Musings from an island in the Caribbean...

I find myself on a journey - touring the world for now - but looking for a place to call home. The difficulty is, there are so many places I enjoy. Elements from each destination along my route are fundamental to where I want to end up. I wish I could have a little bit of everything; that I could combine all the best things into one fabulous location. If I could have just one super-power, it would be that: to be able to be present in multiple places at once. I would carry on life simultaneously in the multiple locations across the globe that I have come to love.

First and foremost, I would be back in Bellingham. I would have a coffee in hand, snuggled up on my couch in my apartment, watching a movie. I would be enjoying my family: playing with my nephew, delighting in the comments only a 2-and-a-half year old would make. I would go up in the chopper or plane with Jonathan, let Peter do something crazy to my hair, watch Spanish soap operas with Rebekah, visit Loren and Jill in North Bend, talk to my mom and dad for hours... I would hang out with my friends, eat at all my ex-restaurants, and listen to the rain cascade off the roof. I would be content in the company of my loved ones :)

At the same time, I would be back in Amsterdam, strolling the narrow streets that parallel the canals. I would ride a bicycle all over the city and take it on the metro with me, just to fit in with locals. I would go the Rijks museum, the Van Gogh museum, Vondel Park, Dam square, and all the “touristy” checkpoints that I never paid attention to before. I would walk the neighborhood that I grew up in, shop at Amsterdamse Poort, and visit friends I've known for decades (yes, I'm old enough for that now). I would be reminiscing about childhood memories :)

All the while, I would be in Cuba. I would be taking salsa classes by day, and be out at the live venues by night. I would stroll along the tropical beach, drinking fresh coconut water and eating cheap cheese pizzas. I would catch a ride in a 1950s Chevy “maquina” (taxi) to La Habana Vieja where I would marvel at the historic architecture and structures. I would go to Santiago de Cuba, Baracoa, Vinales, and all the other sites I missed my first time around. I would sit in one of the many plazas and drink coffee. I would be dancing my little heart out :)

I would get ahead of myself and be down in Argentina, scouting things out. I would be looking for a job, applying for university classes, and getting settled in an apartment. I would have a steak and wine dinner, sign up to learn tango, and enjoy the city that never sleeps. I would be playing my part in a big adventure :)

I would go back in time to South Africa. I would be back at the deaf & blind school I loved so much, volunteering, teaching Home Ec in sign language. I would dance with the girls who only hear the beat of the song and nothing else. I'd go visit my friends at the tavern down the street, and ask Thabo if anyone has stabbed him lately... I would undoubtedly laugh for hours with Annemarie, Njeri, and Ariel. I would be doing what I could to help :)

Perhaps instead of all of that, I would find myself in Moab, Utah. I would be cruisin' on a Harley through the Arches National Park, climbing on rocks, or sleeping out under the stars. I would be marveling in the raw beauty of the Canyon lands and taking pictures of the surrounding sights. I would be enjoying nature :)

Another option would be me traveling to Thailand. I would relax to one of those famous Thai massages. I would ride an elephant through the jungle. Maybe I would teach English, or just hit the beach instead. I would learn a new language, and experience another continent. I would be living the nomadic dream :)

I would be in the Seychelles, spending a heap of money no doubt, but finally making it to the top destination on my list. I would take a million photos of the beach, the clear blue water, the palm trees, and the boulders just beyond the shore. I would compose my own island calendar. I would be in paradise :)

Besides each of those places, I would be in Mexico, one of my first loves. I would be listening to Mariachi music and eating tacos. I would be watching people in the Zocalo of Mexico City – hundreds and thousands as they go about their daily business. I would be comfortable in my home away from home :)

The list goes on of all the places I could and would be... I could go on listing places that I have been and loved, and places that I still want to visit... The truth, however, is that I only get to be in one place at a time. For now, that place is Puerto Rico. I am currently in San Juan, the capital of this lovely Caribbean country. And at this given time in my life, it's a good place to be! I have found peace and rest in the natural beauty of this island.

I just got back from wandering through El Yunque rainforest – a contestant to be one of the new 7 natural wonders of the world. The view from the top of the mountain is stunning: pure tropical canopy with a background choir of exotic chirps and whistles. The beauty that surrounds me here is therapeutic to my soul... The busyness of everyday life is slowly being drowned out as I learn to stop and appreciate the simple things along the way.

El Yunque Rainforest

I sat at the beach for hours yesterday... Five and a half to be exact. Sure I got a little red, but I was using sunscreen so nothing too extreme. The ocean is mesmerizing to me – I am instantly sucked in to the ebb and flow of the tide, the sound of the waves crashing on the rocks, and the way the sun glistens on the water. I am so fortunate here in Puerto Rico, that I am staying at a place where I can see the ocean from the living room window...

Living room view of the ocean (right of the salmon colored building) 

The beautiful beach

The waves crashing on the rocks

After several months of constant movement – traveling to different cities and countries, jumping around to different homes and hotels, continuously on the go – I am exhausted. Physically and emotionally I hit a wall in the Dominican Republic. Not having a “home” to rest in gets old fast! I came to Puerto Rico and have been enjoying the serenity here. I have taken it easy, getting plenty of sleep and rest, spending my time leisurely either close to the apartment or at the nearby beach or Starbucks. I am recuperating from the intensity of Cuba and the prior time spent in Mexico as well. I couldn't pick a better place to be refreshed! This country is fantastic. People are warm and friendly, the natural beauty here is astounding, and the climate is near perfect. I guess I just get one location at a time! Each place with it's unique charm and delights. As for right now, here in Puerto Rico, I am content in the rest that I am getting :)

Good company, good times.
Kris (from Florida), Sol (local - I am staying with her), Cano (Sol's neighbor and co-worker), and ME!