While most things have been focusing on the negative that 2020 has brought to us, I intend on focusing on the positive as much as possible.
One positive thing 2020 has offered many of us is the chance to slow down. To think long and hard about what is really ‘essential’ in our lives.
For me, it has been a reminder that experiences and relationships are way more essential than any things. Spending time making memories with those we care about, that care about the same things that we do. That is essential to me. Life as we always knew it, is fleeting, 2020 proved that. There is no more time to put off doing the things that you have always wanted to do and spending time with those you enjoy spending time with.
I do not have a crystal ball (but oh boy if I did!?), so everything I am saying is a mix of hope and guesswork. Which has really been what this year has been all about hasn’t it?
There are a few things that I do know for a fact. Traveling will be different…. for quite some time. Covid tests and/or quarantines will be required. Masks on airplanes and in airports will be mandatory. But I also know that the world needs us right now. While it might not feel like it, we have been living in the lap of luxury (comparatively speaking) in Canada. Most of the countries that we love to visit and dive in have had little or no financial support from their governments. The divemasters and guides who have taken care of us on so many dives are struggling to feed their families every day. They need our help literally to survive.
One thing we have always done at Diver City is be good global citizens, going places that NEED our tourism dollars after extreme events (St. Maarten after Irma for instance). Right now, there is no physical damage to see as after a hurricane or cyclone, but the damage is more severe and widespread than any natural disaster.
That may seem overwhelming and hopeless, which was not the intent. True, each of us cannot save the entire world, but we can do our part to help who we can as much as we can.
I intend to continue traveling, albeit differently than before, but some things will remain the same. I will support those I care about and who have taken care of me in the past. Those who focus on taking care of the planet and those who will pass on some of the love and support I give to them.
I am not saying that we should get out there with reckless abandon. We do want to be cautious and safe. Be a part of the solution, not contributing to the problem. But I think it is possible.
Cozumel will obviously be my main focus for travel, as it is my other home (I often struggle as to which is my first and second home) and I want to see the renewed success of the island and her people that I have grown to love over the years. I also plan to visit places that I either have been to before, and made lasting relationships, or that I have never visited, but have existing relationships with people there.
I understand things are difficult, but I hope you will join me in getting back out there. Safely. I am also interested in how you feel about traveling, and what you would and would not be willing to do to make it happen.
Sincerely, Jacqui
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