At this time of year, as we join our family and friends and reflect on what we're thankful for, a common thread that unites the staff here at Zegrahm is, of course, travel. Here are just a few of the moments—across all seven continents—we're most grateful for experiencing over the past year:
Sean Koenig | Program Manager
Earlier this year, I filmed a short documentary for the World Wildlife Fund about human-wildlife conflict in Namibia. I met a farmer who had lost an arm and a foot to a hippo attack; the community had rallied to provide him with a prosthetic leg and keep his farm running while he recovered in the hospital. I am thankful that there are communities willing to accept the risk of wildlife encounters, in order to let the world experience the majesty of those wild creatures.
Adrienne Centano | Marketing Manager
I had the opportunity to visit Washington D.C. in August to meet with our friends at The Nature Conservancy. Aside from productive meetings, we got to visit one of their projects in collaboration with the Anacostia Watershed Society. Together, they are restoring the Anacostia River with the goal of making it swimmable and fishable by 2025. I'm so grateful to have seen their incredible work, right in our nation’s capital.
Kelsey Simmons | Cruise Director
Earlier this month, I spent two stunning days in the Asmat. We explored some of the most remote villages—everyone adopted us, gave us gifts, let us all visit their houses, sample sago worms, try on head pieces, and even enter a men’s house where they danced and lit a fire for us. These people were so friendly, it was certainly a highlight for me, and I'm so thankful I got to experience this remote culture!
Sara Mulnix | Online Communications Coordinator
Spending time in Antarctica was like visiting another planet; I woke up one morning, and all I could see for miles around were icebergs of different sizes; a stunning, pale-colored sky; and seabirds for days. The albatross and penguins were incredible to see, but the amount of whales—humpback, minke, and orca—so massive and so close to us, quietly chomping on krill next to our Zodiacs, was an experience I'll forever be thankful for.
Maggie Brewe | Expedition Advisor
It's hard to describe the heartwarming hospitality we encountered on our expedition to the Philippines earlier this year. Each village was more welcoming then we anticipated and each stop provided opportunities to search out wildlife, appreciate the culture, and enjoy the stunning landscapes. I'm so thankful I got to experience my first-ever Zegrahm expedition!
Kim Edwards | Program Manager
I’m thankful for the three days of playing beach bum in Belize with my sister after Zegrahm’s expedition to Central America in April. Aside from showing her a million photos of the adorable kids we encountered, I also acted as snorkel guide showing her all the fish I had learned about on my trip!
Chris Clark | Staff Accountant
Last spring, my older brother got married in Greece. Nearly my entire family—as well as the bride's family and a mass amount of friends—were able to travel together to Athens and Mykonos to celebrate the wedding. I’m thankful for my new sister-in-law, as well as the opportunity to spend time abroad with my family in such an incredible country.
