Snail on a Rock

Twenty years ago, when a relocation to India prompted me to start my first blog, I began it with this quote:

On the eve of my departure on this greatest of adventures, I am again feeling like a snail being pulled off my rock. I’ve lived in Rochester for 30 years, and in the same home for 22 years. Now I am officially homeless, and saying farewell to friends, house, car, belongings and neighborhood has been stressful. I’ve traveled enough to know that once we have sailed off into the sunset, all will be well. But right now the comfort of the familiar is being replaced with fear of the unknown. It’s both liberating and scary.

We’ve been notified that the launch date has been delayed by a month, but contrary to news reports circulating out there, the cruise is still alive and kicking. Some people are opting to wait out the delay closer to home, but I’m anxious to get going, and I already have my ticket to Turkey, so tomorrow morning, I depart for Istanbul. As per our contract, Miray is covering my accommodations in Istanbul until the ship is ready to go. I will have a few weeks to kill before it sails, and I plan to take full advantage of the time to explore Turkey, where I’ve never been.

Let the games begin!

11 responses to “Snail on a Rock”
  1. Tereska R Buko Avatar
    Tereska R Buko

    totally relate – I hate the “leaving” part , what to pack especially. Once a Turkish door to door salesman came to my parents house. My mom was so impressed that he knew several dozen words of Polish she bought two “Persian” rugs from him. I have them in quotes because I’m fairly certain they weren’t Persian. But the red one still adorns my dining room. Best wishes for safe travel.

  2. Jim Cremer Avatar
    Jim Cremer

    Happy travels, Basia!!

    1. Thanks Jim, and hope you will be joining me soon!

  3. Dear Basia, I will miss you as a neighbor on our beautiful quiet street! Please come back and visit!
    For my family in Germany, Turkey is an often visited country and they rave about the sights, the food and the people! Enjoy!!

    1. Thanks Margret. I know I will miss our beautiful quiet street and lovely neighbors. I’ve heard lots of good stuff about Turkey, excited to see it all.

    2. This too shall pass…

      And then before you know you’ll be sipping on the best Turkish coffee and Şiş Kebap of your life!

      Enjoy!
      İyi yolculuklar!

      1. Thanks Kate.

  4.  Avatar
    Anonymous

    Bravo

    1. Thank you, whoever you are.

  5. Will miss my neighbor but hope to sail along with you. You are courageous and adventurous….I will grab your coattails for the ride. Be safe, friend.

    1. Thanks Mary, and your help and kindness in my last few days here has been much appreciated.