It’s time to stop for a moment, kick back, relax, and reflect.
It’s only been two months since I last saw my family. No time at all. But for me a lot has changed in those two months.
A new job, two trips to Athens, moving from a house to a boat.
Last time we celebrated my Mom’s birthday. This time we’re going on a family holiday. The first one for all four of us in many years. I can’t even remember when I last went on an actual holiday just for rest and relaxation purposes.
You may argue that I have travelled a lot in the last seven years. And that is certainly true. But there’s a profound difference between holidaying and travelling.
A holiday is very much about the destination. Travelling is about the journey.
Holidays are more expensive than travels. They’re more comfortable, too. Travelling can be messy and exhausting, often has been.
It occurred to me that I packed much more for nine days away than I would for a nine months trip, which I am planning for next year. That is somewhat ironic, if you ask me.
I travel light. But for my holiday I pack whatever I think I may need. That will be true for my trip next year as well, but I won’t be loaded down by too much luggage.
The next few days are meant to be comfortable, relaxing and there for me to recharge. Much needed at that.
But when I am going on my big trip, comfort is not a consideration. My clothes need to be comfy and my shoes. But I’m unlikely to spend many nights in a four star hotel.
I don’t think I’ll ever be much of a holiday maker. I’m not the type to go and sit at a beach for two weeks. At the very least I’d be swimming most of the time and read the rest of the time. But I don’t think I’d go for the island holiday, where there would be little else to do.
Even this holiday will see me cross borders three times and I will not be using the same airport twice.
I am many things, a traveller is one of the first things I am, and because I am a writer before that, you will find me writing about travelling.
I will take you with me whenever I can, wherever I go. If you will follow me I will show you the world as I see it. It is one of the most profound ways of widening your horizon and realizing what a beautiful little marble we live on.
For now, I need a break from all the work I’ve been doing lately. I will be writing, though, because that is the kind of work I will never break from.
2clouds 