When my partner and I heard about the devastating earthquake in Ecuador last spring, we knew we wanted to help. But we were also wary of throwing in with an organization that might do more harm than good. The earthquake damage was more apparent with each mile that passed—cracks in the road, rubble, half-houses spilling reminders of normal life. It was obvious how much help was needed, and we hoped that All Hands Volunteers Ecuador Earthquake Response was doing a good job. They were—and they are.
Everything you need to capture amazing photos on the road, be it in rainforest or sprawling city, can easily fit in your backpack alongside all your other travel gear.
The Cuban immigration officer looked at me askance when I told him I’d like my U.S. passport stamped. My accent stood out in a whirlwind of European and South American voices. My anxiety wasn’t lessened as my taxi from the airport passed billboards referring to "El Bloqueo"—the blockade—as genocide.
Despite my best efforts, my objectivity slowly melted over the course of two weeks of travel. I found myself deeply inspired by not just the physical Cuba, but by Cubans and their dedication to and admiration of art in all forms.
