no iPhone or other phone to maintain connections,
no computer,
no iPod,
no Kindle,
no camera,
no wedding ring,
and no other jewelry.
Instead, a fake purse and wallet to offer up to street thieves.
To give you an idea of the kind of person I am, I usually travel with my distance/driving glasses (the ones I wear to watch television and movies in theaters too), reading glasses, and a spare pair of regular glasses in case mine break. Then there are the "pool glasses", which are a very old pair of plastic glasses that I wear when I'm in the ocean or the pool. On this trip it will be just the one pair on my face, which I will hopefully be able to hold on to.
Only one book. I haven't figured out which one yet, as this is such a big decision.
Just one carry-on bag and a Scottevest.
And a Moleskine journal with #2 pencils to write in.
Instead of bringing my chi blow dryer, special shampoo and conditioner, hair spray for color-treated hair, texturizer, hair-repair leave-in conditioner, round brush, and clips for sectional drying, I'll be toting just a small brush and shampoo.
We will be somewhere where we don't speak the language nor understand or appreciate the culture.
Obtaining clean water and healthy food are mysteries that we will figure out once we get there.
I will be washing out my few articles of plus-size clothing in a sink.
We're going for the wedding of our nephew and his fiance, and are delighted to be able to do so.
It will be a very short trip with no sightseeing for me or side trips--just the wedding.
It will take us a day to get to Florida and then another day to get to Brazil. Ditto the return.
An exercise in being present and letting go and embracing uncertainty.
I am completely terrified.
Oddly, this is fine and feels appropriate to me.
It has been 30 years since I've left this country and a decade since I've lived a luxurious American lifestyle, traveling in comfort and style, and living the same way.
I feel like I'm diving off the high dive.
6 comments:
WOW! This is so wonderful... that you are diving off the high board and way out into the deep water ...far out of your comfort zone. I'll bet it will be a wonderful experience. I just LOVE to travel light because it so reduces the stress of worrying about a checked bag, worrying about losing things, etc. I hitchhiked Europe with my passport and bit of money in a security belt hidden under my blouse. I hope your trip, though short, is just as liberating as that was for me. Bom viagem!
Thanks, Kelly. This makes me feel better. I have never traveled light or even close to light. Not even in the neighborhood of close. I am hoping that it will feel liberating and I will learn to trust God more than I do now.
Well, I also want to say (here safely tucked away in the comments where only my LOYAL readers go) that we have both had heart troubles lately. LoveHubbie's have been for 10 days, but he's been tested every way known to man, and he is doing well as far as allopathic medicine can tell. I too have been tested and in the ER, but am ok after all; it is probably chronic and severe anxiety. At any rate, I'm fine.
I think that it has much to do with leaving my security blankets behind, plus with a lack of trust in where I'm going. Lots of danger in a multitude of ways...even drinking water can be very dangerous there.
I think all will be well, though.
I must say that this entire adventure has cured me once and for all at ever thinking I want to retire anywhere but in the USA. We had been considering other countries and we are now not considering other countries. I will be much more grateful for all that I have, so many blessings that I cannot count them all.
Thank you again Kelly for imbuing this with a positive slant (besides the wedding, of course!)...peace and love to you,
O
This week I have heard about a number of courageous and incredible things my friends are doing. YOU ARE INCREDIBLE! All I can do is go back to this quote - As we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence actually liberates others. - Marianne Williamson
You encourage and inspire me as you leap into the unknown. Have a great experience. I can't wait to hear how it goes!
Ohhh, thank you Kristine. I love that quote, too. Beyond just going to the wedding, the thoughts that I will be able to inspire others and have stories to share helps to give this special time meaning. Thank you my dear friend, for this gift. xoO
Oh, I will keep you both in my prayers...including your hearts. I know you will be fine and something special is going to happen, too.
Thanks, Kelly. It did...so many things...which I will write about soon! xoO
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