Mixing Pleasure with Business

Given my vocation—writing about the environment and law—it’s virtually impossible for me to silo work and play. Most often, they are one and the same, which is the way I want my life to be. I am sometimes surprised by people who wear blinders, not doing anything recreational when they are on a business trip; not following up a business idea when they are on vacation. Really? That formula just hasn’t worked for me.

So when I was relaxing on the rooftop of the MS Russ and traveling down the Neva recently, I couldn’t help but notice all of the signs of the timber industry and wonder whether Russia is clearcutting its forests.  When vacationing in Paris, I couldn’t help but go on tour of the Paris sewers. I’ve visited nuclear power plants for fun and a Nazi bunker being repurposed into a green energy station for work.  On a press trip to Hamburg to learn about its status as the European Green Capital in 2011, I managed a side trip to the Brandenburg Gate only to run into an Occupy Berlinprotest. The distinction between work and play grows ever more fluid. Wherever I go, I find ideas to write about.

I loved the jungle of Belize when I was there and opted to write about the disappearing mangroves on its shores when I came back. The Brawny Sherpa, an arborist by day, would never have sat out a jungle survival tour or foregone the opportunity to observe first-hand  the curative properties of all sorts of jungle plants from our guide, who was part shaman. We’re not the sort to avert our eyes to a learning opportunity.

Likewise, when traveling for business, I’ll make time to, for instance, sink my feet into Lake Michigan while standing on Oak Street Beach, or take a side trip to San Francisco after a business meeting in Napa. I can’t imagine just saying “this is my vacation,” or “I’m working,” as an excuse not to do something new. I was surprised on one recent cruise when a fellow traveler, a doctor by day, didn’t jump into action when a medical emergency presented itself. The ship’s doctor was in the scene, but, had I been the one with an M.D., I wouldn’t have been content simply to observe and would have offered help. Others—lacking any sort of medical background—did. Wherever I go, I am always working, and playing, and learning.

© Lori Tripoli, 2012