Travel

I’m cheating a bit with today’s cuppa picture.

This cuppa photo is from five years ago. It was taken on a family vacation. When I saw it this morning, I started thinking about the trips I’ve taken over the years.

Traveling is one of my favorite things. Going to new places, experiencing new things – I love everything about it, even the stress of planning and the anxiety that sometimes comes with the execution.

That’s not to say that I’m always a happy camper, that I don’t freak out if the luggage gets lost or we can’t find the hotel. Oh yes, I’ve had my Travel Panic Moments, moments that I regret and wish I could do over. But mostly, my travel memories are good. Mostly, they make me smile.

The current circumstances don’t make it advisable or even possible to travel. I support the fact that adventures away from home must wait. Safety is the priority; wisdom must prevail. But one day – I hope, I believe – the door will open again.

Until then, I’ll enjoy my memories. I’ll reflect upon and be grateful for all the things I’ve seen and heard and experienced, the cities and neighborhoods, the mountains and beaches and forests, the people and food, songs and stories. I’ll consider where I might want to go in the future, search for new destinations, evaluate the logistics and the practical realities.

And as I remember and dream and imagine, I’m sure I’ll be smiling.

“Not all those who wander are lost.” — J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring