2010: A Wild Ride on a Flowing River

If water stands motionless in a pool it grows stale and muddy, but when it moves and flows it becomes clear: so, too, man in his wanderings.

—Muhammed Asad, The Road to Mecca

If I were to sum up 2010 in one paragraph, I would say that it was a wild ride on a flowing river—with ups and downs but wonderful when I look at the big picture—and that my journey to the Middle East served as some sort of catalyst.

I could explain this further, but let’s just get into it now. Without further ado, here’s my list of the year’s highlights:

1. Sleeping in the Desert in Jordan

I was the guest of a Bedouin family in Wadi Rum, Jordan, and had the opportunity to sleep in the desert this summer. And despite concerns about insects and scorpions, I did it. And I only encountered 1 mosquito on one particular night.

Sleeping there, out in the open, was as incredible as it sounds; there’s nothing quite like experiencing the night sky with serious nomads and seeing the sun rise in the morning. I’m so glad I didn’t opt for a tent or in house in the village.

2. Meeting a Hermit in Lebanon

I’d heard about Dario, the Colombian hermit, who lives in the side of a mountain in Bcharre, Lebanon, and hoped to meet him. But I knew my chances were slim. One man said he’d tried (and failed) 10 times. I decided to try anyway.

With help from a wild Lebanese man named Joseph, who had at least 5 tattoos and used a siren when he sped along the mountain roads, I found a way down into the Qadisha Valley and soon found myself….chatting with Dario, the hermit…in Spanish.

It was one of my most fun adventures of the year!

By the way, the reason I’ve posted a ‘painting’ and not an actual photo is because Dario asked us not to post his photo on Facebook (he didn’t have a problem with elsewhere on the Internet, though). Obviously, this is my blog, not FB, but still–I thought I would alter his photo out of respect for his other wish.

(FYI–Before we left, I confirmed a second time that he was only uncomfortable with FB (and not the rest of the internet). He then posed for quite a few photos after that and even let me shoot video. He asked some questions about who was winning the World Cup; he seemed to know a lot, which made me wonder if he had an iPhone hidden somewhere–LOL).

3. Baby Nephew, Baby Blog

There were two births this summer. One was my new nephew, who is now almost 6 months old. I’m thrilled because we have a small family and he’s the first new addition since—well, me and my brother.

The other was the birth of my blog/site, Chicky Bus, which is now about 5 months old.

They’re both significant and exciting events and somehow, because of the timing, I’ll always connect the two and feel proud of both.

4. Sudden Illness—So Much Support

This wasn’t fun, but about a month again—just as I was wrapping up a busy semsester teaching ESL, I was stricken by a temporary disability (story here.). My right eyelid began to droop and suddenly, the right side of face became paralyzed. I had a slight speech impediment, too. It was sudden, shocking and awful as my face looked twisted even when I didn’t move it.

What was incredible, though, was the support I received from so many special friends, family members, colleagues and students.

Coworkers (thank you Kathy, Robert and many others) pitched in and did the work I couldn’t do. Friends (Bob and Joyce) did my shopping for me. Family checked in and called me every day. My students were patient as I experienced a couple of delays in getting grades to them. And friends I have on Facebook (many special friends from when I blogged on gaia.com) and Twitter were also super supportive.

And now, thanks to all of this support, medication and an amazing acupuncturist named Henry McCann, I’m recovering rapidly. Thank you, everyone!

5. Terrific Tweeps on Twitter

It’s amazing what happens when you find like-minded people (travelers as well as folks in a wide range of industries–eg, my friends over at Headway Theme) whom you can really relate to, who do what you do and are into what you’re into. It’s wonderful to learn from and interact with real experts and others who are ‘in the know’!

These “tweeps,” as we call them, are from all over the world and are an amazing bunch of people. They’re taught me so much and have inspired me in countless ways. If you’re reading this, then you’re probably one of them and I thank you!

(Photo credit: Torley via flickr)

6. Sensational Students…

This past semester was a real trip into a world of fun and creativity—thanks to my students. In one class, they wrote combination sequels and sequels based on two unique novels (The Giver and Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry). The projects were simply wonderful!

And in other (advanced reading) classes, we had the most fascinating conversations re: cultures and current events based on the diversity of the students. We also laughed a lot as we were comfortable enough to be silly with each other. There was also a writing class that was very special; I saw many students helping each other, and that made a real difference in the learning process.

Instead of naming individual students (would take too long), I’d rather list their countries: Peru, Domincan Republic, India, Bangladesh, Mexico, Colombia, Poland, Russia, Iran, Uganda, Syria, Jordan, etc.

7. Recognition for My Writing

I am beyond thrilled about two things that happened just last week in which this site/my writing received recognition.

Chicky Bus was ranked #2 for “most inspirational travel stories” and #6 in the category of “best women’s blogs” in a GotSaga Best Travel Websites of 2010 poll/contest. In addition, a story I wrote as a guest post for another site, @travelated, was listed as one of the stories in their Top 10 of 2010. (More info here.)

8. Middle Eastern Journey—Where Things Made More Sense

Quite simply, as a result of my trip to Jordan and Syria (and a little bit of Lebanon and Israel)—the people I met (especially a certain family I’m still friends with), the things I did, how I felt—I began to see my life, my travels and my path in a more complete sort of context. A lot of things that I’d been doing somehow came together and made sense as part of a larger whole.

Another quote, from the author of the same book I began this post with, sums it up best:

I begin to look upon myself with distant eyes, as you might look at the pages of a book to read a story from them; and I begin to understand that my life could not have taken a different course.

—Muhammed Asad, The Road to Mecca

What’s Planned for 2011?

1. Finish Writing My Travel Memoirs/Look for a Publisher/

I have completed close to 120,000 words (306 single-spaced pages, 528,024 characters (not counting spaces), 3784 paragraphs and 12, 181 lines. But there’s more to be done.

What’s it about? The first half is about major transformation and how I ended up living as an ex-pat in Ecuador. The second half is the many stories I’ve written about my travels to numerous countries. They range from serious to quirky and humorous and everything in between.

2. Start Another Website for ESL/EFL Teachers and Students

I’ve taught ESL (and EFL) and am currently an Assistant Professor at a 2-year college. I got into it because of traveling, but went back to school for an MA in TESOL and have stuck with this career, which is just right.

I have many ideas that can help students and teachers, as well as travelers who might want to try teaching. I also want to share student work. This is something I simply must do!

3. Take an Amazing Trip…Get ideas from Twitter Tweeps…and Blog/Tweet along the Way

I do this—take an amazing trip—almost every year, so why should this year be any different? I’m considering Romania, Panama/Colombia at the moment with an eye on Thailand, India and maybe Papua New Guinea and a few others beyond this coming year.

4. Set up “Nomadic Winos” Chats on Twitter

I recently came up with a fun idea….another travel chat group (via the hashtag #nomadicwinos) on Twitter. It would be a fun and light-hearted group and no alcohol is necessary (although I may have a glass of wine just because…). And it’s OK to be just a little bit nomadic. Details coming soon!

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Thanks for indulging me in my 2010 wrap-up. I really appreciate it. I wish you a wonderful holiday season and may 2011 be the best year ever!