Instead of sticking to a typical ISEP trip while studying in Norway, Tom Morrison took a different approach. He turned his semester abroad into a six-month voyage from Scandanavia all the way down through Europe and into West Africa. Morrison hit 11 countries on his trip and ecountered a roller coaster of experiences as he backpacked all the way to Morocco.

“I met tons of people,” Morrison said. “I would go back in a heatbeat.”

Morrison’s travels had an abundance of outdoor activities, many of which he was prepared for from CMU’s Outdoor Program. He spent time skiing and climbing which turned his holidays into an unforgettable endeavor.

“I summitted West Africa’s highest peak on Christmas Eve,” Morrison said.

Along with his many high points Morrison had challenges along the way. In one back country skiing trip he and some friends got caught in a storm that eventually resulted in an avalanche. Luckily no one was hurt, but that wasn’t the only time that the trip had its hills to overcome.

“I got robbed by gypsies in Macedonia,” Morrison said.

As he made new friends all over the world, Morrison also had the opportunity to visit his sister in Burkina Faso who is dedicating her time in the Peace Corps. The small country in West Africa is an extreme opposite from his starting point in Norway, and Morrison explained how it was one of his favorite stops.

“There are no tourists and people are really nice,” Morrison said. “It is one of the poorest countries in the world without warfare.”

Morrison had plenty to share about his journey and wants to encourage others to take the time and travel. This Wednesday he will be talking more about his trip abroad at CMU Outdoor Program’s Wednesday Night Wandering. To hear more about his top 10 moments and view a higlight reel go to Maverick Center Auditorium, Room 155 at 7:30 p.m.