Where is all the beauty in the world?
While I’m a big fan of keeping current on things happening in the world, I sometimes have to take breaks from the news. As I sit here writing while Tigger frolicks in the waves, a black kitten plays with my foot, biting on my toes with sharp needle-like teeth, and clouds slowly consume the mountain out my window, I have to wonder why we don’t get more representation for all the beauty in the world. There is a huge,...
The Perspective of Travel
Travel often gives us a unique perspective on things. The longer you spend in an area, especially if you’re mingling with locals, the more that perspective grows. Morocco has given me some unique perspectives. I never voiced this to anyone, but I was a bit nervous coming here. Not just because of the language limitations. While I have friends and connections who are Muslim, I’ve never been to a mostly Muslim area...
Confession Time
I have a confession. I hate Christmas. Well, okay, I hate Christmastime. (I’m definitely not at Scrooge level by any means!) Well, until this year. Because of my childhood and subsequent lack of real family, Christmas has never been an enjoyable time for me really. I did often have friends who invited me over so I wasn’t alone, but I don’t think they realized how painful it really was. It’s hard to sit in...
My travel bitch
I know the following statement is not earth shattering, but: I love to travel! I hope you weren’t too terribly shocked. Hopefully you were already sitting down, or were able to quickly move to a safe place. No head injuries allowed. As much as I love to travel, there are just some things that really get old. After the latest irritant, I just needed to do a travel bitch. Please feel free to share yours! Air Travel I...
In the midst of culture clash
In my former working life, one of the things I was well known for in the medical community of Colorado was being a cultural consultant. I regularly taught and presented at conferences, groups, committees, etc., on issues of multiculturalism in health care. I try to be very respectful of cultural differences. When we’re in a new environment, I try very hard to respect the culture of that area, even if I personally find a...
The UnPlan
I hate planning to travel. It makes me feel boxed in. I love having unadulterated spontaneity. But sometimes, you just have to plan for things. Especially when air travel is required. It’s a bit expensive, and sometimes risky, to just show up at the airport and buy a ticket for a trip 2 hours before the plane takes off. Generally, it’s worked out well for us. We had a bit of a hiccup recently when needing to take the...
