Serendipity: Travel can be transforming

Interest in travel was introduced to me by my mother. My father was supportive, but not keen on seeing the world and didn’t understand the appeal. My mother was more of an armchair traveler although she did visit my sister in Germany and visited other European cities.

For high school graduation, my parents gifted me with an outstanding opportunity. My sister and her husband were stationed in the Philippine Islands with their two children. My parents gave me a train ticket to San Francisco and a cruise ticket to Manila. It was a bold move on their part as I wasn’t exactly an adventurous sort. But my mother valued independence, and I’m sure she knew the trip would be transforming, and provide much more than sightseeing.

I remember so well planning and anticipating. About three weeks after receiving my diploma, I was west coast bound. My parents drove me to the train station with close friends following. I remember my dad giving the porter a generous tip to “watch over” me. I also remember him telling me goodbye with tears in his eyes. Life lessons began before the train left the station.

The cruise stopped in Honolulu, Okinawa, Hong Kong, and Manila. The first few days I was miserable with seasickness and homesickness. I wanted desperately to abandon ship and planned to when we docked in Hawaii. When we finally arrived, my stomach had adjusted to the ship’s rhythm, and my heart was loving the mystique of a cruise. It was a spectacular three weeks.

The world was incredibly interesting to this 18-year-old who yearned for more travel. The next year I began working for Ozark Airlines. While the airline was a regional carrier, it provided outstanding travel benefits that included other airlines and I took full advantage. Seven years later my airline career was exchanged for motherhood as the first of our three children arrived. My husband also worked for Ozark so travel benefits continued. Our children flew on a plane before riding a bus, and we introduced them to the delights of new places.

Traveling was limited when they were growing up. Between work schedules and school schedules, it was difficult planning trips, but we did our best. Our goal wasn’t to show them the world, but to create in them a desire to see it.

Eight years ago two good friends introduced us to the fun of traveling via a cruise ship. A new experience for my husband and one much different from my inaugural cruise in 1966. Travel, like many experiences in life, can be enjoyed at bargain prices if one is determined, pays attention to detail, and is open for adventure. We’ve cruised with friends, with our adult children, and with just the two of us. All provide much enjoyment.

Most recently we visited Italy and Croatia and I’m hoping to return. To safeguard such plans, I threw coins in the Trevi Fountain in Rome. It worked in 1968, and I’m trusting it will again. (Legend has it that throwing coins in the Fountain will assure a return trip.)

When I return home, memories from what I’ve seen and done are savored for years.  The minute details don’t always stay with me. I wish it were otherwise, but alas, time is not making it easier to recall numerous incidentals. It doesn’t deter me from traveling, but I try always to have good back up. My husband excels at remembering what I don’t. We’re a good team.

Living and working in Chicago was my dream as a young adult. It never happened, and for a while, I mourned that unfulfilled dream. Later I realized my incompatibility with a big city. I’ve never lived anywhere but in the Peoria/Bartonville area, but I’ve visited many unique places. Such wonderful opportunities await the eager traveler!

“The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” St. Augustine



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