Travel

I haven’t traveled much over the last few years.  Luckily, being in Atlanta, many of my friends who aren’t here will come through sooner or later.  I can stay put and everyone will come through and see me.

This past December, though, I got out of town for two weeks on an actual vacation.  Unfortunately, because of that trip, I missed seeing a friend of mine who now lives on the west coast, a friend I don’t get to see very often.  So, last weekend, I went out to NoCal to see him on his fortieth.  Sadly, by doing so, I missed a chance to see another buddy of mine who now lives in London and just happened to be in the states.  It seems like the lesson here is that I should just stay put, not travel, and let everyone come to me.  That way, I won’t miss anyone.

When I started to make this post, that was the original message I was intending: that I miss out when I leave.  That only gives one side of the story.   It doesn’t touch on what I gain by traveling.

In December, I got to get out of the states for a while.  These weren’t extensive excursions, but I did get to experience thin slices of Belize, Honduras, and Mexico.  I saw Mayan ruins at Chacchoben.  I had authentic Al Pastor.  I got to spend time with my family.  On this most recent trip, I got to see some old college buddies: one of whom I haven’t seen in over two years and another I haven’t seen in a decade.  I got to smell that California smell, a mix of eucalyptus and salt sea air.  I got to eat burritos that proved to me what a sad state the burrito scene in Atlanta really is. 

The lesson here isn’t to stay in one place, it’s to travel.  If there’s someone I want to see, I should make the effort.  I’ll be better for it.