We are all travelers, moving through time and space, filling our lives with memories and experiences. I have learned a lot about travel and especially how to enjoy it. And I don’t mean enjoying it through fancy hotels, high priced meals, or exclusive experiences. Although those don’t hurt, what I have really learned is that the true joy of travel is learning about new places. That means not going to a Hard Rock for a cheese burger in London, but going to a pub in Edinburgh and ordering the Haggis. The true joy of travel – for me – is learning new things about the people, the culture, the history, and yes the food (or drinks) of the place. This does not mean that we don’t return to places we have been several times before, it just means we should try to find something new to experience. It is great to go to the places we are familiar with and relive those experiences, but it is also wonderful to try something new.
Case in point – on one of our trips to London we were looking for something to do. A quick search of “what’s happening in London” showed it was restaurant week. And that there was a small event with space available. It was a tour of a tea company, a short class on tea and tasting, as well as a tour of their small collection of “tea related items”. I can still recall the response of – sure why not? The tea was truly amazing and the class was fantastic, but it was the museum that stole the show. They had tea related artifacts going back hundreds of years as well as some of the most expensive tea services in the world. Oh… and our visit for the group was exclusive because they rarely let people into the museum itself. And amazingly we did not pay a fortune to go, we simply signed up for it. My point being that we should strive for adventure when we travel. And while it has taken me years to comfortable with venturing out on my own, now I cannot wait for my next adventure.
Recently I had the opportunity to return to Jerusalem for a visit with family. That was the primary purpose and so there was limited sight seeing. However, when my nephew asked if I wanted to get a bite to eat in the shuk (market) I said “sure why not”. The taxi took a little longer because there happened to be a peaceful protest going on in the area. But we managed to find each other in a crowded space teaming with people of all ages. We found a pizza shop – not much more than a stall – and then on the way back to the car a small bar serving their own IPA’s. Both were really good and mostly we just enjoyed walking through the shuk, talking, and enjoying each others’ company. On Sunday one of my other nephews drove me to Ha’ar Ha Zaisim – the Mount of Olives. It is a massive cemetery on the hillside overlooking Jerusalem and the Old City. We went so I could pay my respects to my Father (may he rest in peace) and say a few prayers.
He then dropped me off at the Kosel – Western Wall – in the Old City. Once again I said a few prayers as is the custom since this is the sight of the Temple Mount. This is considered to be one of the holiest places in the world by Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The wall is from the Second Temple which is more than 2000 years old and the city itself is even older than that. Walking down some of these streets are that old can be hard to remember at times. I spent some time taking in the serenity of the area and reflecting on… well… on life. Then I started to wander through the shuk. The same as the previous night except during the day all of the stores/stalls are now open to sell various items to the tourists and locals alike. Aside from teas, spices, and other fresh or dried fruits you can also buy jewelry, artwork, scarves or shawls, and all kinds of other household items. Some are made for the tourists – yes they sell t-shirts – but if you look you can truly find the diamond in the rough.
While speaking with my wife during the day I told her that I felt like a true “wanderer”. I had visited the Kosel and then I was doing just that – wandering. On the way back to my Mother’s house I got a little lost with the bus – it can be daunting if you don’t speak the language. And I ended up walking around for quite a bit before I was able to get some help and find my way home. This is not the first time I have spent time wandering aimlessly – Paris and Florence previously – and I look forward to doing it again. It is especially enjoyable when you get a chance to get lost and really see the city for what it is. Just a city with regular people going about their daily lives. Which brings me back to my original point. That the true joy of travel is to get out, to see the sights, but also to experience the place. To experience the people, the culture, food, and the history. Be prepared for your journey, for your adventure. But also be prepared to let yourself wander and hopefully have your eyes opened to what the rest of the world has to offer.
David E Gordon Author 