We're My Travel Goals Met?

People that know me are aware that I never leave home without my trusty notebook to jot down thoughts at any given moment. Have been doing this now for about three years, and quite often go back and see where my head was, compared with where I am today. Some might call this a diary, but it is much more than that. So before I started the trip, in keeping with this approach, on the first post of this blog I wrote down the major objectives of the journey. Time to take stock.

In summary, the trip objectives were:

1) Rest and recharge
2) Finish off a number of songs I had already started
3) Engage people and demonstrate a genuine interest in who they are
4) Find a bar with my name on it, and buy it

Rest and recharge

Absolute success in this objective. The last few months before the journey, let's just say I was a little on the testy side, always tired, sick quite often and generally ornery. But after my trip I can honestly say I have not felt this relaxed in probably 10 years. But more important, I now have the peace of mind that comes with knowing, well, that my well being is under my control. We are all responsible for our own happiness.

Songwriting

Have to say nailed this one as well. Finished four songs started before leaving, two new ones from experiences on the road, and added another dozen or so ideas to the list. One of them, Another Middle Age Girl is likely my best to date. My little travel guitar performed yeoman duty and I won't leave on my next trip without it.

Socialization

Surprised myself on this one. Although I enjoy the company of others, quite often I am very content on my own with my thoughts or reading a book. But on the road was different. Wherever the opportunity presented itself, I sent off the vibe that I was open and interested in communication. In fact more often than not, I was the one that initiated things with perfect strangers. On the odd occasion you would run into somebody that looked at you like you had three eyes, but most of the time people are looking for someone to talk to. Someone to share their experiences with. And I also learned a lesson here. While seeing new places, new scenery, new landmarks, etc. is cool, it is the people you meet, the connections you form, that make your journey. I have many, many, many wonderful memories of the people I met, and the stories they told me. Think I will do a separate post on this topic as a follow up.

A Bar With My Name on It

Although the jury is still out on this one, it was another rousing success. My two months in Mexico and Belize showed me that the only area I would be interested in owning a bar in those countries was San Pedro, Ambergris Caye, Belize. This town has a large English-speaking ex-pat community with Americans and Canadians intent on helping newcomers be successful. People here are very laid back with a motto of "no shirts no shoes no problem". I spent two full weeks walking up and down the beach, talking to bar owners with properties for sale, those who had recently purchased their bars, and long term residents and business owners, and ended up with a pretty good handle on what is required to make something work here. The bar that I had initially come to see sold two days before arrival, however, there are some irons in the fire.

My secondary goal of learning to like onions, was an absolute failure. Had them in a number of meals and every time, I hated them. Ah well.