These past few days highlight that the world changes, one can’t sit idle and just watch the world go by for too long. The people in this photo don’t matter for this story, but they are known to the author.
This story here is that everything is changing and that is a good thing. There are cycles, like spring, floods and the time of day.
It is important to stay focused and not fall into a trap where one would think that things will continue for a long time. Here in these photos nature needed to change and adapt to the water and weather.
But in our modern lives we also need to adjust and change to the work environment and adapt as needed.
On the way to Page Arizona, you can’t see the Colorado river ahead
One of those nights where you wake up way too early and think about the events that happened the last few days. I wanted to pick an image and just work it, fitting it into my framed thoughts and reflecting on what it means. There is a long road, some people doze off and need to hit the breaks, while others can coast on the road.
As the image here is also dream-like with a long straight road, it’s also boring to look at it too long. It’s easy to sit back and let the computer drive while sipping on a drink. In some ways that is needed, but also that can cause one to fall asleep as seen by these skid marks.
Would a windy road, many turns, obstacles and dangers be more interesting? Going off road there are many things one needs to do to prepare: check supplies, tires, pressure, make sure cargo is secure, etc. But the memories are more rewarding, the energy needed is higher and the drinks need to wait to be consumed.
Schafer Trail, near Moab in Canyonlands
So now the question is keeping me up tonight, should I continue on the smooth drive, sipping my drink, or change paths and take the new road. The destination may be the same in both, but as the saying goes, “it’s the journey that matters, not the destination”
In this instance I need to plan and make preparations for change.
Trying to get on with the ideas, and often just starting is the hardest. This post here is to play with the process and get the idea of to write and publish. Irony is when there is too much free time then it is hard to focus, but when time is short rings get done. Need to stay busy and just send it.
This is something I was looking into for a while. All the ads in travel show the air miles and hotel points – something to collect and reward you after few stays and flights. Most business travelers are members of these programs and know them well.
But there’s a catch, many in fact.
First, there are just too many programs. Sure, back in 1980’s when there were just a few airlines it made sense. But now days with EasyJet’s and JetBlues – what’s the point? If I’m going to travel for myself I look at the times first, price second and then airline. Often the cheaper airlines have better times or the airline your not a member of has a better time or route. So collecting these points is not that easy.
Second, the points really don’t give you anything. Most lounges are closed or far away. So even if you have the lounge access, it’s useless. I once stayed at Hilton and with my Silver status was upgraded to the better room – nice! I though. But then my second stay at the same hotel I had the standard room. Exactly the same room, but different floor. So if I was paying myself, why bother?
With hotels, AirBnB and Hostels are far much better options. What I look for in a hotel is location, access to transport (buses, tube, etc.) and then the price. Often the chain hotels are grouped together near the airport or the trade fair grounds – boring places.
Third is that they just expire. I travel is chunks, one year a lot another year not once. So why collect something that will expire so fast?
I completely understand the business models these companies have with points. It builds “loyalty” so you default to your membership without looking at other options. Same with food stores and subscription services. But the word is much more interesting than corporate hell in chains and brands.
Raphael Kruczkowski's Blog 