We have all seen what happens when a dog is pent up too long. It scratches at the door, whimpers pitifully, and snarls in frustration. I live in California, and for the first part of our shelter in place edict that was me. Yup, on March 17, 2020, I got my wings officially clipped. That meant canceling work trips to Hawaii, California’s Central Coast, Arizona, even Arkansas. And reluctantly unpacking my ready-to-go suitcase and putting away everything in its proper place.
The Downside of Travel Writing
While everyone bemoans that we are stuck inside, no one feels the pinch more than travel writers whose livelihoods depend on flying, driving, lodging in magnificent hotels or historic mansions, and experiencing unique attractions. The more exotic, the better; the more mysterious the location, the sexier the story. These pleasures fuel journalists like myself, for we thrive on meeting new people and obtaining coveted, behind-the-scenes interviews to understand how things work and came to be.
And on the rare occasion, we also get to help others in need. Like the time a group of us traveled to Lebanon and worked to outfit hearing impaired refugees with hearing aids. We could see them “hear” when eyes lit up as they heard words being whispered in their ears for the first time.
There is also the satisfaction of diving into a country’s culture through its cuisine. The most popular street food in Taiwan is stinky tofu, an acquired taste for newbies but comfort food for locals. And in New Zealand, chefs use every bit of the fluffy lamb, a staple meat, that pairs magically with New Zealand pinot noir. Through trips to Honolulu, I learned that the best fare is found at dives in the most questionable of neighborhoods and that shave ice is phenomenal with oatmeal or vanilla custard. Who knew?
Stepping Back in Time
In lockdown, I find I am expanding into another world, the world of my Mom, circa 1960 and beyond. It was a world where every joy emanated from home and hearth. l feel like I am in a time capsule, reliving the life of my mother who cooked and sewed to keep the household running. In these last weeks I have reacquainted myself with my whisk and mixer, marking off items that have been on my cooking bucket list. Five-spice roast duck – check. Haupia sweet potato pie – check. Ultimate baby back ribs – check. Blum’s famous coffee crunch cake – check. I have learned I do not have to go to Korea to taste the chewy goodness of the jap chae noodle dish. I can now make it myself. Thank you, YouTube!
And I am having societal impact without boarding an airplane. Recently I joined Sewing4Good.org, a not-for-profit organization that makes hospital gowns for hospitals, clinics, and rest homes around the globe. I am one of 200 “sewists” churning out gowns by the hundreds every week.
Time for Reflection
While traveling forces you to maximize your external senses – sight, smell, touch, hearing, and taste – being sequestered forces this travel writer to write the travelogue of the interior. With no distractions, I am journaling, reflecting, praying, and finding myself thankful (rather than critical) of the walls that are sheltering me from harm.
Who knows what travel will look like months down the road? For now, with my wings clipped, I want to be my best self with friends and family and be content with whatever the future holds. And therein lies the mystery.