My divorce was finalized, and I found myself with a new job teaching at a year-round school, where I could schedule my three months off whenever I liked. My ex had always been more of a tourist than a traveler, and now, newly unburdened, the world felt like it was calling me.
Delta Airlines was offering a Round-the-World (RTW) ticket, complete with a dedicated help desk to explain the logistics and suggest routes, which was perfect for this kind of ambitious travel. Sadly, SkyTeam no longer offers a RTW program, but at the time, all the partner airlines made this dream journey possible.
One of my sisters had embarked on a similar adventure years before and advised me to plan with a theme in mind. As a child, I’d been enchanted by National Geographic—those vivid images of distant wonders had left a mark. My parents even drove three hours so my siblings and I could see Seven Wonders of the World in Cinerama. Now, I had the chance to recreate my own “Seven Wonders” journey—maybe Around the World in 80 Days style. I don’t quite remember, but it certainly sparked a wanderlust that had waited long enough.
My list of must-sees started with the pyramids of Egypt, followed by Victoria Falls and African safaris, the Taj Mahal, and then Mt. Everest. Bangkok’s exotic allure, with the world’s tallest building (at that time) in nearby Malaysia, had to be on the list too. From there, I’d hit the Great Barrier Reef, climb Sydney Harbor Bridge, and finally, make my way home to San Diego via a stop in Fiji. It was ambitious for just under three months, and planning every detail without an agent or fancy software was daunting—but thrilling.
While flipping through my journal recently, I was reminded of my constant worry about money during the trip. As a newly single traveler, I had to stick to a strict budget. My last solo adventure was a budget trip to Europe in my twenties when “Europe on $5 a Day” was a reality!
Serendipity also lent a hand: my sister’s house caught fire a few months before my departure, and their insurance covered their temporary housing. My mother suggested they stay at my place, freeing me up to live with her until my departure—and providing a generous supplement for my trip expenses. Everything was falling into place.
I packed and repacked, determined to travel with only carry-on luggage. My new backpack converted between a carry bag and a roller, with a detachable daypack. Some flights had strict weight limits, and I wanted the freedom of light packing. My brother-in-law, excited about my Nepal trek, even decided to join me there, bringing along my hiking and cold-weather gear.
Visas, guides, and a maze of details filled my days leading up to my departure, set for October 3. Then, 9/11 happened.
I was devastated but also determined. The first message I received was from my guide in Egypt, assuring me of his duty to protect me if I still chose to come. Some friends and family urged me to cancel, but I felt I couldn’t let fear dictate my journey. I knew the world had changed, and the impact on tourism would be profound.
Egypt: The pyramids exceeded my wildest childhood dreams, and I marveled at ancient wonders while experiencing modern-day challenges, including a memorable case of food poisoning. Visiting my first synagogue, mosque, and a Coptic church—the site where the Holy Family supposedly hid from Herod—left me deeply moved.
Zimbabwe: Nothing had prepared me for the reality of Zimbabwe under Mugabe’s rule. The black market exchange rate, food shortages, and stories of hardship were staggering. As a tourist, I represented something powerful, and many locals assumed that if anything happened, my government would rescue me. Safaris on foot, in a jeep, and an unforgettable camping and canoeing week on the Zambezi revealed breathtaking beauty and resilience amid hardship.
India: India was a world unto itself. I was overwhelmed by the frenetic energy, chaotic traffic, and stark contrasts between poverty and wealth. Thanks to a skilled guide and driver, I explored tombs, forts, vibrant markets, and, of course, the Taj Mahal—one of the Seven Wonders.
Nepal: As we flew into Kathmandu, the Himalayas stretched beneath us, and I was amused by the unique time zone—offset by only 15 minutes. Kathmandu was unforgettable, with its fruit bats, burning pyres, and spiritual intensity. My brother-in-law joined me, and we trekked from Lukla toward Everest, spending nights under a stunning starlit sky, enduring freezing temperatures, and marveling at the majesty of the mountains.
Bangkok and Malaysia: Bangkok’s vibrancy was a shock after Nepal’s stillness. I treated myself to a four-star hotel, indulging in endless hot showers. I explored the city, floating markets, temples, and tourist hotspots—a sensory feast. Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur, with its highest buildings in the world at this time, ironically called the Twin Towers, was more reserved, especially during Ramadan, but I enjoyed navigating the city on my own.
Australia: In Cairns, I dove into the Great Barrier Reef—an aquatic wonderland of color and life. Sydney offered its own adventure with the iconic Harbor Bridge climb and stunning beaches. And yes, I finally found decent coffee… at McDonald’s of all places!
Fiji: My final stop before home was Fiji. There, I snorkeled, visited local schools, and enjoyed a peaceful reflection on my journey. I realized that travel had gifted me not only with awe-inspiring sights but with a newfound tolerance and empathy.
The warmth I received abroad, even in places where Americans were viewed with suspicion, was unforgettable. A Fijian waitress hugged me goodbye, saying, “Your smile is bigger than you are.” The trip taught me that a simple, sincere smile, a willingness to listen, and an open mind might just be my modest contribution to our shared humanity.
Aging Adventurer 