I’m back from my trip, and although I didn’t have a bad time, I don't think bus tours are for me.
I went on my first bus tour, with my mom, whose been on many bus tours. The tour was two nights and three days, and we traveled from Arizona, stayed in a hotel in Mesquite, Nevada, and saw two musicals in the Tuacahn Amphitheater in Utah. We also went to the Mob Museum in Las Vegas and an outlet mall.
As I was on the trip, it was obvious some passengers love bus tours, but I felt like I was on a school field trip where every moment was dictated. There was very little room for discovery; everything was laid out. It felt like I was being spoon-fed. There wasn’t freedom to roam or explore at my own pace.
I also found it hard to find time for myself, and I really missed the quiet moments I usually have to paint, write, read, or meditate. The constant company and the shallowness of it all started to feel draining, and I couldn't just go home to recharge when I needed to.
Outside the rigid schedule, I was also struck by something I had almost forgotten: the heavy burden of fear and worry that so many people carry. My mindset is so different from what it once was, and I’m aware that I see the world in a much more positive light than a lot of people do, but I’d kind of forgotten how steeped in fear many people are.
There was constant talk of health fears, the projection that you have to be afraid of all the “bad people” out there, and the unending worry that things aren’t going to go the way you want them to. It was such a sharp contrast to my own mindset, and made me feel sad that so many people are living with such heavy mental burdens.
Despite that, the plays at Tuacahn were incredible. I enjoyed The Wizard of Oz, and The Little Mermaid was fantastic. Though, watching musicals tends to bring up all sorts of emotions for me, since they were such a big part of my life years ago. They remind me of how much I miss performing, and make me wonder if that is something I want in my life again.
So, I’m glad I went; it meant a lot to my mom, but overall this trip was a reminder to me that my spirit thrives on having the freedom to just wander, to discover, and to unfold at its own pace. For me to truly enjoy traveling, it should feel like a journey, not a rigid itinerary.
Photo by Kristina Ray
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I can totally relate to the strain/unease of being around such fear. Everyone carries so much fear these days. Sometimes I just want to grab people by the shoulders and make them look me in the eye so we can both see the humanity in one another. And then I’ll make a goofy face for good measure lol! 😂 I try to do the equivalent but via Substack lol. Thanks for sharing!
I know that feeling of coming out of your "cave" to see people 😄
It seems like we are even more sensitive than before as our systems are less tolerant to fear based beliefs.
I am glad you had such a great time watching musicals. Every experience is golden. It's up to us what we take from it.