We had many great adventures and experiences when we visited Curacao, Netherlands Antilles.
One late afternoon, as we were snooping around the streets of Willemstad (the capital city of Curacao), a fellow who was trying to raise a few bucks approached us with 2 huge iguanas. He wanted us to hold them and then, of course, pay him to take our photos with them with our camera.
Hubs jumped at the chance but I was pretty hesitant. My only previous close encounter with a lizard was when I was very young and almost stepped on a salamander in the basement of my childhood home. I believe that experience sealed for life, my fear of amphibians and reptiles.
The street entrepreneur (not really sure of the correct job title for these folks) kept insisting that I pose for a photo too, because it was the end of the day and he wanted to make a bit more money. At my continued protests, quite a crowd gathered to see if he would talk me into it.
Finally, I agreed. Much to my surprise, these beasts were warm and soft! The only close comparison would be that they felt to me like a warm leather handbag.
The entire experience was completely liberating! By facing this one small fear I finally got geared up to compile a list of fears that I wish to overcome while I’m still young enough and able enough.
I even got brave enough to allow one to sit on my head and let the other run free on my shoulder!
“Each of us must confront our own fears, must come face to face with them. How we handle our fears will determine where we go with the rest of our lives. To experience adventure or to be limited by the fear of it.”
–Judy Blume
Radically Retired 