As I saw my life growing beyond a shy little girl, I mirrored
her, signing the notes I passed to my best friend in junior high by the name
Janet J. My best friend responded to those notes with her own but with the signature
of Paula Abdul. We looked up to them and this is during a life stage when you
really really dream. You feel all the possibilities in the world are yours
because you see your role models rocking this world.
I had not actually thought I could see Janet in concert
(just memorize a lot of her songs and dance and sing along) until I traveled to
Vegas for work this past week. When my friend and coworker and I suggested it
to one another, I still wasn’t sure if we would have the time.
Another limiting thought for me, personally, was how much it may cost! I lastly questioned if the dates had already passed. All of the above were exactly not the thoughts of the little girl (now inner child) that Janet had helped raise and mold while instilling so many moments of dazzling self-assurance. I knew I needed to get on with it and finally turned to Google, as the reliable friend it had become. My friend was doing the same from her computer at her workstation.
Right away, the description read that this was Janet’s Metamorphosis Performance in which she would be playing out her life, via her albums, via the life changes, including all her growth and transitions. She spoke to us several times, mentioning how funny that your life can become full circle. She was recalling having her debut in Vegas at 7 with her brother Randy and the many shows the children had put on. Her description was on point. She was actually playing a part in my now full circle. This included who I was, who I have become, and where I will be going.
There will indeed be some changes. I won’t be doing everything as usual. Rather, as I settle into my passion of helping others reach their potential, I will evolve. As I hopefully encourage others to honor their dreams, I will pay attention to where I am needed. I will listen to the whispers (as Oprah calls them) of what I need to be doing and how I must be.
As my face, mind and body light up, I will lean in more – write,
translate, read, volunteer and lean in more. As I feel the strength of what
wakes me early, keeps me up late, never drains me and gives me peace, I will
lean in. I will rejuvenate myself with my efforts, seeing how I can continually
take care of others and myself.
This past Friday night was unexpected. The MGM Park stage lit up the memories of what seemed boundless possibilities for a little girl like me. A multitude of thanks goes to Janet for radiating a warm inspirational energy while being a symbol of abundant opportunities to come.
My Cusqueño (Cusco) organization volunteer days also stood out in the difference that our volunteering constantly centered on being a good role model. While people in Pisco held us in high regard for our hard work, it was no profound secret that we down-timed thoroughly as well. At this school in Cusco, however, it seemed that every moment was a teachable one. We would not just reprimand the misbehavior of the many children in our classes for picking on others, talking over others or some other improper behavior, but we would also follow up with a proper explanation of why the right behavior was necessary. We then could follow up with how the proper behavior met with the ethical standards promoted by the school. At least, this is how my perspective developed as I was working to properly carry out my assignments. Again, I compare this to PSF. Though rules were present there, we were not always apt to follow them. On the contrary, adherence at this volunteer gig seemed mandatory. A look, a scolding and a certain type of energy from the organizers carried a lot of weight. My closest three friends (also newbies) could speak to this as well. We all happened to stay in the designated volunteer hostel. Two of us shared a room.
I took my regulated cue directly
from the volunteer leadership. You can
read a little more about them in my previous post, Initiation to a Discreet Organization. Now, I agree that promoting
good behavior and ethics and laying them out clearly does make complete sense.
However, I think the expected execution contributed to a different level of
exhaustion – different from the rewarding physical labor I had completed in Pisco.
This proved especially true since some of our noble repetition didn’t always
land in the children’s ears. We were engaging in quite the energy burn.
The inevitable strain extended past
teaching to the way we followed guidelines such as classroom setup and outside
activities – guidelines that were actually preferential etiquette rather than a
set standard of ethics. I again was more accustomed to the grass roots stylings of PSFin
which a variety of plans would still get us to the same successful outcomes.
We tried not to break with
arbitrary protocols in Cusco – arbitrary protocols such as the way our smocks
should be put away or the way we were expected to address every moment of children’s
side chatter during assembly time. But dear goodness! “To err is human;” *
Consequently, as in most circumstances, you finally learn the best way is to simply
do your bestand absolutely don’t worry as
you’re learning and growing.Easier said than done, I know, but the simplest
solution can often be truth. When we are done overanalyzing, there are some basic
thoughts left standing there.
I still wholeheartedly support the
organization’s higher mission. I just also happen to support doing your noble
best. Do right by others all you can while taking care of yourself and notice how
much more life falls into place.
Unfortunately for us, the rigid
overarching expectations continued to spill over into our home. The place was also
open for rent to non-volunteers but a significant number of us newer ones thought
staying there made sense. A couple of long timers did as well but we
had our distinctiveness and a bit of separation from them (a circumstance more
by their design than ours. The
overall mix of the space’s residents made for some interesting
interactions.
Our place was one of those open-air kind of dwellings behind a larger enclosed walled structure, keeping us safe from crime. Walking on to the terrace from our rooms meant overlooking the main downstairs open area and the ability to see across the way to other people’s closed-door rooms. The bathrooms and showers were shared. I wasn’t there a terrifically long time (not as long as I had stayed in Pisco) but I was there long enough to have several roommates, beginning with one from Canada and ending with one from the States like me. By now, I knew travelers mostly from Europe, but my close-knit group (at this time) turned into 3 people from the States, (including myself) and a dear English friend. Being with other US residents had become rare, something I found neither good nor bad, but a unique (and pretty cool) circumstance I hadn’t even imagined.
Thank goodness for Cusco nights and having our own additional outside activities. Good times and bonding in our resting place, of course, had its limitations. The computer/media room closed at about 10:00 pm, so good luck starting a 2-hour movie or winding down with friends. Don’t begin relaxing at the wrong time. We had to schedule just right if we planned on spending some quality time indoors and we decided we wanted to avoid admonishment altogether.
It was far easier to unwind by
exploring the city, dancing, mingling, walking, touring, trying restaurants and
more. Cusco is, after all, a magical city. The only downside was exposing ourselves
to potential crimes that centered on theft, including muggings (depending on which
areas we traveled and how late it was). Consequently, I could make a real case
for the hostel working on encouraging more indoor activities. Yet, the sense
remained that the school structure should mirror where we laid our heads. Whenever
we would happen to return, around 6 a.m., 5 a.m., 3 a.m., 11:00 p.m., etc., we might
spend a little time chatting in each other’s room but the quiet falling over us
more so led to us retiring to our respective beds. (Of course, we also
went out and returned periodically throughout the day as well).
Good on the founder’s objective – everything was designed to help one act right and stay safe. I also take an aside to give him much credit for the incredible design of the place both aesthetically and ecologically. I note this as much as I note my appreciation for his dedication to changing the lives of street and other neglected children.
We simply had to find our place in
this atmosphere, as we too were dedicated to the children. We did. It wasn’t all
that challenging to do. We learned our volunteer roles rather quickly, finding
our inner rhythm to a majorly conservative vibe. Our friends reflected the
world. We met up with locals and foreigners like ourselves. Outside of
teaching, we became accustomed to getting to know many others who were visiting
(typically from Argentina or Chile). We became well acquainted with 3
indigenous gentlemen. They gave us our Quechua names and taught us some wondrous
practices.
There was much to do and learn in
our home-away-from-home environment. I look back and I’m grateful again that Cusco
days and nights made up another part of my physical and mental journey. I
appreciate how my sickness there was only a near chronic cough compared to the
upsetting feeling of Pisco belly. I cannot say it was appreciated in the moment
(not at all romantic to have a coughing fit in the middle of a club or bar,
though our Argentinian and Chilean dance partners didn’t seem to mind). I additionally
can’t claim I appreciated a coughing fit or three when that notorious quiet
fell over the hostel. Oh dear. Oh well. The experience is laughable now and
little inconveniences have a way of making a person more gracious when they are
no longer present.
Interestingly, we would even find
ourselves invited to the homes of the leadership from time to time since we occasionally
dined and danced with them as well. Just the same, my core group and I had found
our own place within a reserved space. Tour guide welcomed but not always
needed. I know I discovered a lot about myself and I suspect my posse did as
well, though I can’t ultimately speak or write for them.
One more chapter – etched in my
heart and memories for all my life long. Thank you for taking the time to share
another part of the journey with me.
I don’t specifically include the name of the second Peruvian organization, where I volunteered. I do this by design. As I was writing a bit about this earlier, I don’t include it, because of some idiosyncrasies of the leadership. I want to be mindful. However, as I wholeheartedly support their mission and good intentions, I am happy to share details to get you there volunteering via email. cassandrajohnson@riskysafetravels.com.
The logo I had found, in literature and online, hovering over their wonderful mission statement to educate street children and other under-served children was exactly how the volunteer hostel appeared in real life. I had been making my way there since my challenging but magical time in Pisco, Peru, followed by my trip to Arequipa andmy harrowing journey to Machu Picchu and other intriguing sites. This would be my last hostel experience in Cusco, and it was ironic because this put me back in a not-so-safe area. As I wrote earlier, I began my time in a different risky part of the city. I later moved to a centrally safe location and now was finding myself back in dangerous territory. This time was different. I felt safe, 90% of the time. I was in my element and there is safety in numbers. I was also distracted by my new volunteer mission and spending time with more like-minded travelers.
The only oddity was the invisible
barrier between the long-time volunteers and us new ones. It is not to say they
didn’t take their time with us, explaining their methods and preferences and
even dining and dancing the night away with us. It was simply that there was an
energy almost as if they were more evolved. Understandably, they were more
indoctrinated into the organization and its… well…organization. Connections
came in fleeting moments. Some momentary concern for our safety or a physical
attraction (undeniable chemistry) between old and new. Game night and lunch fundraisers.
This was all. Admittedly, this includes a lot, but the boundary remained. If
they knew we were staying longer, certainly there would have been some more
softening.
My first day, I was to meet with one of the Directors who would explain some methods, some ground rules. He was nice. British and Indian. We sat down in the office/media room in front of one of a few community computers. He talked about how I would work alongside other co-teachers, how each grade level was charmingly represented by a different fruit. Each week would have a theme (I found this so cute because I digress mentally to how each episode of Sesame Street had a revolving theme). Every element of instruction would connect back to the main ideas, whether this was during the classroom instruction, game time, physical recreation, or art. At the end of the week, each class would put on a show according to the theme, one which they had practiced with the teachers and the school would be especially opened to families and other visitors for a celebratory performance.
Typically, each day, the children would come together, leaving their respective classrooms, as one of the Directors gave a values-based lesson. Good ethics were endlessly reiterated, and the children were reminded to behave as nice, respectful members of the community in and outside the classroom.
So, it went. I would have my initiation into a place with energy that was welcoming but with a protected heart (I don’t think the Directors wanted to be too open to temporary bodies passing through). We were appreciated for our time, but the Founder especially made a point of reminding us how we were not central to the structure. So very different from the open arms in Pisco.
In Cusco, we were only a link in a chain, a link that extended a bit of a distance. We taught and played. Mostly, we shared a lot of work and a single objective to grow the gifts the many children already possessed.
Back to the
trekking part of our mission. This included our journey on the bus to the bus
drop off for our hiking, lunch, sites along the way, dinner and settling into
our overnight lodging to get a bit of rest before our Machu Picchu visit the
next day: The long bus ride led us around some mountains that very much
reminded me of those cartoons with a vehicle traveling around cliffs just wide
enough to fit it. Dinner was included in the package. Our trek would consist of
a 4-hour walk to Ollayantambo, which was closer to 5 hours.
The curiosity was spilling over from the Argentinian young ladies sitting near me during dinner. I was waiting for the questions to begin. I know we looked quite different from each other and I get it and I more so welcome the appreciation of my journey versus quiet presumptions. Certain questions appeared to be more the norm during the touristy parts of my journeys rather than during the volunteer portions, although I was questioned there as well. I am good with being the ambassador, to represent all the brown American girls that can be backpackers too, but admittedly it sometimes does get tiring. You know how people are individuals and what not but it’s nice to represent as well. It’s also nice to be admired and respected as well for having some adventure in your heart and it’s quite fun to gradually share unexpected answers with people, as they try to find clever ways to ask where you’re from, why you’re traveling, what you’ve done and as you let them know that yes, you know Spanish. Quite crafty to show up in places you weren’t necessarily expected to be, when you were not even trying to be crafty at all.
Of all the places that I planned on touring and that I had the pleasure of seeing during my time in Peru, Machu Picchu could not be missed. I was determined to visit this Wonder of the World and was nearly 100% certain that it was going to happen. I believed this every time I heard Pisco volunteers talk about all the various treks to get there and their recent experiences. All the other tourist attractions I sought along the way were more so decided upon, once I had arrived.
The most popular trek I heard about was the Inca trail, a 4-5 day hiking trail in which you would mirror the path that the Incans did regularly. The Salkantay trek (Salcantay trail), that could include horseback riding, hiking and camping was another popular one. I didn’t feel as if I had a lot of time, so I embarked on what was known as the 1-day (mini) Inca trail. This involved touring and getting most of the way to the train line in which we would leave our bus and hike for about 4 to 5 hours to Ollantaytambo. We would have dinner (we had eaten lunch during a stopover on the bus) and we would spend the night in one of two no-frill hotels and continue up to the Machu Picchu the next morning. Even this mini Incan trail proved to be a bit strenuous for me. The 4-hour walk grew longer. Thank goodness to a Chilean, (now mostly Facebook) friend who would help me on one particularly steep juncture and thank goodness for coincidences which I will expand on later. (Additionally, having heard there is no such thing as mere coincidences, I can appreciate that what seemed just circumstances really did turn out to mean a lot more). At the time, however, I would be thanking all my lucky stars for what eventually unfolded.
I bonded with 3 Brazilian guys that were a part of my tour group. Well, mainly I spoke to their “spokesperson” – who I suppose was the most outgoing one (the others would just smile and nod).
Primarily, I recall there being one large group of us heading towards Machu Picchu until they separated some of us out. First, they did it between two buses. The 3 Brazilian guys and a few other people were with me. Unlike us, most everyone on this trek was on holiday from Argentina or Chile. Similarly, I met a lot of Argentinian and Chilean people in various parts of Cusco, throughout my entire stay there. There were a lot of other various visitors – but just recalling especially that these two countries were well represented. That’s understandable, proximity wise. It also makes sense that I’d have a lot of interesting memories around them.
It was a wonder how they were dividing us up. I am not sure about the specifics behind it, but our group had fewer people and I almost felt like we were with the less popular tour leader. How that popularity was noted was beyond me. He seemed fine. My other thought, like another tour I had taken in Arequipa, was that they wanted to keep the Spanish speakers with one tour guide, and to put us, the mostly non-native/second language Spanish speakers with the other. I speak Spanish, as a second learned language. (which is interesting because they can’t just casually ask if I would prefer to go here and there, thinking that I will be welcoming about it. I end up coming off as indifferent). However, I’m guessing that may have been their best generalization of the easiest way to divide us up. Hotel choices were a bit similar, as far as just overnight lodging. Again, I remember there seemed to be fewer people assigned to my hotel versus the second choice that was a part of the trek package. That split was further random. The Brazilian gentlemen were not staying in my hotel and there were a couple of guys from Argentina staying in mine, as we three made plans to finish the hike up the rest of the way the following morning. (Everyone would do this from their respective hotels). Still, to me it would have made sense to just divide us more equally in half to make the groups manageable.
What if that was the intention, but people chose not to be with my group leader. I continued to find him likeable. I recall him being booed a little over dinner when he did his announcements. The mystery remained unsolved.
I quickly realized it was time to get back to just depending on me as I was preparing to travel from the Peruvian city of Arequipa to Cusco, Peru.
Although I was going to miss having a temporary travel partner, this was going to be a good change. Self-reliance had been my typical method to and from my South American destinations, though my clear intentions were to consistently meet up with people.
It
was especially important that I get back to solo traveling – because that
allowed me the freedom to diligently follow the paths that I found dear. This synced
with my call to community and volunteering. It has also added to the solo
travel tips I have to share with you (can’t forget those along with my random thoughts
and experiences).
There
was more that made me realize how important it was for me to get back to solo
destination travel. I realized it was also rather easy to develop codependency
(both lightweight and not so lightweight). I took note when my travel friend had
asked another adventurer if she was traveling alone. His question held the awe
of already sensing the answer, and I quickly needed to remind myself that, hey,
I too, had begun like her. (Naturally, like us, she was making friends along
the way). I reminded myself that this is also how I would continue to the next
spot and much later to the Bolivian cities of La Paz, Sucre and Cochabamba. It’s
sometimes too easy to dismiss your own journey. (literally and figuratively). Don’t
let others help you do it either, even when it’s not their intention.
Naturally (biologically),
we do depend on others to survive and participate properly in life, but a good
amount of self-reliance is important as well. An international travel partner
can provide a good buddy system. You can look out for one another’s safety, and
literally share the load of convenient travel gear you need like insect
repellent and sunscreen. You can provide each other with moral support and
crafty suggestions.
It was
simply that I needed to rediscover my own gumption. I needed a reminder of how self-assured,
friendly, outgoing and diligent I could be in a foreign country and so, although
I had enjoyed his company, I found that my preference was much more in line
with the comradery that came with forming bonds in the local and volunteering
community. This would be followed by challenging myself to do more. (Of course,
this is not to say that socializing and appreciating my surroundings was ever
overlooked. Additionally, this mostly just describes my persona during those South
American traveling days. I like to think of the modern me as a better more
well-rounded travel companion).
As
far as volunteer goals went in Cusco, I was planning to connect to a specific
organization that had captured my heart, one that I had already imagined assisting
with in some way. Unfortunately, once I did get to this point, I didn’t have
the benefit of connecting with its very long-time volunteers. This was the
complete opposite of the group I consider to be pretty much kinfolk – my fellow Pisco Sin
Fronteras volunteers. I found this to be a complete change to the
grittiness and beauty that mutually linked me to them, but due to that very bond,
however, I could easily understand how this group had underwent a similar
experience in Cusco.
Their
clique was really just about six people, but it was intriguingly tight. I respected
that. I became a lot closer to the newly arrived volunteers and this is not to
say that the several of us, newbies, did not connect on some level with the veterans.
We just laughingly noticed that there was a barrier we would not be crossing. Only
certain circumstances showcased their concern such as a physical attraction to
one of us or noting that we were about to traverse into some physically
dangerous situations. Never mind our group fundraising activities, nights out
dancing, laughing or chatting. Bonding was fleeting and I’m actually glad nothing can compare to what
I experienced in Pisco.
I purposely
don’t mention the name of the organization in Cusco, though its mission is equally
as outstanding as the ones held by PSF and Proyecto Horizonte.
(I can include special details if you are especially interested and inbox me here. I’m certain a lot
has changed since my time there. I can share what I know.)
Pausing for a moment, before I go deeper into my volunteer stint in Cusco, I will throw out an overview of my initial days in this breezy, coldish part of Peru (I was there during rainy season). My main plans included Machu Picchu, sites like Sacred Valley, cathedrals, museums, ruins and more. I would need to strategically structure my time before traveling into the more, not so safe area of Cusco where I would be volunteering as a teacher to underserved children. I think I did a pretty decent job of managing the time I had. Still I wished for more and I’ve thought about living there for a few months each year.
Mapping
out a decent bus ride from Arequipa was the first step. I was set with a nice
bus company (word-of-mouth reviews are gold), and having found a properly
reviewed hostel on hostel.com, I was even more set. I must include, however,
that while I was happy with the overall hostel amenities that included
cleanliness and hot water, I was a bit put off by its risky location. There was
a significant stretch from the Plaza de Armas (the main square) to my dwelling
and this also just happened to mean it was in a less safe area. I was always
reassured to see the tall guard standing stoic at the end of my street (and it didn’t
hurt that he was also handsome) but it would have been even more comforting if there
was another guard or two located along the way.
This
brings to mind some suggestions that I feel were beneficial to me and as I plan
to put together a more comprehensive list, I will share them here. My initial advice,
to an especially solo person, would be to always move with a purpose – even
when you are just a little bit acclimated to your surroundings. I think doing
that to the best of my ability while remaining cordial and open was key. Even
if my purpose was leisurely and given to the spontaneous track, I think it served
me well to walk steadily, not too slow, and as if I had a clear place to be. A
genuine friendliness with local people, exhibiting respect and having humility
seemed to create good vibes as well.
You find there are a considerable number of people who freely offer information and advice. You can compare notes from your encounters and unpack the lot of it for yourself. Amicable relationships with people from the area sometimes even translate into them looking after you in a familial way, but like anywhere in the world, being alone and a novice can also open you up to individuals that would never have your best interest in mind. Overall, politeness and greetings go a long way in the right circumstances. After all, you are in a place in which you most likely want to be immersed. The rule remains however to always be alert and don’t ever talk yourself out of your instincts.
My unease
with my hostel location did eventually settle my decision to find another place
within a few days. The local owner of the hostel, that I was leaving, was very
engaging. He had daily inquired about my travel and was taken with my previous
and future plans. (He was surprised that I had been staying in Pisco and not
the capital of Lima, prior to this). I just did not have the heart to tell him
that I was going to stay in another location for a few days, before my next
volunteer gig. He assumed I was going there straight away. As a host, he was great,
and his place was great, and I couldn’t offend him with just that one amenity
he could not offer. That would be feeling more secure.
I
found a really nice place near La Plaza de las Armas and it was more like a
hotel than a hostel. I was easily comfortable venturing out on nearby city
tours, visiting historic sites and viewing everyday tourist attractions. The
biggest trip I would take was my mini trek to Machu Picchu.
Upcoming: Adventures and Misadventures reaching my first Wonder
of the World
I kept my promise to myself about two things I said I would
do this week, one being to attend the stock trader meetup and the other to
attend the eCommerce event that focuses on financial freedom. You can visit my blog from last week that talks
about the fear that comes with embarking on a path that’s more about your
passions. More than a rant, the piece turned into more of a motivation to me (and
hopefully to anyone that can identify with it). I called it a rant, but I think
that was in response to momentarily being a little put off that I’m not fully immersed
into my translating and community organizing lifestyle. The truth is; however,
I have never not had my passions somehow incorporated into my life. I still
believe in so many things that mean people being good to each other and my connections for volunteering both here and abroad continue
to be revisited through my network of friends and second families. Sometimes,
it’s easy to forget when you get distracted by the supposed everyday obligations.
So, as I continue down this road of truer meanings, I find that it’s a drive not just for me but also for anybody that can identify with me on my journey. It won’t just be about my growth. It will mean even more of me expanding my reach and assisting others (however long or short distance my actions may go). Accordingly, I am going to keep putting one foot outside the box, a bit at a time.
I just finished up another freelance translating assignment.
It was quite interesting. It was easier than some of my previous ones. I find
that I really do enjoy the tourism and travel related ones. There were four
short pieces I did for a client that spoke to the beauty of Mexico’s beaches,
family-friendly hotels and even a piece about the skin and hair health benefits
of coconut extract. I can already tell how being my own boss and setting my own
varied work and community outreach schedule is going to be exhilarating. (I
have an opportunity to be a linguist with an organization – but it wouldn’t
exactly be freelancing – perhaps I can also work with them).
My experience at the day/swing trader meetup was quite empowering as well. It turns out that I am sufficiently learning the market and that I have a swing trade strategy that is similar to a few guys in the group. Some of the them trade equities. Some trade options. One does Forex (foreign exchange) and there were others. I have more to study. I give myself about a 70% understanding of what was going on that night. For some reason, I was the only lady within the group that attended this particular meeting. I’m pretty certain I saw some in the group on meetup.com. I guess they just couldn’t make it that night. I wasn’t intimidated at all and the guys were very cool. Still, I would love to meet the other ladies as well. Maybe next time.
There was another meetup happening at the restaurant that same night, helping to create some momentary misdirection. (By the way, the other meetups I belong to are related to embassy events, history and culture, one for English-Spanish conversation language exchange, and one known as Networking after Work). As I chatted a bit more with the incorrect contacts, it was revealed that they were not the investor group. I heard poly and want to guess a polyamorous group. I very sweetly dismissed myself. The guy that had previously been behind me in the checkout line was a part of this group and was motioning for me to keep my seat (not realizing that I wasn’t supposed to be there at all). They were all nice, but I had stock guidance to get to.
The guys in the area of the restaurant that was closed off
and reserved made more sense. Seeing them with their laptops and the premiere
slide of the organizer’s presentation up on the wall made it clear this is
where I belonged😉
though it was the first time I’d joined such an event.
I opened my laptop to the stock spreadsheet that is my watch list and I will say I felt extremely comfortable outside of my comfort zone for the rest of that evening. Everyone was informed and informative on various levels and I participated sporadically. Paying close attention, taking a few notes, networking for some tips and finishing off my mini lemon tart, I made a mental note to continue trading equities that represent my values and that I understand. I’m good with learning a bit more about this day by day.
My intention leans towards financial freedom while I focus
on my passions. I have my lifetime investments but am open to trying new
things. I’m fascinated with how others have created ideal lifestyles as I’m
married to the possibilities of spending more time on creating, volunteering
and sharing more time with family and friends.
As I briefly mentioned earlier, regarding my second act of
stepping outside the box, I was intrigued by this eCommerce event that my
friend and I attended. This was just a day after the meetup and both events caused
me to think that there is something to be said for steadily challenging your
mind in the proper ways.
I did agree with my friend on how the presentation of this
event had a very sales pitchy feel to it. However, since we both know the results
behind it are possible, I decided to sign up for the company’s upcoming 3-day
workshop. I’m interested in what they say could be a potential side business,
allowing me to focus more fully on writing, translation, volunteering and
travel.
Following my previously posted “rant”, this is my latest update. That was a “rant” that may have incidentally coincided with reminding myself to explore and then explore some more. My heart seemed to take over my writing for a while back there. I gratefully embrace that because I don’t ever want to forget what means the most to me and to everyone with whom I have had the pleasure of connecting. Thank you again for sharing your time with me. Always appreciated!
Share and like, if you like this. I hope to have you here
again soon!
Embarking on a path that is more about your passions is scary. Too often, we’ve been led to believe that feelings, desire and the drive for a calling is not what pays the bills or ensures a stable life, by any means. We might have been led to believe that we’re strange or even indecisive when all that is really happening is the perpetual getting back around to what really drives us. When the thoughts are, “isn’t there more” and “is this the life I really want”, then we can actually be thankful to all that is mighty that our persistent curiosity refuses to be stifled. You don’t ever want to be confused into losing this.
Compromising a couple of dreams for present security is not dire and I pause, because I don’t know if any of this is true for you, but it is a scenario with which I am all too familiar. I am describing me, so I don’t necessarily want to put this on others, but if you can identify, I am happy to be in good company. I know that all too often, it is the supposed order of the larger world beckoning us to fall in line.
However,
I have to take note that the larger world’s modern technology and on demand
access to certain principles have also helped fuel my focus. The nearly universal
access to social media platforms like YouTube has been a blessing. Though social
networks can be formidable with negativity, it has also provided the opportunity
to connect to enhanced ideas and greater intentions. Many of the entrepreneurs and
free thinkers I follow, (in addition to the books I’ve read and currently read)
have reopened my tired eyes. The positive thinkers and generous achievers know
the formula for being true to yourself, good to others and constantly striving
to be better day by day. The formula is not always perfect (for anyone) but the
right knowledge and intentions do help in staying grounded and again taking us forward
to where we really need to be.
I don’t have to readily dissolve every grain available but
putting together a lot of the ideas have gotten me back to some universal
truths. I realize I am not going to be satisfied until I try all the paths along
which my dreams are winding.
I plan on spending the rest of my time here, checking in on
my progress. I welcome it. I continue etching out time to write, translate,
travel and add in more activities as I go. One of the steps to drowning out the
so-called order of stability has been growing my life as a freelance translator.
I’m now happy to be translating and regularly taking part in events hosted by
the National Capital Area Translators Association.
I go to my premiere stock trading meeting next week. (I’ll see if my practice reading the market is paying off as much as I feel it is. So far, I’ve made an extremely modest profit.) Following that meeting, I will attend an eCommerce, eFreedom (see update) event with my colleague. We are aware that one of the big pieces helping us focus more on community and our passions is reaching financial freedom. (I have no problem being obsessed with that goal as it translates into more time to do more of what matters to me.) There is family. There is volunteering. There are friends. There is travel. There is the global community. There is bliss on the other side of our efforts and along the proper path as well.
There are many challenges but let them not be issues simply
for the sake of being a part of an ill fate, but rather let them be challenges
for the sake of growing past limitations. Propel us all towards our meaningful goals.
Let us not retreat into respective acceptable corners of stability with our
respective creature comforts. Let us yell out through our actions of being true
to ourselves and especially don’t let us be tricked because we are quite competent
at our everyday non-passions.
Now that I’ve committed to this in writing and posting, I likewise
challenge myself not to ride it out in the comfort zone. I have to also note when
that comfort zone is cleverly disguised as familiar obstacles. (“Why is a known hell
preferable to an unknown heaven?”)
It is going to be okay. It will be for me and for everyone
that feels this way. We need to work that balance of not being too critical as
well (of ourselves or others). It is only natural that the voices showing the
path to what is deemed clear and normal are all too easy to find. This is why
they are considered “normal” and they easily lay us upon the route of the least
resistance. It’s easy to get sidetracked.
The future is the question to be answered. My current (aka
past) goals are highlighted by my continued intentions to step outside the box.
We can help others by being true to our callings and though it may take us off the beaten track (a little or a lot), we can be forever grateful that our nagging dreaming feelings just won’t let us go.
Presently, I am happy to be participating and exploring a
lot of what I only previously wondered about and I’m equally happy that I’ve
taken some interesting chances with my adventures. Though I’ve been holding
back, I’m glad to be putting myself out there both physically and mentally. The
daring times have taught me the most about myself and what matters.
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I hope you find some useful
and/or interesting information in the archives as well.
Update: eFreedom is something I do not recommend at all. It was a very costly and time-consuming experience and I would not want anyone to experience this as well. While I will spend money learning from entrepreneurs and teachers in various industries who are experts, this is one I would not revisit. It is very important that we make sure our sources are reputable and I want to let you know to do your due diligence.
I highly recommend sandboarding and dune buggy riding. This is what some of my co-volunteer friends and I did in Huacachinaand I would further recommend that if you are going to take part in some common but potentially harmful activities, do take all the recommended precautions, do them with friends and do not allow yourself time to talk your way out of it.
My friends and I especially chose this day for nearby bucket list activities since one of our closest friends would be leaving to volunteer elsewhere. Before being Huacachina-bound, however, I had to reconcile missing my normal Saturday volunteer task. It was a day that I wasn’t on a building project but rather teaching English. The reasons I leaned towards were the several other people teaching, and of course it being one of the last times I would see my friend. (Fortunately, we would get to meet up again later in Bolivia). I made my case to the project leader that day (and she, my sister from another mother) was more than lenient with me. However, our premiere disagreement was quite amusing. I think it made our bond even tighter. After all, who doesn’t eventually fight with family?
All set. The five of us got a collectivo (shared taxi) over to our mainly touristy destination (not on the Arequipa touristy scale, of course,but touristy still…) We took the fast, curvy dune buggy ride together and we each yelled out with joy during our respective sandboarding trips. It was prior to these steep slides, that we were also instructed not to have our hands, arms or legs out touching the sand. Long sleeves and long pants were recommended. Overall, you didn’t want any of your body hanging over the board.
This particular trip to the oasis was just for a day.{Visit Facebook Pics} We passed the rest of our time eating, laughing, and chatting while appreciating the simple and unique life. I love going places and getting involved in something unexpected. I know we had planned on doing everything that we did, but there was no preparation for the actual immersion and the very real satisfaction of completing it all.
Naturally, our trip initiated from Pisco, but I would say Paracas may more likely be the spot your passing through or headed towards, since it is well visited for its diverse bird and additional wildlife.
The lodging options in Huacachina can get you to feeling quite at home. I pause here to advise on hostels in general. There are some very inexpensive options. You can bring the price down even more by selecting to stay in a room for two or more people. People may go into this arrangement together, or simply share a place with other travelers who have been assigned there. The former is essentially what my friend and I did when we headed to Arequipa and the latter is what I usually did when I traveled through Bolivia. Many of your decisions can be made with the courtesy of a number of reviews and according to your personal objectives. When I knew I just needed a place to lay my head, (that I’d be out and about most of the time), I didn’t mind sharing and my main concerns centered around the availability of hot water and tidiness. When I needed more focus and regrouping, I would stay solo. This would also include reasonably priced, nice hotels.
I found all my best deals on Hostelworld.com. I know Airbnb is quite the force today but don’t sleep on Hostelworld, as you can feel its continued relevance from even just the landing page link which I’ve included above. I recall before I learned of Hostelworld, I knew of couchsurfing.com and this could range from camping out on someone’s couch to having a nice private room along with the run of the house. I didn’t do couch surfing. I cannot speak to it too personally, but I knew people who did (and I am seeing this company is still doing its thing as well). I did once stay with a friend who was in the midst of it. We were celebrating my birthday. We had been spending the majority of the day and evening together and it was a safer and gentler experience to crash with her and her host, rather than going back to my own hostel during the early morning hours.
Fortunately, I feel like reviews in general are the great self-correcting force to getting you the best deal and situation for your money. I would say don’t go cheap for cheap’s sake. Think about being in safe areas and again, also think of the other conveniences of life that you find valuable. I got to the point where I could even read in between the lines of travelers’ reviews. For example, if someone rated a hostel “boring”, it simply meant there wasn’t a party worthy environment on the premises. There were some hostels exactly popular for their party atmosphere. I would look deeper for the hot water confirmation. I do love dancing and there was always somewhere nearby to go. No need for this to be linked directly into my dwelling. Additionally, there were common areas for meeting and socializing. No need for this to be too intense, when there is most likely a night when you need to rest up before the following day’s adventures.
Of course, hostels don’t need to be your choice at all and as I briefly mentioned, you can rest assured hotel reviews plus travel sites can also be your guide. I checked into a nice hotel on another group visit to Huacachina. I hung out with friends at one point and at another point I was shooting the breeze at the hotel bar (complimentary Pisco Sour in hand). There was this chance to meet locals and other tourists while enjoying friends as well.
By the way, a nice element about Huacachina are the options to stay a while or take in the area just for the day. You may want to do so while en route to your next destination.
The restaurants are varied, offering US, Peruvian and other cuisines. It makes it so you can wander within a few feet to find the perfect food you are craving, including ice cream. There are areas to swim. There is the nightlife, and the city shows itself to be one of those serene places where you can relax and get taken in by the ideal landscape. Incidentally, you may momentarily forget your everyday concerns.
These are just my collective fond memories from a time quite past and I’m glad to see that the tradition of the desert oasis lives on. Maybe you will visit and let me know what you think. Maybe, you will share one of your favorite places with me. I welcome it. Always feel free to email me at cassandrajohnson@riskysafetravels.com and to include questions or comments below. I want to note I did just recently learn of a dune buggy accident. I want to advise you to remain mindful and to continue taking care of yourselves and each other.
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I continue to travel. I continue to volunteer. This is both home and abroad. My heart is telling me where I’m drawn to next but I’m opening up the floor to your thoughts as well. From sharing my previous stories with me, you probably realize that I’m pretty laser-focused when I decide to head out, but this doesn’t mean I won’t keep adding suggestions to my list.
Feeling absolutely helpless is what came over me when I viewed Puerto Rico those many days and even months after Hurricane Maria hit. The same was true for the US Virgin Islands and I think I have a special propensity for hurt people who also seem to be getting second rate regards. That is an added devastation.
I became acquainted with the Friends of Puerto Ricothrough a 2017 fundraiser, held at a local DC architectural firm. It was so
well put together, offered so much and I was pleased that there was a place to
connect with others and participate a little for the time being. I won my
silent auction bid and was just recently feeling that I wanted to direct some
more energy that way.
I went back to some email updates. I found this store, which is Café Ama and read the story of the seeds that survived the hurricane and how one 10-year old little entrepreneur decided she would be sharing these and other gifts of Puerto Rico. I don’t consider myself a coffee drinker. I wouldn’t want to compare myself to the real ones since sweet versions like café mocha are my chosen selection and complimentary tea usually fills my cup at work. I was preparing to check with friends to whom I might gift these, yet suddenly I fell for the most adorable little espresso cup that proved to be even more delightful in person.
My mind is telling me that I want to fly to the island. I have
experience with continued
recovery after an initial disaster. I may be going. I may be helping in
another way. I like to be some part of various efforts that will aid people
with limited resources. I believe in giving in all its forms. I believe in
monetary help. I believe in physical help. I believe in kind words. I believe
in smiles. I believe in encouragement and I believe everybody needs somebody.
June 29, 2019 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
