Not all those who wander are lost

–  J.R.R. Tolkien

I have often described myself as someone with no passions. I do not have a favourite band, hobby, or side gig. Throughout the pandemic there has been one passion I have realised that in the past, I have underestimated and overlooked and that has been my fondness of travel.

There are many people who enjoy travel, mostly for similar and non similar reasons. My love for travel is really connected to who I am and where I come from. See, most of my ancestors were travellers in a sense. Whether their travel was to a far away land seeking a better life, escaping prosecution, or wanting to explore new ways…

I feel this trait was embedded in my parents. Growing up, I spent endless hours in the back seat of a car on long road trips with my parents to destinations. My dad was a long distance truck driver and on special occasions, I’d sneak myself into the sleeper compartment of his truck to join his journey of solitude, listening to endless songs on the radio and appreciating the peace and thoughtfulness that only the odd hours of the night and early morning can bring.

As an adult, my love for travel further developed when I met my husband. We were extremely poor and not really equipped to travel but he had some experience in overseas travel. Me, I had never been on a plane let alone left Australia!

He encouraged me to be brave and although reluctant, book my first overseas trip. It was at this time I think my first passion was born – travel. Travelling overseas has taught me so much and opened my mind to different ways of thinking, possibilities, and has also connected me to my heritage in ways I never expected possible. It is also something that hasn’t been possible for me (as others, mostly for much more pressing and important reasons), for some time.

So, in reflection and love for my one and only passion, I dedicate this post to the places I have been and the lessons I have taken from them. Maybe one day I will able to build on this list!

Bali – Believe, find kindness in times of struggle, remember that life is to be lived, connect with your spirit.

Germany – Forgive yourself and others, do not forget the important lessons that hardship bring.

Czech Republic – No matter how strong or weak they feel, connect with your roots. Feel them, allow them to empower you. Do not allow anyone to take that away from you.

Italy – Feel proud of who you are, where you come from, your intuition, your passions… Don’t ever be afraid of authenticity.

Hungary – We feel the experiences of our ancestors, their challenges, hardships and loss, but let it strengthen us and our fondness of the experience of life.

France – Drink the wine. Wear the perfume. Embrace the differences. Connect with yourself, with others, with those you understand and those you do not.

Greece – Don’t get caught up in our reality, beauty is to be had, songs to be sung, love to be experienced, music to be heard and love to be felt. Language is no barrier to friendship or connection!

Spain – Life is love, enjoyment, passion, dancing. Feel it and live it!

Thailand – Kindness and a smile is more life changing than we can ever imagine

Ireland – Find yourself in others, you will better understand both yourself and them.

Mexico – Life is beautiful, so are the people of Mexico.

US – If you want to feel and heal, take yourself to the nearest desert.

Vietnam – There is beauty in community and sharing, regardless of what we own, or are told what is right.

Cambodia – No matter where life takes you, you can find a way back to where you want to be! This one is based on me complaining about the rates of an internet cafe in Cambodia and meeting a cheeky Cambodian man who was deported from trying to stay illegally in Australia and was adamant he would return one day! I hope you made it back my friend.

Austria – You can find pieces of yourself anywhere if you take the time to see them.