I Really Don’t Believe in Omens

Our equipment was all set up – my BCD was strapped to the tank, my regulator was ready to go, and I held my fins and camera in my hand when M asked, “Where’s my mask?” We searched the “truck” thoroughly, peeking into every nook in which it could conceivably be – in the bed, […]

Sometimes The Answers Are Easy

The sleepy streets of Kralendijk, the capital of Bonaire, felt different this morning as we headed toward our dive site on the southwest coast. Something felt off. At first I attributed it to rush hour traffic, which is a challenge to generate on an island with a population of 19,500 people. And then M made […]

A Meeting of Friends

M and I sat down to listen to orientation at a small table in the palm thatched bar and I saw movement out of the corner of my eye. I looked over, and found a fantastic surprise that made my day: G and E, who I met in Roatan last year, are here. This, I […]

In Which I Consider The Wisdom of the Ancients

As we walked down the Miami jet bridge to our waiting airplane, a wave of heat brushed my face, reminding me that I wouldn’t need my jacket for another week, and leaving me wondering why I hadn’t thought of this already. I stepped to my first row seat and pulled the coat off, unceremoniously stuffing […]

France and Paris: Past Anxieties and Future Plans

I’m going home now, having had a fantastic trip to France, and comfortable with the knowledge that I’ve left far too much to do. Those things will have to wait for a future visit. I guess I’ll be back. I was worried about France. The residents have a reputation of not welcoming American visitors who […]

I’ve Absolutely Missed Gobs of Paris

This morning began with an early ritual of packing because D will be heading back to Frankfurt for his flight this evening, and because I only need a room for one. So we started the day by requesting an Uber to yet one more new hotel. Because of a strike, there was little traffic occupying […]