As I stood on the deck of my San Francisco home, gazing out at the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean, I felt a stirring in my soul. The rhythmic crashing of waves against the shore seemed to whisper ancient secrets, calling me to lands unknown. It was in this moment that I realized my journey-a journey of spiritual discovery and personal growth-was about to begin.

For years, I had been deeply involved in my work with the ILWU Local 10, fighting for workers' rights and striving to make a difference in my community. But there was another battle I had been fighting, one that had nearly cost me everything: the battle against addiction. In 2011, I found my way into the rooms of Alcoholics Anonymous, marking the beginning of a transformative journey in recovery.

Now, three years into my sobriety, I felt a calling to expand my horizons, to seek out new experiences that would deepen my spiritual understanding and strengthen my recovery. The idea of traveling to distant lands, not as an escape but as a pilgrimage of sorts, began to take root in my mind.

It was then that I remembered the words of the great Maya Angelou: "Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends." These words resonated deeply within me, igniting a spark of curiosity and wonder that would lead me on an incredible journey across four continents.

My path would take me to four distinct destinations, each with its own unique energy and spiritual significance:

1. Cancun and Chichén Itzá, Mexico - where ancient Mayan wisdom echoes through time

2. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic - where Caribbean rhythms pulse with resilience

3. Durban, South Africa - where unity flourishes in diversity

4. Honolulu, Hawaii - where the Aloha spirit embodies harmony with nature

Little did I know that these four places, seemingly unconnected, would weave together a fabric of spiritual awakening and personal transformation. Each destination would offer its own lessons, its own challenges, and its own moments of profound insight.

As I embarked on this journey, I carried with me the strength and values instilled in me by my parents, my experiences in the labor movement, and the spiritual principles I had learned in recovery. I was about to discover how these foundations would be tested, reinforced, and expanded through my encounters with ancient civilizations, diverse cultures, and the awe-inspiring power of nature.

This book is not just a travelogue, but a testament to the transformative power of travel when undertaken with an open heart and a seeking spirit. It's an exploration of how God's handiwork is manifested in different corners of the world, and how the resilience of people across cultures can inspire us to push forward in our own lives and recovery journeys.

Throughout these travels, I would find myself drawn to moments of prayer and meditation, often near bodies of water. From the beaches of Cancun to the Indian Ocean in Durban, from the Caribbean shores of Punta Cana to the Pacific waters of Hawaii, these moments of spiritual connection would become cornerstones of my journey, deepening my conscious contact with my Higher Power and reinforcing my commitment to recovery.

As we set off on this journey together, I invite you to open your mind to the possibilities that lie ahead. For in the story of my travels, you may find echoes of your own spiritual journey, your own quest for meaning, and your own path to personal growth and recovery.

Let us begin our sacred journey, stepping into the unknown with faith, curiosity, and a willingness to be transformed by the wonders that await us.