I travel not to go anywhere, but to go. I travel for travel’s sake. The great affair is to move. So said Robert Louis Stevenson light years ago and methinks the man has a point. I like to drive. My hand is first up when volunteers are sought to drive from A to B. I have fond memories of driving over 300 miles to play 36 holes of golf while living in Valdez, Alaska. When I’m in Ireland and have access to a car, I’d happily spend the time chauffeuring just about anyone. No reason necessary. I had high ambitions as a teen to be a long-distance trucker and crossing the States on Route 66 is on my bucket list.
I like to travel by train. I can get up, move around, choose whether or not to engage in conversation. Looking out the window is like watching a giant movie screen – no better example of life imitating art. I like to travel by plane, too, and would like it even more if it wasn’t for the baggage-related angst and the heightened sense of loneliness that occasionally hits when it seems that everyone else is being met off the plane but me.
I wonder though, if the best bit about travel is coming home. Putting my key in the front door. Dumping my bags. Hoping the fridge fairy has been to stock up. Checking on my girls and being glad that they’re all still alive. Making a cuppa. And looking forward to getting between the sheets of my bed.
This week, as so many people the world over face another night on a cardboard mattress wondering when and if they’ll see another cup of coffee, I give silent and fervent thanks for having some place to come home to. I realise that home is a state of mind and that part of me still qualifies Ireland as ‘home home’… yet this is serious: I’m actually thinking of a Hungarian Christmas tree this year (and it’s only May!)
(Note: to read the concept behind the Grateful Series – check out Grateful 52)
9 Responses
Sorry, what do you mean by “I’m actually thinking of a Hungarian Christmas tree this year”? I didn’t really understand that part..
I have yet to put up a Christmas tree in Hungary – partly because I’ve never been here for Christmas and partly because it seemed like too much trouble. This year it’s different and for the first time, I’m actually thinking of unpacking my ornaments and decorating a tree – regardless of whether or not I’ll be here on the day itself.
Mary Murphy http://www.stolenchild66.wordpress.com
That’s a big move alright Murph, congrats.I’ve been here nearly 17yrs & have only done the tree thing for the last 4 (the boys got wise to it) but it still feels not quite right…might be the sweating in Santa hats & 35+ degree heat… Thanks for reminding me to be grateful for my bed & a roof over it – home, but not home home. Hope alls well in your world, Bid x
Sweet mother of Divine Jesus Biddy – 17 years? It seems like only yesterday we were thinking of driving to Cork for breakfast! Glad to see the ‘home home’ resonates
You’re not wrong Mary, sure we were only babbies!
You hit many nails on the head with this blog. And yes do have your Hungarian Christmas tree this year, even if you`re not home on the day. Maybe you could get yourself a small crib too!!!!
You have hit many nails on the head. Yes do have your Hungarian Christmas Tree, even if you`re not home on the day itself. Many be you could have yourself a small crib too!!
You hit many nails on the head with this blog. Yes, do put up your Hungarian Christmas Tree even if you are not in on the day. Maybe you could have a small crib too!!
The crib is a given, Steve…. it’s never seems as big a commitment as the tree….
Mary Murphy http://www.stolenchild66.wordpress.com