It’s been a week since I posted anything. Not that there hasn’t been a lot going on since we arrived in Chile – there has, and I hope to catch up with that in the coming days.
The most significant item is that Liz and I have decided to travel on our own going forward. It was a difficult decision. Dave and Anne agree that it’s probably for the best in the long run, but it’s Liz and I that have taken this decision.
Traveling is stressful at the best of times. The type of trip we’re undertaking makes it doubly so. Add to that the string of problems we’ve had – missed flights, lost luggage, injury & illness (Liz is still not well and Anne’s shoulder still troubles her), vehicle import issues, long days on the road… It all adds up to a lot of stress.
That stress has underlined some of the differences between us. We have different travel styles, different expectations, different risk tolerances and so on. These things surfaced during our Alaska trip a few years ago, but it was easier to deal with then. Though technically we were in a foreign country, it was a lot more like home. And it was only for two weeks. Accepting each others’ foibles was easier in that context.
In the present situation, going on like this for two and a half months just doesn’t seem reasonable.
As I said, this was not an easy decision, especially after all the dreaming and planning. I feel a mixture of grief and a certain sense of failure. But it also feels like the right choice. As the Buddhists say, “pain is inevitable, but suffering is optional”. How I feel and respond is ultimately my choice.
We have parted on good terms. We’ve known each other long enough not to let it spoil our friendship. It’s simply that good friends don’t always make the best traveling companions. So while this is the end of one thing, I am looking at it as the beginning of a new and different journey.
Hi All
I’m sure this has been a very difficult way to start but I hope that, for all four of you, it’ll be smooth and happy sailing from here on. And of course, when you all get together back home it’ll be fun to compare notes and war stories.
Get your motor running, get out on the highway…
best
Colin
Safe trips for everyone! 🙂
Hugs to all of you and cannot imagine the stress. Safe travels and looking forward to more posts/pictures. keep them coming
That’s too bad. But onward and upward!!
I am sure you are all disappointed but glad that you have mutually worked things out. I found Peru a very difficult country to maneuver around and it took a lot out of energy out of me to get centred because of the difficult terrain and altitude changes. I remember hearing a statistic that 50% of visitors get sick while visiting there..
Good luck to all moving forward ! Looking forward to your next post ! Cheers…
Oh, that’s unexpected and disappointing. But props to you all for having the courage to acknowledge the situation and deal with it like (gasp!) grownups.
Take care, everyone. I look forward to the next exciting instalment(s).
I am sorry to hear about this change in your plans, John. It is clear a lot of unexpected challenges came up on an already challenging trip. I thought your post showed a great deal of wisdom both about the decision and the path moving forward in your journey. Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable trip!
Best wishes to all on your journeys!
Sorry for the unexpected changes of your plan, but I strongly believe that everything happens on purpose and for better. Wish you to enjoy your trip no matter what.
Wishing you all continued adventures and fun. Can’t wait to read more about it.