I've Been Absent

I know – I’ve been absent.  And it’s not because I haven’t been traveling.  Since last we spoke, I’ve been to Dubai/Abu Dhabi (UAE), Oman (Muscat), Panama City (Panama), Bangkok and Phuket (Thailand), Singapore and of course, one of my favorite destinations, Riviera Maya (Mexico).  And a quick glance at my blog made me realize that I didn’t even take the time to tell post any pictures!  GEEZ.....

Go ahead and ask, I certainly have: "What’s going on Angie"?!  Well, I put some serious thought into it and *bling* the light bulb went on.  It’s not that I’ve lost my lust for travel, but I’ve lost my LOVE for travel. 

 It’s true.  No longer was I spending hours researching new destinations and adding to my “I Wanna Go” list.  No longer was I reading and learning all about my next destination – the people, the culture, the best beach.  I was just buying flights, showing up and hoping that it went well.  How and When and did this happen?

I had to take a step back, re-evaluate and ask myself the basic question: “Why do you travel?”  The first thing that came to my mind:  To say I’ve been.  #recordscratch

No, No, No….this cannot be.   It’s not possible.  I am a traveler.  I travel to learn.  To explore.   To adventure.  To meet new people in new places.  I do not travel for the passport stamp!

I had to take some time off.  I had to remind myself that this is not a competition, but a journey.  To remember that it doesn’t matter that I have not had pages added to my passport; but that I have walked on the shores of uninhabited islands.  That despite my fear of heights, I have been to the top of the world’s tallest man-made structure and taken a ride aboard the world’s largest observation wheel.  That I have spent days laying on the shores of pristine beaches with friends and family.  That I have cultivated a Just Go attitude in those around me and set an example for those watching.  That is what matters. 

I don’t know how long it will take me to get back to the LOVE of travel, but that’s my next trip. 

In the meantime, let me hear all about the wonderful travels you have planned.  Let me see pictures of your recent Spring Break adventure.  Or the honeymoon it took you weeks (months) to plan.  Or the solo experience you didn’t think you would survive.  Or tell me all about your recent staycation where you explored your home town and found a cute little neighborhood.

Where ever you have been.  Whatever you have done.  Share it with me!

Happy Traveling Friends~