Wanderlust

 Have you felt it, that incredible desire to leave our shores? Have you dreamt of sitting by a pool somewhere tropical, looking at the sights in any of the capitals of the world or foraging through markets in southeast Asia? If you have, you’re not alone.

I’ve often found myself dreaming about travelling (anywhere, absolutely anywhere!) over these two-and-a-half Covid-influenced years. Now, with the opening of world travel and the lifting of many of the restrictions that made it so difficult, it’s become a highly anticipated reality. 

The beautiful thing about travel is that it shakes you out of your routine whilst providing experiences that excite and invigorate – and now my own wanderlust has been rekindled, having just returned from a trip to Paris with my husband, John. There is nothing like absence to make your heart grow fonder or at least beat a little faster. 

What did we find in this, the City of Lights (which, by the way, pertains to the fact that there are 50,000 streetlights, most of them impressive black antiques, and 33 of the city’s 37 bridges are illuminated at night)? We found a city that was energised and manic. Both hot (at times 40°C +) and extremely busy with international visitors. The consequence was enormously long lines wherever attractions, galleries, or cafés could be found.

And do you think even one person had a mask on? No, not one. Nor was there any evidence of social distancing, and if you have ever seen how closely French restaurants position their tables, then you’ll know what it feels like to sit almost cheek-to-cheek with your neighbour becoming a passive smoker at the same time (France has the dubious reputation of one of the highest percentages of smokers in Europe)! 

It’s all part of the experience: exploring different surroundings, hearing different languages, and trying your best to at least murmur the simplest of French phrases. As is chancing yourself to cross main roads without getting run over by cyclists, who appeared oblivious to any form of road safety regulations. There are major cycleways in Paris and the fact that very few cyclists wear helmets, despite being surrounded by motorists jockeying for space, makes for some terrifyingly close calls.

All of this contributes to the culture, and, for me, being reacquainted with the best art in the world adds greatly to that, in addition to daily observations and interactions.

In fact, it’s the stuff of dreams, my dreams, and I’m grateful.

So, grab that chance to travel, and see what the rest of the world has been doing during these periods of isolation. It’s been moving on, and it’s time to catch up. Little wonder travel agencies are reporting that they’re busier than ever!

It doesn’t have to be a long trip to be a trip of a lifetime.

It can challenge, it can change, and whether it’s Paris or the Gold Coast, a getaway within our own borders, or somewhere much further, if you get the chance, take it.