The Human Earth Project of Ben Randall

Ben Randall, a travel photographer from Australia is returning to Asia after his previous visit five years ago to find 100 of his photographic subjects. One of the people he is looking for is a girl named May who was kidnapped in Viet Nam and sold into China. The background of the quest to find her draws attention to human trafficking around the globe. Besides awareness Ben is also raising funds for his minimalist budget from various sources to finance his trip. We find it quite compelling, Ben's threefold quest of art entangled with life and humanity to share it here. How Ben has created meaning through this Human Earth Project is surely the essence of backpacking and something we can all relate to, and we wish him all good things in finding what he needs for success in finding his subjects and particularly May.

Feature of the Week, April 8th to April 24th 2013
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Nanaimo International Hostel

 
The Nanaimo International Hostel on Nicol Street has been family-owned and operated since 1985. The hostel is located in Nanaimo on central Vancouver Island, 1.5 hours north from Victoria by car and 1.5 hours west from Vancouver by ferry. We provide safe, clean, and affordable hostel accommodation in Nanaimo. Our knowledgeable, courteous and friendly staff will help you find your favourite vacation spots in Nanaimo and on Vancouver Island.

The Nanaimo International Hostel provides:
- budget hostel accommodation for under $2O per day!
- Central location ...  close to shopping, buses and the Nanaimo Seawalk
- laundry facilities
- showers
- communal kitchen
- TV room
- high-speed Internet access
- casino within walking distance
- free parking
- Ask about freebees and discounts!

-open year round

The Nicol Street Hostel, features a panoramic view of the harbour entrance, the islands, and Georgia Strait!  The owners, John and Moni Murray have made many wonderful friends from all walks of life, and from every corner of the planet!

Hostel of the Week, April 1st to April 8th 2013
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada

Skydive Vancouver

Our sponsor, Skydive Vancouver offers first time 'Tandem Skydiving' (you would be connected by harness to an instructor) for people who have never tried Skydiving. They also offer Skydive courses for people who wish to learn to Solo Skydive through an Accelerated Freefall Program. All tandem Skydives at Skydive Vancouver are done with an experienced tandem instructor at the Abbotsford Drop Zone which is located about 45 minutes drive East of Downtown Vancouver.

Skydive Vancouver also offers fantastic amenities for the Solo Skydiver. They have 4 planes including Cessna's and a 10-place Pilatus Porter with large exit door. They operate on their own airfield and run way. They also have onsite parachute packers, highly experienced videographers, gear sales, kitchen facilities and showers.

The phone number to free fall with Skydive Vancouver is 1-888-738-5867.

Feature of the Week,  March 18th to April 1st 2013
Submitted by Kennedy Jones
Backpackers Hostels Canada