As sure as day, this week the air will chill, and along with the first days of school will come the smell of pumpkins and Halloween rounding the bend.
I would normally be headed somewhere this time of year. Most likely it would be New York City or Boston, one of my two favorite quick escapes. Not this year; this year we remain home, and while it is not an impossibility to travel to these locations, I’m still hesitant about staying in a hotel. Every time I’m close to booking one, my gut tells me not to. I listen.
I think part of that has to do with the fact that my family and I have been so diligent since day one of the pandemic. I didn’t have to discuss the enormity of the situation but once with both of my children. They took the precautions, wore masks and stayed home. In fact, they didn’t even really like me to go out, which I found endearing. The pandemic has been taken seriously in this household.
We have, however, all relaxed a bit and with time have integrated going out and dining outdoors and seeing friends in moderation. My soul craves the environment of a city, nothing new. We have managed to get into New York City at least every three weeks just to stroll around, go to a new trendy restaurant or museum. It is part of our routine.
I long for getting on a plane and entering a new country; I think I have real dreams about it at least twice a week. Travel is baked into my soul, my longings and my desire to quench the thirst for exploration. I have friends all over Europe who I want to spend time with.
I have plans to visit as many UNESCO World Heritage sites that I can fit into my lifetime. (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization encourages international peace and universal respect for human rights by promoting collaboration among nations.) My background in sociology and anthropology has led me to this desired goal.
I would like to write about the experience as I travel along. I may have to start with the sites right here in the United States first. If so, I shall and then, in due time, see the rest of the world.
I remain confident and optimistic that things will change in the near future. Until then, I dream.
