JULY 31, 2020 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON
As part of an outing with a D.C. tours and events group, I spent Thanksgiving weekend (just a few months after my Cuban immersion) in New York. I decided to momentarily do something a little less than traditional, though there was talk of a big dinner on the first evening we arrived. The plan was tentative, following introductions of our multi-city group and our walk through the Chelsea High Line.
The hearty group dinner did become quite void and shifted into much more of a scene of us getting caught up in the tour, discussing our interests and backgrounds, and splitting off to wherever our food cravings guided us.
No matter the derailment. Welcome the spontaneity which plays off the organized schedule. I am reminded some of the best outings grow out of these elements. The first night’s highlight was the High Line. The rest of the weekend would consist of a considerable number of stops, including eclectic eateries, art museums, a couple of historical museums, and some shopping on the last day. (I ducked out about a day early, however.)
This abbreviated trip coincidentally came right after an almost magical blast from my past, those lovely days of living and volunteering in South America when I was not preparing but forewarned of what would be my reverse culture shock. Two former co-volunteer friends, now a lovely couple, were visiting the U.S. Now they were on the east coast (my current home). I was back in town so there was nothing imaginable to stop me from seeing this German-Peruvian duo, whom I adore and meeting their adorable sons. Nothing could stop me, but my very post-Cuban jet lag would make getting there somewhat more interesting. Jet lag was very real for them as well, compounded with the commendable attention of keeping up with their boys.
Laughably, I look back. I seriously underestimated the time it would take for me to rent a car and get through traffic from D.C. to Central Park. We were able to meet and catch up before they headed to their flight… fortunately. However, with such an overdone underestimation, I did, in fact manage to miss the first couple of spots we planned to meet.
The weekend Thanksgiving trip to New York was quite different. My non-thinking (not so organized) plans from just a few months prior caused me to smile, as I realized I was glad I had not been thinking all that much. I may have thought I would not make it before they had to go. I may have convinced myself not to try. They completely understood though we were all excited at the possibility of seeing one another.
What I knew more was if we were so nearby (at least technically without traffic) this made sense for me to swing by in a way. Otherwise, we were now living so far apart. I think of this and I am glad my thoughts were ‘Of course’.
I am glad for the times I do not give myself an overabundance of time to think unnecessary thoughts and relieved I am not at times transforming hesitations into inaction.
I do hesitate with certain questions, like I imagine many of us do. How completely understandable, but perhaps our truest answers come in an instant. We barely need to ask.
