Page 15 - 2022 & 2023 Adventures by Land & Sea

Monika Auksutyte The Baltic Capitals & St. Petersburg
The period I grew up in was a historically difficult period, when Lithuania was just starting up as a
young country after 50 years of devastating occupation by the Soviet Union. I was mostly raised by my
grandparents and spent my summers in a village, where I helped on a small family farm. I had made
a funny promise to my parents as a child, that one day I will let the world know what a magnificent
country we have and how proud we are of our nation. To follow through on that promise, I began my
career as a local city guide and then moved up to become a Trip Experience Leader for O.A.T.

Sandrah Gilbert Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari

I was born to a mixed race family from German, Ndebele, and Shona descent in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, but
I was raised by my Ndebele grandmother. I earned a secretarial diploma and studied hotels and catering,
but decided I loved outdoor experiences more than indoor work. I studied tour guiding, which led me
to a passion for working with people and animals. I can share the beauty of my country and help put a
smile on people’s faces as they meet new people and learn about other cultures. I want my travelers to
experience the true culture of the villages, the dances for different ceremonies, the warmth of the people,
and the many different tribes who live in harmony. I have lived in an amazing country. We have made it
through the difficult times, and we are still loving, caring, and welcoming.

Milan Miletic Crossroads of the Adriatic: Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Slovenia

Growing up during the war in the former Yugoslavia had a large influence on my way of thinking. I
particularly enjoy working with O.A.T. travelers because they don’t come here for vacation—they come
to travel, learn, and explore. They are adventurous and flexible. We joke together, but soon after we talk
seriously, and no topic is too controversial for them. Every time we visit places that were affected by
the recent war and I see my guests start to think about what they can do to spread awareness so that
something like this never happens again, my hope in a better future is restored.

Keiko Ishii Japan's Cultural Treasures

I was born in Tokyo, and I currently live near Tokyo Tower, the landmark of the city. I studied Shintoism
and Fine Arts both in school in Japan, as well as in the U.S. What I love about O.A.T. travelers is that they try
to understand my country’s culture and accept it. I really appreciate their positive attitude. A memorable
experience for me was when I went to a Jazz club in Kanazawa with my group. One of the travelers was a
trumpeter. He jumped on the stage and joined in with the local musicians. This experience inspired me to
start taking jazz piano lessons. My favorite destination in Japan is Hakone. I used to attend school summer
camps there as a child, and today, I vacation there with friends and family. You can enjoy hot spring baths,
fresh seafood, and the beauty of the mountains.

Mustapha Ahitass Morocco Sahara Odyssey

My journey to becoming an O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader started when I backpacked around Morocco
after studying Travel and Tourism. My love for travel grew as I explored Morocco’s best known sites and
hidden gems. After leading adventure tours and joining a luxury travel agency, I decided to become a Trip
Experience Leader, providing insights and using my expert knowledge to cater to my travelers’ needs. My
heart is in travel and I love to share the culture and diversity of my country. The travel opportunities have
been fantastic and my bucket list is ever growing, although with the arrival of my little ones, holidays
may be a little different in the future!

Information & Reservations 1-800-955-1925 www.oattravel.com 15

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