We had intended to fly under the radar screen on Cape Cod. Covid-related travel restrictions were being put in place. We were out of state interlopers. We planned to drive the speed limit. Use our blinkers. We never intended to call 911 and have the police come to our house. But here’s how that went … Continue reading CrazyTravelers Call 911: Misadventure Amid the Dog Days of Summer
Author: ShockinglyShelley
A mom, wife, sister, friend, traveler, chaos-maker, eater, joke-teller, enlivener, plan maker and adventure taker trying to get some of the craziness in my head out into the world. For at least me to read. And maybe my sister. And a friend or two. And you?
My family trip suddenly becomes a solo adventure
This is no "Aeroflot saga", but it is equally as dramatic. The good news is, I have all of my luggage. In fact, I have the checked luggage of my entire family. What I don't have: my family! Original travel plan, as we had so smartly envisioned (aka, Man plans, G-d laughs): Adam and girls … Continue reading My family trip suddenly becomes a solo adventure
“Is In & Out Burger kosher for passover?” and other queries from our San Francisco to Portland road trip
"Is In & Out Burger kosher for passover?" and other queries from our San Francisco to Portland road trip of drive-thru-tree'ing, skinny dipping, dune bashing and more.
Traveling Solo in Mexico: Still Life Changing…even in Mid-Life
I first traveled solo at age 24 and it changed my life. I honestly feel like there was the “Shelley” before that trip, and the me after who had more confidence, self-reliance, adventurousness, fearlessness and an insatiable appetite to see more, more, more. At age 46, traveling solo continues to be a life-changing and life-affirming experience. … Continue reading Traveling Solo in Mexico: Still Life Changing…even in Mid-Life
In Bacalar, Mexico My 2nd Shooting Star Was Just As Good As My First
I saw the 2nd shooting star of my life tonight. My 1st Star: The first was from a mountaintop in Dharmsala, India. I had hiked uphill all day. Too exhausted to hike back down, I camped in a “tea hut” at the top. While sitting outside with other campers drinking from a shared bottle of Old Monk … Continue reading In Bacalar, Mexico My 2nd Shooting Star Was Just As Good As My First
Going wherever the Malawi wind may blow…like to the hospital
One of the benefits of traveling alone without a set plan is the ability to change course as the wind blows and take advantage of opportunities as they arise. That already happened my very first days in Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi into which I arrived from Johannesburg. An Extra Day in Lilongwe I … Continue reading Going wherever the Malawi wind may blow…like to the hospital
The Good, the Bad, and the Compost Toilets at “Butterfly Space” Malawi
The inside scoop & the local poop: I came to volunteer in Malawi for a few weeks seeking an experience that would let me immerse myself in a local area and local culture, get to know more deeply a particular place and people, and give back to the local community at the same time. Despite … Continue reading The Good, the Bad, and the Compost Toilets at “Butterfly Space” Malawi
Getting “Adopted” in Malawi
If Americans know about Malawi at all, it’s because some years ago Madonna adopted two children from here. Madonna has returned several times and has invested in local schools and communities through her Raising Malawi foundation. Good works for sure, but that is not the sort of “adoptions” I am talking about here. Rather, in … Continue reading Getting “Adopted” in Malawi
RV-ing South Africa: the top 5 & bottom 5 from the kids’ perspective
We’ve spent the past week in an RV bouncing along bumpy roads while exploring the Elephant Coast/KwaZulu-Natal area of South Africa. Here’s what the girls have to say about it: VIVI'S PERSPECTIVE Vivi’s RV top 5 1. I like seeing all of the animals while driving 2. I like going swimming at the beach … Continue reading RV-ing South Africa: the top 5 & bottom 5 from the kids’ perspective
From “Volunteer Africa” to “Vacation Africa”
We’ve been on “vacation” from our vacation this past week. Still in Southern Africa, but now instead of the fully immersive volunteer experience, we’re now on the next chapter: vacation Africa. With Adam's arrival, we up'd our game and are cramming in as many sights and adventures as we can in the two weeks he … Continue reading From “Volunteer Africa” to “Vacation Africa”
CrazyTravelerKippahs 