I spent the past 2 1/2 weeks traveling in Iceland and Wales We returned home late on Saturday night and have been gradually settling back in. I love traveling and appreciate how it shakes up my complacency. Traveling to new places teaches me so much. It expands my thinking and also changes how I see my own world when I return. It helps me imagine possibilities and alternatives.
Yesterday morning I looked through my photos while sitting in my own chair in my own living room. I was happy to be home and not living out of a suitcase, but already felt our travel experiences shifting into the surreal. Did we really go there? Did we see that? Did we do that?
Everywhere we traveled, people were friendly and helpful to us. “Where are you from?” they’d ask, and our response was always the same. “We’re from Maine in the States, and we’re really sorry.” Without exception, they said that everyone they met from America said the same thing.
When we were in Iceland on a walking tour of Reykjavik, our guide said to us, “There is only one place in Iceland where you will see armed guards. Where do you think that is?”
“The bank,” someone called out.
“The airport?” I guessed.
“No,” he replied. “At the American Embassy.”
Sit with that for a while.
One day, after our standard response, a Welch woman asked us, “How did this happen?”
We didn’t even begin to know how to answer.
“Please,” she said, “You have to do better.”
Now, back home again, travel-weary and enriched, I scroll through the photos, selecting which ones to share. How can I capture all that we saw and experienced and thought as we wandered through these new landscapes? Geothermal fields, geysers, lupines, puffins, majestic cliffs, hedge rows, castles, mountains, etc!
Then the news came through: ICE agents had shot a man in Biddeford, Maine.
Biddeford, Maine is where I attended UNE for my teaching certification. It’s where I sometimes go to get amazing bagels. It’s where I travel to look for snowy owls in the winter, and it’s been known to have some interesting ice formations on the river. Now it’s known as the newest spot where ICE agents have murdered someone. The man, Johan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, died. He was murdered. His child was secure in her carseat in the backseat. He wasn’t even the man they were looking for. He was here, legally, heading to work. Apparently his last words were, “I tried to stop.”
I wish I could say this is what feels surreal, but it feels all too real.
My God. We have to do better.
Nix the comfort zone 
I peeked at your photos on FB. Wow. But what a rude return to reality. We really do HAVE to do better.
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I wish I knew what to do to do better!
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We traveled to Iceland a few years ago. It is so gorgeous. We stayed in little boutique places, including a farm. And ICE is out of control. The murders must be investigated and the murderers imprisoned. This won’t happen until the fascist is out of office. I’m sure Susan Collins is concerned. Please vote her out.
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I just had a pollster call me the other day to ask about my voting intentions. I kept saying, “Well, I will vote for anyone other than Susan Collins.” I plan on calling her office today–for whatever good that does!
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All our reps are MAGA, and they are worthless. Call anyway. The numbers make the assholes uncomfortable.
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Welcome back! I wish we had better news for you. We each do what we can do. I try to focus on what I can do and not get discouraged by the big picture. We’ll be in touch about your photos.
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All you can do is what you can do, right? On a brighter note, I’m looking forward to connecting with you and Hannah tomorrow!
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dear Molly, so sad for usa & Maine & that child.
yesterday I asked —what nation is this when I posted — from the CBC ( Canadian Broadcasting ) report At my fb page.
Am hoping your recent Across The Pond journey feeling can give you strength to do what you decide to do, to wrap your arms about this damaged community of deep affinity for You.
ice out now ice out now
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It’s hard not to get totally overwhelmed by the madness and horror of it all.
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Molly, what a powerful and important post. (I wonder if it is something your local paper would publish.) Those questions and comments: “How did this happen?” “Please, you have to do better.” Wow! Good for them. I’m glad you traveled, representing another side to them. Here’s to a new chapter coming soon.
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Oh, I do hope we can turn the page to a new chapter–even a new book!
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I’m happy that you had such a wonderful trip. The news is sure grim and doesn’t seem to improve. The stories of the ICE murders are heartbreaking. I hope your photos and memories give you some solace.
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The trip was lovely, thanks.
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THIS is a powerful and important post that should be in the NYTimes Opinion section. The comments from those gracious hosts fill me with guilt and sadness. The senseless murders and incarcerations of so many at the hands of brutal ICE people makes me furious and fills me with fear. WE HAVE TO DO BETTER
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I wish I knew what to do! Everything feels so ineffective and the divisions just seem to be getting more firmly drawn and entrenched.
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