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When Mark and I first started sailing and cruising, every day was alike. We actually got annoyed on weekends, because beaches we walked on, bays we anchored in and places we visited were more crowded than other days. We avoided weekends and hoped for the work week to start again, to get some peace. Since we created our own business two years ago and since I got serious about making some money writing, we established the "normal week” again, hoping to take it easy on Saturday and Sunday. Or, at least, take it easier, since there’s always a lot to do, organize and fix on a boat.

Simpson Bay Lagoon, here... Read more »

On my drive from Wadi Feynan to Wadi Musa my Bedouin driver kindly stopped for me every time I motioned at my camera.  I personally think he enjoyed getting the occasional smoke breaks while I snapped away in awe.  This photo just goes to show you how stunning and surprising this country is.  The mountains are spectacular and it all feels untouched.

This drive with my non English speaking Bedouin guide was one of my highlights – especially when he stopped in the desert at a store and motioned that he had to go inside.  He came out with 2 cans of Fanta and two chocolate prepackaged cakes, sat back down in the truck and gave me one of each.  I was stunned – such a nice gesture; but then again, in Jordan these nice gestures don’t surprise me any longer.

No discussion about returning from a prolonged period abroad is complete without thorough time devoted to reverse culture shock. And within the larger folds of a discussion about reentry, the conversation inevitably turns to perspective. Specifically, that people don’t seem to have any. Of course this isn’t a fair statement, but coming off of long-term travel to the developing world often leaves you in a fastidious state of mind. However, there is something to be said about travel also crystallizing your perceptions, honing suspiciously naïve sentiments into firm sets of belief. Even within the context of culture shock, it can help keep life in perspective. And if you concentrate enough, it can help mold you into the person you strive to be.

During my time in Burma, I spent a week... Read more »