First Time International Travel
International Travel. In 2014, I made an intention to really live each day with curiosity and love. I had always been afraid to fly – actually terrified would be a better descriptive word. Just the thought of buying a ticket would have my heart racing and my skin breaking out in a cold sweat. Not one to use drugs or alcohol to mask this fear as many encouraged me to do (I was afraid of that too) – I chose instead never to fly…EVER!!
Realizing the places I was dreaming of visiting, the same ones that were placed front and center on my vision board, were all out of the country. I wanted to go to Bali, Africa, Sweden, Thailand, Costa Rica, Cuba, and Australia, to name a few. If I wanted to experience them, a very long boat ride would be in my future, or I would need to get over it and fly.
Decision made. I was going to get my passport!
August 2018. I had heard and read so many stories about traveling abroad. It seemed so magical and inspiring to visit other cultures and meet new people. I wanted to go, do and see all of it! After my decision to make use of air transportation, I quickly traveled to places like California, New York, Colorado, and Washington, D.C. Still, it wasn’t until August 2018 that things started to get real; plans began to take shape; deposits paid; confirmation emails sent. I was going to Costa Rica!
December 2018. Last-minute details. Now, what to bring and how much luggage should I take? I met the group via email, and we set up a group gathering site on the other side of customs to share a ride to the first night’s stay.
It all seemed surreal. What I noticed, though, the whole time leading up to this adventure was knowing that, no matter what happened, it would all be perfect. I let go of any expectations of what I thought this trip should be like, and instead, visioned its success. It’s with an open heart that a journey is full of abundance, happiness, love and fun.
No. 1 Experience
Leaving the United States for the first time
January 4th, 2019
Travel Day One. After four short hours of sleep, we loaded up for the quick drive to the Quad Cities International Airport, where we would catch the first flight of the trip to Atlanta, GA. Weather was good, and from high above any clouds, it was a perfect start to our trip.
One of my favorite parts of flying now is the take-off because it means I get to go somewhere. I love feeling as the plane is speeding down the runway and then the lift-off up into the air. Up…up…up…amazing!
Once upon a time, I was a total control freak – letting go enough to fly. The first time I flew was sometime in the late 1980s. This time, the plane experience took me through a terrifying storm where lightning struck the wing, and I was pretty sure that the same bolt of lightning took out an engine. The turbulence was so bad I cried for hours after landing.
Part of my personal growth was to get to a point where I could fly. It’s been a process of letting go and a new way of thinking. One of the reasons I preferred driving over flying was that I thought I was in control. I always teased that if I could have been in the cockpit with the captain, I would be able to fly.
Many life changes lead up to the point where I could not only buy a plane ticket but actually could get on the plane and let them close the door. Someday, I may share those stories with you. For now, I will share one important thing I do each time I travel (road, boat, or plane) is I update my “just-in-case” information and share its whereabouts with someone.
The next time I would board a plane was in 2014 to go to a sales meeting for work in Atlanta, GA. I had made a letter to everyone I loved. It explained that if they were reading it, I had gone down somewhere over the southern United States and would not be coming back. I reminded them how much I love them, would always be near them in spirit. I then made a special letter for my son, who is the light of my life. These letters included instructions for everyone, what to do next on my behalf and how to support Nick as he grew up and into the wonderful man he would become.
After I made this letter the first time (through many tears and much angst), I continue to re-write and update the message with each significant trip. I leave originals as a way to show my growth and love for each of them, too, I suppose. As hard as this is, it feels right to be able to provide some closure around the ‘what-if’s’ of travel and to make sure my family knows that I will love them through eternity.
Letting go of fear also means to be present as much as possible. It means I always give and provide love, so even if there weren’t a letter, they would already know just how much they mean to me.
Photography from 35,000 feet. My only concession to flying is I require a window seat. I need to be able to see the horizon, preferably sitting ahead of the wing (I know, precise). I can manage in other seats, but this works best for me – OK, this may be my need to control manifesting itself, but I am a work in progress, right??
Another reason a window seat is ideal is because of the beautiful photos I can make. Even if the window is a bit dirty, I get some fantastic shots of sunrises, sunsets, unique land formations, and in the case of this trip – other countries. We were lucky enough to fly over Cuba, El Salvador, and Nicaragua (locations that are now on my updated vision board).
No. 2 Experience
Costa Rica, Central America & My First Passport Stamp
January 4th, 2019
What seemed like a swift flight from Atlanta to Costa Rica (just over 5 hours), we landed safely but into very uncharted territory for me! Totally out of my comfort zone (YES!!), I zipped up my curiosity suit and pressed ahead. Customs was the first stop and the first official stamp on my passport. YAHOO!!
Four Curious Finds Upon Landing
- The Juan Santamaria International Airport was pretty much like any major airport I have been to in the United States. I imagined it would look very foreign and be much smaller. However, it was huge and offered a lot of the creature comforts I know and love – running toilets, air conditioning, and even a Starbucks Coffee.
- Costa Rica is a yoga retreat destination. Standing in the line to get through customs, I counted at least 40 people who had yoga equipment or during conversation, indicated that was the purpose of their trip.
- Even though I speak very little Spanish – most people speak the international language of…smiling. My mantra: Give a smile, get a laugh – for example, the customs agent looked gruff and kind of out of sorts. As I approached and we made eye contact, he got a smile, and he returned it with a sparkle. He ended up also telling me a long story in Spanish, of which I understood three words, Hola, Por favor, and Gracias. I must learn Spanish before returning to Costa Rica!
- Costa Rica is a perfect temperature – all year long. Located roughly 10 degrees north of the equator in Central America, Costa Rica is at sea level and considered lowlands. At around 80 degrees, the overall temperature in January as opposed to July doesn’t vary much.
Travel Day Two. We were up and out of the transitional hotel by 9 am. Our group loaded up and boarded the private bus that would take us the rest of the way to the Goddess Garden Retreat Center in Cahuita, Limón Province. Because not my style to look too far ahead on my trips, it was a little bit of a shock to find out that drive would take about 4 hours. An even bigger shock, though, was the traffic. Unusually heavy because of a National Holiday, and this was the only highway to get us to our destination. Adding in construction, the drive there would take closer to 8 hours.
No. 3 Experience
My first Yoga Retreat
January 5th, 2019
Ever since adding a yoga practice into my life, in 2013, I’ve wanted to participate in a yoga retreat in an exotic far off place. Heartland Yoga in Iowa City, Iowa, was hosting this particular retreat. On the surface, I knew it would be fantastic if only because the two teachers who created it are amazing.
We arrived at the Goddess Garden Yoga Resort closer to 6 pm. Exhausted from the drive and very grateful they had graciously held dinner for us. After dinner, our retreat leaders offered to lead a slow flow practice and meditation to help us unwind from the long day. The yoga practice was the start of one of the most amazing experiences of my life.
In my opinion, yoga is a way of living. It’s a subtle practice, a system of techniques, and guidance for an enriched life. It’s a vibrant, expanding approach to well-being. It seemed the next six days lasted forever, and also for just a short moment in time.
The next seven days, we were surrounded by huge jungle trees, howling monkeys, poisonous snakes, cheerful birds, and bugs of all sizes. On top of the beauty, we were also treated to three delicious vegetarian meals prepared fresh every day. Access to amenities like a jungle pool and Jacuzzi, spacious porches with jungle views, massages, an outdoor fire pits, and the ocean just a few minutes walk away – this was truly paradise.
Of course, there were the wonderful yoga & meditation practices offered thorughout the day. I found this week-long retreat turned as a way to connect to the sacred stream of creativity that supports us all. This was the place to plant the seeds for an abundant 2019 and explore the innate desire we all have to feel good and have fun.
I have no words to describe what I experienced during this time away except that it was pure bliss. Drenched in unconditional love that one can only experience through heart wide open self-discovery, this week offered insights into who I am becoming and what might be next along my path. I know that no matter what happens – everything is as it should be, and a reassurance I can trust myself to accomplish anything I set out to do.
I was looking for someone to inspire me, motivate me, support me, and keep me focused. I was looking for someone who would love me, cherish me, and make me happy. It was on this grand adventure that I learned it was me that I have been looking for all along. I am the one with all the answers to my life queries.
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I am an influencer of optimism, positivity & love. By acting on my dreams, I hope to inspire others to do the same. Being where my feet are means that we live in the moment with curiosity, creativity, courage & compassion. Live your happiest, best life. You’ll find resources and stories mostly on subjects like travel, van living, exploring, yoga, and photography on this site. It’s my hope you will be inspired to do something you’ve always wanted to do too. Say YES, take that first step. |
Follow along! Kirsti’s vision is to enjoy life with passion and curiosity. Kirsti Out Wandering aspires to exemplify well-being in mind, body & spirit, giving unconditional love to self and others, and pursuing all of the wild possibilities life serves up while living full-time from a sprinter van. She offers a monthly roundup that includes stories and tips on travel & exploring, van living, self-care, photography and service.