Leky Ondej has worked as a Trip Experience Leader on our Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam adventure since 1999 and, recently, she organized a trip to the United States—reuniting with former travelers across six states.
As we celebrate International Friendship Day today, July 30th, we're reminded that travel not only broadens our horizons but can also create lasting connections. Naturally, our Trip Experience Leaders at O.A.T. often form deep bonds with travelers, leading to heartwarming reunions and enduring friendships—here are some of their stories.
Blessing D. Muchenje
Since joining O.A.T. in 2013, Blessing has led many Ultimate Africa: Botswana, Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari adventures. Through these experiences, he has built friendships with some travelers that he believes are "meant to last for a lifetime!"
One such connection is with Delia Bethell, whom he first met in 2015 on an Ultimate Africa safari. Delia enjoyed her experience so much that she chose to embark on the same safari adventure again, reuniting with Blessing in March 2022. As Blessing recalls, this wasn’t pre-planned—reunited and it was like no time had passed at all!"
A happy reunion in Boston.
In June 2023, Blessing also reunited with Bruce and Barb Hagelgans. This time, however, the reunion happened in Boston, where Bruce and Barb treated Blessing to a fancy dinner and reminisced with one another: "They took me out to a nice restaurant in Boston for dinner," he told us. "It was such heartwarming experience as we relived our trip together."
It felt so good eating a home cooked meal," Blessing said.
John & Cheryl Luce—whom Blessing met on a 2017 trip—also met Blessing in Boston, even flying there just to see him: "They took me to their daughter's place for dinner and they really went to town! It felt so good eating a home cooked meal," Blessing said. "Some friendships are simply meant to last for a lifetime!"
Leky Ondej
Leky’s journey with O.A.T. began in 1999, leading Asian adventures like Ancient Kingdoms: Thailand, Laos, Cambodia & Vietnam and New! Discover Thailand: Bangkok to Chiang Rai. Like Blessing, Leky has connected with many travelers throughout her 25-year career with O.A.T., creating friendship that span continents.
Trip Experience Leader Leky Ondej smiling for the camera.
Recently, Leky organized a trip to the United States, reuniting with former travelers across six states. "When I found out that I had free time, I decided to organize a trip to the U.S., but not before contacting my former travelers for a reunion," she explains. "I received replies that they were also free during my visit and willing to welcome me to their homes in New York, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Arizona, and California."
Her visit was filled with unforgettable experiences: "Every single day, every place, and all the time I spent with my former travelers in the U.S. deeply impressed me," Leky recalls. Highlights included exploring Virginia Tech University, admiring gardens in Georgia, and celebrating the 4th of July. "I experienced the great celebration with fantastic fireworks. I had never seen such a stunning fireworks show in my life," she shared.
When Leky visited O.A.T. travelers in the U.S., one of her highlights was exploring Virginia Tech University.
One unique opportunity came from a former navy officer traveler: "One of my travelers showed me a United States Naval ship, which was gigantic and powerful-looking. If it weren't for this friend who was a former navy officer, I would not have had the privilege to see this ship."
Mohamad stands by the Nile River alongside his family and an O.A.T. traveler.
Mohamed Khalil
Mohamed, who began his journey with O.A.T. in 2019, led an Ancient Egypt & the Nile River adventure in September 2023. After he met SEHC members Ron Endman, Judy Endman, Melissa Lipe, and Scott Sherman, their connection was so strong that Mohamed visited them in San Diego, California on June 20th, 2024.
Kathleen met Amr’s family and even spent time in his house.
Amr Shahin
Amr's friendship with Kathleen Helmer began in May 2019 during an Egypt trip. Since then, their connection has deepened, with Kathleen returning to Egypt five more times. "Kathleen came back to Egypt. Then Kathleen came and spent time in my house in Alexandria, Egypt, twice," he shared.
Their mutual love for Egyptian culture and history created strong chemistry between Amr and Kathleen: "We have always enjoyed being around the monuments, and diving into the culture of Egypt."
