Tuesday, August 30, 2022

FIND YOUR BUCKET LIST MY FELLOW WEARY VAGABOND

“The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun.” - Christopher McCandless

That statement defines the beauty of travel. The things we have discovered lost on a winding road or riding on a train or walking an unknown trail still hold strong in our heads and hearts.

Here we are two days from Labor Day 2022. I must apologize for being such a slacker. But, as they say, stuff does, indeed happen. My last post was on December 25, 2021, celebrating the second most important day of Christendom. Most people consider it the most important because you reconnect with family, friends, and people you may not have seen in a long time. Throw in the insanity of COVID and it makes it even more meaningful for travelers and those that just stay home So, as we are finally coming out from the COVID stoppage of living our lives, it is time to look to the future. 

Do you have your Bucket List? Do you even know where it is? Do you still remember all those things that you told yourself you were going to do before you die? Find it, clean it off and update it. Now Bucket Lists tend to be extraordinarily private. You may have things on yours that you really don't want anyone else to see. Additionally, most people that have Bucket Lists have many Travel desires listed. 

There are places you want to see. There are always things you want to enjoy with the ones you love. One of the most amazing trips we have ever had was a week in Barcelona with my son, his wife, and my daughter. Sagrada Familia, Dali's home, the amazing architecture, ancient and modern, the art of Picasso, the father of Cubism, and some of the most amazing food on the planet. And all of this was enjoyed with those people that mean the most in my life. There are places you have always wanted to visit, experience, sleep and eat in. Your "Updated" Bucket List should embody the desires of your life for yourself and the people you love. So - ATTENTION! - write, reserve, and go. 

For the next few posts, I am going to write about various travel experiences including Spain, Italy, and maybe even a little Daytona Beach. The posts will cover the places, the hotels, the AIRBNBs,, the food, and the joys of travel with the people I love. Here is an oh-so-profound quote from one of America's greatest writers

“I have found out there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them.”

I have traveled a lot over the years with my one and only best friend, lover of life, beautiful vagabond, and lover of all things romantic - my wife. There is nowhere she will not go. There is nothing she will not try and she learns things that go deep into her life view when she experiences the cultures of people that are different from hers. I have also traveled far and wide with my kids. It is my firm belief that travel has enhanced their lives immensely. Travel can change you in more ways than you could ever imagine.

And, BTW - Summer is ending. That means that you can travel in September and October to many places, particularly in Europe, that will be less crowded and much less expensive. So, start ticking off that lifetime list of things you have always wanted you and yours to enjoy. Of course, you can search this blog for many recommendations on places to stay, eat and visit.

If you have never been to Europe, then, the first place to visit must be Italy. The land, the architecture, the food, and the people. The culture of this small but amazing country can be life-changing. When you see the buildings and experience the culture of the cradle of Western Civilization, you will be amazed and mesmerized at the same time. Our memories of visiting Italy have never left us. We are currently planning a trip for 2023. 

So, get off that couch, take that relaxing 9-hour flight - LOL!! and see places that will enlighten your mind, heart, and soul.

Next up - My meanderings about Spain and maybe some Daytona Beach.

And just to show I'm still on the move, check out a very cool tune by the great Lyle Lovett entitled PANTS IS OVER RATED from his new album 12th of June.


When in doubt - Just Go!

Thanks

DL Stafford
thenomadarchitect