In the End--the Very End

Plattsburgh, New York
November 7, 2011

In the End. The Very End!

In the end, the very end, I was away from home for a day less than ten weeks—an academic marking period in my old life. What a much more pleasant way of doing time.

In the end, the very end, I touched down in 11 countries, including the USA. Of those eleven, four were new: Iceland, Estonia, Russia and Finland. But to say I’ve “done” those countries—no way. Alighting onto the edge of a country and spending part of day in it is, in my opinion, no way to see a country. More often than not it was frustrating to have such little time.

In the end, the very end, Iceland was the best part of the trip and two weeks there was just not enough time. The country is too rich to see in that short of time and I’m looking forward to a repeat visit with Steve next June when the sun will not set in the north. Repeat visitors have told me that the northeast is just as spectacular at the southern coast. Lots to look forward to.

In the end, the very end, I travelled from just below the Arctic Circle in Iceland at the 66th Parallel to the subtropics of Mexico at the 19th Parallel—a huge distance, and almost all of it on water.

In the end, the very end, I fulfilled a lifetime dream—crossing the Atlantic by sea. Scratch images of the old time steamships. These are luxury liners now and there are endless things to do as the days float by. What a privilege it was to spend six full days, from the Azores to Florida never seeing land, another ship or any sign of civilization.

In the end, the very end, I got to enjoy two and half weeks in Mexico, sharing in the October spirit of the feast day of Saint Jude and Day of the Dead. More and more, Mexico is “home,” and its culture and people are becoming an integral part of my culture.

In the end, the very end, I knew I occupied a space of privilege in the world. I know too well how many people in the world live. What I just finished is something these people could never image. I never want to lose sight of that privilege and I am thankful daily for the gifts that have been given me.

In the end, the very end, it was time to go home. I’d been living in some form of summer for almost nine months and my body and psyche needed an autumn, a slowing down, a tangible turning of season.

In the end, the very end, it was good to be home.