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.
Feb. 13 Fascinating Cultures of the World: Bhutan, Laos and Turkey
Across the globe, people shape their customs and traditions in response to their environment and history, creating ways of life distinct from those of their neighbors. As Al Davis traveled the world, he encountered cultures remarkably different from our own. In this presentation, he shares his experiences in Bhutan — “the happiest place on Earth” — in Laos, where mountain tribes live in remote isolation, and in Turkey, where generations have made their homes in ancient cave dwellings.
Feb. 27 Epic Bike Ride with Bob Shapiro and Friends
Relive the unforgettable 2013 cycling adventure Bob Shapiro and his fellow riders completed along the legendary path of the Orient Express. Covering more than 2,500 miles, this remarkable tour winds from France to Turkey. Highlights include Paris, the Vosges mountains, Germany’s Black Forest, Bratislava and Transylvania, Bulgaria and finally Istanbul.
March 6 Adventure Kayaking: The Journey is the Destination
Witness how a hobby became the vehicle of choice on the paths less traveled. Deni Kaiser recounts various kayaking adventures from the Svalbard Archipelago—where polar bears outnumber residents, and it is illegal NOT to carry a gun outside settlements — to East Greenland, Tonga, the Galapagos Islands, Alaska and the Sea of Cortez. From the cockpit of a kayak, we visit extraordinary places and take in the sights and sounds at 2-4 mph.
March 20 South African Escapades
Al Davis shares journeys with his wife through three nations of southern Africa: South Africa, still bearing the deep scars of apartheid; Namibia, home to striking red sand dunes and vast desert landscapes; and Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), where the monarchy continues to shape every aspect of life. Through stories, photos and reflections, Davis highlights the region’s cultures and environments.
April 17 Life in Alaska’s Remote Interior
Many travelers have seen Alaska from the deck of a cruise ship, but few have glimpsed life in its remote interior. Yvonne Bailey shares her experience living and working in Bethel, Alaska, during a law school externship with the Bureau of Land Management. Stationed along the Kuskokwim River, she traveled by mail plane — there are no roads in the region due to permafrost — to visit Athabaskan and Inuit communities. Through her photographs and stories, Bailey offers an intimate look at daily life in Alaska's “bush” and her work helping residents resolve property claims under the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.
April 24 Climate Change: Boots in the Mud, Cleats on the Ice and Fins in the Sea
Join Warren Darrell on this virtual journey to Central America, the Amazon, Bali and Iceland to witness the causes, effects and solutions to climate change. Via first-hand photographs, he discusses slash-and-burn agriculture and deforestation, agroforestry, methane seeps, coral restoration, receding glaciers, reforestation and geothermal energy.
May 1 The West Highland Way
In 2022, OLLI Director Amy Keith put on her boots for a 96-mile hike with her husband through the Scottish Highlands, from Glasgow to Fort William. She reflects on the stunning scenery (and crazy weather!), the camaraderie among fellow walkers and the mix of challenges and rewards along the way. Enjoy a glimpse into the extraordinary joy and adventure of long-distance “hillwalking” on Scotland's famous trail.
Login/Create account
