Great piece, Michelle! Travel has a way of allowing us to bump into ourselves, and through that shed habits we may be unaware of at home but don't work us there either. Travel is the best classroom on the planet.
Ughh. This reminds me of Mexico. You ask three different public servants of the same agency what the rules are, and you get three different answers. I wonder whether the reason why I got buried in bureaucracy is that I never offered bribes.
Hi Moorea! Thanks for reading and sharing. Yes, I do believe bribes help in Latin America. When I lived in Ecuador, local told me to always carry enough cash to get you into and out of trouble. Did you live in Mexico?
I’ve had a parallel experience, so I feel your story. I think some of what I was left to reflect on afterwards is how we have this expectation of how things “should” go, and we form this narrative to feel a sense of control. And then every so often, we have these experiences that remind us we don’t hold complete control over our lives.
I have an irrational fear of customs lines and officials, so this story made me sweat it out. I suppose this is just another adventure/risk of travel, but it's less enjoyable. Glad you eventually got to India and loved it.
This is such a vivid reminder that sometimes the universe won’t let you cut corners, and it’s not punishment it’s guidance. The refusal room sounds like a cruel joke at first, but it’s really a masterclass in humility, patience, and learning to respect the process. I love how you turned what could’ve been a frustrating moment into a lesson about freedom, preparation, and timing. And honestly… Sri Lanka as the pit stop? I’d call that a win disguised as a setback.✨
Thanks! So true, and Sri Lanka was so cool, a story for another day, but I visited an elephant sanctuary and was reminded just to chill and accept life as it comes from the most amazing creatures on earth.
Great piece, Michelle! Travel has a way of allowing us to bump into ourselves, and through that shed habits we may be unaware of at home but don't work us there either. Travel is the best classroom on the planet.
Thanks Joe! What a great way to say it, I guess I’ve bumped into myself a few times then!
Me too. It’s annoying but we get to shed things we can do without. That’s travel in a nutshell.
Yes! Let’s do!
Ughh. This reminds me of Mexico. You ask three different public servants of the same agency what the rules are, and you get three different answers. I wonder whether the reason why I got buried in bureaucracy is that I never offered bribes.
Hi Moorea! Thanks for reading and sharing. Yes, I do believe bribes help in Latin America. When I lived in Ecuador, local told me to always carry enough cash to get you into and out of trouble. Did you live in Mexico?
Hey Michelle, that’s fascinating what the Ecuadorians told you. Yep, I lived in Mexico for a total of 6 years.
I’m loving your insightful essays!
Thank! Sounds like you could write some pretty interesting travel essays yourself!
I’ve had a parallel experience, so I feel your story. I think some of what I was left to reflect on afterwards is how we have this expectation of how things “should” go, and we form this narrative to feel a sense of control. And then every so often, we have these experiences that remind us we don’t hold complete control over our lives.
Well said. I was clearly entitled as well!
I have an irrational fear of customs lines and officials, so this story made me sweat it out. I suppose this is just another adventure/risk of travel, but it's less enjoyable. Glad you eventually got to India and loved it.
This is such a vivid reminder that sometimes the universe won’t let you cut corners, and it’s not punishment it’s guidance. The refusal room sounds like a cruel joke at first, but it’s really a masterclass in humility, patience, and learning to respect the process. I love how you turned what could’ve been a frustrating moment into a lesson about freedom, preparation, and timing. And honestly… Sri Lanka as the pit stop? I’d call that a win disguised as a setback.✨
Thanks! So true, and Sri Lanka was so cool, a story for another day, but I visited an elephant sanctuary and was reminded just to chill and accept life as it comes from the most amazing creatures on earth.
I would love an elephant sanctuary. We need to catch up soon!