Adventure – Eat – Drink – Love: Together
Many locations (New York included) are begging for tourists to return. And, the same was true for Jamaica, which is an entire nation dependent on the tourism industry. However, I would also argue that with the supply chain issues, global import/export regulations, and shipping problems that we’re seeing everywhere, tourism is putting a strain on the already fragile communities that are trying to simply survive in these troubled times.
Anthony Bourdain has a quote that was incredibly apropos to this trip, “Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.”
Do you recall your first thoughts when we started closing everything down in early 2020? Is this for Real? I will be completely honest. I thought it was a joke. … Continue reading Big Events During Pandemic
I’ve never been a fan of apocalyptic sci-fi, but here I am…here we all are…living in it. The second wave is upon us…Will we be able the ride the wave safely to shore? How many more will wipeout? Lives? Businesses? Jobs? Industries? We can’t help but have hope.
This week, we’re breaking down our top 5 “Socially Distant” spots you can enjoy this summer. I’m betting that there are plenty of places you’ve never been within a few hundred miles of your home! Check it out and let me know if there are others I’ve missed! I love to learn about new hidden spots!
Lastly, this week was the last Manhattanhenge of 2020. It happens four times a year, twice for sunrise and twice for sunsets, where the sun is perfectly centered between the buildings for a glorious view of the city and the moment in time. The clouds put a little bit of a damper on our view of our first Manhattanhenge, but we still saw a pretty amazing sight!
I’ve been here a week, and what I’ve learned is that New Yorkers are a resilient bunch. While the rest of the country was whining about not being able to go get ice cream, this city lost almost all “normal” services and opportunities. They witnessed the horrors of neighbors and friends disappearing to never return. Small businesses shut down in droves… 20% of workers became unemployed… nearly 32,000 have died so far. […]
Who, except a couple of crazy people, would sell three cars, liquidate a business, downsize their entire life, and sell a house in the middle of a pandemic and economic collapse? No one. I’ve decided that we are absolutely out of our minds. But, that’s exactly what we’ve done.
I can only picture going back into the world being a little bit like Groundhog’s Day. I think that when the time comes, it will be difficult for me to not see my shadow and run right back into my cave.
The light at the end of this tunnel shines brightly. Don’t think this is end. The earth is using this time; it’s healing itself. People around the world are coming together to show compassion and love for their fellow man. Animals are taking over their natural habitats and enjoying their time for freedom. And, we will too. This too shall pass.
But, there is one Google app that I have neglected. When it was launched it created a whirlwind of delight all over the world. And yet, many of us have neglected it (or completely forgot about it) since we became bored with looking up our own backyards…
Travel memoirs are by far my favorite genre. Sometimes they’re romantic and whimsical, sometimes they’re political and poignant, but they always offer a reminder that we often have to step out of our routine to find the best parts of life.