far & away.
Sixteen and 1/2 years ago, I was called into the owner's office just two weeks after joining the company. I was terrified that I had somehow failed miserably in my role, and was being let go. There was no basis for that, of course, but I was sweating when I walked into his office. As I sat down, he calmly asked if I had a passport. I quietly answered "no"…frankly a bit confused b/c I knew that the job would involve some travel, but had somehow assumed that 1) I'd need much more time with the company and 2) it would be domestic travel. In the next few minutes, he explained that he wanted me to attend a meeting in London a week later, so I'd need to go to Boston to get a same-day passport. At that point, I had been outside of the US exactly once – a quick jaunt to Tijuana during a debate tournament in San Diego. I hadn't even ventured to Canada. So, a few days after receiving my first passport, I boarded a plane by myself and met up with the owner & my manager in England. It was overwhelming and exciting, all wrapped into one.
My passport is still nearly empty. I've been on a cruise to Mexico, a girls' trip to Costa Rica, and (obviously) multiple trips to Canada. I travel frequently in the US, but still nothing compared to many of my jet-setting friends.
Travel has been on my mind as I'm settling into a life that offers a bit more freedom. Both of my kids are brave & independent, and they've taught me to be a bit more relaxed about saying yes to new adventures. I have a running list of both domestic and international travel that I look forward to. Barb and I have a trip to Austin, TX for our 2015 installment of Barb & Kat's Excellent Adventures. My Aunt and I are beginning to plan a trip to Machu Picchu for the fall. Dan and I are excited about a possible Mexico adventure. The kids and I are trying to sort out a joint-graduation celebration trip (Hawaii and Bali are both on the potential destination list).
What's on your travel bucket list?
8 Comments
Tracy
I just got back from a business trip to Austin and totally want to go on a vacation there now. Have fun!!!
Kirsten J
I’m the worst traveler…if I could have it first class all the way I might like it better. And while I love the thought of seeing Europe, and maybe my grandfather’s birthplace in Norway (my brother has gone a few times), I think my bucket list is just another chance to spend 10 days in Hawaii. That’s my happy place.
Anne Desmond
The Hague in Holland to visit a good friend
Cornwall England
Back to Schull Ireland for the 3rd time or Northwest Ireland
Taranga New Zealand to visit distance relatives and one of my best friends
Sarah Arel
I love reading your blogs! We all just got our Passports for the first time for an upcoming family vacation in Aruba over Christmas. It is our 20th wedding anniversary this year and we went there for our honeymoon, so we thought it would be fun to go back with the kids! Like you, we’ve done traveling within the US — Hawaii is still my favorite. Alaska was beautiful. New Zealand and Australia are on the top of my bucket list!
Katrina
Cool! Any reco’s for must-see (or must-eat) places?
Katrina Simeck
I really want to go to Hawaii! And flying first class at least once is totally on my bucket list. 🙂
Katrina Simeck
Sooo cool Anne!!
Katrina Simeck
Aruba over Christmas sounds so awesome. Hope and I tried to get Austin to agree to a tropical Christmas several times, but he always resisted. My Aunt is going to New Zealand & Australia in the fall!