Where I’ve Gone
Last year very unexpectedly brought me to places I hadn’t even planned with. The last time I had ventured any place besides Malaysia was 2011 when I visited Thailand with a bunch of friends. I started off 2015 year in Penang, found myself travelling to the Philippines in May, then Germany and Switzerland October/November and then returned again to Penang in December.
One thing I like to do is to collect maps of the places I’m at. I love how this aids in retracing my steps from memory. They also remind me of where I’ve gone before.
Pursuing Wanderlust, Becoming Untethered
Wanderlust is not just about the places for me. It’s also about getting away, being untethered. When friends learnt I was going to travel alone in Europe for five weeks, they obviously were concerned about my safety. Beyond that, many asked if I wouldn’t feel lonely going off on my own for so long. Since I had anchors along the way (I met, visited and stayed with people except on my last leg), I wasn’t worried.
I returned home knowing that loneliness while travelling truly isn’t something I will ever worry about. I relish being away for some time. Discovering the world takes priority, whether I do it alone or with company. That for me is the epitome of Wanderlust and Fernweh — yearning to see places. It’s nestled in the depths of my soul and I won’t hesitate to seize the next opportunity that comes along. Lack of company aren’t factors that will hold me back and spontaneity is my friend.
On the Horizon, Maybe
This brings me to where I want to go next. As an avid reader, of course I want to visit places that books have taken me to. While I’m not a fan of road trip books, I love books that sweep me up into the distance. My Best Friend, Maybe by Caela Carter is a stellar example of that. I almost felt like I was walking along the streets of Greece reading that book and it made me want to visit Greece even more than I ever did before.
Besides Greece, I’ve definitely set my sights on Australia. I’ve been to Sydney but there’s so much more to see and experience on the continent down under. New Zealand’s a given. It’s a dream come true for any photographer. Also on my list: Tunisia, Marrakesh, Sicily and Prague.
Which places do you hear calling out to you?
Be sure to visit Georgie for her photos. If you’re participating, add your link below. Then go on and click the other links to view everyone’s contributions!
There are four places that have been calling me for quite some time – Greece, Italy, New York City and San Francisco. I have been to Greece once when I was 11, so over 13 years ago now, on a school trip where we visited Athens as part of a school project – it was amazing, I loved it, I want to return there and so many other beautiful places in Greece too. None of these destinations will be visited by me in the immediate future, and so for now I travel through books – one of the many joys of reading. I will visit them one day – but when my toddler is a tad older, and I renew my passport. Haha!
I loved following your travels last year through your Life Revel account. That’s another way to ‘solve’ wanderlust… Although the urge to travel is very strong whilst doing so.
The picture you’ve shared above is just beautiful – those blues! – and I like that you collect a map from each destination.
This reminds me I’ve got such a backlog of photos to edit. But I’ll have time this week, so I’ll be sure to post a few more on Life Revel this week :)
And yes! I love how books can tide us over until we get to visit these places in person.
I usually always go to Malaysia too (usually Sarawak :D ) and whilst the food there is AMAZING, I love going to other places as well, which is why it’s so great you went to so many places in the last year or so! I love this topic Wanderlust :)
Food is always a great reason to visit particular places! :D I’ve loved seeing everyone’s contributions to this weeks theme. It’s so much fun to see where everyone’s been, where they want to go or how books take them places.
I really want to visit Italy again! I’ve been to Australia & New Zealand but I barely remember the trips because I was only 8 or 9 years old at the time. Like you said, Greece sounds amazing and hopefully I’ll end up traveling there someday. (I guess I just really want to go back to Europe because it was an awesome experience.)
Ooh! I loved my time in Rome and definitely wanna go back and visit too! Which part of Italy have you been to?
I like collecting maps, too. :)
I definitely think you should make Australia a priority, before it burns or floods away. New Zealand would be amazing, too. I want to go there as well and to nearby Fiji, to track down the person I’m named after. My priority right now, though, is getting back to Europe. I need to practice my German speaking and listening skills! I also think visiting people is equally important to going somewhere new and exotic.
Yay! Maps are so much fun! :D
Australia first? But New Zealand’s more likely to go under sooner than Australia. If only sea levels weren’t rising =/ Now I’m really curious about the history of your name! Haha.
Whoa, did your comments change or am I imagining things? XD
Well, really they should be one big trip, if you’re already headed in that direction. :D I think we hear a lot more about Australia in the news here than about New Zealand. I also have personal experience with an Australian nature preserve I visited in 2000 no longer existing when I went back in 2004 due to forest fires.
My parents were in Fiji a couple years before I was born and met a woman named Maraia. They liked the name (as well as the woman) and asked if they could use it for a future child. Thus my unusual spelling. I’d love to meet her one day. I don’t know anything about her except her first name and the place she used to live, but I have a friend who did the Peace Corps in Fiji and met a woman named Maraia of about the right age in the same exact spot so it’s definitely possible she’s the same person!
Nope, not imagining things! Haha. Trying out this new commenting system and implemented a 5-minute window period for people to edit their comments. I always hate it when I can’t edit typos, so now the option’s here for everyone xD
Yeah, New Zealand would go under before Australia if it happens. On the other hand, forest fires really are the bane of the Asia-Pacific region, so there’s that.
And that’s so cool! My name has no history other than my dad liked the name and registered without telling my mum. She found out when she saw my name tag in the hospital or something. Lol.
Oh, I didn’t even notice that part, I’ll have to pay attention when I post this comment.
Hahahaha, that’s hilarious. Hopefully she wasn’t too disappointed. I guess she’s gotten used to it by now, either way. :D Did your parents not know if you would be a girl or a boy, or did they just decide not to plan ahead with a name? My parents had a girl and boy named picked out, and I am extremely grateful that I didn’t get stuck with the boy name. XD