Photographs of a young lady in her 20s climbing a tower without protective gear beside pictures of her hanging from a cliff with a rope tied to her ankles point to an individual who has enough adrenaline rush to last her a lifetime. There were memories of her smiles and grins documenting her travel life and the fun she had flying, sailing, moving. She can neither swim nor drive but she travelled – far and wide – often leaving home in search for something interesting.
She was unstoppable. Heading off to a new destination and finding the next worthwhile activity were parts of the monthly checklists.
She was restless. It was impossible to see her in one place. Adventure was her addiction.
There are territories to discover and hearts to conquer and the lady took it upon herself, her personal mission to cover these tracks. No stone was left unturned; she believed in being thorough, in making sure all bases are examined, that no piece of information is left hidden. At least, to herself.
She shared to many, but she was also selfish. She hid paradise for a long time, afraid that others will crowd her sanctuary when they learn of it. She had a love- hate relationship with her job, often conflicted on whether to reveal some facts she wants to remain untold.
She says it’s best to invest in experience; for the materials things such as gadgets can be earned later in life, but experiences vary in every stage of person’s life and if you choose to buy the latest cellphone model over saving your money for a trip to Machu Picchu, you’re the lousiest earth dweller ever. She would say this without batting an eyelash. Better pack your bags and move to Uranus, she’d muse.
Travel is experience, she’d say.
Do it not just to channel Elizabeth Gilbert and her Eat, Pray, Love drama. You don’t have to copy her ways. Chart your own course. Do it because you want to. Do it because you need to. Heck, do it even if you just want to show off… you’ll discover soon enough that’s not the way real travel goes.
Travel cleanses the disturbed soul; it invigorates the tired ones; it excites those that are bored. Travelling is not for those who know it all; it is for those who continue to seek answers, those who are in search for truths, those who find serenity in hearing people’s stories. Travel is important for these reasons. Your soul is in danger if you chose to stay in one place, for that place will dissolve your soul, and when that happens, you’ll loose yourself. So travel… it doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, dirt broke or filthy rich.
Travel is not about the destination.
It is about you and your journey.
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T30WC or The 30-minute Writing Challenge is a writing exercise born out of this blogger’s need to maintain a habit of writing. Subjects of each writing challenge is just about anything but should ONLY be written within 30 minutes.
