The Kinetics of Connecting
Never go to Europe for a cathedral. A line from Stephen’s Dunn poem How to Be Happy caught my attention many years ago and never let me go. It says everything about the danger of surveying life rather than taking up a real sojourn.
Yes, I’ve risen before dawn to catch the Taj Mahal in first light. I’m not opposed to visual joy. However, I think I’m done with sight-seeing. Feasting with the eyes isn’t enough. What people want today, and what I want, too, is real experience.
Traveling is life in motion. An adventure out of yourself. It’s kinetic. And once I move out of my comfortable center, I long to find the world also coming out to meet me. Person to person, life-changing connection. The energy of affinity.
Watch The Fringe Road: Ibu Adventure trailer, produced by Josh Caldwell, for a preview of Ibu travel.
After two utterly loved donor trips, our Ibu team is responding ;to your requests for greater involvement by offering this kind of deep connection, possible through our long-term relationships with artisan partners. All Fringe Road travelers will not only immerse themselves in the world of these remarkable women, but also contribute to support to their work, making the exchange even more meaningful and the visit truly reciprocal.
I'm thrilled with our 2023 trips (see them below), each day planned in rich detail to bring the most intimate, authentic experiences possible, provided by our generous hosts. Some of our donors and previous travelers have already onboarded, but we saved a few spots for you. These gems are invitations to be more than a passive tourist in this life, but a change-maker on the move. The cathedral will still be there.
All the best,
SHW
An Unrivaled Exploration of Heritage Craft in the Andes Mountains of Bogota and Vibrant City of Medellin
Susan and Hannah return to Colombia, South America, with a small band of Ibu allies to connect with indigenous women artisans and top designers collaborating with them. This is an exhilerating experience for the creative soul…inspiration is everywhere! Intimate dinners with world renowned chefs, gracious visits to private homes and ateliers—hosted by dear friends. Truly an insider's adventure, for women and men.
Contact Hannah Blatt (hannah@ibumovement.org) to learn more and scoop up one of the few remaining places.
An adventure from Amman to Petra to Wadi Rum, hosted by our partners at the Jordan River Foundation
An exciting journey to Jordan, where Pat Mitchell—Ibu Ambassador, Becoming A Dangerous Woman author, fellow world traveler, and chair of the USA Jordan River Foundation board—will join Susan and Meredith Gale in leading an adventure of culture, craft, and history.
Contact Meredith Gale (meredith@ibumovement.org) to inquire about one of the four remaining places on this trip.
In addition to our group trips, Ibu is also featuring a way to travel on your own and experience some of the same magic. At our March 8 event, we will be auctioning off unique adventures which have been generously donated by allies around the world.
Ibu ambassadors Ali MacGraw, Meryanne Loum-Martin, and Pat Mitchell have helped craft donations for three spectacular travel opportunities which you can bid on even if not attending the event.
Unable to be with us in person for the live auction? Take a chance, seal your bid—top offer—and send it to Meredith@ibumovement.org. You’ll be happy you did!
