GABI & FRANK "SKIP" YETTERAuthors & World Travelers
Gabi and Frank Yetter joined us from the coast of England as afternoon tea was being served. Prior to the start of their big adventure, they lived on the north shore in Marblehead. Both business leaders, Skip felt compelled to question their quality of life at a time when he was being promoted in the corporate world 15 years ago. Skip quit his job, Gabi closed her business, and the two “left the treadmill for a world of adventure.”
Skip began the presentation by reading an excerpt from their book, “Just Go,” which described how he decided to leave his job. Realizing something was missing in their lives, they bought two one-way tickets to Cambodia to pursue a life of adventure and service. Gabi kept a blog throughout their travels and described how when she first arrived in Cambodia, it felt chaotic, hot, and scary. Three years later when they were preparing to leave, she didn’t want to go. Skip and Gabi lived out of two suitcases and two backpacks, adapted to local culture, and learned Khmer, the native language of Cambodia.
After their time volunteering in Cambodia, they decided to continue exploring the world and experience other locations, people, and cultures. They signed up for two housesitting networks that allowed them to travel throughout the world and serve as short-term home and pet caretakers. There were some really great locations and some not so great experiences, but they learned something from every stop.
Gabi and Frank shared the top 10 things they learned on their travels:
- The world is friendlier than you expect it to be. A smile opens doors.
- Technology is a wonderful thing, and a smart phone with photos can help you navigate when you don’t know the language.
- Animals help people connect.
- Boston does not have the worst drivers in the world, but Sicily may.
- Medical treatment around the world is generally accessible with quality care.
- Namibia travel requires planning; bring lots of water and get gas every time you pass a station.
- Food can be an amazing adventure in itself.
- Cost of living around the world is generally profoundly less than in the US.
2. You can travel well on a budget.
- Poverty or wealth is not determined by what you have. The less fortunate are the most willing to give.
The Phoenix School joined us again this week and asked thoughtful and amazing questions of the presenters. The Q&A with the EarlyAct Club is becoming a favorite part of the meeting for many Rotarians. Gabi and Frank closed out the presentation with some world trivia for the audience. The prizes were copies of their three books. It was a jolly good time had by all!
Ryan Guilmartin kicked off our meeting this week to share why he became a Rotarian. Rotary has been part of his life since he was a kid. His father is a Rotarian and used to bring Ryan to different Rotary events, especially when he served as president of his club. Service to the community was instilled in him at a young age. As an adult, Ryan first served the community as a high school teacher at Somerville High for 11 years. He then moved to the North Shore and became a realtor. At this point, he wanted to be more involved in the community, and his father encouraged him to look at Rotary. Jason Consalvo and Joe Amico also encouraged him to give Rotary a try. He joined and remains because he enjoys being involved in the community and likes impact our club has on education. Ryan has selected Bob Anthony to share next week.
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