CC Chapman smiles at the camera taking a selfie a suspension bridge behind him in the Panamanian Jungle.

The beer is cold, the conversation lively, and the view of the sunset over Panama City from the roof of my hotel is spectacular. Not a bad way to spend a Wednesday night in June.

It is my second country in less than a month, and my wanderlust has gotten the scratch it needed for the itch I’d been having.

I’m a traveler and love experiencing new places. Something about packing up my stuff, boarding a plane, and arriving in a new location always fills me with all the emotions. It feels good.

Puerto Vallarta was an anniversary escape with my wife, and Panama was with a group of educators from around the United States learning about the student programs Global Brigades and Kambia run there.

Mexico had me traveling with a new camera for the first time in a long time. The Canon R6 MK III performed exactly as I hoped. After stepping away from the brand for several years while they got their mirrorless game and technology on par with others, it felt like an old friend in my hand again. Switching between the 28mm pancake and the 24-105mm lenses was a perfect combination for our tequila tour with Finaca 18, enjoying all the art throughout the city, and visiting towns beyond the city limits.

Panama had me kicking the tires on a new suitcase. For the last two decades, I’ve always had my trusty Eagle Creek carry-on and GORUCK with me wherever I went. But after Mexico, it was time for a new suitcase, and I opted for a Travelpro Maxlite 5. A bit smaller than my previous bags, but after grabbing my Peak Design packing cubes I made it work. Funny how much fun a four-wheel roller is after so many years of a two-wheel design. It made my walks through the airport a bit more giggle worthy.

It felt great to get new stamps in my passport and stick two new pins into the map in my office. I don’t need to get on a plane to feel accomplished, but it does warm my heart.

This morning, I saw someone post a video titled “when your parents are travelers and not vacationers,” which prompted me to write this post. I’m certainly more on the traveler side of that coin.

I want to see and experience new places. Get out of bed and explore the neighborhood around me. When I found myself with four free hours on the last day in Panama, I took my camera for a walk to look for street art. It was a much better way to spend the time than waiting around at the hotel.

We’ve got a couple of weekend trips planned before the end of the year, but I’m sure we’ll sneak in some day trip adventures this summer before school starts up. I know there are several ideas on the chalkboard in our kitchen where we write down all the things we say, “hey, we should check that out,” and then forget about them.

While I was away, it was Bourdain Day, and it gave me pause as it does every year. But it also made me smile, as I was doing exactly what he preached everyone should do. To get out there and experience the world. There is a reason some of his words are tattooed on my arm.

I’m a traveler, and I love all the faces and places I’ve seen so far. I hope there are many more in the future, but I also know I’ve lived a fulfilling life and am blessed for every new memory and day. Life is good. Get out there and see more of it beyond your walls.