Sessions in this series are led by passionate voyagers who share their journeys to faraway (and not so faraway) lands — perfect for armchair travelers or seasoned globetrotters looking for their next adventure.
Sept. 18 Doing it Differently in South America
Al Davis, retired serial entrepreneur and business professor, and his wife experience countries in unique ways. This class shares their experiences doing things differently in South America: searching for jaguars in Gran Chaco National Park in Bolivia; experiencing the largest waterfall in the world, Iguazú Falls; seeing endless wildlife in the Galápagos; visiting businesses in Uruguay; and having adventures in Colombia, Brazil, and Chile. Davis discusses regional culture, environment and history.
Oct. 2 Biking in Cuba and Western Ireland
Bob Shapiro, retired general surgeon, recounts his bicycle journeys across the scenic coast of western Ireland and the sun-drenched roads of western Cuba. Although both islands have unique histories, cultures, and captivating landscapes, cycling and interacting with locals revealed stark contrasts. One is a modern democracy that preserves many ancient customs, the other is a struggling, goods-deprived socialist society whose people nonetheless manage to survive.
Oct. 16 Sri Lanka: Then and Now
In 2004, during a temporary cease-fire in Sri Lanka’s decades-long civil war, Susan Vance and other faculty from Saint Mary’s College (Notre Dame, IN) toured the country, passed through military checkpoints, and stayed with the Tamil Tigers. Vance shares her experiences and provides historical context for the conflict. In 2023, Mary Landen visited Sri Lanka with a tour group. She shares photos and reflections on the country today.
Oct. 30 Uganda’s Wild Gorillas and Voodoo, Witches and a Royal Corpse
John R. Nagle, a retired Lutheran minister who has traveled with his wife to more than 120 countries, shares stories and photographs from his African travels. He recounts trekking through Uganda’s Impenetrable Forest to observe endangered mountain gorillas, visiting the Ouidah Voodoo Festival in Benin, exploring traditional spiritual markets in Togo and witnessing cultural traditions in Ghana.
Nov. 13 Working and Playing in Uganda
Marybeth Johnson, OLLI Program Assistant, shares her journey in Uganda as a UNCW public health student researching malaria prevention. She combined meaningful work with adventure, including rappelling down waterfalls, walking alongside chimpanzees and immersing herself in Ugandan culture. Learn about efforts to eliminate malaria in rural communities while hearing the stories that shaped her study abroad experience.
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