Mosaic of options
My favorite hours are the 48-hours between the last day of the year and the first day of the year. As one door closes, another options, and with that kick in the ass comes more possibilities in a new year. Each year I move forward with a little intimidation, but a lot of excitement. 2009 was a good year, but not without its faults, and so as I open the door to 2010 it’s time to make a new set of goals.
This year, I resolve to:
Spend more time with people in the various countries I visit. Whether through volunteer opportunities or just over quiet conversation, I believe the best stories are derived from conversation, and what’s better than learning from a local. First up: Australia.
Treat myself to one night in a luxury hotel with no obligations. No stories due, no tours to take, no reviews to consider. Just me, in my hotel room. Why is this a resolution? Because even a travel writer deserves a day off, and as those closest to me know – I rarely take a day off.
Make an effort to stay in a “green hotel” when I travel. As more hotels complete their LEED certification, the options for green hotels are more expansive, allowing travelers of all budgets the ability to help reduce their carbon footprint when traveling.
Explore my own backyard. Even after 13 years in Boston, there’s still a lot of territory I’ve yet to see. I’ll spend more time exploring the neighborhoods of Boston, and maybe make a greater effort to cross the Mass. Ave bridge into Cambridge once in a while.
Slooooooooow down. The drawback of being a travel writer (and I’ll admit, there aren’t many) is that sometimes, when the trips are packed and the stories are due, the world just passes you by. I vow to allow myself one day on each trip to just ‘be’ – take it all in, remember the space, and just simply slow down.
Happy New Year to you all! Looking forward to traveling with you in 2010.
