It seems I never stop learning when I’m on the road.

Some of the most poignant lessons I’ve learned from my travels these past two years:  expect the unexpected, always be ready for (photo) opportunities, and handle camera or other mishaps with calm, grace and positivity.

From my old laptop short-circuiting during a major power outage in Jamaica two years ago (after I left it plugged in), to my external storage device with my photos failing on me (but later recovered), and finally my expensive 2.8 lens falling on concrete in Grenada from a loose connection, I can say I’ve experienced mishaps on the road!  But I learned to deal.

So when my Nikon SLR (body) decided to malfunction on me (for the first time ever) two weeks ago while I was in Jamaica -  I was less devastated than I thought I would be.  By now I have experience, and I know that when stuff happens on the road the best way to handle it is to embrace fate and focus on the solution or better yet, be still and listen to the message at hand.

Ironically, I had been thinking of getting a second camera body as a back up for a long time now, but had filed that thought away. Well, now destiny was telling me: you are at a higher level now, you need a back up! But more importantly, destiny was also telling me: time to rest a little, put the camera down and regroup, see what creative inspirations will flow from not going into “shooting” mode every day and from being still.

It was the best thing that’s happened. Even though, a week after the stillness, I received a photo request from an editor for a travel guide, during this time of no camera (scream!). But I made it work. I jumped on the opportunity, and found a way. There had to be someone who could rent/lend their camera, or a store that would rent me one. Well there was no pro camera store like there was in Grenada, but through talking to folks I found a photographer who was not only willing to lend me his Canon but also his lenses, his tripod, memory card reader and anything else I needed. And for nothing in exchange (even though I offered), other than helping a fellow photographer. What was the likelihood of that?  OK, his main zoom lens ended up having an autofocus defect he’d warned me about, and I had never used a Canon for work, but hey that’s where all the learning kicked in – shooting manual and trusting my eye (any nice camera does not a photographer make!).  This experience also made me realize what a wonderful network we can have as travel photographers (and writers too), when we choose to share tips or help each other along the way.  (I also realized, how much I love my Nikon gear, Nikonian for life!)

All in all this trip’s mishap gave me time to rest, connect more with people, network, dabble with a Canon and  think ahead to my next plans.

I chose to remain positive and grateful against all odds.  And each time opportunity knocked – not a coincidence, in my humble opinion.

So here’s to travel and embracing both the curve balls and the blessings that come with it.

Lebawit Lily Girma

Lily Girma is a published Travel writer, Photographer and Guidebook author who has lived and studied in Africa, Europe and the Americas. In 2008, she left behind a prestigious law career to follow her passion. Her work has appeared in various outlets, including CNN Travel and BBC Travel, and her photography commissioned by tourism boards. Her first edition of "MOON BELIZE" travel guidebook is due for publication this Fall 2013 (10th edition, Moon Handbooks by Avalon Travel/Perseus Books). Lily's work reflects a deep love for culture and adventure in all its forms.

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