This is what freedom looks like.
There’s no pretty way to say this, so I will come right out and say it.
Basically, I ditched my entire family to have four hours of solo travel.
My mood instantly lifted the moment I stepped foot at Sakurajima Ferry Terminal. I saw this shop offering ash ice cream and immediately bought it, ¥600 be darned! It’s something distinctive of this island, so I must consume it!
Had I planned things to do during this four-hour reprieve, I might not have stopped in front of these primary school students. But since I had nothing planned, my sensei’s heart compelled me to step forward to be one of their interviewees. These fifth and sixth graders came prepared with a key message in mind. Together, they chorused that about 3000 people live in Sakurajima and that they are used to this volcano erupting ever so often. Well done, kids!
They appeared shocked when I shared that my current P5 class has 35 students. Apparently, their school has 48 students in all. Okay, I received interesting information in return.
Now, I am at this random (free) foot bath that showcases a grand view of the volcano because the kids recommended me to come here. That’s what I love about travelling: to interact (even briefly) with the locals and experience this world brimming with possibilities as they would. To shed my Singapore skin soaked with the stench of shopping malls and congested streets. To admire the vast sky and shimmering sea in return.
But that’s not what I love most about travelling. I love how travelling is a blank slate, where I can do anything and go anywhere to my heart’s content, not having to be accountable to anyone, my eyes and ears peeled for the possibility of adventure.
So at peace I am that I’m not bothered about how time ticks relentlessly and how I ought to take the return ferry in an hour’s time. I am where I am now, and my heart is full.
Congrats on stealing away! My favorite day of the last trip was my "day off" where I didn't have to do anything from the official agenda. On that day I got up early for breakfast buffet, went on an awesome hike, drew, and made music. On future trips I'll push for every third day off rather than one out of fourteen. It's awesome visiting new places but running around to take pictures and ride on bus tours can sometimes be more draining than relaxing.
I’m glad to help you remember those fond memories from your day off! I think it’s great that you immersed yourself in the creative mode and made music - we all need some time to listen to our inner voices rather than rush about all the time
It's difficult to decide which option is best, as traveling alone fills you with peace and tranquility. Traveling with friends or family also nourishes your soul and provides you with other fascinating experiences. Whether alone or with company, the most important thing is to travel and discover new realities and new horizons.
You sum up the benefits of both sides of the coin very well! I agree that there is a time for everything
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Me gusta viajar al acompañado de mi esposo, es buen conversador y como a mí le gusta caminar, siempre paseamos juntos, no es el tipo de persona que te aburre, tenemos gustos en común y otros no tanto pero hemos aprendido a compartir, no nos exigimos, somos empáticos uno con el otro, A mí no me gusta el pavo pero a el si así que no niego cocinarlo y comerlo juntos, a mí me encantan las patas de cerdo y res el no tanto pero la hemos comido juntos... Podría decir mucho ...pero tener con quien compartir la libertad de un paseo en compañía de sus seres queridos es un privilegio.
It’s really great that you share this common interest with your husband. I think being married to my wife has rubbed off on me as well. I never used to care so much about food, but these days, I find myself thinking about what local snacks and delicacies I can buy for her as souvenirs haha