WLFEO Wed- the chocolate induction

Hazing is banned and something we advocate against. Our sorority, Alpha Delta Pi was the first sorority to call new members Alphas instead of Pledges as the first step to show we believe everyone is equal and no one should ever be placed a situation where they are hazed to be part or any organization.

Unfortunately, hazing continues throughout the world in a variety of organizations. My husband and I were walking to dinner in Brugge when we came across this interesting sight... I of course wanted a picture & I think it embarrassed my husband, he puts up with most things BVF or salon related but this one he felt was an invasion of 'privacy'. But given this was done out on the open, why not take a photo to show people that even around the world the acts that Greek letter organizations have no tolerance (and sadly it does still occur) and exist in other groups.

Photo taken in Brugge, Belgium 

I've dubbed it the 'chocolate induction'- some students were dressed in white lab coats & the recipients were in normal clothes, on their knees (on cobbled streets-ouch!) with their hands behind their backs. They were being smeared with thick chocolate paste and being given cups of chocolate milk to drink- only in Belgium right?! The country known for it's delicious chocolate. I hope whatever group came up with this idea realises there are better and positive ways to bring new members into an organization. 

Thank you Adpi for showing us the importance of having zero tolerance for hazing. 

Wlfeo Wed- special birthday celebration

So if you follow us on any of the Bon Voyage Friends social media platforms or read our blogs you'll know Mon & my friendship started at UNLV 14 years ago when I joined ADPi! Every year as you know we have an annual trip to celebrate our friendship and sisterhood, and this year Mon is visiting over my birthday! 

To celebrate this thoughtfully timed trip we are organising a birthday afternoon tea party with a sorority theme of zebra and tiffany's blue! The menu, decorations and even our outfits follow this theme to help celebrate the special friendship that sprouted as lion sisters in ADPi. 

WLFEO Wednesday: The Tale of Two Sisters

     2001 Homecoming at UNLV. Di and    

       Monica with Adpi Sister, Lauren. 

Last week, Di's entry was heart warming and a testament to the bond we have. It inspired me to share the story of how our friendship began. 

Di and I first met during sorority recruitment in the Fall 2000 semester and we've been friends ever since. Early on, it was easy to see how dynamic Di was and a leader she was in the chapter. She's been supportive of everything during our uni days and beyond. 

Whether it was hanging campaign fliers around campus when we were running for student senate, late night skit practices for Greek week, or the last minute invite she accepted to go with my brother to an alumna's wedding-she's always been there for me. 

Some people may not be able to relate to how we can be best friends living over 5,000 miles away from each other. But it's as though we are never far away from one another. There's always something to talk about and look forward to. As life goes on Di continues to make room in her life for all the new gifts bestowed upon her without leaving her friendships behind. Some people told me things will change with our tradition as the years go by. Indeed.   Having the privilege to be her son Alfie's, Godmother is a true honor and I hope to return the honor to her someday. Alfie came along with us to France, last year, and I cherish the time spent with him. Yes- they were right, things do change- our adventures only keep getting better. What hasn't changed- the endless support and encouragement Di gives to me. 

I am grateful for the blessing she is in my life and the Alpha Delta Pi sisterhood that brought us together. Our friendship started long before we began our tradition of our annual holiday-oh, the adventures we've had!! I know she will continue to enlighten and impact my life. The best adventures are yet to come. Cheers to you sister, so excited to see you next month in my second hometown of Lymington. WLFEO 

WLFEO Wednesday- sisters

I was stuck about what to write today when my Dad phoned from Canada and our chat inspired me to write about the special friendships that blossom from our First and Finest sisterhood. 

I had always wanted to join a sorority when I went to University and was super excited to rush in the fall 2000! What I hadn't thought about was how strong the bond of sisterhood could be and about the lifelong friendships that it would lay the foundation for. 

The girls I met my freshman year through the sorority have remained in contact over 14 years later, they flew across the world to attend our wedding and are still there for support through the ups and downs that life presents. 

My Dad and I were talking about people, choices and friends- deep and meaningful start to the morning! Anyways, he mentioned that old saying about being able to count your true friends on one hand- you know it is so true. There aren't many friendships that withstand the various chapters throughout life. I chat to one particular sister and my BFF everyday thanks go the developments with technology today. 

I am so thankful to ADPi for this big Lion Sis- we've been through a lot together and no matter how many oceans apart we are- she's always there for me. Thank you! 

WLFEO Wed- sharing the strength & support of sisters

We often talk about how we met in Alpha Delta Pi and how proud we are to be sisters in the world's first secret society for college women. There's a saying often used in sorority and fraternity life "From the outside looking in, you can never understand it. From the inside looking out, you can never explain it."  

We have a story to share about one of our sister's from our chapter at UNLV and we hope it gives you a glimpse of the amazing sisterhood of Alpha Delta Pi. Arianna is a senior majoring in pre-biology and she is beautiful inside out. Arianna is a true inspiration. Tomorrow, she will undergo brain surgery at UCLA medical center and her immense strength, faith, positive outlook and sheer will are beyond admirable. 

Keep smiling Arianna! 

Although she's experiencing the unimaginable, we are moved by the support the sisters have given to her at UNLV and beyond. Her physician has given her supporters the nickname "Arianna's Army". 

The UCLA sisters have never met Arianna and they still jumped in to help.  They have opened their home for Las Vegas sisters to stay at so they can visit Arianna post surgery. The sisterhood of Alpha Delta Pi is more than a campus chapter and we are touched by the gesture of kindness the UCLA chapter has shown to Arianna. Thank you sisters!! 

For our readers outside the US and Canada who may not be familiar with what a sorority is. It may be easy to imagine a sorority is something like what you've seen in the movies. A sorority is a circle of sisterhood that not only creates lifelong friendships, it's a family that supports each other through the different roads of life-in happy and challenging times. 

Arianna, you have touched our hearts and know your sisters are cheering for you from all around the world. We know you are in the hands of the most gifted surgeons, surrounded by endless love from your family, and have strength in faith. 

To our readers and friends around the globe. Please keep our sister Arianna in your thoughts and prayers. WLFEO 

WLFEO Wednesday: The Traveling Letters of Alpha Delta Pi

Traditions are a central theme for all the fun we've had over the years. We always take a picture toasting, write postcards to our families and friends, buy a souvenir representing the year or theme of our adventure, enjoy a nice meal out, and so on. 

In 2010, Di suggested we order Alpha Delta Pi letters on sweatshirts for our trip. Great idea! After all, we met because of our sorority and love showing our Adpi pride. 

The letters were ready the day I was traveling to England, I didn't have time to pick them up so my brother went to the Greek Life store by UNLV and picked up our sweatshirts. I asked him bring them by the airport but then realized there was no space to put them anywhere, so I asked him to just send them global express to England, which normally takes 3-5 days, no problem...right. Under normal weather conditions, it would have been fine and arrived in time for us to wear in Prague. But the UK and Europe experienced crazy winter weather and by the time the letters arrived to Di's, I was almost done with a 24 day trip traveling through Europe. 

Hmmm what to do. Di had a New York City holiday planned with her husband for January 2011 so rather than mail my sweatshirt from England it made sense to send them from NYC! It was the time of year when my previous job relocated me to Nevada's Capitol, Carson City (approximately 500 miles from Las Vegas) for four months. 

I was so excited when the sweatshirt arrived to Carson City, it was after a challenging day and I was missing home greatly. Di included a postcard, which brightened my day!! 

And I couldn't help but think our Adpi pride travels just like we do, internationally! The sweatshirt went from Las Vegas to Lymington to London then New York City, followed by Carson City and eventually I brought them back to Las Vegas! Since then, we have a new tradition and our collection keeps growing.  What will the 2014 design be? Just wait until September. Wlfeo. 

25 Summer Travel Ideas and Tips

Beach photos taken at the beautiful Paradise Cove Beach in Malibu, California. 

25 Summer Travel Ideas and Tips

 1. Take a spontaneous road trip

2. Visit a chapter house at a different campus

3. Travel abroad

4.Take photos using a disposable camera

5. Learn a new language

6. Find a pen pal in a different sorority at a different campus

7. Start a new travel tradition

8. Check out the CIA’s World Fact Book for facts about your destination abroad

9. Take a “Stay”cation

10. Make a time capsule with your fav memories, any mementos, etc. open in one year

11. Take a CPR class

12. Build a samdcastle 

13. Learn the emergency numbers for the countries you are visiting

14. Send postcards to your family and friends

15. Participate in a service project

16. Always have a travel buddy with you

17. Taste something you would never eat

18. Apply for a passport

19. Send a message in a bottle

20. Do a RAOK (Random Act Of Kindness)

21. Create a video of your adventures

22. Go strawberry picking-fresh strawberries are the best!

23. Enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) or a similar program to register your travels abroad

24. Turn off your cell phone for 24 hours

25. Write about your travel experience and submit it for publication

5 Staycation Ideas

The UNLV chapter of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority just had a fun staycation in Las Vegas! Our sisters inspired us to create a list of 5 simple ideas for a staycation.  

1. For the kiddos, have them build  a tent/fortress and "camp" indoors. Broil hot dogs, make s'mores, and tell stories  to get the authentic camp feel. 

2. Book a spa day or overnight stay at a local boutique hotel. 

3. Spend a day at a town or city nearby that you normally don't go to: such as Beaulieu or Boulder City. Try new things such a different type of cuisine and try to meet new people. 

Beautiful Beaulieu 

Beautiful Boulder City 

4. Go on a hike, pack a picnic basket, and enjoy a close by national treasure such as the New Forest or Redrock. 

5. Culinary tour. Spend a day trying different local bites. Create your own culinary tour by planning a few food stops such as a light starter at a new place or a fav spot, dinner somewhere else and top it off with dessert at an entirely new place. London and Las Vegas are ideal for this since there are endless choices, but you cancustomize your own tour anywhere with dining options in close proximity to each other. 

Enjoy!! 

Top 5 San Francisco Favs

I was inspired by our Adpi sorority sister Sharon Jacobs' weekend getaway to San Francisco. I got to visit this beautiful city every couple of months, during my hostey days with Virgin Atlantic. 

My top 5 favourites were: 

1. Cycle ride over the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. We used to have lunch over looking the bay and then catch the ferry back. www.sausalito.org 

2. Catch a cable car tour, it's the worlds last manually operated system. 

www.sfcablecar.com 

3. Check out the sea lions on Pier 39, who have been in residence there since 1989. 

Www.pier39.com 

4. Cruise over to Alcatraz Island and take a tour of the legendary prison. 

www.alcatrazcruises.com

5. Chill out in Union square enjoying people watching, shopping & restaurants. 

www.visitunionsquaresf.com

 

12 Tips for College Students Traveling Abroad

We were inspired to create a list of 12 BVF tips for our Alpha Delta Pi sisters Sarah Katz and Samantha G. They will be embarking on a fabulous journey abroad tomorrow.  

As Sarah and Samantha prepare for their travels to Amsterdam, Paris, and London-we hope they have a fabulous journey.  

Bon Voyage, Sisters!!! 

Sarah is the recent past president of our UNLV chapter and we are proud of the incredible leader she has become. How fab to be traveling with an Adpi sister. You never know where these journeys together will lead, after all-the idea our of tradition for an annual holiday began in 2004 at a Spanish restaurant in a small Finnish town!! 

12 Tips for College Students Traveling Abroad

🔹Bring your Student ID card to receive discounted and free admission to museums and other places. 

🔹To save money on transportation, buy a reusable pass such as London's Oyster card. Add some funds to begin with, use this card for buses or the underground, and top up as needed. 

🔹Capture pictures and pen fav moments in a journal.  

🔹Just a SEC:  Search, Experience, Culture.  Search and enjoy the environment you're surrounded by, be spontaneous and carefree. Experience as much as you can in the city you're visiting- local cuisine, markets etc. Culture- do something that is specific to the city i.e. Broadway in NYC or Van Gogh in Amsterdam.

🔹Avoid tourist traps: picture menus, tours that aren't offered through the official attractions, etc. Ask the locals to recommend their fav dining spots off the beaten path.  

🔹Download free apps such as XE Currency Exchange or language apps offered by Odyssey Translator that work sans Internet and can be useful tools. 

🔹Share a table. In a crowded pub or restaurant, the best way to meet new people is to share a table with others. Immerse yourself in learning and have fun, you never know the next stranger you meet could become a lifelong friend. 

🔹Take a nylon reusable bag with you, it's mini, light weight, and great to have when out wandering and you come across items you want to buy. 

🔹Take a SIP: Safety Is Priority. Register your travels with government agencies such as the @TravelGov STEP program 

https://step.state.gov/ or @FCOtravel.  It's easy to let your guard down when traveling, don't do it. Grab a friend and explore together. Learn your local emergency numbers http://studentsabroad.state.gov/content/pdfs/911_ABROAD.pdf

Leave a copy of your passport with your family or a close friend. 

🔹If your budget allows, try to pick one nice meal out for a glamorous experience. Try lunch at a local hot spot to save money.  

🔹Find grocery stores or markets for low cost meals on the go, unique finds, and gifts! 

🔹Contact your mobile phone carrier to find out options and fees for traveling abroad. Be sure to notify your credit card companies and bank of your future travels, to avoid a security freeze on your accounts. 

Bon Voyage!

Goodbyes are not fun & never easy, but the best thing about having an annual adventure is that we know we'll see each other again next year! Bon Voyage MM we hope you have a safe flight home on our favourite airline- Virgin Atlantic! Enjoy the Upper Deck!! 

Cheers doll! 

Adpi's amazing sisterhood.

What a fabulous week it's been for Alpha Delta Pi sisters connecting abroad. Diana and I had an awesome time in London, it was such a special treat to see her two months in a row!!!

Today in Paris, I had such a fab time with Adpi sister Krystle Richeson. Krystle has been living in Paris, performing in the Crazy Horse.  She is the most incredible and talented dancer I know. As a former Rocket, she graces the stage with such elegance and poise. It's no wonder she was selected to dance in the Crazy Horse in Las Vegas and now in Paris! During her college days, Krystle use to choreograph the performances the sorority participated in, amazing. 

A few months ago-Diana, Krystle, and baby Alfie got together in London and had an amazing time catching up. It had been years since they'd seen each other but it was as though they were back at uni hanging out in the Moyer Student Union at UNLV and no time had passed. Baby Alfie went to London for the first time (adorable) and the sisters had a lovely time. 

Krystle took me to one of her favourite areas in Paris, the Rue Mouffetard-located near the Latin Quarters. This quaint area of Paris offers lots of boutiques, yummy restaurants, fruit markets, cheese shops, and much more! 

We enjoyed a great lunch with dessert and afterwards had another foodie moment...Crepes with: Nutella, coconut, bananas, and chantilly cream. So much food! 

A totally unplanned adventure occurred tonight, we met up with another Adpi sister-Sally Wong! Sally traveled from Hong Kong to Amsterdam for a work conference and came to Paris for a quick holiday. It was perfect timing and great to hear about what's new in her life-she recently got engaged and has been working in Macau for the past 8 months. Exciting! 

Regardless of the distance or time that separates us, it's just so special how we picked up right where we left off. That's sisterhood for a lifetime.