In the past year or so, I’ve traveled to several places around the globe. Sometimes with family, other times alone or to meet friends. I spend a lot of time in between trips contemplating what travel means to me.
At first, I wanted some grand answer or aha moment to this never-ending contemplation. But, I think the lack of a concise knowing, is exactly the purpose of traveling. In any case, each destination offers something new to think about.
Here are 7 places I traveled in the past year and larger life-lesson I learned:
Paris, France
My daughter had been dying to go to Paris. If you asked her why prior to the trip, she would’ve told you the reason for this desire was simple: “Bread and the Eiffel Tower.” At the end, the list of memorable moments went beyond buttery croissants and a historical monument.
The Lesson: Being open-minded takes practice. It’s advice we give and advice we receive but each time we let our structured thinking become a little more loose, we feel more fulfilled in a deeper way.
Tangier, Morocco
My boyfriend is from Tangier and his entire close-knit family speaks Arabic. I do not. Our children do not. But that did not stop the feeling of closeness between us in our very first meeting.
The Lesson: It’s not how we communicate with others, but that we do so with sincerity. With eye contact and a presence that allows someone to feel understood in a way that transcends language.”
Honolulu, Hawaii
When visiting Oahu last month, I couldn’t wait to show my daughter around the island where I used to live. I envisioned taking her to all of these places that were near and dear to me so many years ago. But what did she want to do? She wanted to hop between our hotel pool and the beach. Swimming was the thing that made her happy.
The Lesson: Expectations rarely serve a purpose. So many times we think of things in terms of “should,” rather than relying on our own instinct. “Should” comes from outside influence. When we’re genuine in our pursuit, “should” doesn’t enter our mindset.
Bar Harbor, Maine
No matter how far I travel and how many places I adore, when people ask me what my favorites are, Bar Harbor is always there. I grew up an hour or so from the the island where Bar Harbor is located and it is one of those places that never gets old. The charm of the town, the rocky shoreline, tourists coming from all over the globe to see this gem of a place. Actually, I think this is where my appreciation and fascination with tourism started.
The Lesson: Appreciating the globe starts close to home. If you can see your own backyard as a tourist sees a black sand beach for the first time, then teach someone else how to do the same.
Napa, California
When I toured the Trinchero Family Estates and met other winemakers in the area, something stuck with me about my interactions and I thought about it for a long time after returning home. Everyone seemed so connected to their roots.
The Lesson: In the recipes we make on a daily basis, there’s an opportunity to share a piece of family history or perhaps create a story that your children, friends or dinner guests can later share with someone else when they whip up your dish. Or, if you’re the dinner guest, ask about the traditions or meaning behind the food. Food hits so many of our senses that it makes it easy to store those moments in memory. Just don’t forget to let them out.
Lexington, Kentucky
I toured a beautifully decorated, historic house where the hosts had a story to every single piece of decor in the home. Traditional bites and drinks complemented the visit. The passion was transferred to all of the guests that evening as each person voiced how welcome they felt.
The Lesson: There’s an opportunity for hospitality in every day situations. Yes, we should literally be opening our doors more, but with each person we encounter, we can show that our being, our very own self, is opening, welcoming and full of grace.
Nevis, West Indies
Since I work remotely, there are few places I go where I truly disconnect. Well, the small Caribbean island of Nevis had me forgetting all about technology (and contemplating a relocation).
The Lesson: Slow down. We go through our days, often thinking about what’s next. Where do I have to be? Will I have enough time? Our brains tend to operate in terms of time slots and in doing so, we aren’t fully connecting to the moment. Silence lets the good stuff sink in. The incessant chatter is like a do not enter sign for creativity.
