My last trip overseas was in August, 2019. When I stepped off the plane from Mexico City, I had every intention of returning within the year. It had been my third trip to Mexico in two years, and each time I came home with a longer list of places to explore on my next visit.
Besides my own trips to Mexico, I had fallen into a cycle of spending free time every fall researching the many travel and learning opportunities for teachers, narrowing down my list, sending out applications, and waiting to hear the results.
Last year was no different. I applied to four programs and was accepted into three: TEACH Bahrain, the Korea Research Trip, and the NEH Fellowship to Heart Mountain, Wyoming. All three have been postponed due to COVID. I can’t help but wonder if they will ever happen. In the meantime, I’ve adjusted to a life without travel. Here are a few things I’ve realized.
Keep Learning
Travel has always been about learning for me. I love exploring new cultures, eating new foods, meeting new people. So, with the pandemic, I’ve continued to focus on learning. This summer was largely devoted to reading books and attending webinars around equity and justice in schools, antiracist teaching, and abolitionist education. I’ve learned a lot and have a lot more to learn.
I am working on posts to share resources, set goals, and document what I am doing to make my classroom, school, and school district a more equitable and just place for all students. Stay tuned!
Travel Locally
Getting away for two days to Cape Cod felt as good as a two-week trip to Mexico. How can that be? Mostly because I was able to spend time with friends away from the distractions of home. Great conversations, amazing meals, beautiful scenery, and complete relaxation made for a rejuvenating trip. And the outdoor shower was the icing on the cake!
Treat Yourself
I didn’t want to include this section because it shows my materialistic side, but if I’m being honest . . . . I knew I’d be home a lot this summer, so I treated myself to some pretty nice deck furniture. I love my new outdoor living space, even if it’s been too hot on most days to spend much time out there. I’m lucky to have had the means to afford this bit of luxury. Stop by if you’re in the neighborhood!
Look on the Bright Side
One of the best things about not traveling this summer has been being able to spend more time with my grandkids. We used to go to museums, playgrounds, and libraries all the time, but not anymore. It hasn’t always been easy keeping them entertained during a pandemic (I overdid the hiking early on), but we’ve fallen into a rhythm of enjoying time at home.
Keep Dreaming
I know I’m not the only one who goes on Google Flights to check out prices for everything from last-minute deals to the cheapest flight to Mexico a year from now. It’s fun to search, and tempting to buy a flight (my friend got a $20 flight to Puerto Rico from Boston), but for now I’m just enjoying the hunt.
Sometimes I sit on my couch (or outdoor recliner) and imagine I’m on a flight. Doing that makes me feel like I have this extended block of time to fill with reading or writing and helps me ignore the basket of dirty laundry. How can I wash clothes if I’m on a flight? Now if I could just have someone pass by with a beverage cart!
What If?
A friend has been asking since the pandemic began, “What if you could never travel again?” At first, I was horrified by the question, but now I’ve come to realize that no matter what happens, travel will never be the same as it once was. So, I do think of the “What if” scenarios and become more comfortable with the possibility of limited travel or long periods of no travel. Getting in the right mindset, and realizing that life will go on, and that I can continue to learn and dream and reap the benefits of staying home, will help me adjust more easily to this uncertain future.
August 27, 2020 @ 13:16
Thank you, Tim……..wonderful thoughts!!!!
August 28, 2020 @ 20:46
Thanks for reading, Lori! See you soon.
August 27, 2020 @ 18:29
I will keep your advice in mind dad! I have been a little low on motivation the past week, but I will write down some things I want to work on and take it from there!
August 28, 2020 @ 20:48
Thanks for checking out my blog, Ricardo. I’m sure you’ll achieve your goals.
August 28, 2020 @ 23:35
Good to catch up on your life and read how you are dealing with no travel!
September 2, 2020 @ 22:11
Great to hear from you, Sara!
September 1, 2020 @ 23:36
I think of you with fond memories and great envy for your spirit.
September 2, 2020 @ 22:12
I have many fond memories of our time at UNH as well. Thanks for the comment!
September 2, 2020 @ 13:08
I love Mexico as well! This last year I went to Oaxaca to celebrate my 60th birthday during Dia de Los Muertos! I highly recommend experiencing this as some point in time. I miss traveling and feel thankful that I purchased a small travel trailer over a year ago. It allows me to be in nature and to fulfill my adventure seeking self. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your life. I always appreciate your insights!
September 2, 2020 @ 22:14
You are living the life, and you definitely got out of the classroom just in time! I see a travel trailer in my future so I’ll be coming to you for advice.
September 4, 2020 @ 19:59
You may miss traveling, Tim, but I miss traveling vicariously via your writing. You should write a book based on your blog!
September 6, 2020 @ 16:26
Thanks, Betty! I promise there is more traveling to come. Hope you are enjoying your first fall of retirement!
September 9, 2020 @ 04:02
Wish Anthony and I could pop over and test the deck furniture with you! Jean
September 10, 2020 @ 21:57
It should last a lifetime, so maybe you will get a chance to come over. Nice to hear from you, Jean. (I’ve got a letter for you but need to get your address.)
September 9, 2020 @ 12:39
Sweet little grandchildren… I think about you and your boys often. Take care, Sharon
September 10, 2020 @ 21:58
Thank you, Sharon. I think of you and all of our Limiar friends frequently. Hope you, John, and the family are well.
February 5, 2021 @ 09:42
How did I almost miss this ?!
Good Problems to Have | The Alternate Route
February 17, 2024 @ 21:14
[…] It turns out retirement is actually quite busy, but all for good reasons. There’s family commitments, time with grandkids, and getting more and more involved in my community. And I also know that an epic trip is not at all determined by its length. […]