End of journey: God as my cameraman

I have this fantasy of a cameraman following me around as I go through life. I can turn to him on the side at any moment (just like on certain TV shows) and comment on what is going on. He listens with great interest and caring. What would I say to him at the end of this trip?

1) That the world is full of kind, generous and caring people. The driver who gives me a ride and then won’t accept payment , the couple in the village who show me around and make sure I am settled in, the Peace Corps staff who facilitate my visit on very short notice, the young Peace Corps Volunteers who let me hang out as one of them, the people who share their life story, the Russian speaking host who has long conversations with me through Google Translate, the international solo travelers who share their travel adventures, the families who invite me to dinner in their homes, the school officials who offer elaborate welcoming ceremonies and the people who work earnestly for the betterment of their community and country with love.

2) That I can remain calm no matter what happens. I read “Surrender” by Michael Singer before the trip. The scheduled bus ride is canceled. The apartment you reserved was sold a year ago. The country you’re headed to is undergoing a revolution. The visa isn’t approved yet for the next country. Oh well, let’s make a Plan B. Every day is a new adventure.

3) Traveling solo can really make a difference by immersing yourself in the local environment and meeting people. I had the benefit of meeting up with Peace Corps people and thereby being introduced to the locals along the way. I actually enjoyed my rare time alone. I joined the Peace Corps and arrived in Honduras exactly 50 years ago. It was very fitting to end my trip there in a very changed country, but still with some of the warmest and friendliest people in the world.

We actually live in a small world. We can make things better. We are all in this together. That’s what I would say to The Great Cameraman.Read more