A Trip of a Lifetime

Writing Goal: Work on hook, let's see if it works out.

For years, I've cruised around the world. Spain. Italy. France. England. Jamaica. Mexico. But then, Covid-19 happened and it got me thinking . . .

Once this thing is over, I have to pick up travelling again. But where? I've been all over the world. Where else is there to explore? Have I really travelled around the United States?

Sure, when I was young, I traveled to New Jersey, Georgia and . . . Wait, isn't that it? I must have been to other places. Florida once or twice to Disney World. New York City. Boston. New Orleans. Huh. I have traveled up and down the east coast. Sure, I could explore there more, but there is one place I wanted to travel to: California.

And so, after restrictions were loosened, I booked my cruise with Holland America.

Play Cruise Ad here!

No? Oh okay, I'll paint the picture.

I know what you're thinking: This isn't what I thought of when you said California. I'm sure you pictured the busy streets, the beautiful beaches and the celebrities. I wanted to explore somewhere different. Somewhere off the beaten track . . .

Okay, you got me again. I did go to Los Angeles, but I didn't have the pictures. I was too busy exploring the fabric district and enjoying the food. That is a story for another time. When I finally can find the pictures. Some pictures.

But this was a different. I'm not usually a hiker girlie or anything. I do love nature and botany since I love gardening, but these trees. This forest was different. Peaceful. Of all the places of California I wanted to explore, it was the Muir Woods that called to me the most. I've never seen the Redwood trees, and from what I heard, they were massive. They were older than time itself and I had to see them.

They did not disappoint.

Those trees, the running water, it was like a hush surrounded the place. Eveveryone respected the forest and somehow, the forest granted us access to their ancient secrets. Or really, let us venture to see them up close and personal. It's kinda hard to put into words what an amazing place it was. There was something different about seeing a tree that is so much older than you. It humbles you. It makes you rethink about your life in ways that challenge you.

When the tour guide mentioned that it's like a chuch, I thought he was joking but there is something special about it. The fact that I didn't hear anyone shouting or running around or any foolishness shouldn't be a pleasant surprise, but it was. People were simply in awe of these trees and soaking it in. People were whispering and pointing. Whispering in a forest! Am I at church or in a forest? It was a wild.

Literally and figuratively.

Being surrounded by nature in such a busy time and rushing culture, it reminded me of why I travel in the first place.

Sure, the food is good, but something about stepping out of your comfort zone really helps you see the bigger picture. When I'm working, I'm always so busy and focused on my job, my family, my life. My cats cry, my students scream and my boss murmurs. It is all just noise.
But when you are traveling? You can actually appreciate being above ground. Being alive to see and taste and explore and laugh and cry and experience everything life has to offer you. So you may see a bunch of trees, some really old trees, but I see something else. A new perspective.