Sunset in La JollaI recently had eight days off in a row and was asked by several people where are you going? Not what are you going to do, but most people thought we had to go somewhere to do something. I even fell for the idea for a day, dreaming of a few days in Vegas or returning home to see family and friends.
Then I came across two words for travelers; Slow…Down.
Upon seeing these two words I remembered the whole point of traveling for Mary and me which was to live like a local from afar. Another way of putting it is deliberate travel, which I define as just not relocating to different sites but discovering and allocating time to enjoy where we are.
This rules out travel as just a tourist trying to cram every site before a week's end, deliberate travel makes sure to view the colors of a sunset and the tastes of a favorite local diner.
Deliberate travel takes a second look at things of interest and requires us to improvise during the day. Deliberate travel helps us learn not to worry when we don't know where our next assignment might be; those worries are for people strapped to the demands and restraints of keeping up a home and schedule.
We remembered we came to San Diego to enjoy this area, so why spend a few days away when there is so much here?
We kayaked in La Jolla with leopard sharks and sea lions, bicycled in the gas lamp district and Little Italy, we saw beautiful sunsets, and yes you may have guessed; we made time for afternoon naps.
When living in a permanent home in Missouri, we had schedules, we were efficient, and there was always a point to our efforts.
On assignment, there is no point, no need for a schedule, and no rush to complete a list. The priority on my days off is to enjoy the day.
People ask me if the pay is good for travel nursing, completely missing the real point of traveling…Time. The time off is great!
Getting interested?
1 comments:
And it was fun!
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