Traveling during the year of 2020
I have always been a traveler at heart, a tenacious and adventurous woman.
For me, nature, wild landscapes, and wide-open spaces have been a great inspiration, and the best kind of therapy providing a refuge from the chaos of life.
Despite this passion for travel, I’ve always felt a little too apprehensive about the idea of leaving a secure and stable life behind to pursue the unknown. I’d worked very hard to establish myself so, there’s always been a reason or an excuse why I couldn’t just go for it and adventure off somewhere long-term. Haven’t we all dreamt of quitting our jobs to travel the world?
So, one year ago, as I approached my 40th birthday, after a little audit of my life, I realized that there was absolutely nothing stopping me from fulfilling this dream, just fear. It was time. I made the decision to give up my stable life, quit my job, and travel the world for one year. I would start in Nepal where I’ve always dreamt of trekking, and then continue adventure-seeking and trekking in other countries. I didn’t make any advanced plans. I wanted the freedom to decide as I went, something I’ve never experienced before. Sounds like a dream doesn’t it?
Little did I know that a few weeks after I left Canada and 8 days into the Annapurna Circuit Trek, I would have to make the difficult decision to come down from the mountain village of Manang…
…and seek refuge in the tourist city of Pokhara. There I would stay for the next 7 months as I waited for the world to open up again.
The pandemic had begun and the world had come to a halt. With my travel plans completely derailed, I had a difficult decision to make. Did I try to wait for this lockdown out in Nepal or did I make the difficult and expensive trip home? What made the most sense? What would be the better decision?
Fortunately (or unfortunately) I’m a stubborn girl and I refused to give up on my journey. I waited my whole adult life for an opportunity to travel freely, I wanted to see how it would all unfold.
For the next 7 months, I occupied myself by hiking in the surrounding jungles and hillside villages around Pokhara and by socializing with other stranded backpackers. We were in a big virus bubble. No one was allowed into Pokhara and no one was allowed out. It was like a beautiful, paradise prison.
The landscape around Pokhara was breathtaking and although it was a difficult time, I felt blessed to experience the flora and fauna of such a magical place and to be part of an amazing community of people who quickly came to feel like family.
Finally, in September, after 7 months of being in lockdown, the airport in Kathmandu opened and international flights resumed. I made the decision to move on and had to say a sad goodbye to my Pokhara family.
I made my next stop in Turkey where I relaxed on gorgeous beaches, ate delicious food, went paragliding over the blue lagoon, hiked around ancient caves in Cappadocia, and trekked the jaw-dropping and arduous Lycian Way.
My spirit was alive again, full of life from my new and wonderful experiences. But, I believe in balance in life and for all of the splendid moments, there are equally dark ones. Sometimes when you travel solo, you feel lonely. Sometimes you get unlucky and find yourself in a difficult situation, and sometimes you just wonder what the purpose of all of the moving about is.
In December, I was unlucky and got infected with coronavirus which put another half to my travels. For me, the virus was mild and I recovered quickly but it meant a lonely and depressing quarantine over Christmas, as well as a canceled trip to Egypt. This time passed though, I recovered, picked myself up, and moved on.
Today, I find myself in Arusha Tanzania. Having just finished a safari through the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater and fresh from the sun-soaked beaches of Zanzibar, I have time to reflect as the 1 year anniversary of my departure from Canada approaches.
I look back at how difficult it was for me to start this journey. I feel stronger now, braver, and full of the kind of life energy that you only get when you know you’re living your best and most fulfilling life.
It’s a difficult time to be a traveler. This is true but because of the restrictions I’ve faced, this year has taught me that the world is best discovered slowly and with attention to details. Don’t just see the highlights. Don’t just make a checklist. Do stay somewhere for a while to give yourself time to take a look around. Admire the sights, smells, sounds, make friends with locals, and just enjoy the experience. Appreciate every moment and encounter.
I don’t regret my decision to continue traveling. This year has taught me so much. I know there’s still much more in store for me as I continue to navigate this complicated new world but I am happy that as a woman, I have my strength and perseverance pushing me forward, always learning, always progressing.
Happy Travels Ladies!
