travel

Walking back to my hotel on my first night in Oslo this evening, reminded me how much I love to travel. Thanks to my full time job, it's been a while since I took off for more than a few weeks holiday, but even a few days away in the UK or Europe can make a massive difference. And the travel itself doesn't have to take hours, after all it took less time for Welsh boy and I to get to Paris a couple of weeks ago, than it would have taken me to get back to my parent's place from London! 


I'd never been to Norway before today and I love exploring somewhere new, I love the sights and sounds as you walk around the streets, I love trying to decipher the menu and tasting new dishes. There's something fascinating about seeing how other people live their lives and the many and varied ways in which they choose to do so. There's a real freedom in that, as much as the freedom I get from just being somewhere different. I remember when I was on holiday in Barcelona with a friend a few years ago not long after Uni and we both loved it there, loved the city, the nightlife, the sunshine and there was a moment after a sangria or two I'm sure, where we were joking about just not going home, when it occurred to me that I could actually do just that. Sure there would be the small matter of learning Spanish and finding a job to contend with, but it's all do-able and that's really the point about travel. It makes you feel like anything's possible.


I'm away for business over the next few days which makes me feel like I should be wearing a suit (I'm not) and that I've suddenly grown up (I haven't). Although I have discovered that asking for a table for one is quite a depressing experience and if I'm honest, it's quite boring eating dinner in a restaurant by yourself, no matter how great the view (right by the harbour) or the dish (red mullet).


On the plane this morning I was trying to work out how many countries I've visited and was surprised to realise I'm now up to twenty. However my hit list of places I'm yet to visit easily doubles that so at least I've got something to aim for. Travel is a real privilege and I've been reminded today just how lucky I am to get paid to do so. I don't fly home until Friday evening and am already looking forward to spending time with Welsh boy and one of my best friends. After all, that's the best thing about travel, no matter how great your time away, it always makes you appreciate being home that little bit more when you return.