Travel

For a long time I thought that if I couldn’t travel I would die. It was high on my list of favorite things. I think it expands my worldview, and allows me to understand that people everywhere are, politics and religion aside, really about the same. They want to make a living, feed their kids, and have a good life. Having a good life is different everywhere. Clean water might be the goal in sub Saharan Africa, while sending their kids to the best college money can buy might be the goal of an American or European. And there are certainly many levels of “good” in between. Meeting people from all walks of life is grounding. It makes me appreciate my own life as well as understand that there are cultures whose lives are far simpler and, sometimes, happier.

When I was diagnosed with leukemia I went into hibernation mode. My couch was far safer and more secure than a Hilton in Dubai. Me, who went to East Africa on my honeymoon right after September 11th, 2001. I still traveled for business, but with the exception of our annual trip to Cabo San Lucas and our forays onto Buzzard’s Bay on our sailboat I wasn’t going far. Slowly I realized I had lost the fearlessness of my youth. And it pissed me off.

As with any journey the hardest part is the first step. I made it a long one. While sitting on a barstool on the ferry from Delos to Mykonos that feeling of joy spread through me again. This is why I travel: the history, the culture, the people, and the food. Especially the food.

So join me on my adventures past and present. Recline your seats and keep your tray tables down. It’s really all about enjoying the ride!