Take a break

I don’t know about you but my work benefits from much better clarity after I’ve had a break. It could be a swim, a walk in the woods or a vacation. I recently returned from a family wedding weekend and extended pre-and post- vacation that took me along the northern Oregon seaside, down into the central valley – (Wil-LAM-ette) is how it’s pronounced – into Vancouver, WA and beyond to the majestic Mt. St. Helens.

At each point, I explored the natural beauty, enjoyed the local food and spoke to anyone I could: restaurant servers, hotel workers, my rental van driver (Oscar), other tourists and even some students. I visited the campuses of Oregon State in Corvallis – situated in a farming community with a lovely mountain view – and Washington State in Eugene – more of a small city experience.

The spectacular coastline of Oregon.

While in Vancouver – my last day of the trip – I arrived just before dusk. I wasn’t sure if the city was safe; it was just over the Columbia River nestled in the shadows of an industrial type bridge. I was pleasantly surprised to see how clean and cool this town is.

I like to get the lay of the city when I first arrive so I can plan what to do that night or the next day. I drove through what I thought was the downtown area, then took a spin through the officer’s quarters (stately homes) near Fort Vancouver.  I drove along the river that extended about one mile south of my hotel and noticed a nice walking path that led to several restaurants and condos. Couples of all ages were clustering there. As a solo traveler, I felt a bit out of place going to these bustling locales without a date, friend or family member – so I continued driving.

It got later and later, and darker. Turning onto one street, I felt my rental car hit something in the road. I was going to get out and check but couldn’t find a good place to pull over. Then, when I saw my “check tire pressure” light come on – I knew that I had to pull over quickly and take a look. Fortunately, I was back in the downtown area and pulled into curbside parking.

I really didn’t know if it was safe but there were two bus stops nearby – so at least people were coming and going and it was well lighted. I got out and checked the tire – lo and behold, it was completely flat. Surprisingly, I didn’t panic. I got out my AAA card and called. First spoke to the Michigan agent and then was transferred to the Washington agent. It went pretty smoothly. The Washington agent wanted to know if I preferred to be updated by a phone call or text. I chose text.

Within five minutes, I got a text from a tow truck driver, who said he would be there shortly. He texted again, saying he was on his way. It took a total of about 20 minutes from my talk with the Washington AAA agent until the tow truck driver arrived. I was amazed. Funnier yet, the driver said that he would have been there sooner but he was finishing up with another job. I’m thinking, “This guy arrived incredibly fast. I’m so grateful.” By the way, he also said, “I’m David and I’ll be your car repair guy tonight.” I laughed at the great twist on the restaurant server greeting. He changed the tire – replacing it with the dreaded doughnut, which would limit my travels. He said not to go faster than 50 mph or further than 50 miles. Knowing that I had to head back to the airport the next day, I decided to call it a night.

As luck would (or wouldn’t) have it, the last place that I could eat dinner – the hotel restaurant – closed at 10 p.m. and it was just after that.  A dinner of a banana and some old wheat crackers sufficed. I was so grateful that I didn’t go hungry, as many do.

The lesson here is to explore and be open to new experiences. And, be grateful for things that go well because so much can go wrong.

Now, it’s back to work. I look forward to some exciting writing projects and if they involve travel – so much the better.

Reflecting on Martin Luther King Jr. holiday

Washington D.C. – weekend of Jan. 19-21, 2013 

Martin Luther King Jr. monument, Photo by Liz Cezat.

I had a fantastic long weekend in Washington D.C. Seeing two of my four brothers and their families, spending quality time together and touring historic sites was a winning combination. I love being on the go and this was a busy, fun and historic weekend.

Aside from the unforgettable inauguration events, another highlight wouldn’t have been possible without my brother Phil’s persistence. Upon learning that I hadn’t seen the Martin Luther King Jr. monument, he was determined that I do so. The problem was – with the MLK holiday only two days away – the monument was very crowded.  We circled around the sweeping boulevard near the monument yet there was nowhere to park.

I said, “Forget it. I don’t need to see it.” However, Phil persisted. He found a parking spot about 1-1/2 mile away and said, “Look, it’s right there,” pointing across the Tidal Basin. “We’ll walk together.” How could I resist? Despite tired feet throbbing in my old New Balance shoes, I gave in. (I had beat myself up repeatedly about not having brought my Merrill hiking shoes and Merino wool socks.)

Midway to the monument, Phil said, “Keep walking. I’m going to drive over to the fish market to get salmon for dinner. I’ll pick you up at the monument after you’re done.” I wasn’t really thrilled with that decision but agreed.

Seeing the monument from afar made it seem closer than it actually was. (Recall the sign on your rearview mirror that says, “Objects are closer than they appear.” In this case, it was the opposite.) I trudged on and eventually arrived at the monument.

It was about 4 p.m. and the late afternoon sun cast shadows, making it hard for me to see. I was trying to take pictures of the quotes engraved in the marble wall while dodging or bumping into people that I didn’t see due to those shadows.

Martin Luther King Jr. monument, Photo by Liz Cezat.

I snapped some pretty good photos of the quotes that resonated with me. I got to thinking that this man – Martin Luther King Jr. – was a minister whose words not only inspired people but transformed a nation, first through awareness then through concerted action. As that understanding seeped in, it awakened me. Tears welled in my eyes. Thankfully, I was wearing sunglasses to hide them.

I leaned against a short stone wall that stood between the Tidal Basin and Martin Luther King Jr.’s figure emerging from a massive stone. I watched families taking pictures of their loved ones in front of the giant replica of this legendary civil rights leader. They looked happy and hopeful.

Seeing the monument was monumental. I got it. Martin Luther King Jr. figuratively moved a mountain of prejudice and oppression. Now, everyday people come to this memorial to pay tribute to the man and the trail that he blazed for our benefit.

The next time Martin Luther King Jr. holiday comes around, don’t just look at it as another day off of work, an extended weekend or day of sales at Macy’s. Rather, reflect on what this man has done for each and every one of us. His vision and fight for equality of races, world peace and prosperity for all is something that we must hold dear in this generation and for generations to come.