Collecting Moments and Leaving Footprints

New and unfamiliar surroundings tend to require us to live in the present moment, to accept things as they come. The same presence is essential with people we meet for the first time. One of the best aspects about being in a place we are unaccustomed to is that it is also connected to a diverse assortment of people. Most of them, unpretentious and approachable. Just a simple hello can lead to a brand new connection.  And even though many of my traveling experiences have been with a group of friends or family, some of my fondest memories involve people I’ve met along the road. Some I never saw again, and others will remain friends for life.

     

 

Regardless of what is going on in my world, a new town or place has a way to erase the heaviness of life.  It brings an  excitement of temporary freedom and the permission to stop anywhere you please along the way and stay as long as you wish. Unconventional photo ops, random explorations of things that look like they might lead to something interesting, or just a particular locale you want experience more of, is right there in your power.  

  

 

 

And although I am still young enough, at heart anyway, to be spontaneous and adventurous ,  physically, I am not in the best shape of my life. So if  I have any regret, it would be not getting more adventures under my belt in my younger days. So, my advice to all of you looking to quench your  wanderlust is to do some crazy things while you still can.