…it inspires you. My aim is to show you why it’s important to explore and learn about this beautiful planet that we are so lucky to be part of. We could have woken up anywhere in this solar system, but we woke up here, on Earth, a place where mysteries are still waiting to be discovered. Hidden histories of our ancestors that need uncovering. Forever changing nature that we need to document. Did you know that five percent of the world’s eco-system can be found in Costa Rica? Five percent! In that tiny country. Wow.
It’s true that we can read about all this in books, on the internet, in blogs, because there are people out there now, doing it all for you. I’m proud to be part of that community, and to be able to share my experience, but believe me, reading that Angkor Wat ‘is a temple complex in Cambodia and the largest religious monument in the world, with the site measuring 162.6 hectares’ on Wikipedia isn’t going to teach you anything. You could be understanding why it’s such a special place by absorbing the information through all your senses. Nothing compares to the excitement of standing at the bottom of a crumbling staircase, imagining who used to walk there – was it for the royals? Servants? Guests? Or running your hand along the ancient sandstone while listening to the sound of your footsteps reverberating around the abandoned hallways. Or being able to look closely at the intricate carvings on the walls, admiring the time consuming artistry that is being preserved.
I’m not suggesting that you quit your job, sell your house, send your children to boarding school, give away your pets and pack your bags, because that this is totally impractical. I have no responsibilities or commitments, so it was easy for me (yes easy, you may not believe it, but travel is very simple these days). But it’s not stopping you from a little self-indulgent dreaming, maybe even planning, thinking about how to make the most of that summer holiday, or winter break.
For me, it all started with the opening of a world map. I spread it out in front of me, and thought, ‘oh, wow, that’s a lot of countries’. It sounds ridiculous,and obvious, but when you don’t know where to begin, that’s exactly how it feels. So why not do the same? It’s never too late to start thinking about it at least, maybe make a list, do a bit of research.
Or why not start small? Open up a map of your own country. Is there anywhere that you would like to see for yourself? You don’t have to get on a plane to start an adventure.
What I’m trying to convey is that travel is timeless. You can do it at any age, on any budget, with anyone. This is likely going to be our only shot at life. Let’s not waste it. Travel is freedom.
Happy dreaming.
Kinaesthesia 