Issue link: https://bluemagazine.uberflip.com/i/25256
letter from the editor:: Adventure teaches lasting lessons. An arduous trek through remote villages teaches us about patience and a different way of life; a tenuous sin- gletrack ride helps us learn about determination; falling from a snowboard gives us insight into how we deal with pain. Often, once we've reached this level, we feel responsible to take what we've dis- covered and create something new with it, or to integrate it into our lives. Progressive German educator Kurt Hahn, who helped create Outward Bound (originally designed to train sailors how to survive at sea dur- ing World War II and later evolving into one of the largest outdoor education schools), developed a system of education that evaluated students on their public spirit, sense of justice, ability to do things right in the face of dangers (e.g. exhaustion, hostile public opinion, skepticism, and boredom), imagination and organizational skills. Hahn's goal, to create righteous students who are vig- ilant and active citizens, seems to mesh with the mission of many educational expedition organizations whose trips we have chosen to highlight in this issue. As the editor of BLUE's ANNUAL ADVENTURE + GEAR GUIDE this PHOTO: CHRISTA SKINNER year, I had the pleasure of interviewing some of the most innovative people in expedition travel-individuals who have pioneered intellectual adventure. These people inspire us to travel the world, not only to see it, but also to help change, protect, and document it. Brian Rosborough, founding chairman of Earthwatch Institute, has created a way for volunteers to work side-by-side with scientists on conservation projects as far afield as Madagascar (p. 21). Medea Benjamin, co-founder of Global Exchange, takes travelers to places like Israel and Afghanistan to spread firsthand experience in how U.S. foreign pol- icy affects the world (p. 22). Sven-Olaf Lindblad, president and founder of Lindblad Expeditions, gives travelers a chance to see the world's most dynam- ic, and often threatened, ecosystems up close (p. 23). Whether you travel because you want to make the world a better place, or simply because you thrive on the excitement of exploring amazing landscapes via kayak, bike, skis, surfboard, or on foot, all of the adventure trips reviewed in this issue offer a chance for authentic exploration, and the opportunity to learn something new. Tasha Eichenseher tasha@bluemagazine.com 12