How do you explain the feeling of profound joy that comes with travel? How do you internalise the beauty of the world around you as it infiltrates your world views and allows you to see new parts of yourself?
I’ve always loved to travel. When I was a kid, it was summer camp. I got sick every time, but I couldn’t wait to go. That was local, obviously. As I got older and became aware of the world around me, I was desperate to see more. My first trip out of the country was on a cruise to the Caribbean. That was my first taste and I was hooked. I had no idea how life was going to change in the years ahead.
As I sit here typing this from a beach in Thailand, I’ve now been to more than a dozen countries. I’m watching the full moon rise over the turquoise water and thinking about the ways life ebbs and flows. Like the pace of life here in the sultry humid heat, my thoughts are ponderous and slow.
We’ve been to the elephant sanctuary and fed beautiful creatures who have finally been allowed to live their days free. It was heartbreakingly beautiful. We’ve taken a swim in water so clear you could watch the grains of sand move beneath your feet. We’ve watched a stunning fire show on the beach, had amazing food, and met lovely, kind people. I’ve been drinking my fill of Thai iced tea and Thai coffee. Best of all, I’ve been able to watch my wife slow down, relax, and breathe in a true vacation.
We have just over a week to go, and a few plans beyond the beach. There’s more travel on the docket this year, but for the moment I’m trying to think of only this one, here and now, day by day.
Random Musings 
Leave a comment