As I strolled by my favorite urban garden (now fully a winter scene) a few days ago, I felt a moment of clear desire to be somewhere warm and sunny. Now.
Fortunately I'll have that opportunity soon. Through my job. Yet, I wasn't sure I wanted it really.
Then while eating french fries over lunch, I made a quick list of where I'd traveled during the last five years (you know, the years when "I haven't been traveling nearly as much as I used too"), which included four major regions, eight countries and more than 24 cities.
I had often stayed an extra day or visited friends to see what was around. Mostly easy with preplanned hotels, drivers, restaurant ideas, etc. I've been lucky to do it.
The trips I remember most were with friends and colleagues I knew well. Experiencing things together in the local places with people who lived there. Having trouble deciding what to eat, the way to somewhere, how to simply find a beer. Getting tired, disagreeing if something was the best route, food, or place to stay. Laughing about it all eventually when the "momentary crisis of choice" had passed. Standing in awe at the drama or beauty of something you ran into that you'd not seen in real life before.
What I want in life seems to have evolved and become more messy. I love that!
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