You are what you love…

I love

…going out of my way, beyond what I know, and finding my way back by another trail, with a compass that argues with the map.

…losing myself: a delightful surrender, lost to the world, completely absorbed by the present. It’s like with those wild animals: when I don’t hold it too tightly, it doesn’t thrash against me so wildly. And this helps me be fully present and enjoy each moment.

…days wandering on unknown streets feeling lost though I know where I am. Nights in remote towns, checking the map at the bed lamp. Sunrises seen from the airplane thinking about that full day of wandering I have ahead. Sunsets with a cup of wine and a map. …going places where I don’t know anybody, don’t know my way around and don’t have any delusions that I’m in control. Disoriented, even frightened, I feel alive, awake in ways I never am at home.

…new beginnings every day. Finding life experiences and swallow them whole. Taking the road less traveled, go down some dead ends and explore the world beyond the comfort zone. Learning about other cultures, tasting traditional food from every corner of the world.

…moments when my eyes are in tears, my heart sighs with amazement and joy, my mind is deliriously happy and grateful and I found myself saying “I have never seen such a beautiful place before”. Though this is something I keep on saying with every single journey.

…times when some architectural details or simple vistas leave me breathless and make me be grateful for the wonderful world we all live in and for the chance I’ve been given to see them with my all eyes.

…coming back home and realizing I’m not the same. The constant flow of new experiences and challenges shapes me. It forces me to learn not just about the world, but also about myself.