beautiful places
Of all the beautiful places in the world, I had never been to Hawaii until last week. I never really had a reason to go. But some friends of mine were getting married on the beach in Maui, which gave me an excuse to get out and explore. It had really been a while since I'd traveled anywhere, with New York and Canada being my prime trips last year. As many of you know, 2006 and 2007 were filled with international journeys, during which time an incredible life-changing experience occurred while living in the Holy Land of Israel.
When I up-and-moved to Israel, ready to start a new life and pursue a degree program, I had never done anything like that before. Having lived in only the US southwest for the majority of my life, any trip out of town was a big deal, though I have always traveled quite a bit during my lifetime. But a move to the other side of the world, though somewhat temporary, really got me out of my comfort zone. While traveling and living abroad, and without the distractions of "home" I was able to gain a clearer perspective overall.
Talking to a close friend on the phone just last night, I was reminded of reasons I left San Diego at least 4 times, the petty engagements and low-life mindset of many of the city's residents. In other words, the kinds of things that people uphold as priorities in their lives mean little to nothing to me, and I simply can't relate. Upon returning from Israel and then Greece, I found I could not easily connect with people here on the mainland anymore, at least not in quite the same way. Could this be some form of transcendence? Or just a realization of societal evolution to its now backwards state? There's something about travel that clears the mind, and connects all the senses. If yours are disconnected, I'd recommend a week-long trip away from your element.
Brazil and Greece are perhaps two of the most beautiful places I'd ever been in my lifetime, and I thought nowhere could surpass their landscapes to behold. I was proven wrong last week. When I arrived in Maui, my breath was immediately taken away, even on a misty evening like last Monday night. The sun was setting, and the air was humid and temperate. Rain loomed in the air, but it did not actually rain. I retrieved my luggage and headed to the rental car location, only to be awarded a car with a license plate bearing my initials. This was going to be my week indeed, my week in paradise. Although it was dark by the time I arrived to my hotel, I immediately went out to the beach and spent considerable time simply celebrating the fact that I was in one of the most beautiful places on earth. I was set on a course for adventure, a much needed time in paradise.
The first few days of the trip were all about unwinding, relaxing, and becoming familiar with my new surroundings. I met up with my friends for their wedding festivities beginning later the first night, and then at least one activity per day. By the second day I came to the realization that Hawaii was a lot like Brazil, only CLEAN. The Island of Maui possesses much of the same type of lush tropical landscape and beautiful tranquil beaches, but without the third-world feeling. In fact, I was in the lap of luxury, surrounded by resorts and upscale condos, with prices to match. But I didn't really mind that aspect, simply being there among all that beauty gave me a greater sense of peace then I have ever felt on the mainland. As close as I have felt to the wholeness I experienced while living in the Holy Land. I suppose if I can't be in a war-torn nation due to safety concerns, I should probably pick a beautiful place of tranquility to consider for my future home.
While in Maui, I participated in a few boating excursions, in addition to many hours spent on various beautiful beaches. On the second night, we embarked on a sunset dinner cruise which served as the rehearsal dinner for the wedding party, I being a guest of the Best Man. In the water we saw several whales, and stood in awe of the green mountainous and rocky coastline, bearing similarities to the coastlines of Greece. Any time I am on a boat NOT in the San Diego harbor, I am reminded of the cruise I went on throughout some of the Greek Isles, a journey I intend to embark upon for a longer timeframe later this year. The beautiful mountain observed during our dinner cruise was graced by a low-lying cloud, covering half the mountain. See my Hawaii galleries for the amazing image of the mountain and gorgeous coastlines.
Although I was in Hawaii for 5 days, this was not enough time, and I decided that I must return as soon as possible. I am now considering the idea of moving there, as I do all of my work online, it can be done from anywhere. My other option is to travel as much as possible this year, though I am due for a change of pace, a change of lifestyle after undergoing some very tumultuous times in recent months. While my primary residences of Phoenix and San Diego are amazing in their own way, there are many beautiful places in the world to travel to OR to live. I choose to surround myself with beauty - beautiful places are where I thrive, and connect with God within.
When I up-and-moved to Israel, ready to start a new life and pursue a degree program, I had never done anything like that before. Having lived in only the US southwest for the majority of my life, any trip out of town was a big deal, though I have always traveled quite a bit during my lifetime. But a move to the other side of the world, though somewhat temporary, really got me out of my comfort zone. While traveling and living abroad, and without the distractions of "home" I was able to gain a clearer perspective overall.
Talking to a close friend on the phone just last night, I was reminded of reasons I left San Diego at least 4 times, the petty engagements and low-life mindset of many of the city's residents. In other words, the kinds of things that people uphold as priorities in their lives mean little to nothing to me, and I simply can't relate. Upon returning from Israel and then Greece, I found I could not easily connect with people here on the mainland anymore, at least not in quite the same way. Could this be some form of transcendence? Or just a realization of societal evolution to its now backwards state? There's something about travel that clears the mind, and connects all the senses. If yours are disconnected, I'd recommend a week-long trip away from your element.
Brazil and Greece are perhaps two of the most beautiful places I'd ever been in my lifetime, and I thought nowhere could surpass their landscapes to behold. I was proven wrong last week. When I arrived in Maui, my breath was immediately taken away, even on a misty evening like last Monday night. The sun was setting, and the air was humid and temperate. Rain loomed in the air, but it did not actually rain. I retrieved my luggage and headed to the rental car location, only to be awarded a car with a license plate bearing my initials. This was going to be my week indeed, my week in paradise. Although it was dark by the time I arrived to my hotel, I immediately went out to the beach and spent considerable time simply celebrating the fact that I was in one of the most beautiful places on earth. I was set on a course for adventure, a much needed time in paradise.
The first few days of the trip were all about unwinding, relaxing, and becoming familiar with my new surroundings. I met up with my friends for their wedding festivities beginning later the first night, and then at least one activity per day. By the second day I came to the realization that Hawaii was a lot like Brazil, only CLEAN. The Island of Maui possesses much of the same type of lush tropical landscape and beautiful tranquil beaches, but without the third-world feeling. In fact, I was in the lap of luxury, surrounded by resorts and upscale condos, with prices to match. But I didn't really mind that aspect, simply being there among all that beauty gave me a greater sense of peace then I have ever felt on the mainland. As close as I have felt to the wholeness I experienced while living in the Holy Land. I suppose if I can't be in a war-torn nation due to safety concerns, I should probably pick a beautiful place of tranquility to consider for my future home.
While in Maui, I participated in a few boating excursions, in addition to many hours spent on various beautiful beaches. On the second night, we embarked on a sunset dinner cruise which served as the rehearsal dinner for the wedding party, I being a guest of the Best Man. In the water we saw several whales, and stood in awe of the green mountainous and rocky coastline, bearing similarities to the coastlines of Greece. Any time I am on a boat NOT in the San Diego harbor, I am reminded of the cruise I went on throughout some of the Greek Isles, a journey I intend to embark upon for a longer timeframe later this year. The beautiful mountain observed during our dinner cruise was graced by a low-lying cloud, covering half the mountain. See my Hawaii galleries for the amazing image of the mountain and gorgeous coastlines.
Although I was in Hawaii for 5 days, this was not enough time, and I decided that I must return as soon as possible. I am now considering the idea of moving there, as I do all of my work online, it can be done from anywhere. My other option is to travel as much as possible this year, though I am due for a change of pace, a change of lifestyle after undergoing some very tumultuous times in recent months. While my primary residences of Phoenix and San Diego are amazing in their own way, there are many beautiful places in the world to travel to OR to live. I choose to surround myself with beauty - beautiful places are where I thrive, and connect with God within.
posted by :: Lisa :: at 1:34 AM
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