INSPIRATION

Wanderlust Wednesdays: the Pope (and porta-potties) in Rio

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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

I was one of over three million people that all desperately wanted to see two things a few weeks ago in Rio: the Pope, and an empty porta-potty. I learned patience and that even with all the chaos surrounding his celebrity status, Pope Francis is most definitely awesome--he is truly for the people, regardless of faith, sexuality, or socio-economic status. Many religious leaders are 'rebellious', but few do it with such grace and genuineness.

It was quite amazing to hear the Pope speak to such a huge crowd in so many different languages! The events were massive and I'm really thankful to have experienced such a world event. I met people from all around the globe, of different walks of life with a common belief in faith, hope and love. Regardless of your religious beliefs (or lack thereof), it's hard to deny the truth of a common human experience, rooted in a desire to help others and spread joy. For such a complicated institution--Catholicism--it seemed to really ground everyone involved. The crowds blocked streets, took up the entire beach, chocked up every nearby business and the events were broadcast live, blasting in all the bar and restaurant televisions surrounding Copacabana. And yet, every single person on that beach, whether a native of Rio or a pilgrim that traveled around the world for the event, was down-to-earth gracious and extremely hospitable, showing that you can really make room in your heart for anything, anyone, anywhere.

When my sister and I couldn't find a place to sleep on the beach, it was the Argentinian camp that graciously made space for us, even after their trenches had been ruined and they were already losing space to other groups. I didn't realize until later how proud they must have been to have an Argentine-born up on the pristine stage, speaking to the entire world.

I also couldn't help but wonder where Papa Francisco went to the restroom. And how long he had to wait.

 

WANDER: up in the clouds--on an airplane

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It's rare that you are up in the clouds. Unless you are on an airplane, then you are stuck. Stuck in a plane for many hours with nothing to do.

Getting on the plane is an ordeal, check-in, baggage, security, finding bathrooms, finding food you want to eat, finding your gate, getting to your gate on time, finding your seat, turning off your phone.

Then you have to decide what to do. Read a book? Watch a movie? Talk to your sister sitting next to you? Sleep? Pretend to sleep? Listen to music? Listen to a podcast? Realized you didn't download the podcast? Make a new friend? Trade seats? Ignore the crying baby?

I love air travel, precisely because of the hassle and constrictions. The whole ritual, the striping down of yourself, your things, your attachments all occurs so that you can sit quietly and literally wake up somewhere else. Each time I make it through the process successfully (do not miss my flight, or forget my id ;), I'll end up in this small seat with a window to my left overlooking the clouds and a stranger to my right. Then the magic happens.

I can never decide what to do. All the books and magazines suddenly seem irrelevant. I'll browse the complimentary newspaper and flip the channels as if I'm bored on a Sunday afternoon. Then I'll turn everything off and just sit. This is when thoughts start creeping in, a small flow that I'll try and ignore, then a rush that starts to fill my head. Soon I'm overflowing with ideas and in need of a pad of paper and a pen.

That's when I give in, acknowledge I'm going to spend the whole flight doing nothing but thinking about whatever comes to me, and I dig in my bag and start writing everything down. If it's a short flight, I am always surprised by how soon we get to our destination because I'm usually still bursting with words. It's amazing and I think it happens because of the limitations: having to sit and stay in a small physical space, having to follow certain rules and signs that constrict your movement and behavior. Everything on an airplane is conducive to creativity; constraint forces new ideas.

I just thought about how cool it is to be literally in the clouds, and soar throughout the sky. Everything is left behind and there's really nothing you can do about your worries, schedule, commitments. The inaccessibility is a kind of freedom that opens space in the mind, new space for new things.

With all the travel going on right now, flights are often a burden--time taken away from the vacation or overall trip. But, I think the journey to the destination, that relatively short amount of time between the day-to-day normal and the new adventure (whatever that may be) is a gem. If you get past the obvious--how tired you may be, or how annoying it was to get on the flight--you may just find some sacred space to make a breakthrough. Time to sit and enjoy your mind.

SHOP: In-Yo' Face Booty Project

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I met Rachel at Clinton Park, where she makes bomb patterns for me. We've become close friends and I am so excited for her launch! Back her project on Kickstarter right now!

I love, love, love the InYo Shorties and Leggings (and I'm excited for the Headies!). The fabric is soft, quick-drying and each pair has a fun, limited-run print. Everything is sewn up right here in San Francisco. Buy local and support (female) entrepreneurs!

Wander: Dolores Park

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Dolores Park - Etxe Travel time from anywhere in San Francisco: 5 minutes to an hour, depends on where you come from. Ideal trip length: an afternoon. Nice to haves: blanket, sweater, sunscreen, beer and a sandwich from that place on Guerrero or pizza from Delfina or both. Directions: Take the bart towards Daly City/SFO and get off at 16th and Mission and walk.

Dolores Park, San Francisco. 

Dolores Park friends -- Etxe

on holidays -- Etxe

with food and drink

with people you used to know

Dolores Park - Etxe

when everyone is asleep.