The amount of stuff mattered. On this ten-day hiking adventure we’d carry a forty liter backpack with “needed” whatever. Not known for ever packing light, choosing what to bring would be arduous. Practicality over indulgence must “reign the day”: that special hair conditioner…forget about it; the cute evening dress…not necessary. Our things … Read more
A lone traveler on a bike, examining his wrinkled, printed maps, unsure about the route to Fort Collins, traveling with time on his hands. A German-speaking Italian from the Dolomites, Heinz started in Mexico City, met a companion then biked until reaching Colorado. Other than visiting a Hutterite community in North Dakota and Chicago, his … Read more
“It’s a GREAT Tired,” said my friend. We had skied hard all day, hardly taking a break, gobbling Gorp on the lift. The snow on the slopes, in the trees, off of the main trails beckoned: Come into my playground. Relish the views. Feel the strength and challenge to your body. Let the cold air … Read more
There’s a condition that my family calls “Go-itis”. It means running from task to task, event to event, packing the schedule with little space for consciously experiencing the day. Sound familiar? Even if we enjoy the energy associated with productivity, we miss so much in between because our minds are focused on the outcome versus … Read more
Where To in 2019? This is a common question at the start of a New Year. It’s often easier to ask the question than answer, underlying our unease with fabricated resolutions. Luckily The World Is always Within Reach: we can refresh, rewrite, begin anew anytime. The World is Within Reach when we live as travelers.We have … Read more
A few weeks ago I found myself alone at 5:30 pm on a Friday at the beautiful sleek The Jacquard Hotel & Rooftop, recently opened in the Cherry Creek North shopping district in Denver. After a tour of the property I sat near the bar in Narrative, the hotel’s new restaurant. My laptop was deliberately … Read more
The last one on the plane, ugh, is an unenviable position. The only seat available is surprisingly in the front row, the Bulk Head middle seat. All the other passengers have walked by and as the very last passenger boarding the plane, the only choice was that smooshed seat. Arms stretched straight by my side. Other … Read more
Yes, traveling can be exhausting. We want to figure out where to eat breakfast, how to get from the airport to the hotel and around the town, purchase tickets to the top sights, procure dinner reservations etc…lots of logistics.Then, it’s the little things, the small inconveniences that remind us we’re in a different country and … Read more
Much had changed. Packing for a recent trip felt different. Instead of three bags, there was one, a “Roll-Away” that fit in the overhead bin. No baggage fees! Check! Clothes worked for both daytime and evening activities. Check! The coat was helpful in light rain and windy conditions without being cumbersome or difficult to pack. … Read more
So many demands…So many distractions…Too many options. We can feel overwhelmed with how to prioritize our time, including moments for conversation. Just the other day, I declined an invitation to stop in at my neighbor’s house: the car repair shop was waiting . What a miss! Even for a brief moment, saying “Hello” is the … Read more