For the past few years, I’ve done a similar routine the last week of December: I do a deep cleaning of my home, give away the things I no longer need, and set my intentions for the new year. I had a hard goal for December 31st, 2019: to sell out of the first run of my book, The Dining Traveler Guide to Puerto Rico. That goal did not happen, not even close, but I consoled myself with the strong sales we did have at the end of the year.
Several days into 2020, Puerto Rico was struck by a series of earthquakes. It did not feel right to try to sell a travel book, and I postponed my marketing and sales efforts. February arrived, and my website was a victim of a bot attack that I am still troubleshooting. March was looking promising after we spent the last February shooting our first long-form video in Philadelphia. March quickly shut down as the country scrambled to take preventive measures to contain the spread of COVID-19.
All of a sudden, I saw opportunities I had signed up for being canceled or put on hold. Even my reserve unit advised us that they will not be allowing reservists to do our annual training during this time. For the first time in over twenty years, I was entirely out of work with no prospect of income, with a toddler, living in one of the most expensive cities in the United States. While many of my friends were binge-watching TV shows, I could barely sleep thinking of the future. I’ve always been an optimist, but seeing people I admire losing work left and right and not being able to help made me feel powerless.
I’ve tried to write this post for months. I typed the first paragraphs in late March or early April. At this point in late July, dates are just a blur. My website was hacked back in February. It took weeks to get everything looking somewhat how it used to. The thought of losing years of work is scary. It also made me question if it is worth doing this.
Besides my little family, there is a constant during this time that has kept me connected with faraway lands. Cooking and food keep me in touch with the destinations and people I miss so much. I began to shop at international supermarkets more often to get the flavors of India, Taiwan, and Mexico into my home. I started reading more cookbooks and studying different cooking techniques.
That is how The Dining Traveler Cooking series came to life. I genuinely believe some of our best creations come serendipitously. That’s how I feel about these series. I started to share my cooking adventures at home and learning about new cuisines from the chefs and cooks from the regions I am highlighting. There is so much to learn when it comes to food. It takes several lifetimes to become an expert.
There is nothing I miss more than traveling. I always feel invigorated after a trip. I come home with a mental suitcase filled with ideas. I draw so much energy from the people I meet in my travels. Most of my writing is done on a plane or at a hotel. However, I understand that this pandemic is bigger than our desire to travel. It’s time to shift and to learn to take inspiration from my immediate surroundings and tap into the wonderful memories I have of my twenty-plus years of travel.
During these uncertain times, what keeps me motivated is gratitude. Grateful to have my family, health, and work. I am fortunate to have a job when many others have lost theirs. I am finally back to write and edit on The Dining Traveler and bring you stories about places we love. I also promise to deliver these stories responsibly. One day we will all get to travel freely and embrace one another again. For now, let’s continue the virtual connections and trips!
