Everyone keeps telling me I need to write a book … not sure I will ever have the time or desire to do so, but if I do, you can consider this the first chapter! :o)
There is something to be said for living your dreams! :o) You see, I knew at the age of five, I wanted to be a flight attendant. Don’t tell me how I knew back then, as we only had a black and white television and what I remember watching was Lawrence Welk and the little bubbles in the background (as I danced naked, except the little red shoes … haha … I wonder if there is a picture of that somewhere???). When I turned 30, I moved from the Seattle area, to South Florida. One of the main reasons was to get a job in the travel industry. You see, my goal: to make a difference for others, by traveling the world. There were alot of years, two other careers, and many life circumstances that finally pushed me to ACT and make that dream a reality. <3
In 1998 I became a flight attendant, based out of Orlando. In 1999 I transferred to Boston with my job. At the time, I knew alot of people who really thought the world was going to end in Y2K (going into the year 2000 with the computer systems). Me being the sacrastic and smart ass person that I am, said “you know I don’t generally make New Year’s Resolutions. But since you guys think the world is going to end, just out of spite, if you are right .. I am going to go see the Wonders of the World this year”.
Back then, I was a bit of a perfectionist (yeah, that went out the window with all the travels, miles, people, and situations on the job over the years), researched, and found out there were actually 7 Natural and 7 Man-Made Wonders of the World. At the time, I said “it’s ok, I can still see all 14 in one year”. haha However, I knew money would be an issue, since I only had $3,000 that I had gotten from my moms inheritance and I wasn’t quite sure how the whole “travel for free” thing worked yet at my job. I gave myself a budget of $300 for each trip, knowing I would make money working between each adventure, and if there were any hiccups along the way.
The first trip was meant to be the hardest to get to, but ended up not being all the difficult. January 2000, Great Wall of China <3 with a flight attendant I had become great friends with, Miclyne. Mic and I had an awesome time (me being out of shape, and Mic climbing it twice just to pull on my arm and say “we didn’t come all this way, just for you to only climb half way” hehehe) and discovering that not all people speak English all over the world. The biggest challenge was when we were leaving the Bejing airport. We really could have been on a Seinfeld episode. You see, the ticket agent kept saying “no ticket for you, no ticket for you”. Come to find out, we had only purchased one way, ID90’s (discounted airfares on United airlines from Tokyo to Bejing), and it cost us each $624 to get out of China. oops … lesson learned. :o)
Since Miclyne lived in Phoenix at the time, the day after we got home from flying across the Pacific Ocean, she drove me to the Grand Canyon<3. Wow, the year sure was getting off to a good start, as I had already seen two of the Wonders, in the first month. :o) (once I get the photos scanned from prior to when I got a digital camera, I will upload them for you .. but don’t hold your breath)
By March I had rebounded from working in Feb to recoup the loss of funds from China, and found myself in England to see Stonehenge<3. Thing was, I had to teach myself how to drive on the other side of the street to get there. That trip was odd, as I was not all that impressed by Stonehenge itself. I found that I was more mesmerized by Corfe Castle and the Cathedrals that had been built long ago. Although no one really knows the real story behind Stonehenge, and it was fascinating to research each of those “ideas”, I was still more taken back by the fact that a king long ago could point to the tallest hill and say to his workers “go build me a castle up there” and parts of it were still standing. On this trip, I also found the most most comfortable bed I have ever slept in to date, at a little bed and breakfast off the beaten path. Thinking about this trip just makes me smile .. after all, I survived my first trip without anyone traveling with me, outside of the USA!
In April, another flight attendant joined me on an adventure to Italy. Here I drove (Robyn navigated) us all around Rome (do you know how hard it is to dodge the mopeds?) to see the Colosseum of Rome, to Pisa to see the Tower, and of course over to Florence to stand in awe of the statue of David. While we were in line to enter the Basilica, we heard loud speakers with a male voice. As we rounded the corner, we realized we were at a mass behing held by the Pope (don’t ask me which one, as I have no clue). Inside St. Peter’s, I was mesmerized by the works of Michaelangelo. This trip taught me that us Americans have so much to learn about art, architecture, and other cultures. With the Colosseum of Rome<3 and Leaning Tower of Pisa <3 off my list (by the way, for the record, I do not thing the Leaning Tower should be a Wonder, I think they are just lucky it has not fallen over yet), it was time figure out where I was headed next.
The reality began to sink in that I could not continue to work such long, hard hourse, and be on an airplane on my off days. The goal to see all 14 in a year had to be re-vamped and more realistic expectations of myself began to set in. Somewhere during the grueling summer months of being a flight attendant, I revamped my New Years Resolution, and made it a 10 year goal instead. That year I was able to also see The Northern Lights<3 and Niagra Falls<3. Seven in one year, pretty big deal, I think! :o)
The following year I saw Hoover Dam <3, and then life had some unexpected twists and I ended up traveling to other places that were not on my list. Trips with friends took me back to Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Cayman Islands, and various places in the USA. Constantly I was looking at where I wanted to go next and learning about my options.
(Johannesburg, 2007)
In 2004 I went to Zimbabwe to see Victoria Falls <3. Imagine being on an airplane, across the Atlantic Ocean, and not having a clue where you are staying when you arrive in Africa. The anticipation was over the top, I was so excited to see another “Wonder”, that it didn’t seem to phase me that none of the accomodations had emailed a confirmation back. My attitude “It will all work out”. On that South African Airways flight (discounted to a measly $90 round trip) I met an amazing couple, Silvia and Vic Simmonds. Silvia spent the next 16 hours telling me how she spent endless hours helping orphans in South Africa. Of course I was a bit leary at the time, ‘wanting to see what she did for myself’. With the promise of visiting Sil and Vic on my way back through Johannesburg, I forged on to Zimbabwe. There are soooo many stories about this trip, I could write a book about it alone. Let me just tell you, this trip was probably the one that changed my life the most. Not only did I go to Africa by myself, without any specific plans laid out in advance, but God showed me what He wanted out of the trip.
When I landed and cleared customs at Harahare, Zimbabwe, there was a little black man with a white sign with my name on it. HOW? No one knew I was coming. As we were walking across the dirt parking lot, another little black boy was yelling “are you Ms. Robin” as he ran towards us. When I said “yes”, he said “I have a phone call for you”. I still chuckle to this day about that, because my immediate thought was “from God?”, literally no one knew I was in Zimbabwe. No one on earth. Except of course, the ones I had forgotten I had emailed, to ask if they had a room available. Mr. Bayer (always remembered his name because it was the same as the aspirin) spoke on the phone, telling me when the internet goes down in the area, no one is able to email for days or weeks at a time. He had a problem with my “booking” as he was not able to get me the $30 a night room I requested, and wanted to know if it was ok for me to take a $15 a night room. Hello? I was screaming with excitement on the phone, as I didn’t care what the accomodations were at that point.
My cab driver ended up being my personal chaffeur for the week. He took me to Victoria Falls, he translated for me, got me a SWEET deal on riding an elephant, cruising on the Zimbabwe river, and of course White Water River rafting, and two different day safaris (ME, on safari in Africa, BY MYSELF .. WOW!). It is the most difficult white water course in the world because of the grade 5 rapids, and it was no suprise that I came home with a parasite .. after all the water that I drank, I was suprised the water levels had not gone down significantly. Absolutely amazing, amazing adventure! Loved it! And the price for the taxi driver for the week? My tennis shoes. He would not take any money, he just said “my sister has no shoes, and this is all I want from you”. They were $5 at WalMart before I left. … Humbled yet?
Even more surprising, was what I experienced when going back to Johannesburg and staying with Sivlia and Vic for a day. (I ended up staying 2 extra days because it was such a privelege to be in their company). Silvia took me to Soweto and introduced me to the various orphanages she assisted with on a daily basis. The basics that we take for granted here in the states, of food, water, shelter and clothing, were all made very personal to me on this trip. From that day forward I have never looked at any of these items in the same way, nor do I ever make fun of someone who has less than I do. When I think I have it bad, I remember how these people live on a daily basis. Life changing, indeed.
In 2005 I went back to South Africa and this is where Silvia and Vic took me to various game reserves that I had not experienced on the trip the year before. In addition, I went back to the orphanages with them, and spent time with the children. This is when I adopted an orphanage of my own, and at every opportunity have gone back over the years, to remind the children that I am still here, loving them (even from afar). Once a year I do a “Christmas in July” for them, where I collect toiletries, scarves, hats, gloves, and their favorite .. American chocolate. Unfortunately I had to stop flying to Johannesburg for work because of my health, and have found the shipping costs to be astronomical. For the $300 it took to send the last parcel, I know they could eat for a few days off of it. Not sure if the “waiting” is more anticipated by myself for the children to receive the package, or if it is for the children knowing it is coming! After the first of the year, I hope to be well enough to go back to Africa (the doctor has told me I am not allowed to travel to a 3rd world country for a minimum of 3 months because I am still fighting a parasite from when I volunteered in Haiti in April) …
It just seems that when I opened my heart to God’s plan, the entire world opened up before me. There have been so many trips (like visiting friends in Las Vegas and them taking me to see the Hoover Dam<3), so many opportunities, so many people I have met along the way. One adventure always leads to the next, and I just feel so very, very blessed.
… Getting back to my travels (got so side tracked, thinking of “my orphans”, sorry about that), in 2006 I was nominated and received the highest award any employee can get my job. The Chairman’s Club. There are many wonderful items you receive when being honored with this award, and the best one for me, was 2 positive space first class tickets anywhere in the world that we flew. Of course I picked the furthest away, and my friend (Carter) and I went to India to see the Taj Mahal <3 and other magnificent sites. Thinking it would be a shame not to “keep going”, we made our way to Nepal to see Mt. Everest <3 on the trip. It was a whirlwind in 2007 for terrorist activity, and we were always one step ahead. At our hotel in Nepal, we met the nicest human being I have encountered to date. Sudarshin took us around Kathmandu, showed us what it was like to live in his country, introduced us to his family, and made us feel like we belonged there. When people ask me my favorite place on earth, hands down, it is Nepal. Not only for the scenic beauty, but for the people. Regardless of race, religion, or background, everyone is accepted for who they are … it was absolutely beautiful, and I brought home so much more than just beautiful pictures. Another imprint on my heart and soul.
Armed with that knowledge, I was planning the long awaited trip to Egypt. There was so much leading up to this adventure, all the cancelled plans because of what occurred in 2001 on September 11th, my friends and I being in New York City that day, that I could write a book about that alone as well. Let’s just say that Egypt was 7 years in the making for me, and I was able to set aside “vacation funds” other than the amount budgeted for each trip in 1999. :o) When it came time to pick a travel partner, I chose my friend, Bruce, who I have known since I was 21 years old. We traversed Cairo, where I made one dream complete, by riding on a camel in front of the Pyramids <3. But I have to tell you, as astonishing as they were, I was just as impressed by Abu Simbel, and the Karnak Temple. If you ever go to Egypt, you must see these. It is just breathtaking (even in the severe heat) to experience the Wonders of what was created thousands of years ago, and still standing today. With all the vibrant colors, the hyroglyphics, and the stories that go with them, will draw you back for more. Definitely a place I would go back to in a heartbeat.
With all that I have experienced in the past years, with health problems (many of which occurred because of my volunteering or traveling outside of the USA), financial struggles, job uncertainty, working through my own issues (my best friend dying in 2002), focusing my attention on supporting our troops and becoming involved with that in every area of my life, I am happy to announce that somewhere in the midst of it all, I learned that I am a Wonder too. It was a huge epiphany, learning that I am loved, accepted, valued, and valuable … transforming from someone who once hated herself in a mirror, to someone who likes what she sees when she does so, and loving that person … life has not been the same since THAT day. Which is why I saved the best for last.
It is also why my last wonder is a celebration of my accomplishments. It is a time for me to take a break away from everyone and everything, and just enjoy “being”. It is also why I am so thankful again to my job, for giving us “one great team passes” to travel as far away as I can get. Free tickets, a great friend (Curtis) to travel and help me take pictures and explore … and my dream coming true. 10 years in the making, and next month we will be boarding a plane for Australia for my last Wonder …. The Great Barrier Reef.
On that trip, I may have to make a new goal, but then again … I think I already know what it is … do you?
PS.
Presently we are trying to find a way to celebrate One Peace Day on 21September, 2010 in Sydney, Australia … so if anyone has any ideas, please share!
Tags: The Sky Angel, Travel