What travelling taught me
Well, that was a most amazing holiday, a bit tough in places but so amazing and although I am a bit physically tired, I also feel mentally refreshed and ready to tackle my inbox.
They say travel broadens the mind but I have also found, especially on this trip as it was very basic in places, that it has made me really appreciate what I have and what I so take for granted every day. Having clean, safe drinking water from a nearby tap, hot water (we went a whole week without it and the only water we had to shower with was straight from the river), and living in a country where medical treatment is always nearby. I spotted a snake in the jungle and our guide promptly moved us off. It was so poisonous that if one of us had got bitten we would have been ‘no more’ within 8-10 hrs. There was no antidote at the lodge and the nearest town was a 7hr river ride away! I so appreciate my health at my age and the fact that I am fit enough to travel, hike, swim and have fun. Oh, nearly forgot – a good cup of tea too!
I really missed my family but modern technology is so amazing. In most places I could keep in touch with email, Facebook, Twitter, text and I even got a surprise voice message through Facebook from one of my wee granddaughters saying how much she liked my photos!
It was heaven not having any TV or newspapers, and not having to talk all day (which I often do at work) was a treat. Being with other people 24/7 for 3 weeks was quite tough at times: I didn’t realise how much I relish and need a bit of solitude.
It also made me see how much of my time I spend on my appearance. We were so busy that we were up and out, just a quick wash, no make-up or sorting the hair (it didn’t get washed for days and I am still here!), ironing clothes or taking ages in front of the mirror getting myself just right to face the world.
So my new resolutions for the next few months are to appreciate daily all the things that I do have and the amazing people in my life and to waste less time on things that are of no importance in the grand scheme of things – dusting and hoovering, for example, spring to mind straight away!
