In the inadequately translated words of a famous Arabic proverb: “The light falls only on the stranger”. How true. These words have been increasingly on my mind of late, as we venture along our travels through Vietnam.
I had no goals, expectations or preconceptions ahead of our journey. My mind was open. It grows more open by the day. What I did know, and what is becoming increasingly apparent with each passing day is that we are doing the right thing in embarking on this adventure. Like so many others, I was treading water. Or to steal a few thoughts from the profound Joseph Campbell, I was spinning aimlessly on the wheel of life, as opposed to hopping off and spinning the wheel with my own hands.
Motion enriches my soul. I see things that may have previously been lost with the mundaneness of routine. The smells seem to engage all my senses at the same time. Not only do I listen more attentively, I can actually hear. These are the gifts that travel provides.
Some people find comfort in establishing roots in one place. Frankly, this makes me miserable. There are roughly seven billion people on this planet across circa 200 countries (give or take). It is my intention to see as much as possible.
This is just the beginning.
--Alain
What a great start, can't wait to see what and where you two will go next. From my armchair it all looks so Shangri-la esque, wonderful. Please give my regards to Ronald Colman if you bump into to him.
Posted by: paul moore | 09/20/2012 at 07:19 AM