Do Something Everyday That Scares You
About a month ago, I did something I never did before. I set out for a week of traveling to two main destinations. They say anything worth having or exploring requires work. I packed for a spring and summer vacation all in one suitcase and hoped I had enough clothes for both.
Two vacations, one week- doesn’t sound too bad, right? Well, the first part was heading to Montgomery, Alabama to visit The Legacy Museum. There is no direct flight from NYC to Alabama. I have never taken a connecting flight before and I only hoped my suitcase would arrive there when I got there.
I was only there for two days so I tried to do as much as possible during the museum tour and after. I walked most of the time to take in the local street art, murals, and buildings. I decided to stay in an AirBNB since it was a short stay and I was solo traveling to later meet up with a group. I spent a majority of the two days immersed in a sobering absorption of history I had learned about in school, but never learned about it in this way. If life leads you to Alabama, check out the Legacy Museum and other historical sights. I was in the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement, the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and other major historical events in the African-American community of the United States. Bryan Stevenson developed and brought to life the cruelties of enslavement and its legacy in his museum that continues to impact us today. If I could read every word apart of every exhibition, I would. I need to go back. It was a powerful and life-changing experience.
The food in the South is a lovely treat I do not always get to enjoy. My first pitstop after the airport was Waffle House. And the whole experience did not disappoint! I also researched good places to eat and took recommendations from locals in Alabama. I received Southern Hospitality all around, and I appreciate the grace and kindness from all the people I met.
Part two of my adventure awaited. Next stop: Curaçao.
I was leaving all the comforts and privileges of American life in NYC and Alabama to go to a place I have never been before. Honestly, I did some light research, booked my ticket, AirBNB, and transportation. I heard good things and I just wanted a “chill vacation.”
Do something everyday that scares you.
My usual rule of thumb for solo travel is: If you have never been there before, book a hotel for your first trip.
I broke that rule. Because, honestly, I am tired of hotels and resorts. It was not the vibe I wanted. I think I solo travel as much as I do because I like independence. I hate landing in tourist traps for food and everything else. And when you are confined, you don’t have as many choices.
Second scary thing: I rented a car and I was driving around in the Caribbean! This was new for me. I have never driven on vacation before or even out of the county. Exhilarating, scary, exciting, less traffic and speed regulation as well. Oh, and Curaçao has many roundabouts/ traffic circles!
Curaçao was different than any other island I have been to thus far. I figured with three languages under my belt that I would be good. Everything was in Dutch! Not one of the languages I know. I got lost driving for an hour around the island before I got to my accommodations. Eventually, I thought to myself, “do we make time to get lost on vacation?” This road that I ended up on when I was “lost” was actually one of the main roads I would take to the beach many days on my trip and where I saw flamingoes. I was not lost, it was preparation.
I definitely felt like I was at a home away from home. Curaçao, for me, was the perfect blend of a European and Caribbean vacation. I met many people, had interesting conversations. Curaçao felt like the melting pot of the Caribbean.
I had time to reset, relax, go on driving adventures, eat very delicious food, watch sea turtles, and feel the sun on my skin.
Everything we want is on the other side of fear. I challenged myself and grew even more in my strength and self-awareness. Do something everyday that scares you. Nothing grows in a comfort zone.
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