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23

May

Can Treasure Hunting Change Your Life?

by Meredith Mullins on May 23, 2013

treasure map reveals a plan for hunting for treasure and life-changing experiences

What’s your plan to find the hidden treasure?
© iStockphoto

Forrest Fenn and The Thrill of the Chase

As I have gone alone in there
And with my treasures bold,
I can keep my secret where,
And hint of riches new and old.

                            —Forrest Fenn

And so begins a story of mystery, adventure, and hunting for hidden treasure—with life-changing experiences for the treasure giver and the treasure hunter.

From Bottle Caps to Gold and Jewels

Forrest Fenn, who started the modern day hunting for treasure frenzy with life-changing experiences.

Forrest Fenn
The Old Santa Fe Trading Co

Forrest Fenn is a collector extraordinaire—from bottle caps, string, and arrowheads as a child to art and artifacts for many decades after.

With this passion for exploration and discovery, he made a name for himself (and a fortune) as a charismatic and internationally-known art dealer in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

Then, his life changed. He was diagnosed with cancer and a less-than-encouraging chance of survival.

 

Adventure Travel/Discoveries/USA

11

Oct

Life Lesson: Slowing Down at the Airport

by Janine Boylan October 11, 2012

If video does not display, watch it here.

Connecting with People Instead of a Flight

Like the planes in this video, I had been zooming in and out of airports all day long—from early in the morning until dark. In fact, I was at my fourth airport of the day. And I still wasn’t home.

The night before, my flight in Dallas had been cancelled. After just three hours of sleep, I negotiated a flight to Houston, and then rushed onto another plane to Nashville, where I stopped long enough to give a ten-minute presentation.

Then I caught a plane to Chicago, which was supposed to be the last stop before home.

Rushing to Be First in Line

I had taken possession of a seat near the boarding gate. I noticed that everyone on this flight seemed to have a carry-on bag. That meant lots of competition for overhead storage space.

But if I strategically jumped up to be first in line, I knew I could at least get my luggage in the bins. I double checked that my boarding pass was ready and that my bag was facing the right way for me to grab and go.

Once I knew everything was ready, I sat back in my seat and looked onto the pitch black runway. Knife cuts of lightning flashed in the sky. Rain drops snaked down the glass.

The Dreaded Delays Set In

The screen over the desk promised the scheduled departure time.  Then the time began to inch 10 minutes later, 20 minutes later . . .

People were filling the empty seats that other passengers had politely left between groups of travelers. Before long there wasn’t a column left to lean against, and teens in cut off jeans were starting to occupy the floor. The air was thick with frustration.

The speaker crackled, and a simultaneous groan came out of every seasoned business traveller who knew what was coming:

“The FAA has closed the airport until further notice due to the storm.”

“The plane that was scheduled to land here is now landing in Minneapolis.”

“The plane that was right behind it is on its way to Detroit.”

“We’re looking for another plane and will keep you informed as we receive news.”

I took the opportunity to download another book. I settled into my seat, raising my imaginary walls, retreating into my private world, refusing to even look at other passengers who might take valuable overhead storage space.

But the woman next to me leaned over and explained that she had been traveling from Europe. She was tired and wanted a bottle of water. Would I mind saving her seat while she went and bought one?

A Change in Strategy

As I raised my head to acknowledge her, I had an Oh, I see moment. Something was happening around me. The delay of the plane had broken down the barriers between strangers, and people were coming together.

A retired couple was making funny faces at a baby to keep her laughing.

A bearded, T-shirt-clad man was gesturing wildly to illustrate a story he was sharing with a smiling business man.

Parents with a stroller filled with suitcases sat back as their two toddlers charmed a group of teenage girls.

This inspired me to slide my suitcase over and save my new friend’s seat. When she returned, in between calls and texts to family members, we shared experiences and found we both loved learning languages.

She was moving to a place near my home, so I provided some tips for apartment hunting. I found her stories much more interesting than the book I had downloaded.

Several crackly announcements later, the voice promised that our plane had arrived, and we would be boarding. I rechecked my boarding pass, repositioned my bag, and prepared to get in the line.

But this time I wasn’t worried about being first. Did it really matter if I had to check my bag?

A tiny life challenge had become a life lesson. I was about to board with a big group of friends.

Comment on this post below, or inspire insight with your own OIC Moment here.

 

Art of Travel/Life Lessons

27

Sep

Life Lessons at the Top of a Paris Tour Bus

by Sheron Long on September 27, 2012

Open air tour bus in Paris leading to life lessons

The best seat in the house?
© Sheron Long

The seat at the top of a Paris tour bus—I wanted it. I ran for it. I got it. My good friend often tells me, “Watch out what you wish for.” OK, buddy, after it rained all kinds of “Oh, I see” moments on me, now I see what you mean!

Comment on this post below, or inspire insight with your own OIC Moment here.

 

Art of Travel/Life Lessons

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