Tag: travel

Shopping with Strangers

November 30, 2023 by Cassandra Johnson

I can’t forget Clara. I really wasn’t all that committed to getting a lock for my locker at my temporary hostel (perhaps between Air B&Bs) but as I asked each employee in Spanish at (local and chain) stores, gas stations and convenient stores and I was told the next store up or nearby would have some, I became more dedicated and as I went to the next next, the next adjacent and next nearby. I was going to be okay with just getting it at Walgreens until I checked at Loiza 99₵, (the dollarish store named after the street I was on and which I have come to adore). I implored here about the lock and was told to go to the Norte Shopping Center. The instructions sounded doable but, oh boy, maybe not so much. I left for Norte Shopping Center optimistically and immediately after leaving, I was called back into the store. An elderly petite customer from San Juan had apparently offered to walk with me there. Man, did I have no idea where I was about to attempt to go. She took me through much more of a shortcut. We walked slowly and chatted, but I am sure she got me there faster.

Only what I didn’t realize is that we were happening on a shopping center with actual bargains, a place without any tourists. I also didn’t know we would be chilling while looking at clothes and Christmas items together. I was half wondering if this was my Angel Aunty and I thought exactly yes, as we walked diagonally to the area and she laughed contently remarking on the places in the neighborhood and making casual observations about the pretty painted homes we passed. Simultaneously, she admonished some dangerous areas on the street, puddles, etc or drivers who didn’t seem to be paying attention. The young, middle age and elderly Puerto Rican men all stepped aside politely and gave us just one curious look here and there.

I waited for her to finished getting some new shoes. She had picked up a Christmas piece at Calle 99 cents and she just added these to the bargains. Clara and I walked back as I confided to her that I had also stopped back in this area to check on a friend who wanted to stay here longer but was having some reservations about being able to do so. I only heard from the friend once that day and finding out she lost her phone, I did not know what to do next but wait a couple more hours and then head back to the place I was currently staying.

Clara and I stopped at her bus stop and right before her bus came, I felt like this could just be  “See You Later” (“Hasta Luego”) or “See You Around”. She said “Ahhh” at my desire to be here for a bit and being conditioned in the days of my now lifestyle, I wanted to see if she was on Whatsapp, Instagram or Facebook. Well, um, lol, I dared mention Facebook and she chuckled and scoffed while also mentioning people talk too much on there. 😊. I was thinking, Mark Zuckerberg is not reaching everybody he would like to reach. I am on there, but she was not inclined in the least to do the same. She could just get to be my friend who I could see again or maybe one of the many people I can’t help but meet and connect with for the day or several days. Like my customer service days, you never knew, and how kind life can be just to be kind, just to laugh with each other and exchange contact information when you can or maybe missing saying goodbye to a temporary roommate and perhaps exchanging only partial goodbyes. We may meet again and we may be moved how nicely we are able to stay in touch and often, we are just moved to spend our casual days with like-minded individuals.

Kindred Spirits and Throwback San Juan

buy me a hot chocolate

Certain

September 30, 2022 by Cassandra Johnson

What I also realized about the uninhibited life was an added self-assurance. How easy it was to state my cases and/or preferences.

Some of the most comfort I had disagreeing with people I really liked was far from home and where I would not have expected to feel so secure. Even when I was wrong (and had to make up for it), I realize how much more self-assurance came with what I was doing, what we were doing, what I really wanted and not getting everything perfect.  

I speak my mind when necessary in the States, but usually leave a lot more room for others to voice things themselves (and so not always when necessary). Both angles probably have their ups and downs, but I really seem to be quite comfortable coming out of my mouth with something with conviction when I am already on an adventure. I might be risking an awkward situation but somehow do not seem as worried. Maybe I am less sensitive, less worried about the perceptions of others. Again, I note the uninhibited life (linked above). Yet, I seemed to be liked just the same. What if it is more? I guess the friendly, helping nature I still offer abroad helps but I cannot help but notice I am considerably less reserved in stating my opinion or about trying something that could be exciting or end up a complete disappointment.

I guess there is a certain comfort in already being outside your comfort zone, having made it comforting. Before I departed, how nervous (though excited) I was to be abroad, how unsure I was if there could be any danger. I really did not know much about what was certain.  Yet, finding your niche and finding more friends, you can be more certain of your daring nature and personally this could be what helped me be more adamant as well.

I remember telling my new friend in Puerto Rico that I, in fact, was not the reason we were late to our first day of volunteer service. (We actually were not that late) but definitely off track. In the moment, I just knew it took two and we both had a hand in our goal that day. Understandably, in his frustration, (I believe just human nature) he sought a target. I was rather satisfied with that not becoming the narrative that got produced that day. How easy it could have been once getting there and asked, “did you find everything okay?” We were over it and into what we were meant to do in no time and just enjoying the sights in between.

I remember telling my friend in Peru that there were plenty of people to fill in for me one day when I wanted to properly see another friend off (what if I did not get to see the friend who was leaving anytime soon). I felt as stubborn as I must have been as a small child. No way I was letting Margaret leave without going sandboarding with her and spending a whole day with her and others where we had met.

I remember taking my friend to task for what I thought was inconsiderately taking my sleeping gear, although this definitely falls into the aforementioned category of things that I should apologize for (a true misunderstanding). We were still close after that. Thank goodness. I am glad he did not hold it against me.

On the less confrontational side, I was more apt to be out and about too, ready to be dragged along or doing the convincing of others, myself.

Knowing who you are does seems to come with the territory of putting yourself out there, trying new things, daring yourself to travel alone or with others to a totally unexpected place. I am true in a sense to in my everyday goals, when I am not away, but somehow I sense a little more reservation, perhaps leaning towards stability and knowing what’s coming. Understandably, I get how this speaks to safety and security but eventually it also gets me quicker to craving an adventure at some point. I am learning from both life versions, both truly me. Learning. Taking notes.

Elements of a Dream

August 27, 2022 by Cassandra Johnson

Big dreams at times seem almost abstract. People may even notice they seem more accessible the younger we are. Children can have the biggest dreams about who they want to become, how they live and especially how perfectly and/or exciting adult life will be.

We can be daunted at different stages. Sometimes such a result can arrive very early on. Shyness alone could be a powerful teacher or very literally, some of our first schoolteachers can be the ones to discourage or encourage whether we step back or move forward respectfully. Parents, other adults and other children also find their spots as inhibitors or positive catalysts. Sometimes well-meaning warnings prohibit us from meeting our efforts as well.

Additionally, purposeful negativity, sinister words and actions keep us from our motivation or alternately stimulate the wills of those who always or at times are adamant against the disbelief and discouragement and set about proving people wrong.

Daunting is daunting however, and natural failures could be the precursor to drives taken forward or those drives taken back. Present at the worst end of the spectrum is mistreatment also affecting our mental and physical capacity to move forward.

The path ahead?

What have I learned from others in listening, reading, writing and watching?

I have learned the biggest guides to staying the course can come from various foundations, but they consistently appear in moments of hope and inspiration and are what we should seek out (no matter how small) to eventually provide momentum. Momentum, in turn, means encouragement. There is the sure sign of our ability to progress. In varying amounts, it can be the catalyst, when we take notice and appreciate each accomplishment. There is possibility at every level.  

I found lately that goals not specifically imagined are not the same as goals not reached. Dreams not specifically pictured are not the same as dreams unfulfilled.

I imagined volunteering abroad. I imagined myself traveling in general. I thought of working for myself as a freelance translator and I wanted to build my social time around quality moments with family and friends without the limitations of company rules. I am doing them all.

Though not exactly in the details I could have imagined, I am slowly doing more of what matters to me and less of the other.

Works in progress and works accomplished. I am preparing myself to grow, ready to take advantage of the time I have here.

The Uninhibited Life

May 31, 2022 By Cassandra Johnson

You could choose to be like someone else or dare to be true to yourself. The irony is that in a space where you have your daily habits, routines and responsibilities, you might find yourself being less in tune with yourself in many ways as you try to follow rules, norms, expectations, and possible perceptions.

What is one interesting natural alternative to quickly meeting your authenticity?

Travel.

No one generally knows us where we are going to go yet. Therefore…

We could reinvent or we could reconnect.

I soon realized part of enjoying getaways also lent to getting back to being a free spirit.

The next backdrop turned me towards Cusco. Home of Machu Picchu and my new home. From Arequipa to here, I was less afraid of who I really was and all too familiar with doing what was different. I was homesick in part but in an extreme level of comfort under my own skin. As the nomad minority traveler, I was feeling rather stable and different. I felt my new friends felt it too. We could be a little wild in exploring and likewise be adventurous in just being true to who we really were. What were our own unique styles, expressions and desires?

I’m not from New York, Vegas, New Orleans or similar parts of the US (only a visitor to even livelier cities). I now was able to regularly enjoy that dancing all night meant until 6 am. It just happened to be in Cusco and there were no differences from weekdays to weekends. Chill nights of course had their place too.

Normal life now also meant easy access to some amazing nature and historical settings. Whether it was an hour or about a half-day outing to somewhere like Sacred Valley or Sacsayhuaman, we got countless chances to plan some historic trips and get the connection to what was once Incan empires and other indigenous living. Everyday surroundings were still infused with them. We got the pleasure of befriending 3 native gentleman who would gift us with impromptu Quechua lessons and uninhibited also meant hanging out with them in the plaza, at any given time.

Teaching on weekdays, while challenging at times, also meant a carefree vibe as we connected with local children and who knew how intense our energy reserves could be, even still dancing the night away.

Most of us just traveling, volunteering or doing both, from different walks of life were transported to this place with some similar objectives.

More rooted in curiosity, appreciation, aspiration and even fatigue lent to our lack of inhibition, which ironically to me did not always necessarily mean sheer abandon but rather a heightened comfort with our true feelings and wishes, a step back from various shields we would wear to get through our normal routines back home.

Normal routines had their comforts and authenticity, but I was realizing the varying types of discipline commanded in work, church, an even how to behave leisurely was easily inhibiting. I welcomed the gentle reminder traveling in the States or abroad could bring. Nothing had to be perfect. The misadventures, gloom, and danger have happened. I just know sometimes taking a break from the autopilot has its freedoms too.

Outside the Box

MAY 30, 2019 BY CASSANDRA JOHNSON

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!

Cassandra Johnson