Why do you travel so much?

September 27, 2016
why-travel-so-much

The wonder of an old house on the Douro River in Portugal.

Why do you travel so much?

It’s a question I hear often, because we are on the road constantly, always planning something new, whether it’s hiking in Scotland, seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland or enjoying the beauty of Rome. Even a visit to our hometown is an exciting prospect.

Why travel so much?

A good answer to the question eluded me, until I read this poem, which says it all:

Let each place where you stand
     tell what it knows of you.
Let differences draw you.
Let the soil whisper
     to your feet as you pass.
Let the want of a place to rest
     without bed
     without home
     without country,
elevate you to the level
     of kin to all.
Let the kindness of strangers
     feed your hunger
and shady grass beckon you
to lie down, be calmed
giver over unrest.
Let each person you meet
ask something new of you.
With all that you see
let wonder flow over you
     like mountain rain
     to wash you clean
wash the dust of the road
     from your feet.
   ~Maureen Thomas Flannery

“Let wonder flow over you” –the world is full of it!

And that, my friends, is why we travel so much.

 

 

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21 comments on “Why do you travel so much?
  1. My husband loves it, and I share his interest.
    Janice

  2. Robin herman says:

    Thanks to your example I am doing much more of it. So much wonder and awe to experience. Next stop: Santa Fe!

  3. Love the poem. I have just recently started travelling short trips i agree with you once you are hooked there is not turning back

  4. I love to travel even though I’ve had to take a break for awhile. I never get tired of it.

  5. Haralee says:

    That is a lovely poem and it does explain the thrill and pleasure of traveling. I do get vicarious thrills of reading about travels so please keep up your sharing!

  6. Hi Carol! I completely agree. Actually, I think anyone who would even ask that question will probably never “get” it. Maybe that’s why one of my favorite travel quotes is: “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine Where’s your next adventure? ~Kathy

  7. Hi Carol! I completely agree. Actually, I think anyone who would even ask that question will probably never “get” it. Maybe that’s why one of my favorite travel quotes is: “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine Where’s your next adventure? ~Kathy

  8. Beautiful poem. Thanks for sharing.

  9. steven says:

    My wife and I love to travel. We try to take a couple trips every couple months if possible. It’s always great to take in the new sites!

  10. Shirley says:

    I love to travel very much. I think travelling is the best stress buster. You will feel energetic and fresh after vacations or travelling.

  11. sue says:

    Perfectly said Carol. My husband and I love travelling, exploring places and meeting new people, experiencing new cultures. Travel educates us and makes us more tolerant and open to others.

  12. Amber Myers says:

    I love this! I wish I could travel more but I don’t have the funds. Maybe one day!

  13. liv says:

    I can’t imagine asking anyone that question. Why DON’T you travel is more like a question I would ask. I think your life is amazing!

  14. This poem is so wonderful! It makes me want to pack a bag and go wherever I end up, right this second. Thanks for sharing!

  15. Elizabeth O. says:

    That’s beautifully said. I used to travel a lot for work but it’s so much better when you travel just to get to know a place. You’ll find out more about yourself and your partner when he’s with you during the trip. Aside from the things that you’ll learn about the place, there’s nothing better than discovering things about yourself you didn’t even know existed.

  16. I travel because I still can. It is one of the great pleasures in our lives that gives back over and over. Why would I not? is the question I would ask.

    thank you Carol.

  17. Laura says:

    Because it makes me excited! Mind you after nearly 2 years overseas and 20 countries visited, I am slightly travel weary!! Home stretch!!

  18. That is a beautiful poem! I am going to print it off and post it on my bedroom wall! #poemjunkie!

  19. Fatima says:

    I’ve always wondered the same about the some of my friends who often travel. I have to agree with you, every place has something to tell, and there’s nothing in this world that doesn’t have a story behind it

  20. Erlene says:

    If I could, I would totally travel all over the place. It’s so interesting to see different places and meet new people.

  21. DT says:

    Such a beautiful poem.. 🙂

    I love to travel, and can connect so much with the words.
    Travel = happiness.

    — DT | Here I Scribble

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