Travel Savvy, Travel Weary

Posted by on Aug 10, 2012 in Carrie, Ecuador, Travel, World School | 7 Comments
Travel Savvy, Travel Weary

We have lived out of suitcases for five months now. I can’t count the number of beds we have slept in, nor the buses we have boarded. The experiences are rich; the lessons many. People we have met along the way represent a variety of lifestyles: urban, rural, traditional, modern. Still, the core of the human experience remains evident amongst the contrasting lifestyles. We work, we play, we eat, we have families. We want health, security and happiness. We love and we want to be loved. These values seem to transcend cultures. Earlier this week on a bus from Riobamba to Quito, Ecuador, I enjoyed talking to a woman who was accompanying her 18-year-old daughter to their once-a-month neurological treatment. A beautiful bright young lady, she has had this condition since birth. The two of them sat cuddled throughout  the 4-hour bus ride. Behind them sat an indigenous woman with her baby. A panama hat with a big peacock feather sat atop her long black braided hair. She was dressed in an ankle-length black skirt with a colorful Andean shaw draped around her shoulders. Her baby peacefully nursed and slept most of the trip. As we approached the town where she disembarked, she spoke in quichua on her cell phone. The buses in Ecuador host a range of socio-economic classes – common folks from different backgrounds. Bus travel is a great way to learn about culture and see the countryside.

This afternoon we’re on a bus to Otavalo for the weekend. On this bus, amongst all Ecuadorians, there is one other couple from the states. We have enjoyed sharing travel stories and empathizing about the bittersweetness of going home and re-entering American society. These Americans are among other travelers we have met who inspire us with their “live life” attitudes. And we love that our kids are meeting such a variety of people- from different countries and of different perspectives. We have talked with “trimmers” from California, “gap year” students, teachers, missionaries, immigrants, right-wingers, left-wingers, Europeans, Asians, South Americans, North Americans, Africans, and Scandinavians. In Peru and Ecuador we have talked to taxi drivers, farmers, venders, business owners, teachers, and children. All have been friendly and helpful. While much of our learning is logistical (how to travel in South America), philosophical discussions arise from exposure to such a variety of people.  This is exactly the fodder we had hoped for.

Though we have had amazing travel experiences, we are growing tired of being on the move. We look forward to settling down for 5 months in a town where we can become part of a community. I can’t wait to have a bit of structure to our days, to have my own kitchen, and to store our backpacks for a trimester of school in Ecuador.  Our kids are ready. Their Spanish skills far exceed their parents’. We all anticipate challenge and frustration, but also the gratification that follows knowing another culture.

Note: Since writing this post, we have spent over 20 more hours on buses and visited unique places. Many photos to come!

7 Comments

  1. David Miller
    August 12, 2012

    What a great update. I was pray ing for you all the other day and what came up was a sustained focus on encouragement and strength in the midst of weariness. Bless you all as you explore, learn, grow, endure and discover.

    Reply
  2. Brenda Muery
    August 15, 2012

    Enjoyed this blog. Looking forward to those pictures…

    Reply
  3. Pots and Mom Mom
    August 15, 2012

    We can empathize with your weariness. We have been there many times, but most of us yearn for roots and stability. You guys are the best at wringing the most out of your travels. The people you meet along the way always take the most from the meeting and every place is better because of your visit. So, take a break. Spread your charms and talents among the people of Banos and take as much as you can from them. That warmth that you feel is from all the folks back home cheering and praying for you.
    Learn grow and enjoy through your last five months. We love you.

    Pots and Mom Mom

    Reply
  4. Michael Poulos
    August 15, 2012

    Thanks for sharing… You are in our thoughts and prayers!

    Reply
  5. Mark Goldstein
    August 15, 2012

    What great experiences for all of you to have had.

    Reply
  6. Nicky Whittaker
    August 17, 2012

    Dear Wagner family

    We love your stories and inspirational words. I know you are touching many lives as you travel and share your experiences. Many prayers are with you daily and we miss seeing your faces and input at church. Cannot wait to hear more and see you all when you get back. Take a break and enjoy your short respite before you have to move on again. Blessings from all the Whittaker’s.

    Reply
  7. Susan Mims
    August 19, 2012

    Thanks for sharing. I can close my eyes and picture it in my mind. I know that as you move around you not only incorporate a bit of everywhere you go into your lives but you also leave each place you visit and each life you encounter with the wonderfully positive experience of knowing the Wagners. Keep up the transformative work!

    Reply

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