Two weeks before I set out on the next 6 week instalment of my brave travels, I try to decide what to keep. Out of the accumulation of a lifetime, out of the contents of a 3000 square foot house, what will come with me into the future? What is precious enough to put in … Continue reading What Stays and What Goes?
I thought I was patient, until I became a teacher. Then I began to really learn what patience was. And when I believed I had truly learned it, I had a child... And now, in this age of smartphones, Netflix and Google, I feel I have forgotten how to be patient, how to wait. My … Continue reading Learning to Wait
A few years ago, I spoke to a hundred or so young women about courage. I started by talking about shared experiences-- a rough plane ride, the zip line at the outdoor education camp we all went to, skiing on a slope that was too steep and icy. And each time I asked them to … Continue reading It’s Not Brave if You’re Not Scared
We love to bring home reminders of our travels. My mother collected spoons and postcards, and later fridge magnets. I have friends who bring home art, or jewellery. When we look at these items, they bring back memories. Last night, I brought home an experience to share. Eight friends came over for dinner, and I … Continue reading Souvenirs
A friend request on Facebook came in from a stranger, so I messaged him, thinking he had meant it for the "other" Kathryn H. (Yes, my last name is so rare, particularly in combination with an English/Scottish first name, that there are only two of us in the world.) That prompted me to search Facebook, … Continue reading Who is Kathryn H?
When I married almost 30 years ago, I stopped going anywhere by myself. After we had kids, all of our trips were educational. Drive across Canada, visit Europe, take them to Montreal to perfect their French. But then, when I was in the midst of a difficult time with both of our (teenaged) children, a … Continue reading Brave by Accident
On a Sunday in January, traveling down the Nile from Aswan to Luxor, I am having a bad day. Perhaps it's the accumulated lack of sleep after several early morning trips to temples. Perhaps it's the overcast skies and fog, reminiscent of home. Perhaps it's having free time and being at loose ends. Perhaps it's … Continue reading Unloved
I've learned since my last trip, Walking By Myself (with a really heavy suitcase). This time my bag weighted 25 pounds instead of 50 and my carry-on was 7 pounds, not 20! It's not just the physical baggage that's lighter. So is my heart. After months of prepping for my new future, I'm finally living … Continue reading Traveling Light
Less than a week before I leave on a month-long trip, I find myself thinking about my home, not where I'm headed. And that is so unlike me. You know how people say, "Aren't you glad to be home?" I would just smile weakly in response, and let them interpret it as a yes. Because … Continue reading Goodbye, Home Sweet Home
In the midst of this season that is all about family and friends, I suddenly realize: in two weeks, I will begin a month with strangers, thousands of kilometres away from anyone or any place familiar. I have always found joy in travel, and I have traveled on my own, but I now realize that … Continue reading The people who sustain me
Brave Travels 