A Return to Boliva

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“Life is not measure by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away”. – unknown

I have this quote next to my computer in my office. It happens to be one of my favorite quotes as it reminds me what life is all about: Beauty, love, gratitude, joy, adventure, and peace. The day I walked down the aisle with my dad on one side and my grandfather on the other to greet the love of my life. The first time my child looked into my eyes. My son’s first steps. My daughter’s first words. Crossing the finish line after 26.2 miles. Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro. Climbing to the top of the Bolivian Andes with my dad. Capturing the sunset beneath my favorite urban lake after another glorious day. Those moments that forever will be instilled within my heart.

With the good of course also comes the bad. Those difficult challenges, the times that are painful, and hurt. The dark times that despite how insurmountable the challenge may be, it somehow ends up making you stronger.

Two years ago, in lieu of a Thanksgiving dinner I was climbing up to the top of the sky in Bolivia with my father. It was a very special journey for us as a year before my father was battling cancer, a dark memory that we try to forget. Yet with the bad came the good. The closeness of our family. The resilience and strength to overcome the hardship and heal. The immense love. The realization that you have one precious life so make the best of it all.

My dad and I climbing to the peak in the Bolivian Andes. November 2014

For all these moments that make up the long and winding journey of life, I am grateful. The holiday season reminds me to never stop being grateful for the wonderful things that make me complete and bring me joy. My love for my family, for the earth, for being outside and being alive. Despite all the heartbreak in the world, I must never forget to be grateful.

No photos demonstrate my utter gratitude better than the ones from this magical trip to Bolivia two years ago. The photos remind me that despite the darkness of the world there lies beauty and hope and love.

“Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace, and gratitude”.- Denis Waitley

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures”. – Thornton Wilder

“Life is precious as it is. All the elements for your happiness are already here. There is no need to run, strive, search, or struggle. Just be.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

“Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn’t know you left open”. – John Barrymore

“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea, drink the wild air’s salubrity”. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

“Adopt gratitude as the basic tenor of one’s life – gratitude for being alive, for being free, healthy, and intelligent; gratitude for the senses and their pleasures, the mind and its adventures, the soul and its delights”. – Johannes Gaertner

As I’m slowing down a bit with blogging for the coming month to embrace the moment and enjoy the holiday season, I’m sending my gratitude to my readers for sticking with me. I don’t think I’d still be here blogging after almost six years without your continual support and friendship. Thank you! 

47 thoughts on “A Return to Boliva”

  1. Jennifer J. New – Lebanon,TN – Our journey began in humble, simple surroundings. Through God's blessings, we have enjoyed relationships with a wonderful family and friends all along life's path. We have raised wonderful children and are blessed and enjoying the early years of with our grandchildren. Our family and friends mean everything to us. Travels have taken us all across these wonderful United States, with so many warm precious memories. This marks the beginning of a new chapter in our lives as we look forward to the future together and all the possibilities and adventures that lie ahead. Celebrating Life, Love and Our Pursuit of Happiness! Please contact us if you have any questions or comments at: jenniferjnew@gmail.com We look forward to hearing from you and finding out the adventures we will all share!
    jengarynewadventures on said:

    Incredible photos, what a journey.

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    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you very much! It was a wonderful trip!

      Reply ↓

  2. Pingback: A Return to Boliva — Thirdeyemom | gramirezblog

    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you Sally!

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    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Indeed!

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    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Wow, great pictures !!! Must have been a unique experience for you.
      Thanks for showing and best regards Ernst

      Thank you Ernst! Happy to have Google Translate. I also added it to my blog so you can easily translate my posts from English to German. Check it out!

      Reply ↓
  7. Alison and Don – Occupation: being/living/experiencing/travelling. In our sixties, with apparently no other authentic option, my husband Don and I sold our apartment and car, sold or gave away all our stuff and set off to discover the world. And ourselves. We started in Italy in 2011 and from there have travelled to Spain, India, Bali, Australia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South America, Egypt, Japan, etc. - you can see the blog archive. We travelled full-time for nearly six years, and then re-established a home in Vancouver. We now travel 2-3 months per year. We are interested in how the world works, how life works, how the creation of experience works, how the mind works. As we travel and both "choose" our course, and at the same time just let it unfold, we discover the "mechanics" of life, the astounding creativity of life, and a continual need to return to trust and presence. Opening the heart, and acceptance of what is, as it is, are keystones for us both. Interests: In no particular order: travel, photography, figure skating (as a fan), acceptance, authenticity, walking/hiking, joy, creativity, being human, adventure, presence, NOW. Same for Don except replace figure skating with Formula One motor racing.
    Alison and Don on said:

    I read that even just the search for something to be grateful for activates the areas of the brain that cause happiness. Isn’t that neat! Beautiful photographs Nicole. Happy holidays to you and your family.
    Alison

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      I am sure it does Alison. Thank you so much! 🙂

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  8. lexklein – I’m a restless, world-wandering, language-loving, book-devouring traveler trying to straddle the threshold between a traditional, stable family life and a free-spirited, irresistible urge to roam. Even when I was young, I always wanted to be somewhere else. I was the kid who loved camp, vacations, sleepovers, and all forms of transportation. Did my restlessness spring from a love of languages and other cultures? From a fiction fixation and all the places I’ve visited on the pages of a globeful of authors? I think it’s more primordial, though, an innate itch that demands scratching at regular intervals. I’m sure I won’t have a travel story every time I add to this blog, but I’ve got a lot! I’m a pretty happy camper (literally), but there is some angst as well as excitement in always having one foot out the door. Come along for the trip as I take the second step …
    lexklein on said:

    That trip produced a treasure trove of photos! (and memories, I know!)

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    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Yes indeed Lexi. To this day, I think these are my best photos. Romania and Prague just don’t compare. I am missing the mountains so much.

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    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you so much Janet! You too. I will be posting a bit here and there but slowing down. 🙂

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  10. Jane Lurie – Hello! Berenice Abbott said, “Photography helps people to see.” It is satisfying when someone looks at one of my images and remarks that they now see something in a new way. I hope that my photographs delight and surprise you.
    Jane Lurie on said:

    Glorious and stunning beauty, Nicole. What a thrilling post. Wishing you a great holiday season. 🙂

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you Jane! Wishing you a wonderful holiday season too!

      Reply ↓

  11. I’m pretty sure that first quote came from Moe of the Three Stooges! What lovely words, and what lovely photos. The blue door at first looked like it was in the rock. The yellow ground before the mountains is just killer! THANKS!!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much! 🙂

      Reply ↓
  12. Sue Slaght – Calgary, Alberta Canada – www.traveltalesoflife.com Many years from now, when I am an old lady sitting in the nursing home, I hope to be the twinkly eyed resident still entertaining anyone who I can corner to listen, about all of the wild adventures attempted in a lifetime. Well into the second half of the game of life there is no time like the present to get out there, live big and laugh a lot. Living in Calgary, Alberta, married to my best friend Dave for over thirty years and Mom to adult children; my decades as a nurse have shown that in a moment life can change completely. Passionate about social justice, volunteerism and not letting the phrase “What would people think?” or my own fear get in the way of trying something new; the possibilities are endless. Enjoy the tales and I hope you will be inspired to try something you have been thinking about doing.
    Sue Slaght on said:

    Nicole you are right we have so many moments to be grateful for. Your photos teamed with these powerful quotes take my breath away. Wishing you a wonderful holiday season ahead. xo

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you Sue! Any fun travel plans coming up in the coming months for you?

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  13. Beautiful Retrospect of a very rewarding trip with your father. I will always treasure those equally-cherished times I spent with my own father.

    The post made me think of the book Rebecca and its opening line, “Last night I dreamt I was back at…” but for you it would have had a lovely story attached.

    Happy holidays!
    Lisa

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you Lisa! Hope you are doing well! 🙂 Happy holidays to you as well!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you Amy!

      Reply ↓

  15. hai perfettamente ragione! queste sono immagini da togliere il respiro, ma ogni respiro ritorna conn più dolcezza nella bocca assaporando la bellezza selvaggia di questi luoghi che assomigliano tanto al paradiso perduto!
    lieta di avere incontrato il tuo blog sulla mia strada
    Annalisa

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      you are definitely right! these are images that take your breath, but every breath back conn more sweetness in the mouth savoring the wild beauty of these places that look much the lost paradise!
      pleased to have come across your blog in my way
      Annalisa

      Thanks so much for the comment! I’m happy to have Google Translate now on my blog! I can easily translate comments and you can translate my blog into any language. 🙂

      Reply ↓

      • il mondo si fa piccolo con questa grande App di Google, e si hanno conoscenze e comprensioni maggiori rivolti a migliorare la comprensione e la bellezza universai
        grazie mille a te della gradita risposta
        🙂

      • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
        thirdeyemom on said:

        Grazie!

  16. Tina Schell – I am passionate about photography, love traveling and exploring new places and faces, and seeing the world from different perspectives. My lens is always on the lookout for something beautiful or interesting.
    Tina Schell on said:

    Very beautiful post Nicole, loved it – the text and the photos were perfect together and your thoughts really rang true. Nicely done.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks so much Tina! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  17. It must have been a lovely trip in view of the difficult times to come. What a beautiful thing to do with your father. And Bolivia is quite a place to have you breath taken away! Fantastic images. May you have a wonderful holiday season.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Otto! I seem to gravitate towards these photos and none of my recent travels have given me the same sort of lovely memories and photographs. Hoping to get somewhere like this again! Happy holidays to you too!

      Reply ↓

  18. Nicole your photographs are absolutely stunning. Breathtaking! How amazing that you had the experience of being there with your dad. What wonderful memories. I love the combination of the photos with the quotes you selected. It is definitely true that when feeling on the low side of life, thinking about things to be grateful for is a wonderful lifter upper.
    Have a wonderful holiday season.
    Peta

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Peta! It was a very special trip! So how is life for you? I’ve been busy but trying to read all your posts. I do receive them via email so that is nice. How fortunate to be able to live somewhere so unique and lovely!

      Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks Andrew! You too!

      Reply ↓
  20. unorthodox – Lagos, Nigeria – I am Flora. I am that friend that likes to talk about books and like to listen to people talk about their struggles. I believe in the power that knowledge gives and I believe more in the light that love brings, that is my core value.JUST LOVE. Ok, I say, LIVE, LOVE, LEARN.
    unorthodox on said:

    i relentlessly scrolled to post my comment. I like this post. ooops, I love it.

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thank you! 🙂

      Reply ↓

  21. I know I have seen some of your photos from this amazing trek with your father but some are new to me and just blew me away! Fabulous post Nicole!

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks LuAnn! Some are newly created as I’ve recently posted them on Instagram. To this day I think the photos from this trip are some of my favorites.

      Reply ↓

      • I understand why. 🙂

  22. capturingthelittlemomentsblog – I'm 14 years old and love capturing moments of my friends and family and creating images that take me back to the moment I pushed down the button on the camera. I'm creating this blog of my photos for a project through school and am excited and a little nervous to share my work with new people.
    capturingthelittlemomentsblog on said:

    Beautiful pictures! What’s your favorite place you’ve gone?

    Reply ↓
    • thirdeyemom – Writer, traveler, hiker and global humanitarian traveling the world and doing good. Member of Impact Travel Alliance Media Network. 40+ countries and still wandering sharing my journey along the way.
      thirdeyemom on said:

      Thanks! That is a tough question as I love so many places. I would still have to say Nepal or New Zealand for pure beauty. Iceland was pretty amazing too.

      Reply ↓

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