Who am I…
I am a single, retired 67 year old lady who loves to travel and enjoy experiencing everything adventurous.
I’ve descended the Grand Canyon by mule, rafted through section’s of the Colorado river, ziplined at speeds of 50mph through Hawaii’s landscapes, and rode my motorcycle on one of the ten most dangerous highways in America (Highway 550 from Silverton to Ouray, CO), and have been in awe over scenery so beautiful it took my breath away. I have cruised through Europe that included the Strait of Gibraltar in route to Spain and Morocco. I’ve seen some awesome cathedrals and temples throughout my travels but none like the La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain.
I took up riding motorcycles at age 57 looking for adventure and a way to meet people. I purchased an RV at age 59 and I travel to far away places every chance I get. Whether it’s planes, trains, ships, autos, RVs, or motorcycles, I’m always on the move.
I’m living my best life❤!
With a single pension income, funds are first and foremost earmarked for paying for and keeping up my home but with my desire for adventure, a portion is targeted for travel–internationally and otherwise.
How I got my blog name
You have no doubt noticed every town or city you’ve ever been in has a Church Street. Yeah…right? My last name is Church, so Wala! My blog name was born. I like the way ‘beyondchurchstreet’ flows, how it suggests movement and it just fits. There you have it!
Travel goals
I desire to express my travels through good photography. I would consider myself successful if someone got an awe moment or an inspiring feeling just by viewing a photo I took. I’ve always heard…a picture speaks a thousand words. Perfect for me since I’m a wordy writer.
I love adventure, so cultural travel will be sprinkled in my post but not the main focus. I have no burning desire to travel to Russia, India, Japan, and China so you won’t see post from these countries through travel experiences but a close friend of mine has seen it all. I will share her pictures and thoughts through her perspective. However, you will likely to be along with me on a ride through the Australian outback, or along on a volunteer mission for getting up close and personal with majestic elephants in Thailand. You will probably experience with me—working in an animal rescue Centre getting involved in a variety of conservation work to help save endangered sea turtles.
The Political Me
I vote! I’m currently a Republican, but over the years I’ve been registered as democratic and independent. I’ve only been involved in the presidential elections, though. Shame on me for not getting more involved with local elections as they are more focused on us at a more personal level. I will stand strong on my beliefs no matter how uncomfortable others may argue to persuade me otherwise. I will move along, though, before things escalate into a shouting match. My mother, bless her soul, would often say, “never discuss religion or politics.” I try hard to heed that warning—as I am on the side of avoiding conflict.
Volunteerism
Yes! I do volunteer. Not like I should, being a retired person. One such good deed I must share though–a life changing experience. I flew to Belize with other’s for a church mission project to help build a house for a young windowed woman and her 6 year old son. It was the most rewarding act I’ve done to date. I was very fortunate to be a part of such a worthwhile project. A gratitude I hold deep in my heart for the friendship’s I took with me forever, and a more closeness I found in God’s love. My time, labor, and friendship was not nearly equal to the labor of love I found amongst my mission friends, and for all the people throughout the trip that crossed my path. I am truly forever changed as a person, more appreciative of people’s struggles in the world, and a more forgiving person in my faith’s teachings.
I’m a Pay it Forward Kind of Lady…
Pay it forward—I follow this phenomenon. It started in the year 2000 with the movie titled, “Pay it Forward.” The movie, although fictional, brought about a wave of thoughtfulness and kindnesses to the real world. Its premise…to do something good for a stranger without expecting anything in return personally, but, to in turn do something good for someone else as the thank you. An inspirational goodwill movement that came to real life.
I practice the goodwill often. Not in a ginormous way, mind you, but in small doses with kindnesses and generosities. Perhaps I would lend a helping hand with opening a door for an elderly person, or helping them with groceries to their car. Sometimes it’s picking up a tab for someone’s (fast-food or similarly priced meal). And, I’ve added money to a checkout bill with someone being a little short on funds to cover all that was rung up. These acts are easy to do, and the rewards are plentiful for both me and the recipient. Humanity shines through and gives us hope. I have actually been on the receiving end of a goodwill gesture. I was eating in a cafeteria style restaurant in SC, and a man approached me, took my check that was laying on the table near me and insisted on paying for my meal. I eventually acquiesced and smiled stating, “I will pay it forward.” He smiled back. It’s addictive, it’s a wonderful feeling!
Favorite places to travel..
The next adventure! Maybe I’ve already experienced my greatest wonder. I won’t have that answer until I’ve completed all my travel wishes…when I’m near the age of 90 or so. My one favorite trip in the U.S. was to the Grand Canyon. Talking about adventure…that trip was the real deal! Mounting a mule that was as tall as a horse and descending into the canyon, with excitement and nervousness, but remembering the spewed telling’s from the guides that mules are perfect for this terrain as they are experts in sure-footedness. Those trails weren’t wide and the switchbacks were tight and steep. What a journey!
What kind of traveler I’m I…
Mid-priced trips is how I roll. I haven’t stayed in hostels or low budgeted hotels but I don’t pay for premium places either. I won’t spend extra for first-class flights or spend lavishly on meals. Those extra expenses could be another trip or a huge portion of another.
Pastimes when not traveling…
Riding my motorcycle whenever possible.
Many other hobbies and dalliances have come and gone over the years. But riding, and the very culture of motorcycles has lodged itself into my being, in a way that few other things have.
THE LIFE THAT MANY WILL NOT UNDERSTAND:
I own a motorcycle because of a personal life choice I made around 8 years ago. One day when I am very old and when I can no longer hold my bike up, it will be in my garage as a trophy of my memories.
I have met people with the same spirit whom have taught me much about riding and motorcycles and now I meet people who get wisdom from me.
…I get wet
…I get cold
…And I have been hot
…I was afraid
…I fell
…And I stood up
…I even hurt myself
…But also, I laughed out loud with the wind
…I spoke a thousand times with myself and still do
…I sang and shouted with joy like a madwoman
…And yes—sometimes I’ve cried
… I have seen wonderful places because of motorcycles
…I have maneuvered curves easily and other times maneuvered them full of terror
…I’ve stopped many times to see a landscape
…I’ve spoken with perfect strangers
…I go out with frustrations inside of me and return home with a feeling of absolute peace in my heart
I always think how dangerous it is, knowing that the meaning of courage is to keep advancing even in the throws of fear.
Every time I go up to my ride I think about how wonderful it is.
I learned through gestures to communicate with other riders.
My bike is not a means of transportation, it’s a piece of iron with wheels that I am blessed with; it’s part of me now. I love to ride, I love my friends, and the joy of the great people I’ve met through it all.
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Really—floundering about trying to decide with how to proceed and what to include with an already crowded market. I’ve read and studied the layout of many bloggers trying to get a sense on how to proceed. Not sure if I’ve decided on my approach yet but I was so surprised to have discovered a common thread amongst many travel bloggers. They moved away from being the main stream, hard working, goal setting, office worker they strived so hard to become…to leave it all for a wanderlust life. Wow, I thought to myself, I’m not built that way, but kudos to the one’s that are. Something to learn from everyone, no doubt.
Bookmark me and let’s go on an adventure…
