Postcard 4: Mom

You have probably been anxious to receive some news from me. I know it has been a while since my last sign of life. What can I say, time flies when you’re having fun. About two weeks ago I made it to Palermo on Sicily on my Vespa (after a horrific overnight ferry from Sardinia) and I absolutely love it here. Not only is the landscape stunning (envision the impressive Monte Pellegrino amidst a high mountain range running along the back of the city) and the food delicious (you can wake me any time for the wonderful local seafood dishes): especially the life style of these Italians has captured my heart. It all comes down to the fact that people here are basically living for the moment. The energy that comes from this is enthralling and inspiring.

For example, walking the streets of Palermo is a true adventure, let alone driving around on a Vespa. On market days, you’ll notice a lot of hustling on the streets, all kinds of vendors, men and women, selling the most trivial products you can imagine. The noise and smell are enhanced by the many scooters that find their way winding past the many stalls. The first time I drove on my Vespa through this commotion I felt the adrenaline pumping through my body. Since then I have adapted to the Italian driving style. You would be amazed by seeing me move around like a local.

On the one hand I love the fast pace which people expect you to adapt to on the street; on the other hand I relax when the temperature forces me and the rest of the city to lay low. Then the harbour lies quiet, taking a break from the usual activity and preparing for the next to come. I simply enjoy this circle of liveliness to a close to spiritual nothingness and back.

Mom, I had planned to stay here for just a week. The Italian way of ‘living for the moment’ has kept me from moving on. We shall see what the future brings when you receive my next letter.

Postcard 3: My quest

You may wonder what has happened to me since we last saw each other. As you know, the seagulls were spreading rumours: “Yes, she would come back to visit us down here at the Aquarium on Curaçao.” However, after having waited for several years in vain, impatience and curiosity surfaced. “Why don’t I give fate a helping hand?!”, I thought. At the next opportunity I broke free and swam southwards, past the harbour of Williamstown, leaving the beautiful old facades at the waterside in Punda on my left, the Otrobanda on my right.

How could I have known that actual ostriches inhabit the island of Curaçao? These animals are not innate, but flourish well in the Antillean climate. Will I be able to flourish in the big ocean in the long run? Believe me, it was worth while to escape from the Sea Aquarium, for now I can really experience life and explore the world. As for my mission, I enjoy following the immense cruise ships, diving and playing in their bow wave and hoping to steal a glimpse of her.

Postcard 2: One brave woman!

Not long ago I read this really interesting true story of a woman, Karen, who had decided to quit her job, pack her backpack and travel to an exotic far-away place. Being away from home she conquered several of her intrinsic fears and learned to accept that unexplored land goes hand in hand with new unconquered fears. Does this not inspire you, make you wonder what happened during her trip or at least admire the lady for her enormous courage?

First of all, how many of us are bold enough to step out of our safe lives and exchange security for uncertainty? This lady, at thirty years old, feared that she would regret it for the rest of her life if she would not take action now; before it was too late. Even if I’d be horrified at the thought of doing something similar, I’d have to admit that having her nerves sounds appealing.

For example, I was amazed when I read that Karen got as far as walking over hot coals during a Chinese Buddhist ritual. Can you imagine yourself doing this? Although ten horses could not make me do something this risky, I admire her for her bravery.

When it comes to her fears, Karen was placed into situations and places where she had to deal with them. Wading in water, while being afraid of the ocean required some strength. Can I compare this to my personal fear to be bitten by a poisonous snake or spider? It seems easier to read about Karen’s fears and admire her way to handle them, than to confront my own fears.

How different we all are. Though I am not a party animal, I have no social fears, mainly positive curiosity towards people that have a different life style and culture than me. Karen however felt insecure in how she would socialize with the people she would meet out there. “Won’t I give offence, be misunderstood and doomed to be alone”, she wondered. Yet, she took off and faced her fears. The result was a wide circle of new friends and acquaintances she met while travelling. Good for her!

Karen realizes that fears will always be around and are part of life. Once again, I admire a person with that insightfulness.

Postcard 1: Make the Most of Travel Writing

You and I, we have our own personal drives to leave our ordinary lives behind us and travel somewhere. Do we wish to escape our daily routine and find a thrill in exploring new places and meeting new people? That may be possible. One way or another, we will want to share our experiences and emotions with others. Naturally you could do this through writing. If you are seriously thinking of becoming a travel writer let me recommend an article by Mark Mardon to you: “In Search of Elusive Metaphors: The Precise Art of Travel Writing”. You will be pleasantly surprised by what you gain from following his advice.

To Mark Mardon it all comes down to being able to reveal emotions and behaviours. You yourself must agree that it is generally more interesting to read about certain startling incidents or encounters, than monotonous details that are tedious and unexciting. People, readers included, appreciate amusement above dullness. Undoubtedly you have a lot to share during or after your trip, but be selective in recreating the atmosphere and highlighting an event. Mark Mardon will convince you that your unique thoughts over an apparently common happening can then fascinate your readers too.

Can you see what I am pointing at? Even incidents that seem dull can become vivid when you, as the travel writer, add an unexpected thought or point of view to it. Do however keep in mind that you stay honest, not only for the reader but also for your own sake. Did you not partially start this adventure of travel writing, because you needed an outlet of your own experiences, emotions and thoughts? How estranging it would be if the descriptions and thoughts of your encounters in your article would not correspond with your own inner truth.

Following on this argument, Mardon rightfully warns the travel writer to be sincere. Readers will notice insincerity and lose respect for the travel writer.

All in all, there is a lot to win from reading Mardon’s article and taking his advice seriously. It will help you see the advantage in selecting the occasions you want to share with your readers and simultaneously make your articles a pleasant reading pastime.