15 Years Later...

Looking down on the South Pool from the observation deck in One World Trade Center

It's hard to believe that 15 years ago a group of terrorists hijacked four passenger jets and flew one into the North Tower of the World Trade Center, another into the South Tower of the World Trade Center, one into the Pentagon.  The 4th plane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after the passengers and pilots fought back, preventing this plane from reaching it's target.

How did 15 years go by so quickly?

In the past 15 years a lot has happened.  My children who were 12, 10 and 8 at the time of the attack, have grown and have lives of their own.

I'm now a grandparent.

A number of friends and family have passed away.

Adventures have been had and injuries incurred.

My view of the world has changed in that I've chosen to look for the good in the world, which is easy to find.

I've watched less news mainly because evil and tragedy sells so that's what the news outlets broadcast the most.  Evil and tragedy do exists, however I believe that good exists in a greater abundance.

I've learned people are resilient, especially if they have the mindset to take control of their life regardless of what happened in the past.  This, I've learned, isn't easy.

I still remember, vividly I might add, watching CNN as the 2nd plane hit the South Tower and trying to explain to my 8 year old son why someone could do this.

I remember visiting New York for the first time last September, days before the 14th anniversary, and viewing into the pools that outline where the towers stood, watching the water fall deep into the ground while reading the names of those who died that day.  The emotion and reverence of that place is difficult to describe.

Ladder and Engine Company 10 were the closest to the World Trade Center and one of the first to respond following the attack.  They lost 6 members that day.

Resilience sometimes means rebuilding

I would like you to always remember what took place on September 11, 2001, not in anger, but in reverence for those who lost their lives and for those who gave their lives to save as many of their fellow human beings as they could.  

Remember 9/11 as a reason make the world around you, in your own neighbourhood first, a better place.

Gerald Trees
Musings And Observations Of An Adventurous Life Seeker

Do You Want Adventure? Travel!

Do you want adventure?  I'm going to assume your answer was "YES" because you're reading this so here we go.

Travel is adventure and it will change who you are without you trying.  Over the years I've had the opportunity to travel and so far my experiences have taught me more about myself and others then any book or class could.

Saturday night in the main square in Peru's second largest city, Arequipa.  I never expected to see a car show / cruise-in but that's I found.

In contrast, this is what life is like in rural Peru.

Travel will change your perception of reality.  It's that simple.

Writer Aldus Huxley wrote -  “To travel is to discover that everyone is wrong about other countries.”  The same can be said for parts of your own country that you've never been.

I had heard many negative things about New York City and had little desire to visit the city.  After visiting there in 2015, my perception was changed and I will be heading back for a longer visit in 2016.  

My favorite quote on adventure and travel comes from Mark Jenkins.

Perception is our interpretation of realty.  It is influenced by our experiences, upbringing, what we read, what we hear and what others tell us.  If we stay in our own small corner of the world, our perception of reality can be distorted, dispassionate and cold.  By traveling to new places, even within our own country, we will grow and will see our world and others differently.  Travel may confirm you’re perception or change it.   The world does have it's ugly side and yet beauty can be found in every corner.  Be bold, get out of your comfort zone and see the world on your own terms.  Your perception of the world will become your own and not the views of someone else.

Gerald Trees

Musings And Observations Of An Adventurous Life Seeker