With years of teaching behind me and pleasant retirement plans now and ahead, I have taken some time to reflect on how fortunate I am. We have driven through many sections of the US including spots in the west as well as a long drive across the south to Florida and then back through the central part of the country.
Once while visiting family in Texas, we noted Minnesota due north so extended with a side trip to see friends who live there. When you live in Nevada, you drive! We’ve also flown here and there and again; I feel lucky to have enjoyed good food and good conversations.
Having our Caravan Camper (and now a travel trailer) adds another dimension to travel as people camping seem to love to share information on wonderful sights to see.
Driving through Canada to Alaska proved to be a marvelous adventure with terrific wildlife and all sorts of people to chat with – Canadians, our near neighbor, have much to share. Although Customs is typically a breeze for us, as in one glance we are waved through, Vancouver, BC, disliked the appearance of a Ford pickup with two dogs.
Even with proper paperwork all the way around, Jigs and Telly faced impoundment while authorities checked out our truck’s contents. I think the question, “Do you own guns?” and response yes followed by, “Do you have them with you?” and of course, no as we are aware of prohibitive laws, plus the rustic Nevadan appearance, encouraged the inspection. Eventually waved on, or maybe “waived on” we set out with a wave back.
Exploration to other countries has been terrific and there has never been a place that I did not feel welcome and safe. Well, perhaps in Russia, but we were there a short time and it is more the lack of freedom that I noticed the most.
In chatting with our art museum guide I asked if he’d been to the US to study. He replied that he had not but that he’d love to but that he would need to marry first. Why, I wondered, “So that your wife might travel as well?” to which he stated, “No, so that the government knows I would come back to her.”
I am writing this now from a cabana on St. George’s Caye, Belize. Having spent several days in the jungle complete with howler monkeys and cave tubing, we’re now on the water until vacation’s conclusion, I’ve continued to ask questions to learn about this country. While English is the official language and the one used in schools, everyone speaks Spanish. With a lilting accent it is fairly easy to understand.
I’d say about half of our guides and resort employees were born in Belize, and the rest were brought as young children primarily from Guatemala or other Central American Country. One native reminded me that 40 years ago there had been war in El Salvador. “That’s when my parents moved – Belize welcomed immigrants and my parents seized opportunity.”
Many Belizeans have visited the United States. A visa is required and may take years to attain, but they look forward to seeing snow as well as sightseeing. One guide pointed out how snow (and accompanying ice and wind) amazed him, but soon he had had enough of the cold and was happy to return to his tropical homeland. Employment here is sound, the government appears stable, the cost of living is reasonable, and residents seem content.
As we snorkeled yesterday, a prime local activity, we enjoyed a magnificent reef, lots of fish, a couple of angry eels, some rays, and most exciting – a shark. Needless to say, we all popped to the surface laughing in astonishment. The shark, nervous about our arrival, quickly vanished into the water beyond. My mind wandered through the good fortune of my life that I could be a part of this great encounter., not just with the sea life viewed, but by the camaraderie created through our group experience.
In reflection, I believe that most people are happy – they just want to wake up in the morning to enjoy, in my case, some coffee and a peaceful day ahead. Most are pleased to interact and answer my many questions. My question right now? Where to next? With a recently renewed passport, I need stamps from around the world to fill the pages and adventures to fill my mind. Ah, the good life!