WAVE ~ What did you do that got WAVEgeneration’s attention?
Charlene ~ Even though I’ve been writing bi-lingual poetry for 35 years, my only travel to a Spanish-speaking country had been brief trips to Mexico.
Finally, I left my family at home for nine (9) days and traveled to Guatemala, to meet and travel with my husband’s cousin and family. Due to miscommunication, I arrived at the airport and no one was there to greet me! Plus, even though I had arranged for my cell phone to work during my trip, it didn’t. I had to see if my Spanish language skills would work right away.
One day, I climbed an active volcano (Pacaya), went horseback-riding and swimming, like a triathlon! It was an amazing experience. Of course, I couldn’t move the next day…
WAVE ~ Had you wanted to do this for a long time, or was it impulsive?
Charlene ~ I had wanted to take this trip for 3 years but, in trying to make it a family trip, things kept coming up and it just didn’t seem possible for us all to go together. Finally, I decided to go on my own.
Sometimes, we don’t do what we want to do based on the people around us. Finally, I realized it was time to go even though I couldn’t bring everyone along.
WAVE ~ How much preparation did it take?
Charlene ~ Three hours of packing and plenty of time at the used book store.
WAVE ~ Did it cost what you expected it to cost?
Charlene ~ If not, did it cost more or less? It cost less than I budgeted!
WAVE ~ Do you plan to do it again?
Charlene ~ Let’s just say that if I get the chance to travel to Colombia next, my only question will be ‘When do we leave?
WAVE ~ Did doing this thing impact other areas of your life? How so?
Charlene ~ I usually say ‘no’ before I say anything else; it’s just been my automatic response. Now, I give myself breathing room to make decisions by saying, ‘I’d like to think about it. Let me get back to you.’ I no longer feel pressure to give an immediate answer because I recognize more shades of gray in this world, rather than all black and white.
Also, it now seems easier to accept new little changes as they come up in life. I don’t need my ruts.
WAVE ~ What did you go on to do? Did you then (or do you plan to) make any personal or professional changes that improved the quality of your life?
Charlene ~ I’ve won an award and prize money for one of my new poems, Un Grado De Separacion, which was written during my stay in Guatemala. I’m excited to explore the grays. I’ve been painting up a storm because I have an expansive amount of creative energy. Our family is now moving out of our comfort zone by trying different weekend activities.
WAVE ~ What recommendations do you have for anyone who is considering a similar sort of trip?
Charlene ~ If you don’t take chances, you’ll never know ~ so go! Let go of your stuff. Take the time to look people in the eyes ~ your time and your eyes can be the gift you give.
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