It’s weird being back.
The sky is gray, the wind is cold and the sun barely shines.
I feel confined in my room again. Which isn’t a bad thing, just my surroundings suddenly feel familiar and tight.
There is something about traveling that makes the heart fly.
While on the road, I encountered such beauty and loving energy from people and the land.
Colombia is a spectacular place. I wouldn’t have guessed it myself. The level of infrastructure, technology, roads, facilities and of course the people reflect the truth about the nation.
I had to go see for myself. All the hype and talk about this country that before was riddled with danger, drugs and violence.
Of course I too, was shocked with awe.
The land is positioned between three tectonic plates, which makes the land hilly and mountainous. The weather, where I was at least, was sunny and warm. The city of Medellin was lush with tropical trees everywhere.
I can go on about how the land of Colombia is beautiful. Though I feel that is not what I want to talk about.
I feel I was able to experience the land in a personal way, because I was riding a motorcycle solo for hours at a time.
Moments of cruising down breathtaking mountain valleys, rivers and blue skies became the norm for me. I would often stop on the side of the road to take pictures of the scenery as well as take in the beauty.
Being on a motorcycle for the majority of the trip was truly a challenge. A unique way to travel as well as danger that I accepted.
On one hand the freedom to be anywhere and travel at my please. The other, the risk of being on a powerful machine in a country that was not my home. Not to mention, not speaking the language and my entire life relying on my smartphone.
But it was not the comfort that I was seeking- clearly. I swooned for adventure and this was my moment. On the road for hours at a time solo presented its risks and reward.
I felt like a lone warrior riding into the sun on my noble steed.
I had to be calculated about my journey, carefully managing the variables to pilot my vehicle and overall safety.
Each day presented challenges that in the moment challenged me. Flushes of fear would rise, but also quickly fall.
I knew I was going to make it. I knew that I was protected and that I could figure it out.
With each passing day I improved on my previous day of riding.
Integrating the lessons to be better prepared which made me more confident.
I was evolving – mentally in handling my journey moment to moment.
Physically evolving, gaining skilled control of the machine with poise.
That didn’t mean that I wasn’t scared everyday though. I noticed my mind and heart in the morning before every ride, racing with heaviness. I was tense – my heart pounding knowing that you are embarking into the unknown.
I believe this was a good thing. It means that I was humbled by the journey and understood what I faced.
But I still did it anyway.
I had to control my pace, my mind and energy to sit in peace. There was no benefit in allowing my emotions to overcome me and be gripped with fear.
Nobody was coming to save me. I had to move on with the journey.
The funny thing was, that once I got on the bike, kicked it into 3rd gear and was cruising on a scenic route, my heart felt at ease. I was on my way, a lone warrior on his path.
There were many moments where I was in complete bliss.
Absorbing the scenery and feeling connected to the motorcycle while listening to the engine hum.
Overtime, my gear changes became smooth and buttery, I was loving the sweet engine growls of perfect gear shifts – that became addictive.
I laugh thinking about how the small things like that add up.
I definitely had some close calls though.
I recall moments of swerving, sharp braking, or going too fast that were beyond my abilities… yet made it.
It was for those reasons that I respectfully feared the journey – knowing the risks at any moment.
In the moments where I did find myself in a sticky situation, which by the grace of God was just dropping the bike – I always had help. The local Colombians are extremely kind and willing to help.
When I was struggling they would rush to help me, then check my bike and me to make sure I was in good condition.
I am grateful that help was near and will remember the kindness of the Colombian people in those moments.
At the end of each ride I was relieved. A small accomplishment in just getting to my destination in one piece!
Seriously though, I was grateful for making it in one piece. With each complete day, came increased strength and resilience on my journey.
I knew this journey was going to be an adventure. That I was going to push my abilities in what I was capable of.
I was going to feel the cutting edge of action, moments, people and memories.
The meaning of feeling alive.
To trust that God has you in his plan. To experience the beauty of synchronicity and being present.
I feel in awe of the journey I embarked on.
When I share what I did, I know that it exemplifies courage and my will for pushing the limits of myself.
As I integrate back into my usual life back home, I think about
how that same energy and experience that I witnessed while traveling can come forth.
Sprinkling the magic into other parts of my life that I want to call in- like business and relationships.
In the end, it really is trust and knowing that in each step you take there is divine reason.
Now I am off to plan my next adventure, who knows where it will take me.
