The PEPY team is off to Dubai tomorrow, some us of in spirit and some in real life. Maryann and Daniela will be heading to Dubai tomorrow to visit members of the PEPY/Dubai Cares trips who came out to support our work this past March, April, and May. The 50 U.A.E. nationals and residents who joined us have gotten together and decided to support PEPY even further, and a core team of them have been spending the last few weeks working into all hours of the night to pull of what sounds like it might be the event of the century..... a U.A.E. PEPY fundraiser complete with stilt walkers. No, we're not joking. STILT WALKERS..... and funds raised for PEPY programs...... and a PEPY presentation/slide show..... and GREAT people.
We have been so fortunate to meet this amazing crew of volunteers who are dedicating their time to raise awareness in the U.A.E. about the work we are doing in Cambodia. They came out on projects to build schools, but along the way realized that the schools would only be as valuable as the education going on within them, and so they are now committing themselves to finding a way to support teacher training, resources, and community education programs. We are delighted to have them on our team (and really interested to see the stilt walkers!).
Stay tuned for more pictures, updates, and stories from the U.A.E. this coming week! We are sending SO many huge thanks and hugs to the team in the U.A.E. making this all possible!
PEPY is pleased to announce that National Geographic Traveler magazine has recognized PEPY's 'Rural Experiential Tour' as one of their Top Tours of a Lifetime for 2009. The tour is a 9-day volunteer experience that introduces participants to rural, off-the-beaten-track Cambodia while involving them in construction of a rainwater collection system that provides clean drinking water to more than 500 students.
Two years ago PEPY's epic three-week bike adventure through Cambodia was selected by National Geographic Adventure magazine as part of a similar feature. To be recognized for a second tour is a testament to PEPY's continued commitment to producing unique, educational, and responsible adventure tours.
The 50 selected tours on this year’s list are split into three categories—active, classic, and cultural. “You won’t find any $50,000 round-the-world by private jet tours on this year’s list”, wrote National Geographic Traveler magazine, “...every tour, whatever its price tag, offers small-group, thoughtfully crafted experiences that are eco- and culturally sensitive, provide uncommon access, and foster interaction with the locals.”
“Every year, the editorial team combs the world to find the most authentic, most innovative, most immersive, best-guided, and most sustainable tours,” noted the magazine's senior editor Norie Quintos. “This year, we wanted to make sure that the trips we picked were also a great value, given the economic climate. What we found is that there is no better time to go on a guided tour than now as the
traditional savings offered by an outfitter being able to negotiate better rates on a trip’s components is magnified by cheaper airfares, a strengthened dollar, and more discounts, freebies, and extras.”
The feature appears in the May/June 2009 issue, which has already hit the newsstands, as well as being listed on their website. So pick up a copy or check it out online at:
PEPY Tours offers volunteer and adventure tours in Cambodia that raise funds to support educational programs in rural areas. Tours range from multi-week bike adventures to weeklong service learning projects. More information about PEPY Tours can be found at www.pepytours.com
PEPY Tours was founded to educate travelers about responsible tourism options and the issues surrounding development initiatives in Cambodia as well as to fund the work of its partner organization, The PEPY Ride. The PEPY Ride is a non-profit organization registered in the USA and Cambodia, which was founded in 2005.
PEPY Tours, an adventure and volunteer tour operator based in Cambodia, recently purchased a bio-diesel powered truck to support its operations and help promote responsible travel. PEPY Tours offers adventures that incorporate learning opportunities, volunteer activities, and interaction with people who are part of long-term development programs in Cambodia. The truck, powered by clean burning bio-diesel produced from recycled cooking oil, is used to transport guests, baggage and supplies during trips, and promotes environmentally-conscious modes of transport.
Sarah Kistler, participant on PEPY's August Sustainable Development Tour writes about her experiences in the Capilano Courier. Thanks so much Sarah for writing such a well written article describing your journey to Cambodia with PEPY!
Preview:
"The Cambodia of today is completely different from that of 30 years ago, when the Khmer Rouge reigned terror on the country. Cambodia was already devastated by a five-year civil war when, in 1975, the communist Khmer Rouge under their ruthless leader Pol Pot overtook the country. Citizens were forced to leave their homes and become peasants in the countryside; many others simply disappeared. Today, people are vibrant and possess the resilience to rebuild, yet the struggle is far from over. I stepped off the plane into the poverty of Phnom Penh, and although I was there to work and give assistance, I knew the help I could provide would be but a drop in an ocean of need..." (read the article)
Best vacation EVER! My whole perspective on life (and the universe and everything) has been flip-turned, washed, wrung out and left to dry.- Rachel Allen, PEPY Participant
PEPY is featured in Emirates newspaper. So great to see the familiar faces together once again.
