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Sunday, August 21, 2016

Jungle Reflections


Twice in my life now, I have been literally plopped down in the middle of a jungle with no transportation, phone service or guarantee of people to assist before nightfall.  Weird, right? Both times I watched my ride drive off down some dusty road leaving me in oblivion. And both times it was really hot. I mean, really hot.

People say I live an adventurous life. I guess they are right.  I am very often flying by the seat of my proverbial pants, hoping I land in one piece. But adventure can be challenging, make no mistakes about it.

Five years ago it was on the outskirts of Cayenne, French Guiana. Although worrisome at first, I ended up having one of my most memorable nights ever sleeping in a hammock in the jungle. Today it is the outskirts (deep jungle) of Akumal, Mexico. This night’s outcome is yet to be determined.

Both times, dogs barked in angry greeting only to quickly become my friends.

Both times, I wandered aimlessly around for a bit, wondering what one does in a situation like this.

Both times, I seemed to be foodless until morning. (There are worse things.)

Last time, as the taxi pulled away wishing us luck, I wondered if I should cry.  On the surface things appeared rather discouraging. But who has time for tears when you’re abandoned in the jungle.

But this time, as I watched the car of friends leave me behind, although part of me again wanted to cry, I decided it was another adventure, the way I choose to live my life. It was another excuse to fly and hopefully land on my feet…with any luck, pants-ed.

And both times, I was fine, completely fine in the end.

Life is short, folks; Have an adventure.


(Oh, and sleep in a hammock whenever possible)


4 comments:

  1. Thank you for sharing. Those moments when you step out into the unknown, without a plan, alone, that is where you find life. Sometimes we confuse our life for the things we choose to place in it- this movie, this restaurant, etc- but what happens out in the distance, in the unknown territories, that's what brings us to our core. I guess that's the inspiration I get from this blog- not to live in the layers, but take myself away from comfort zones and find out what's really around me and what's really inside me. It takes some deep bravery to do that, and getting through the fear or worries and finding friends (the dogs) and joy (the hammock) is a good metaphor for facing life for all it's scariness and finding the good. It reminds me of a time I veered off of St Marks in NY to E 9th and ended up finding a great Indian restaurant!

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  2. Indeed Andy, Exactly! Hope you're settling into life in Minneapolis and seeking adventure. :)

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  3. I love you both and am happy to have you in my life as adventure models!! :-)

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  4. I love you both and am happy to have you in my life as adventure models!! :-)

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