Trip Leaders

Andrew Anderson

Where to begin? Growing up in Calgary, Alberta, Canada I was an avid athlete who played competitive soccer my entire life. I eventually received a scholarship to Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia where I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in history. However, realizing I did not have the soccer skills of a Beckham or Ronaldo, and a degree that is really only useful if I wanted to pursue a teaching career or take more schooling, I figured it was time to make a drastic change. This change would end up being the best decision of my life.

After university, Matt Kelly and I decided to ration our funds and try and take a trip around the world. We visited numerous destinations in Eastern Europe, had a stop-over in the Middle East, and eventually made our way to South East Asia. It was here where my outlook on life really changed. Apprehensive at first, it seemed to be a foreign world to me filled with things I never knew existed, and things I didn't really want to exist! On the other hand, I embraced these new things and experiences, and in retrospect I am glad I did because it allowed me to see and do things I never thought possible.

Now, after seeing and doing so much, I feel it is my time to give back and allow others to experience much of what I have. I say if it feels good do it! (even if you shouldn't). I wanted to buy a beer from a 7-11 and drink it on the streets, so I did it; I wanted to get locked in a cage with tigers so I did it; I wanted to ride an elephant through a jungle, so I did it; I wanted to go skinny dipping in Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam so I did it; I wanted to tube down a river while jumping off 50 foot ropeswings, so I did it; I wanted to paint my entire body colorful and party all night under the moon and stars, so I did it; I wanted to visit World War Two sites and truly try and understand the struggles of the local people, so I did it; I wanted to lie on a secluded beach, learn to surf, bungee jump, snorkel, rock climb, try local 'remedies', chill out at a Friends bar, try Muay Thai, play ridiculously inappropriate drinking games, drive a moped, try weird-looking food, visit local schools, see a snake show, get caught up in the beauty of Angkor Wat, and meet some of the best people I will ever meet, so I did it all.

Catlin Ferris

Sometimes it's difficult to picture the future and where you should be headed. Funny enough it was the pictures of my dad's good friend, voyaging across southern Asia during the late 1970's, that started my love affair with travel. Flipping through photos of him trading with Chinese soldiers and getting lost on a trek in Nepal, I knew right away that this was something I needed to experience first hand. Discovering new terrain, new cultures, new people, and experiencing the unknown.

I've been fortunate enough to relive some of those experiences that originally inspired me, as well as new adventures of my own. I've journeyed across North America multiple times, spent three weeks trekking Mount Everest, and nearly a year uncovering just a portion of what south Asia has to offer. Jungles, mountains, oceans littered with rickety boats... there is no limit to the encounters that await you. Traveling in Asia was a great chance to make lasting bonds with human beings from all over the world. It's an experience I'll never forget and simply can't wait to experience again.

When I was approached by two long-time friends with the idea of Oh My Buddha I knew I had to be a part of it. Now I have been given the opportunity to bring together all kinds of people to a place where everlasting bonds are guaranteed. With the guidance of myself, Matt and Andrew we can ensure a trip of a lifetime that is easy on your budget. You never know exactly what you'll find in Southeast Asia... except a lasting experience that will shape the rest of your life. It did mine.

Matt Kelly

As I walked out of my final high school exam in 2004, I knew that I needed something new and exciting in my life. Tired of the same old day in/day out routine, I quickly decided that I wanted... no NEEDED to travel. Europe was the original plan, but I was later talked into doing a 6 month trip through Asia with a good friend.

As I boarded the plane for Bangkok, I was feeling every type of emotion; excitement, relief, and even fear. I did not however think it was going to change the very person I am today, my thoughts and beliefs, and my overall view of the world. But it did.

I can truly say South East Asia changed my life. It exposed me to things I could not have even dreamed of. I was introduced to all the good and bad of South East Asian culture from poverty, tuk tuks, buckets, ladyboys, full moon parties, massages, friendly locals, restaurants, temples, and some of the nicest landscapes and beaches known to man. It was thailand that really gave me the spark that ignited my flame for travelling, and after I travelled throughout this amazing country, I continued on to Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, India, Nepal, South Korea, Japan, England, Sweden, Poland, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Romania and Greece.

After gathering all my knowledge and experience from travelling, it is crazy to look back and think what used to be important to me. I wanted the nice car, the big house, and the trophy wife. Now, after traveling, I am not saying these amenities would still not be nice, but they aren't my main goals. What is important to me now is having new and exciting experiences, not fearing the unknown, being open and honest, and most of all enjoying myself no matter what circumstances present themselves. After my travels I no longer feel limited to the life I would have inevitably fallen into if I hadn't experienced what else there is out there. In a sense it set me free and opened me up to the widest scope of possibilities.

I don't know where life is going to lead me, but in my opinion that is the best part. I am truly blessed to have seen and experienced all the things that I have, so get off the first page of your book already, and start the most epic journey of your life!

Courtney Lancaster

Ever since I can remember I wanted to see the world. High school gave me my first opportunity and I took full advantage. Italy and Greece at 16, my eyes were opened. I graduated high school in June of 2008 in Calgary Alberta, where was born and raised. Not knowing where life would take me and having no plans for University, I set out to cross some countries off my list. I didn't have much luck in the first year and a half, with one exception, a short trip to Central Mexico for some humanitarian work. I wasn't really making it a priority. Then my cousin decided that we were going on a spontaneous road trip to San Francisco, and that was it, I dropped everything and left. Just like that I was addicted. This led to booking a plane ticket to Australia with no real plan or money. Then to another long road trip down the coast and all the way to "The Fabulous Las Vegas". New Zealand, Thailand, Cambodia, and China were soon to follow. The rush of it all was just amazing, the addiction had taken over.

My passion is travel, all I want to do is explore and experience. South East Asia is beautiful and inspirational. The smallest thing can change your life forever, and this is the place to do just that. The priceless memories that I have now . The wonderful and unique people that I've met. The six dollar Thai massages. The breath taking views. The tigers, elephants and monkeys. The sunburn… The culture. The good and unexpected. The Temples of Angkor. The ocean and beaches. The ring of fire. The fire skipping rope… The atmosphere. The moon in Koh Phangan and the week of The Full Moon Party. Priceless.

"Anywhere I roam, Where I lay my head is home."

Traveling can be an emotional rollercoaster, and what a ride. Everything I've experienced has opened my mind to new and exciting things. One lesson I've learned is when you have an opportunity, take it. Another, don't regret anything. Life is beautiful, so enjoy it.

Don't you have a list?

Home    Why SE Asia    Why OMB    Trip Leaders    Discounted/Free Trip    Our Trips    Gallery    FAQ's    Book a Trip

Copyright © Oh My Buddha! – All Rights Reserved.