2021 started out in a dark place for me. I was still deep in the throes of understanding and coping with my father’s death amid the global crisis we were and still are living through. I had uprooted my life just a year before to move home to help with his care and look for work nearby. We all know that early 2020 changed everything.
In early 2021 I was able to do some traveling in Mexico, returning to visit friends, get some great diving in, and explore new parts of the country.
I came back in late spring to proudly attend my sister Julia’s high school graduation and my other sister Alessandra’s graduation from the University of Florida. They’ve had a tough last few years working through coping with dad’s illness, all while successfully completing their studies. I couldn’t be a prouder big brother.
Other small trips included my second time to Iceland, finally visiting the Florida Keys for a job/fun and time spent in upstate New York and the city.
I hit rock bottom in August and really struggled with my mental state and destructive behavior. I was not happy living where I was and without a support structure that nomadic life provides me. I know that sounds completely antithetical to the definition of nomadic, but I am at peace when living out of a backpack, meeting new friends, a discovering new cultures and locales.
I needed to get out of my funk and did it the only way I knew how. I hit the road in early September to Albania, Turkey, and Greece. My month in Albania was exactly what my soul needed. The first two weeks saw me exploring the fascinating ancient cities and towns. I found a nice balance between travel and my freelance graphic design work and got my groove back. Then I headed to the coast where friends were and met some really special new friends too.
Turkey was a short trip with some travel journalists that are old friends, but it was lovely seeing a new part of the country. After there, I jetted to the Greek islands and was blown away once again. I know it is a top destination for so many, but until you see the islands with your own eyes, photos just don’t do them justice. I loved my time in Greece and would love to go back sooner rather than later!
But all trips must come to an end and I headed back briefly to Florida before visiting Central America for my first time! Guatemala was such a delight. I needed somewhere to set up shop and really get some work done before heading home for the holidays. I finally started feeling whole again and found some really great spots in town to enjoy while working remotely.
After Guatemala, I was able to visit my mom in Colorado for the first time since before COVID! But sadly it was bittersweet visit as her younger sister died suddenly just a day after my mom getting word of just how truly ill she was. But I am glad I was able to be there for my mom in her time of grief.
I returned to Florida once more to be with my sisters and stepmom on my dad’s birthday just before Christmas. We honored his memory by being together and doing things he loved. It was not an easy day, but we are healing as a family and learning to live again.
Just before the end of the year, I have hit the road again for likely months this time. I’m starting in Nicaragua and will slowly make my way south through Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, and who knows where else.
And today, the last day of the year, I am again heartbroken to hear that two of my closest friends of so many years just lost their home to the fires that ravaged Colorado yesterday. The two of them, their three kids, and their pup are all safe and happened to be out of town. But they have a tough road ahead of them as they figure out what is next.
I struggle to know how to help while so far away. I was just sitting on their porch sharing beers with them not even two weeks ago. A friend of theirs just started a GoFundMe to help them get back on their feet. I’ll be donating and if you can, there is not a more wonderful family that you can help in a time of need.
Through all the ups and the many downs, I have tried to maintain my hopeful and positive outlook. It has been hard, but I take pride in knowing that I am in a better place today December 31, 2021 than I was this same day one year ago. Hug your family and friends and cherish every moment you have together. May you and yours have a better 2022 than 2021.
January 1, 2022
Thank you for sharing these experiences Logan. Your feelings for the past year were expressed beautifuly. Our’s was a year of changes as well. We wish you all the best in the coming year of 2022.
David Heath and John Johnson – Merida, Yucatan
January 4, 2022
Thank you for the response David. I hope you and John are doing well. I’ll message you next time I’m in Merida, trying to convince mom she needs to visit Merida!