Going Abroad....

I was traveling on a buddy pass, from a friend of a friend who worked for the airlines.  My travels thus far had taken me to Hawaii, Washington State, Canada, and back to the East Coast of the US for my road trip.  My road trip was an enlightening experience, working through the mixed feelings that arose while traveling alone.  Mostly, I got to know myself more and felt as though I had grown having dealt with those issues, and the issues that came from family and friends related to my nomadic lifestyle.

I was in Boston, visiting my long-time friends, who remarked how much better I looked after my travels.  Remember, my travels started in a burnt out state of mind, body and spirit.  I did feel lighter, and I was physically lighter as well.  It felt good to reconnect, yet, I was also ready to continue my travels...not really ready to be back home again.

I dropped my car off, arrived at the airport, this time traveling much lighter than my original departure experience.  My first stop was in Atlanta, GA, visiting a friend before leaving for Scotland and England.  The visit was sweet and short, and I was back at the airport waiting for a possible seat to England.

The buddy pass means that your are flying standby and only if a seat opens up then you get on the plane - and it is a much cheaper ticket, especially for a multi-destination ticket.  I had only paid about $300 for all of these destinations.  A gift.  One that I am still grateful for...thanks Jeff and Olin.

It was late in the evening, and the possibility of flying out was dim.  A woman, originally from England, but living in the US now, was in the same situation as I was...waiting for a seat.  We were told that there were no available flights for that night around 11:00 pm, so we started to consider our options.  I called my friend to ask him to come back to get me, while simultaneously the woman offered me a place to stay at her home since she'd be coming back to the airport anyhow in the morning.

As I was on the phone with my friend, and, as I was receiving this woman's offer, the flight staff informed us that we were on this flight...moving us quickly into the plane, and me still on the phone with my friend, we realized that we were being put in first class, being seated with an offer of champagne.  How great is that!  This flight is several hours, and traveling first class was such a gift.  The woman (whom I don't remember her name now), quickly became good acquaintances, settled in and enjoyed our unexpected pleasures of first class.

Unexpected pleasures...I was opening myself up for them, and as I did, they were increasing in frequency.  There was such joy in that journey to the UK and I arrived in London well rested and filled with good food and champagne.  To jump to the end of my stay in Scotland, I received the second gift of traveling first class on my return flight as well.

Although, I wish that there wasn't really a separation of classes on airplanes, since I believe we all deserve to be comfortable on planes, especially with such long flights.   But, since I don't have a say in that, I was glad to have the experience and not have to pay a ridiculous amount for it.

Expect the unexpected and life is filled with so much joy and gratitude.

Eastward Bound...

My friend who was one of my greatest supporters of my nomadic life, had a friend who lived in Kansas.  I headed there, and spent a couple of days with him.  He welcomed me with a generous heart and offered me a place to stay, for the short-term.  Yet, I was heading back to the East coast to help my sister out with her kids.  I look back on it now, with regret.  I probably should have remained focused on my own journey.  I rushed my time there, in a funky area, where I could have explored and enjoyed more.  I drove through the Blue Ridge mountains in awe, but rushed.  I only remember staying at an extremely cheap and clean motel that had an amazing view of the mountains.

I arrived late, woke early, and  walked out to the misty view of the mountains and stopped in my tracks.  I realized then that I was rushing my journey, yet I had made a commitment to be back to assist. The drive through the mountains touched my soul, with the power enveloping me as I drove.  This was the most memorable part of that long drive back East.

In the end, due to my car issues, my sister had to make other arrangements since I couldn't make it back in time.  This is a regret of my travels, and have learned my lesson.  It really is important to change old patterns, and be okay with taking care of oneself and following your own heart...it was and still can be a challenge to live my life and let go of others expectations and opinions of what I should or should not be doing...and, to be okay with not doing my part.

My time back home on the East coast was short-lived.  I connected with family and friends, which was enjoyable, but, I was not ready to be back.  I dropped my car off with a friend and headed to Europe...

England and Scotland bound....

My journey continues...

It was difficult to leave Mystical Moab in Utah.  Yet, I was heading towards two new friends whom I met on the Big Island of Hawaii - fellow travelers.  They were living in Salt Lake City, well known as the city of Mormons, yet it has much more to offer.  My friend, was once involved in the Morman life. due to her family, but no longer participated, nor agreed with it, starting when she became old enough to decide for herself.

As I headed towards Salt Lake, my car broke down.  Bummer.  Some small town between Moab and Salt Lake is where I stayed to get it fixed.  It was a big enough town that the delay was only one night, and the hotel was not too expensive.

Driving towards Salt Lake was breathtaking as I approached the City amongst the mountains.  The traffic was horrific, delaying my arrival.  Our reunion was met with excitement and joy.  We explored the city, their favorite hangouts and the mountains by car and foot.  It was an amazing few days.

Regrettably, I put myself on a time table, wanting to be back to the East coast to help out my sister and her kids.  I say regrettably, because once again, I put someone else before me, and missed out on the experience as I rushed my visit in Salt Lake and the rest of the States that would take me back to the East coast.  I wish I had declined the request for assistance and been true to my own journey.  A lesson learned and revisited many times in my life.  Over the years, I have improved on putting my own desires and preferences before me, even though the feedback and judgment can be full of disappointment and disapproval from others, and that I am being selfish (to live my own life).

In retrospect, I should have seen my car issues that came with this part of the trip as an opportunity to put myself first.  As I attempted to leave Salt Lake, I had car problems.  A pleasant delay, since I had another night with my good friends.  I left, and headed toward Wyoming, then would head East.  I was happily driving to some upbeat music when my car just died....in the middle of nowhere.  I looked across the street and there was a camper parked, so if I needed assistance someone was around....no worries, my philosophy that I would receive help when I needed it was true, even on the remote highway of Wyoming.  I was able to call AAA to let them know where I was...although being specific was a challenge since in the middle of nowhere is in the middle of nowhere.  I happened to know the exit number I had last passed, gratefully.

I met Mike, a generous and thoughtful mechanic who drove me around to look for a deal on the hotel room.  We went to three hotels before I found one that gave me a deal for the three nights needed to get the car fixed.  Acquiring the car part required a three day delay since the trains wouldn't be coming into town with the parts until then.  Almost in tears to hear this...I was getting frustrated with my car experiences.  Being from Boston, with things easily accessible, meant that I was a bit spoiled. I had to adjust my thinking otherwise I would make this into more of a negative experience than it actually was.

I remember ordering Chinese food near the first hotel that I was at before I got to the mechanics, since it was too late when I had initially arrived.  Suggestion:  Don't get Chinese food in Wyoming.  I remember how awful it was, and that the Lo Mein was basically spaghetti...not quite authentic Chinese food that I was accustom to in Boston.

Mike became committed to my car issues and my financial concerns, and took time on his days off to get the parts, fix the car and I was out of there before the 3 days. I was so grateful, and it touched my heart that he was so committed and kind - which I viewed as such a gift, and still do after all this time.

With lightness in my heart from my experience with Mike the mechanic, I headed East....

Magical, Mystical Moab

Heading North from Santa Fe, I was heading to Salt Lake City, Utah to visit friends from Kalani (Oceanside Retreat, Big Island of Hawaii).  These two friends were a great support while in Hawaii, when I started my nomadic travels.  We had lots of laughs and I was looking forward to reconnecting with them.  Yet, I had places to visit on my way - Moab, Utah.

Moab, the land of the red rocks and Arches National Park, was an incredible experience -  magical, mystical.  I was compelled to stop along the way to take photos, so it was a long drive, with frequent stops while I headed to the small town of Moab.  I could live here, if only it were on the coast, it would be a perfect match for me.  It was a place where I felt at home.  There are only a few places where I feel at home and this was one of them.  Something called me to these rocks, to the land. It's energy enveloped me and nourished my soul, at it's core.

I spent a few days here, hiking, exploring the rock formations, and the funky town.  I stayed a cheap hotel overlooking the cliffs, mesmerized by the ever-changing light dancing off the red rocks.  A few days was not enough, but being on a budget, I opted to head to Salt Lake City, with a place to stay where I didn't have to dish out money.  I left with the intention of returning, when I could spend more time connecting with such a reverent place.

Magical and mystical are the only ways to describe this place and my experience.  There was nothing that happened specifically that I can share with you, nothing to detail that this or that happened, yet something profound did happen, just by being there.  Moab, mystical and magical.  Hopefully, you have had an experience such as this, and understand.

Northward...to Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe, New Mexico

Santa Fe, surrounded my mountains, an artist community with diversity, funkiness and a school for the Deaf (which matters to me because that is my profession - a teacher of the Deaf).  I drove through Albuquerque, with a glance, not getting the feeling that it was a place to stop.  Arriving to Santa Fe late in the day, with a chugging in my car.  I stopped at a mechanic, who said it was most likely due to the increased elevation.  My car needed time to adjust.  Okay...I probably would as well.

I had a place to stay.  A friend of a friend, was letting me stay in their guesthouse.  I had never met these people, yet they joyfully welcomed me because we shared a friend, a dear friend who is a fellow nomad.  The guesthouse was charming, southwest in decor.  It provided privacy, a place to cook and lounge and an incredible bed.  These new friends took the time to show me Santa Fe, driving me around and taking me to their favorite restaurants and treating!

My new friends were leaving for two of the 4 weeks that I was there and paid me to take care of their home and dog, (who just recently passed away, RIP Fuji).  So not only were they providing me with a place to stay, they were paying me...how great was that!  I declined the money at first, not yet comfortable with accepting such generosity.  Then I realized that it was an exchange of service, and they would have paid someone else if I was not there - I took the money with gratitude.

I walked the streets of Santa Fe, enjoying the adobe style buildings, browsing the artists' creations on the sidewalks, driving in the mountains, and visiting the school for the Deaf.  It is a great school, despite the lack of competitive pay, with the same amount of responsibility.  I would have considered a position there if I was really looking to return to teaching, but I wasn't.

Canyon Road, Santa Fe, NM

I was there at the time of the pilgrimage to El Santuario de Chimayo, which has been called the "Lourdes of America"     I drove, heading out to Taos, and happened up this pilgrimage.  Many people walked miles, from Albuquerque to arrive on Easter weekend.  There is a hole in the Sanctuary, where the crucifix once was, that magically disappeared.  There was a line to get to see the hole, and to take a portion of the sand, precious sand.  Later, I saw them bringing more sand into this hole....which made me chuckle.  I no longer practice any kind of organized religion, yet, I could understand and show reverence for this experience and people's faith and desire to do a pilgrimage.  I have my own desire to do the El Camino de Santiago, the walk across Spain, so I could relate - it is a personal spiritual pilgrimage outside of any religious connections.

For more detailed information:  http://www.archdiocesesantafe.org/AboutASF/Chimayo.html

                                          

During my first year of nomadic travels, one of my personal lessons was to learn how to accept kindness from others, without giving in return.  I usually was the giver in most of my relationships, although with some friends that wasn't the case.  That was my comfort zone.  I gave more than I received.  That can be detrimental, often leading to resentment if one isn't careful.  My travels started to give me more opportunities to increase my comfort zone in this area.  At first, it was accepting with reluctance, with mixed emotions.  Now, years into my nomadic travels, it has become much easier to say 'yes' when someone is offering me something.  It no longer defines me, as being the 'giver' once did.

I have this dream though, that when I receive my abundance of money, that I will be able to retrace my steps to meet up with those who gave to me freely, unconditionally, and return their kindness.  And, if that it isn't possible, I would like to 'pay it forward' in their honor, because I believe that will add in the serendipity in their lives, bringing them unexpected treats, kindness, abundance.

My car didn't adjust.  I visited a couple of mechanics during my stay here, and each time, the problem seemed to be rectified.  I was learning to let go and surrender to the fact that I would be okay no matter where I was when my car decided to not work properly.  This is only pertinent in this story of my journey because I defined myself as independent, and getting stuck somewhere was incongruous to my being.  It tested me, and was actually helping me become more trusting, reminding me that I didn't need to do all the work, to be in control - that I was being taken care of, no matter where I was on this planet.

Saying good-bye to my new friends was more difficult than I had expected, and driving a way after the second visit to the mechanic, I headed farther North...to Utah.

The Gila Wilderness

Gila Wilderness/National Forest, NM

After my 'escape' from the hostel in T or C, I found myself heading towards total wilderness to Gila National Forest.  It is a protected forest and absolutely breathtaking.  It has plenty of hiking trails, a catwalk, cliff dwellings and canyons.  After hours of driving I gratefully got out of the
car and walked the catwalk which took me deep inside the forest, where I could explore cave and the forest.  However, the catwalk barely scratches the surface of what Gila has to offer.

Cliff Dwellings

 Some say the best way to do it is by horse, if you ride a horse that is.  A backpacking trip, hiking the scruffy jagged terrain along the canyon, amongst  the wilderness would have been heaven.

Yet, I was alone, and I was new to this traveling and being spontaneous, and I was so unprepared for a long term hiking trip.  So, I did the catwalk, and soaked up the energy of the land shaking off the negativity that came with some of my experiences in T or C....things that actually just triggered emotions, which made the situation feel worse than it was.    I felt the freedom creep back into my body and I was thrilled to be on my own again, without be accountable to anyone or having to work.


I spent the day at Gila, a much too short of a trip, and headed on the long road to..wasn't sure where, I just knew it was going to be long and desolate.


Traveling alone on the highway for hours, through ghost towns, surrounded by the white satellite dishes, made it a bit creepy, eery.  Yet, I kept a look out for anything peculiar...alien, UFOs since this was the area.  Nothing.  Absolutely nothing, just me on the road until I came to the town of Soccoro, NM.  I checked into the newly renovated Econo-lodge there, and was so delighted with the quality of mattress, the cleanliness of the room, the breakfast they provided, free internet, etc., for an incredible deal of $35.  Of course, things may have changed, but it was an incredible deal.

I took the night to rest, weary from my driving, requiring time to reflect on my own state of mind, my next destination, and as always dealing with the question that haunts me through this journey, 'What am I doing?'.   Sadly, the answer is 'I don't know.'  It is foreign to me, this traveling solo, with the intention of being spontaneous, letting the road guide me.   Deeply desiring to my core that I become able to surrender to this journey, developing the trust that is needed to know I am on the right path for me, and I am okay, no matter what.  To be consumed by the feeling of peace and freedom, not fear.


These times when I found myself in true solitude, I could connect with my inner guidance and I knew that this was a process that would lead me to the feeling that I was seeking - peace and a deep rooted sense of trust.   I felt as though I was wasting time, letting my fears creep in, consuming me, robbing me of that trust and peace, and joy.  I am then reminded, this is a process, albeit slower than I would have liked. And a gentleness envelopes me, allowing me to be kinder to myself as I would be if this were someone else.  Sleep overrides any need for contemplation, and oh what a great night sleep...I have to say, a good mattress is priceless!  I awoke with renewed enthusiasm and I get in the car and just drive....heading North.

Truth or Consequences

Leaving Austin, Texas was bittersweet.  I had enjoyed my time with my friends, yet I was ready for more adventures.  I also wasn't heading towards anyplace where I knew someone, so I was feeling alone, the fear emerging as I headed onto the long highways of Texas.  It took work, but I kept the fear at bay.

New Mexico was my destination.  I had heard of a town called Truth or Consequences, named after a popular radio show in the 1940s and 1950s.  The town had changed it's name for the sake of a contest.  I also knew the place I was searching for, a hostel-like accommodation, the Riverbend, that had work exchange possibilities, with hot springs, on the Rio Grande.

The drive was interrupted by car issues.  In the middle of nowhere-ville, Texas, my car started to die.  I would pull over and wait, and it would start up again.  I could go only so many miles before the process repeated itself.  Okay...the next town is only 150 miles away...it was nerve-wracking to say the least.  Trucks flew by me, and not one person stopped.  Eventually, I made it to the next town, to a mechanic that was willing to look at it the next day.

At my hotel, I called Ron, my trusted mechanic in Boston.  I described the situation and he diagnosed it on the spot.  "Bring it in.", said Ron.  "Ummm, I'm Texas...I'm calling for a consult.".  He laughed, and was a great support.  Its been years since I left Boston and I still miss Ron.   Finding a great trustworthy mechanic is such a blessing.

T or C, New Mexico

Yet, the Texas mechanic couldn't find the problem even though I had given him the information from my mechanic.  The details gets foggy here, but I remember him fixing something, charging me almost nothing for his time and work, and off I went.  I was so glad to have not been ripped off, because, honestly, I was alone in Texas, a single woman, and in a very small town where he could have taken advantage of the situation.  He didn't.  I was grateful.

Coming into Truth or Consequences was mixed with excitement and disappointment.  The surroundings are breathtaking.  It is a funky town, which I loved.  It is run down.  It is meth-lab central.  The Rio Grande is not so grand.  Yet, here I was.  I found the funky hostel, and paid for 2 nights, and then asked to do a work exchange.  In doing so, I was initially a guest so I didn't stay in the dorm, but a guest room.

At the Riverbend

Due to the dysfunction of the place, I was able to stay in the private room while I did the work exchange, whereas most went to the dorms.  I missed the details of what was happening behind the scenes until my last day there.  By then, I didn't care that they had wanted me to be out of the guest room and move to the dorms.  They also didn't want me to leave since I was such a great worker.  Ten days into it, I knew I had to leave.  Dysfunction.  Ugh.  I crept out at sunrise to begin my drive heading towards the Gila National Forest.

Elephant Butte

Hot Springs, near
the  Rio Grande

What I remember most of T or C is that I loved the funkiness.  I spent hours, upon hours in the healing waters of the hot springs, alone or chatting with whomever was there. I made a few acquaintances who made my time there worthwhile, just to be connected to others, to share our life experiences, yet none became long-time friends.   I hiked the mountains and along the river.  I visited Elephant Butte.  I was thrilled to see a body of water.

The work at the work exchange was so minimal in comparison to what I did as a career.  It was mindless.  I met a variety of different folks from all walks of life, of different ages.  We gathered for meals and laughed and shared stories.  Everyone was different, yet accepted.  It felt comfortable.

Yet, that morning I was ready to leave.  I snuck out at sunrise, escaping more of the 'last good-byes' and the pressure that I was getting to stay on.  We had had celebration of sorts the night before, which was enough for me.  I was ready for the green and lushness of the Gila National Forest, and the feel of freedom on the road that would take me there.

Keep Austin Weird

Austin, Texas

My drive from Galveston to Austin was short and uneventful.  I considered stopping in Houston, but not looking for a big city experience, I drove on by.  Sometime later, when I met someone who grew up in Houston, who then told me about all that it has to offer, I was wished I had taken the time.  But, such is life.  I headed to Austin, to stay with friends whom I had met at Kalani, on the Big Island of Hawai'i. 

My friends live outside of the city, in a small community amongst the trees and wildlife.  It was easy access to downtown Austin where I explored the 'weirdness' of the area...and for me, I fit right in.  It was my kind of weirdness - liberal, had diversity, metaphysical options...ahh, a safe haven in a conservative state.  After walking the streets and around Lady Bird Lake, I ate at local cafes and funky restaurants to get the feel of the place, despite the budget issues.  I ventured to the outer areas, hiking through the terrain and finding caves to explore.  I found some wonderful spots for meditation and connecting with the earth's energies.  

My trip to Austin was a good respite from traveling alone, having two friends who may have not known me well or for that long, but were like-minded, generous with their home and time, and gave me the freedom to do things independently.  They were perfect hosts for me, who prefers to travel solo, and who often gets caught up in what others may want, compromising my own desires.  I look back on that friendship and their kindness with gratitude...to Toli and Christine, even after all these years you remain dear to my heart.

Austinpost.org

From research, a good description of Austin and it's people:  Austinites have also adopted the unofficial slogan " Keeping Austin Weird". This interpretation of the classic, "Texas-style" sense of independence refers to: the traditional and proudly eclectic, liberal lifestyles of many Austin residents; a desire to protect small, unique, local businesses from being overrun by large corporations; and, as a reaction to the perceived rise of conservative influences within the community.  Austin is known as an oasis of liberal politics in a generally conservative state....thus, being a place I could visit with a breath of fresh air in this conservative state that seemed to be providing me with some ongoing challenges while I interacted with people.

Downtown is filled with the presence of popular live music and nightlife scene, museums, a mix of diverse restaurants, Lady Bird Lake, which is considered one of the city's best recreational spots, and the 2nd Street District, now with several new residential projects, restaurants, coffee shops, stores, upscale boutiques and museums...Austin seems to be ever expanding, despite these economic times, but keeping with it's integrity.

Austin is a great place to visit, and to live, if I wasn't such an ocean lover...way too far from the ocean for me to reside here, but it was well worth the trip with all that it has to offer.  And, the bats...incredible...

About the bats:  On the Congress Ave bridge, the world's largest urban population of Mexican Free-tailed bats can be seen, emerging at sunset in search of insects..a great way for pest control, I suppose.  Starting in March, up to 1.5 million bats take up residence inside the bridge's expansion as well as in long horizontal grooves running the length of the bridge's underside, an environment ideally suited for raising their young.  The bats migrate to Mexico each winter.  Amazingly beautiful. Copy and paste into Youtube:  http://youtu.be/pEmuyZdqw4E

Free-tailed bats take flight from their roosts under Austin's Congress Avenue…
(KAREN MARKS / Bat Conservation International)

Camper issues

So, we all travel for different reasons.  I was traveling for multiple reasons myself - burnout, wanting a change, unleash my inner free-spiritedness, walk through my fears, etc., etc.  Most people are probably traveling for a vacation.  These are the people whom were in awe of what I was doing.  I relished in that positive response.


Then there are those who are traveling as a way of life - free spirits, nomads.  These people are my inspiration.  I am in awe of them, even as I become one of them.

Then there are those who are traveling as a way of life who are struggling, who aren't aware of their personal issues and are looking for something...well, not just looking but grasping desperately for something...these are the people whom I have compassion for but need to stay away from for self-protection.  I can easily fall into some co-dependent behaviors, losing my focus on my own journey.

I came across one of these people in Galveston, at the camp site of the State Park.  He was kind, but with an agenda.  He offered me food and warm shelter in his RV during the night since the nights were so cold (which I nicely declined).  He wanted to show me around Texas, join him in his travels across the US...basically, he was trying to make a connection that comes with shared time.  He was ever so lonely and wanted a companion, immediately.  Each conversation became about how I was so much like him and wanting a relationship.  Umm...I just met you and I really haven't said much.  Ugh!  His deep-seated desire to have a connection overstepped boundaries and his comments were so inappropriate.

Instead of being friendly and working towards getting to know each other, he was overwhelming, all consuming...a leech...he showed up everywhere I went.  I couldn't go anywhere without being discovered.  We were neighbors at the camp and I didn't feel as though I could change sites, so I went to the beach.  He found me, joined me on walks...which normally would have been nice other than that I didn't want a leech for company.  I felt his needs and desire to be with someone sucking the energy from me - suffocating me.  This was an all too familiar feeling.


After a couple of days of this, I knew my time there was now limited.  I was hoping that his stay was going to be short, but he planned on being there for a couple of weeks.  I couldn't do this for that long.  It was unfortunate.  I wanted to stay.  I never felt that this man was a threat, but that he was so incredibly lonely and seeking something that I couldn't give him.

At that point in my life, I felt the urge to run, and I did.  Early the next morning I quickly and quietly packed up all my things and took to the road.  That was the best that I could do at that time, run.  Now,  looking back on it, I would probably have a different response and I could have found a way to take care of myself better and would be able to stay.  But, I guess that is the benefit of personal growth.  A similar situation probably still remains a trigger for me, but I know that I can do something different other than run.

So, I headed inland, to Austin...a place where residents of Austin consider themselves separate from Texas...

Texas ramblings...

My travels continued across the lower States. I wanted to visit Austin, Texas, to visit friends that I had made when I was on the Big Island, HI.  Yet, any stops before arriving there were going to be spontaneous, as the respite at the cabin along the river was in Louisiana.  I was beginning to gain the confidence of traveling alone, and my sense of free-spirit was starting to surface more consistently - meaning my fears were starting to subside, consistently.  I was meeting people along the way who were not only friendly, but supportive as well, even though nothing really required much support yet.  There was a sense that we are all connected, even though our experiences, food, music, etc., were different.  

After visiting New Orleans, I crossed into Texas early one evening.  I ran straight into the Ego of the state.  I am not one to function with stereotypes and usually stay clear of them because I think it is unfair to have such generalizations - we are all individuals and I like to honor that.  Yet, at the Information Center at the border... BAM...it was there.  Wow...they're not kidding.  It wasn't that they weren't nice, but they weren't as nice or as helpful as the other states had been.  It was subtle yet not.  I felt as though I walked into another dimension where Texas was another country, with such different rules.  Attitude, the underlying tone that draped each answer.  Good grief.  After a few experiences, I started to agree with the miscellaneous comments that were made about our president being a Texan...but I guess I should keep politics out of this.  For me, there is a difference of being proud of where you live and come from, compared to a 'better than' belief about where you are and come from.  

That being said, I headed for the coast.  I ended up in Galveston, at a State Park where I camped on the beach.  I spent the warm day setting up my camp, soaking up the sunshine and was in joy to be near the beach again.  I was one of few tent campers, RVs monopolizing the camp sites...later, I found out why this was so - at night it got so unexpectedly cold.  Shivering all night was so not enjoyable.  Yet, I stayed.  It was a clean campground, affordable, easy access to the beach where I spent my days and I was not ready to head inland to Austin.

While exploring, meeting others and sharing my story I met many who were in awe of my travels, yet almost all of them provided me with well-intended remarks of caution about traveling alone.  Wanting to keep my own fears at bay, I had to turn away from the negativity.  I truly believe that whatever we focus on comes to us, so I didn't want to focus on the negative possibilities nor even hear about it.  

All was going well until I met a neighboring camper...

Creole, Cajun and French Quarters

In Louisana, I found a cabin to stay in along the river (False River Hideaway Cabins).  It offered traditional Louisiana food, food that was new to me - cajun and creole dishes.  Delicious and fresh.  Those few days along the river were memorable for the solitude that it offered, the exchange of energy with the animals and nature, and a time to reflect on my travels thus far.

I knew I was heading towards New Orleans despite my desire to be spontaneous.  I had never been and wanted to see how it had recovered since Katrina.  I stopped at an information center where an incredibly kind worker gave me support, information, discounts for accommodations and restaurants in the French Quarters.  I am sure he was this way with everyone, but his gentle way of listening to my questions and offering suggestions outside of my own personal knowledge that may have matched my needs better touched my heart.

I arrived on the outskirts of the New Orleans to see remnants of Katrina - downed lines, buildings in disrepair, signs stating things were closed, etc.  But, once I got down to the French Quarters I discovered that things pretty much had returned to normal, or seemingly so.  Businesses were open, crowds of people mulling around, music blaring, people drinking...and drinking, no matter the time of day...normal, for this area.  It was a good feel.  The music soothed the soul.  A feeling of recovery that one feels after surviving a devastating experience and coming out the other side was present and alive.  A sense of lightness floated through the streets and it was such a joy to see.

The Vieux Carré, French Quarter or simply The Quarter, is the oldest neighborhood in the city. It embraces an international influence of many cultures (French, Spanish, Italians, Sicilians, Africans, etc.) So much of what makes New Orleans unique is captured in the melting pot atmosphere of the French Quarter - from the raucous party atmosphere of Bourbon Street to the bohemian elegance of Royal. It's a neighborhood full of surprises, beauty and magic, and is why I ended up here.  I meandered the streets, gardens and riverwalk. I ate their famous beignets at Café du Monde, along with cafe au lait.  I sat along the riverwalk, people-watching and even met people from Boston.



I stayed at this old historic B&B in the French Quarter, which had rich dark furnishings that made the room even smaller, but elegant.  At this time in my life I was not a big party-goer so I was ready for bed long before anyone else.  I could hear the music and partying until sunrise, when I dragged my body out of bed for an early morning walk.  Leftovers were present at each establishment but mainly the streets were quiet.  Relief.  And, with it, on my third day, a desire to leave.

Biloxi, Mississippi

With Dauphin Island behind me, I headed towards Mississippi.  When I was driving over the bridge that leads to the coastline in Biloxi, I got an overwhelming feeling, with heart palpitations and a dizziness that was so unexpected. It scared me.  It took me a minute to realize that it was a physical reaction to being so open to the energetic presence of this area - Katrina and it's destruction.  It was oppressive to say the least.  I cut the cords as they say, and I returned to a more centered place.  I am one of those who can walk into a room and know right away that something is going on emotionally, energetically - having that sense and awareness to the energetics of a place, people, events, etc.  I think we all have it.  I have learned to tune into it for those of you who say that you can't, I believe we all can.

Before and After Katrina (see below for link)

I slowed to a crawl and took in the sight.  The devastation.  The torn apart houses, the beach littered with detritus, and the gloom that hung over an area that was once a beautiful coastline.  It had been months since Katrina.  I know they were making progress in New Orleans.  That was on the news.  I was floored at how much this area had not progressed.  Nothing. Or, seemingly so.  It felt abandoned.  There wasn't anyone around, no one to connect with, to ask for information or guidance.  I rolled through the streets, stopping and gathering the details of the area.  I scanned the beach as I walked, and the houses that once were on stilts to only see an abundance of work that would be required to get rid of the debris, and restore the area.

When I went several streets inland, towards town, there were people.  Some, were fixing their properties, but many were meandering, seemingly without purpose.  The people were utterly overwhelmed. I drove around, looking for a way to connect with someone but I didn't find anyone who could direct me to where I could volunteer.  Maybe I could have tried harder, or should have, but my mission to volunteer to help with the clean up seemed daunting and fruitless.

Biloxi, before Katrina

I didn't understand the lack of organization of the system, and why months later people were still floundering to the point of doing nothing.  I was now floundering myself with what happened, it's present state and lack of progress, and with trying to connect with someone, with anyone, so that I could offer my services.

I now understood the discrepancy in the allocation of funds.  It was mentioned on the news but now I was presently in it.  I didn't know what else to do so I found a place to stay just outside of Biloxi to figure out my next step.   I was deeply touched by my time in Biloxi.  I struggled with my feelings, not only with the destruction, but the abandonment and lack of movement towards rebuilding.  I had been thousands of miles away on Kauai when it all happened.  And, although I could have compassion and empathy at the time, there was such a profound experience witnessing the havoc.  And, I considered about all of the times, where money and people of the US have gone to support others in natural disasters, I felt that this place had been forgotten when it needed to be remembered the most.

A link to more photos (copy and paste into browser):  www.louisianaphotos.com/Katrina/B_A/Biloxi.html

Across the lower States...

After saying good-bye to my friend, Wayne, I drove out of Florida with a plan to find a way to volunteer to help with the clean up of Katrina, and with the intention of seeing New Orleans since that was on my bucket list, although that term hadn't been born yet.  If I took the road less traveled I would have followed the roads by the Gulf shores.  But I didn't.  I headed inland and took Route 10, stopping in Mobile, Alabama for food, and then headed towards Dauphin Island.

Dauphin Island was remarkable for it's long white sandy beaches and it was absolutely beautiful, yet eery.  The houses were in disrepair from Katrina or totally destroyed.  And, there was hardly a soul around.  Desolate.  Creepy.  Neglected.  Forgotten.  And, it probably felt like it had been forgotten since the focus on the clean up from Katrina was in New Orleans, not here in Alabama.  Sadness came over me while I was there.  I wanted to find a place to stay there but I couldn't handle the feel of the place.  I drove inland for a few miles and found a cheap hotel using a coupon from the local paper.  Somehow this felt safer to me, energetically speaking - and if you have that mindset, you may understand what I mean.


I did revisit Dauphin Island again over the next few days.  I do Reiki and I wanted to send healing energy to this area.  I wanted it to heal, recover, and revitalize itself.  My time there was only a few days, but I am still touched by my memories of driving over that long bridge that lead to this sandy white paradise that felt so incredibly marred, although the beach was seemingly intact, yet I am sure there were geographical changes due to the hurricane.


Something was amiss while I walked the beaches.  Maybe it was the unfairness of it all, not just the destruction that Katrina caused physically and emotionally, but how the government was providing support to the people of this natural disaster, or not providing it, depending on where you were located.  Maybe it was the discrepancy of our system's decisions, and then to see how people were being impacted by them.  I don't seem to be finding the correct words to describe my experience.  I do regret not staying on the island itself.  It felt non-supportive of me when they could have used support, even the minor support of having a paying guest at the island motel.  I am of the mindset that what we all do as individuals, no matter how small, does make a difference.  So, I say this because of this knowing and wish I had chosen differently.



What I recollect probably no longer exists.  Hopefully, it doesn't.  I am assuming that the funds came, that people found a way - and that Dauphin Island has return to it's natural beauty providing nurturing to all those beach lovers out there.