Five months, that’s how long we’ve been traveling as nomads. We have chosen a lifestyle of moving slowly without a home base so we can get to know the locals, their history, their culture, taste their food, and hear their stories. We have been gifted many moments of connection with people and each time are humbled by their vulnerability and, at times, desperation.
We’re now in our seventh country, Sri Lanka, another developing nation that we’re exploring for 30 days. Before landing in Colombo, we were in Turkey where they’re having their own economic crisis. The value of the Turkish lira has taken a nose-dive, good for foreign travelers, but really awful for Turks. In both countries, we’ve been struck by how many challenges the local people have faced…exacerbated by the global pandemic where many people we’ve met have been in a complete financial drought for two years. They are desperate for things to reignite so they can get back to making a living so they can support their family and do what they enjoy.
Many locals in both countries dream of traveling outside of their countries and when we share with them about being nomadic, not having a home, and just traveling, they often pause and wish that one day they too, may be able to do so. Yet, for most of them, it will remain only a dream. With little income, a devalued currency, and a lack of opportunity due to their place in society, they most likely will never leave their home countries, a much as they might wish to do so.
This is being written around the Solstice, a time of extremes and turning points. It’s a time of year when both of us created a tradition several years ago to honor the darkest and lightest days of the year. We would gather in community, sing and eat together, and take some time to reflect.
Our reflection on this Solstice is one of acknowledging and honoring our privilege to be out in the world. When we are greeted by smiling faces of strangers and listen to their stories, we also can recognize their suffering. It offers us the space to touch the heartstrings and not forget how fortunate we are to be on this journey. As white people, traveling at times in non-white countries, we know (because we have been told!) that we are viewed as “rich” as we have the means to travel and explore. Part of this exploration is inner exploration when we take the time to reflect on what we are experiencing at a deeper level while still experiencing the beauty of the world around us.
As we acknowledge our privileged position, it feels as if we are compelled to share the stories. In gratitude, both of us say thank you for following our journey. It’s not only brilliant beaches, sunsets, and hot air balloon rides as we create an impressive Instagram feed, but getting some gristle to chew on and perhaps inspire action. Travel is most definitely connecting us to our global family with all of its beauty and ugliness.
