Bookends.

So 2020 was a #trainwreckdumpsterfire for the vast majority of us, with lockdowns, cancelled plans, loneliness, fear, grief, illness, and the myriad of other experiences wrapped up in the global pandemic.  If I never hear the word unprecedented ever again I’ll be happy.  However, as I look back on 2020 I must say, it had some really great bookends. 

In January 2020 some of my family came to visit, and it was the first time I’ve gotten to meet someone at the airport, instead of the other way around. It was such a wonderful time, going on safari and to the beach, and it’s a special thing when someone else can finally understand what my life is really like instead of just hearing stories. I’m generally the one who does the traveling, which I love, but South Africa is a special place and it was an incredibly special experience to have them here.  We are all hoping we can do it again before it’s time for me to leave this country!

And then on the other side, I spent most of December in Costa Rica! I think the awful-ness of most of 2020 made it feel all the more special.  I’ve been there before but this time stayed in different places, and it was just as magical as I remember; actually, even more so because I got to share it with a friend who hadn’t been there before, instead of exploring alone.  

We surfed, swam, wandered, ziplined, explored hot springs, a coffee plantation, the rainforest, rappelled down waterfalls, saw sloths and macaws and toucans and other amazing creatures, and in general squeezed every drop of goodness possible out of every single moment. It was magical.

Just a note on travel – we spent extra money, and worked incredibly hard to be able to stay safe and healthy, and it was worth it. I recognize my incredible privilege that made it possible.  I tested (twice) before leaving SA; we both quarantined before and after, we were incredibly careful while there, and tested again to make sure.  We spent extra$ to fly delta as they are the only airline still blocking middle seats and consistently getting the best ‘grades’ when it comes to passenger safety.  Costa Rica was an ideal location, as everything is already outside – all the restaurants, activities, beaches, etc.  and the people there were very good about masking, hand washing stations everywhere, hand sanitizer, and staying spread apart.  It was really wonderful and we both made it through without getting sick.  I absolutely DON’T recommend traveling right now, but if you’re going to do it, do it in the most safe way possible, and it is possible.