Travelers have a penchant for exploring new places. With wings on their feet and great colorful imagination, they can be like Peter Pan discovering and wandering off on an adventure.
Being in a comfort zone, one can get frozen into a catatonic state by constant routine and repetition. One yearns for a distant world — a different dimension and time zone.
The traditional grand tour of the continent was once a luxury — a “coming of age” milestone for young gentlemen and ladies of breeding. That was during the elegant era of high style gracious living. Times have changed radically.
Those with adventurous spirits can seek new horizons in diverse ways. The TGV or AVE trains or the Orient Express. A rustic boat ride on a river, a cruise, a trek through the icy landscape to see the aurora borealis. To see ancient Inca ruins, or go on a safari, or laze on a beach. The trip can be deluxe or basic, no-frills.
The bucket list is long. There is not enough time to see and do everything.
Beyond the comfort zone, one is free. The pleasure of travel and its satisfaction level are relative. It is easy to adjust to traveling light and rugged — with the right attitude. One leaves the emotional burdens and extra baggage behind.
Frequent travelers often become nonchalant. The world jet setter says, “been there, done that.” In the frenzy to catch planes and cross time zones, they miss the chance to savor the essence of a place.
In contrast, the occasional traveler always feels the thrill of anticipation and novelty.
After a long stifling, sultry, sizzling summer, one yearns for escape. For a real or imaginary vacation.
A nostalgic sojourn to the old world is a refreshing release. It is like stepping back in time — to rekindle old friendships with long lost colleagues in places of our happy innocent youth. After life-altering experiences, the transformations are both internal and external. The warm bonding makes a reunion very special.
Retracing one’s steps to the past is like strolling along a trail of jigsaw puzzle pieces of memories.
The journey could focus on nature, culture and cuisine, healing and wellness, spiritual nourishment.
After a long winding drive, one can stroll through a medieval Alpine town by the lake. On a rainy day, it is almost wintry cold. The silver-gray sky has cumulus and nimbus clouds with scattered showers. The chateau on the hill is dramatic — stark charcoal etched with carbon lines. The French windows overlook the quaint town with a clear river that rushes to the lake. Small bridges cross the river and the cobbled stone streets. Spring flowers are blooming on window ledges, gardens, and the park. There are sculptures, a bronze astronomical-astrological clock, weeping willows, and diverse types of pine trees.
One can smell the mélange of fragrances of wood and flowers. The swans and ducks glide on the rippling water. Some sailboats float on the edge of the lake. Old bicycles are tied to the lamp posts.
On a sunny day, one enters a painting-perfect landscape of snow-capped mountains and a shimmering lake. The sky is powder blue with streaks of silver and white. The evergreens are clustered along fields of colorful blossoms and shrubs. Horses, sheep and cows graze on the rolling hills and aromatic pastures.
The pure air invigorates the body and clears the mind of toxins and clutter. Quiet tranquility for the soul.
Sunrise on the mountains is a soft subdued pastel painting of pale-yellow sun, lavender, pink, cornflower blue sky and dappled clouds.
The weather is fickle as the temperature drops suddenly to a wintry chill with drizzles and fog. The mountain mist slowly covers the landscape in a smoky veil.
One explores magnificent castles, Gothic and Baroque cathedrals. There are hidden treasures such as vast gardens hidden behind the high walls of private mansions. There are blooming cacti flowers, orchards of bursting ripe fruit trees, family-owned vineyards, sweet roses on vines, and lilac wisteria on trellises.
After a brief downpour, a magical rainbow appears.
Immersed in a time bubble with the iridescent colors and luminous light, the spirit finds nourishment and divine inspiration..
Maria Victoria Rufino is an artist, writer and businesswoman. She is president and executive producer of Maverick Productions.
Beyond the comfort zone
Philippines Pandemic
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