraries, I recently read (in one sitting) Tokyo Express (1958) by Seicho Matsumoto; a murder mystery whodunit stretching from Hokkaido in the north, to the southern main island of Kyushu in Japan. Impeccably written, it is completely engrossing given not only the mastery with which the plot unfolds, but the gentle way in which the Japanese national character of both people and environment seep through to the discerning reader.