Somewhere in my mind, I’m able to return to that window seat on the Shinkansen. Gazing outward towards the countryside, I can still see it all, feel it all. Entire systems and a way of life, moving past me in haste. The understanding that I am but a visitor, passing through something that is much more complex than I will ever be able to comprehend.
Hiking Mt. Fuji’s Yoshida Trail
Prior to booking my ticket to Japan, I had no desire to hike to the top of Mt. Fuji. I had seen photos of it on travel programs and thought the snowy peak looked quite nice from the comforts of my warm abode with functioning amenities, but I never really thought to myself, “I need to be on top of that.”
South Florida and The Keys
My first experience with South Florida came in 2012 while I was on my way to Peru. I had always wanted to see what Miami was like, so I booked a long layover and stayed in a hostel on South Beach. I will never forget it, because unknown to me at the time, my credit card information was stolen upon check in. Naturally, I wouldn’t find out until much later while I was in a very rural part of Peru, when I had no cash left, and the bank had locked down my card for fraud. Thanks, Miami!
Olympic National Park and Rialto Beach
I wasn’t sure if I should take this trip or not. I often feel that way before embarking on solo jaunts, but in hindsight, I am always glad when I make the jump. I knew going into it that I was very likely going to be impeded by winter weather. I didn’t exactly have the right gear with me, thus all of the hesitation. I decided to hell with it, booked my return ticket 3 days after the end of tour, and told myself to get in the rental car and figure it out.