Rave: How I Ignited My Travel Fire
Traveling to new countries and immersing myself in a new culture has always fascinated me. And for as long as I can remember, traveling the world has been on my bucket list.
Like anyone who dreams of travel, there were specific destinations I wanted to see and unique experiences I intended to have. Like seeing the pyramids of Giza, experiencing Thai culture… and backpacking through Western Europe.
Despite the numerous setbacks that life hurled my way, I was determined to make my dream of travel a reality.
Little did I know that this dream would unleash a deep love and desire for wanderlust that I would forever struggle to control.
My Ticking Travel Clock
I caught the travel bug at an early age. Growing up, my parents took us to different places throughout the USA and Canada every summer.
These experiences, which we were very fortunate to have, introduced me to the bigger world. The world outside my little town in Alberta.
After high school, many of my closest friends started their own travel adventures. Listening to their stories ignited a fire within me. I became even more determined to travel myself.
My goal was to save money while attending university and then backpack my way around Western Europe.
While studying full–time for my degree, I worked two part–time jobs. I was a receptionist at a car dealership and coached gymnastics. Everything was on track!
Unfortunately, my perfect plan was shattered when I was hit by a drunk driver during my 3rd year of university in December 2001. Suddenly… everything changed, and nothing was in my control.
1 Step Forward… 3 Steps Back
After the accident, I was devastated. It felt like all my dreams had been erased at that moment.
Instead of studying and working towards my travel goals, my life was turned into a conveyor belt of medical appointments, rehabilitation, and therapists. Visiting doctors, neurologists, rheumatologists, physiotherapists, and massage therapists became my full–time job.
I had suffered significant neck and back injuries from the accident.
My world of independence had collapsed around me. I was now completely reliant on my family for everything. I couldn’t even walk to the bathroom on my own.
My joyous, optimistic outlook on life had crumbled… and I was left in the dark. Sad… alone… helpless.
The constant physical pain was unlike anything I had ever felt before. However, the emotional pain felt just as excruciating.
As people were getting on with their lives, I felt stuck in an endless, depressing loop.
After years of medical exams and tests, I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia, a chronic condition that causes significant pain and fatigue.
There is no cure and… no expiry date. No deadline for the pain. No medicine to make it all go away. This was my new reality… I would need ongoing rehabilitation.
Every time I felt like I was getting stronger, something would happen that would set me back.
My goal of traveling and exploring the world that I had envisioned, felt unattainable. All I wanted was gone.
A New Perspective
Thankfully, as time passed, my perspective began to change. Instead of feeling overwhelming sadness over what I lost, I felt incredibly grateful for everything I had.
I was blessed with a supportive family, an incredible sister who never made me feel anything but loved, and a best friend who not only accepted me with all my faults but consistently provided much-needed comic relief.
And I was gaining in strength each day! I still had my health. Although this old lady body was badly dented, bruised, and broken, she still worked!
I began to look at myself and realize that I had every opportunity to achieve my dreams. My perspective on life, what I valued and believed in, had changed for the better.
I had survived. The accident may have paused my dreams… but it did not erase them!
Looking back, this traumatic event that I survived taught me patience, determination, strength, and most importantly, gratitude.
Although my pain has infiltrated every aspect of my life and caused confusion about my career, life goals, and the longevity of this old lady body… I am forever grateful to still be here.
Obviously, some days are easier than others. I still attend regular appointments with my doctor, physiotherapist, and massage therapist. Despite the fatigue and exhaustion, I do my best to maintain my strength.
Nevertheless, I am sincerely thankful to have the strength to continue following my dreams of travel.
Finally… It Was My Turn!
Just over 5 years after my accident, I finally felt healthy and strong enough to make my dream of traveling a reality.
Of course, my back pain would limit some of the activities I could engage in, but I was determined to finally cross that big ocean and start my own adventures.
Although traveling did not come without its challenges, it was everything I wanted, and needed!
I traveled for 4 months through Western Europe and Egypt. And my amazing sister agreed to join me for the first 6 weeks! Crazy!
In Egypt, we rode camels around the Pyramids of Giza, toured the ancient Karnak Temple, and floated peacefully down the Nile River.
It was more beautiful than I had imagined. With an incredible history, gorgeous landscape, and kind, hospitable people, Egypt truly captured my heart.
In Greece, we got lost on our way to the Acropolis, admired ancient artifacts in museums, wandered the cute neighborhood of Plaka, and devoured as much souvlaki and Greek salad as we could.
We fell in love with the colorful decorative tiles and red-roofed city of Lisbon. I had never seen such meticulous care and attention to everyday beauty before visiting Lisbon.
And, in the little town of Sintra, we experienced Portugal’s first snowfall in decades!
Finally, Spain stole my heart.
Being surrounded by so many of the famous paintings that I studied in art history class was surreal.
Madrid’s Prado Museum felt like heaven on earth to me! Wandering through Gaudi’s insanely creative masterpieces in Barcelona just about made my heart explode!
Then, I met up with a friend from Canada and volunteered at Pueblo Ingles for a week of speaking English to local Spaniards.
In exchange for a comfortable room, delicious food, and lots of laughs, you engage in conversation with different locals looking to expand their English skills.
It took place in the charming town of La Alberca and was an unforgettable experience!
Finding Myself
After my sister left, I traveled on my own.
A friend from Pueblo Ingles drove me to Burgos, where I took the train to Bilbao.
I had dreamt of admiring the amazing art at the Guggenheim Museum ever since learning about it in Art History class at university. It was amazing and the installations were powerful, beautiful, and all-encompassing.
I will never forget it.
Then, I took the overnight train to Nice, France, though it felt as though I had traveled through time. I felt different… something had changed.
Traveling solo opens the doors to a whole other side of yourself. It is fascinating and surprising to feel it unfold.
It was just me; I was by myself… there was no one to entertain me, no one to ask for help, no one to help problem solve with. I had to become everything for myself.
During my time in the south of France, I finally emerged from this cocoon that had shielded me my whole life, and more so, since the accident.
When you only have yourself to rely on, it is eye-opening how strong you become. It’s like I was actively creating and molding the person I wanted to be – curious, independent, confident, and strong.
Early one morning, I took the train to Cannes and walked the harbor listening to my Walkman. I sat on the docks, staring out to the ocean when Here I Am by Bryan Adams started playing.
Listening to the lyrics, I burst into tears.
Here we are, we’ve just begun
And after all this time, our time has come
Yeah, here we are, still goin’ strong
Right here in the place where we belong
It’s a new world, it’s a new start
It’s alive with the beating of young hearts
It’s a new day, it’s a new plan
I’ve been waiting for you
Here I am
Yeah, here I am
Here I am
It was the perfect song to represent all the struggles I had to face to become this new version of myself. The new me had been there, waiting patiently for me to find my inner strength and overcome my hurdles, to shed my cocoon.
I had done it. I had achieved my dreams that seemed impossible. I overcame heartache and pain to get here… but I got here!
I felt liberated, that I was finally free.
Free of insecurities… free of forced dependence… free of self–doubt.
Travel had given me the opportunity to find myself. I no longer had to identify myself as a victim, as injured or broken. I could now be someone who was adventurous, strong, and independent.
My 4-month backpacking trip did so much more than expose me to new countries and cultures. It allowed parts of me to emerge that I didn’t even know existed.
Exploring the world, and finding who I was meant to be, is something that I will treasure forever… and no one can take that away from me.
Traveling has exposed me to so much more than I could have imagined, and I will be forever grateful.
Can’t Get Enough!
It has been 15 years since my first trip abroad and I am more in love with travel than ever.
I have been lucky enough to have traveled around Asia, Europe, Africa, Central America, and South America.
On our last trip, I was able to revisit Greece, where we toured Athens and then spent 4 amazing days on Sifnos.
Not only that, but we have been fortunate to have our teaching careers take us to China and Malaysia. Experiencing this side of travel was a completely unique experience… and one that we still treasure to this day.
On our first trip to Europe together, Gavin and I fell deeply in love with one another, and with the incredible country of Italy.
So much in fact, that we ended up getting married in the town of Ravello on the gorgeous Amalfi Coast!
Honestly, it feels like fuel is constantly being added to my travel fire. I mean, during quarantine in Covid, we drew and painted the world map on our bedroom wall!
Even when we couldn’t travel… we found other ways to keep the fire burning.
Gavin and I are always planning our next big trip. Travel has become an incredible obsession we just can’t control!
Following My Passion
Of course, my travel style has significantly changed since that first trip due to my chronic pain.
This old lady body made as much progress as she could, and I am very proud of that. But I am not in my 20s anymore and have different requirements and needs to consider on longer journeys.
Now, when Gavin and I plan a trip, we always consider my potential pain level and how I will manage it in every aspect of our journey.
I won’t deny there is a lot to consider and plan for when dealing with chronic pain and fibromyalgia. But I am proof it can be done!
Most importantly, despite the challenges I have faced, I have maintained my positive outlook throughout my adult life.
I truly believe in not having any regrets. Life is far too short.
It’s so important to follow your dreams… whatever they may be, even if they look different from what you originally intended.
Our goal is to visit 50 countries by age 50. And we are getting so close!
I can’t deny there will be hardships and struggles along the way… just look at what 2021 did to me. Nevertheless, I will work hard to maintain my strength and take care of my body.
And you what… hard work just makes our achievements that much more special and worthwhile.
Stay tuned for more updates!
