Saturday 30 May 2015

A Thousand Words

Years ago, when I was on holiday in Mexico, I saw a large sign that read; "We believe in world peace through tourism."  It struck me then what a great thought that was, and to this day, I still think that exploring different cultures is the best way to truly fall in love with the world we live in.  While a picture may be worth a thousand words, there is no substitute for standing in a spot, and getting the full sensory experience of it.  As a writer, those moments for me, are priceless.

I've just returned from one of my favorite holiday spots, Cuba.  Yes, the beach was awesome, and ok, I had my share of Mojitos, but what I love most about Cuba is that it always sweeps me away, not just to another place, but almost to another time.  The beautiful old buildings, and the streets filled with old cars, are just part of the charm.  The rustic towns, farm fields, and mountainous regions sprinkled with towering royal palms, pulse with the lifeblood of what is real and unaffected.  To a city dweller like myself, its a breath of fresh air.



What I love most about travelling, in general, is how much scope there is for the imagination.  Wherever I go, inevitably I find a nook, or a vista, that sets my mind racing.  Inspiration can sometimes even come from something as small as an item forgotten on a chair or a table.  Who lost it?  Why were they in such a hurry to leave?  A multitude of ideas can come from just about anything, and the best way to find new treasures is to visit places you've never seen before.