In the past five years, I have done a lot of traveling. More than most people. My travel, however, has been mostly for business meetings or for conferences; it has been about five years since I last took a real vacation.
Five years.
That’s five years of traveling with suits and shirts in my suitcase, not shorts. Five years of walking cities on my own during my sporadic free time between meetings. Five years of being happy that I’ve been able to explore the world, but still feeling a little constrained in my exploration.
Today, I leave for Barcelona on a much-needed vacation. A vacation where I travel with very special friends and spend time with people I love in places I want to explore. With no obligations, no schedules, no ties and suit jackets in my luggage.
While I’m gone, I’m going to be away from my computer and instead will focus on interacting with the people that are there with me. I won’t be checking email, or updating Twitter, Squandrous, or even I Tell Stories.
I would say that I’m going to be disconnected, but the opposite is in fact true. I’m going to be more connected than ever to the people and places around me. I’m looking forward to that.
I’m sure I’ll have many stories to share upon my return.
(Photo of Casa Batlló by Erik.)
Connected, yes.
See you so very soon!
I am so excited to see you! Have an amazing time in Barcelona, and enjoy the holiday :)
have fun!! (and thanks for your Doc thoughts)
Sounds incredible… the delayed gratification of your trip will make it that much more memorable. Happy trails.
How exciting! Though I wish you had chosen to French Alps as your holiday destination… maybe next time… but let’s hope you don’t wait for another 5 years for a holiday?! Looking forward to reading your thoughts when you get back… Enjoy! Love.
Have a great, much-deserved, digital-free vacation!
I expect many a story to come :)
Have fun!
Pushing thru the market square, so many mothers sighing
News had just come over, we had five years left to cry in
News guy wept and told us, earth was really dying
Cried so much his face was wet, then I knew he was not lying
I heard telephones, opera house, favourite melodies
I saw boys, toys electric irons and t.v.s
My brain hurt like a warehouse, it had no room to spare
I had to cram so many things to store everything in there
And all the fat-skinny people, and all the tall-short people
And all the nobody people, and all the somebody people
I never thought Id need so many people
You deserve it, Sameer! I wish you every joy on your vacation.
Kia ora e Sameer!
Enjoy the fun of it all! Pick the strawberries and chase the butterflies, for that is what life is about.
Rangimarie!
Thanks so much everyone! I had the most amazing time with great friends and people I love. More stories to come!