“You are a child of the universe…” Desiderata
One world. Digest that for a minute. One. world.
How lucky and privilege we all are that we inhabit this ONE incredible planet! We are alike in our shared humanity yet so diverse and different – be it our culture, language, cuisine, natural landscapes and many others that make us unique. And this is what inspires me to explore places as far as my feet, pocketbook, and my sense of curiosity and adventure can take me. I’m passionate about travel and meeting new people, curious about the world and other cultures, trying out new flavors, seeking out markets for a taste of local life.
I love the polyphonic beats of a new city, its soul bared in unvarnished street scenes — of people going about their daily lives – peddlers lining up the sidewalk offering street food, vegetables, fruits, trinkets; motorbikes in organized chaos crisscrossing the road, stores filled to the rafters with designer knock-offs, and the smell of freshly baked baguettes assailing my nose – cheap and utterly delicious. The old soul of a city is evident in sacred shrines and temples of long ago and alive today in the ever present saffron-robed monks burning incense and people at prayer silently whispering yearnings of the heart. This tableau I speak of from a recent sojourn of Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.
There is so much beauty out there but there are places fractured by conflict, irresponsible practices and poverty. Yes, there are landscapes that touch the heart and leave us speechless, monuments that mesmerize for their sheer beauty and magnificence but let’s not forget the local neighborhoods — raw, unfiltered, and at times gritty that don’t play to the tune of outsiders – that hold their own distinctive charm and character.
I get it that we want to focus on well-known and celebrated attractions or iconic landscapes but we don’t want to miss the magic that lies on side/backstreets and beyond. So let’s explore the world with a sense of openness and wonder and hopefully in the process we will have gained broader perspectives and become better global citizens. Let’s go and make some new connections! Vamonos! Andiamo! Allons-y ! Halika na!
What inspires you to travel? Is a bucket list important?