The grass is a vibrant green. It looks as if it has been raining, and the lingering wetness has heightened the contrast of each hue, turning it electric. Surrounding hills roll, climbing high and plunging low along the winding roads. Cliffs collapse into deep valley's creating an overwhelming abyss of beauty. Humble farm houses, shaded by the canopies of massive low trees sprout across the hills. They are met by millions of white sheep which collect along the fence lines. Cows stand in clumps of black and white against the lime green grass.
The clouds are hanging heavy and low, but they crack every so slightly to reveal the brilliant blue sky. It contrasts beautifully against the black mountains and electric green landscape. The sea breeze is cool and comforting, it floats through the towns accompanied by the hum of grasshoppers and the occasional giggle escaping from the smile of a child playing nearby. It speaks softy but noticeably, as if to remind us of the incredible natural beauty which lays welcoming at our feet. Take care of it, it urges. See it for it's exquisite value, feel it to your core, deep within your soul.
The scent of fish and chips also lingers briefly on the air. It teases a near empty stomach and flirts with and even emptier wallet. There is so much to appreciate, so much beauty given freely, that no sum of money large or small, could make even the slightest difference, or even matter at all. All the grabs me and pulls me, like a magnet to my heart, is the sight of the sea, the fingers of the breeze against my cheek, the warmth of the sun clinging to the clouds, and all the natural wonders that surrounding me, holding me here, caressing my soul.
The simplicity of all these natural splendors awaken something so deep, so terribly, yet brilliantly complex. And I wonder why I ever wanted or needed anything else.
A few conversations with strangers whom quickly reveal themselves to be comrades dedicated to the same cause, also reveal accents not contrived from the local tongue. No need to even wonder why so many are so far away from home, or even why most won't be returning there for weeks, months, even years. We've all been easily charmed by the whimsical and alluring taste of freedom. Freedom given to us by traveling down unmarked roads, climbing towering boulders, standing with our feet in the sand at the mercy of the sea as we watch waves crash beneath a burning sunset. It is very hard leave, almost tragic to let go of a place which has awakened our senses in such miraculous ways.
The way of life that travelers lead, is indeed one bursting with seductive freedom. A beautiful existence, and usually temporary, except for the most extremists. Some will gladly give their lives if only to taste such freedom everyday. They die in one way, so they can feel fully alive in another.
Traveling strips us of many things, different things depending on how it's done. But no matter how we do it, we are quickly re-embersed by all that travel has to give. Materials may be lost, the constant place to call your own, but there is so much to gain, that loosing such things, barely seems like a loss at all.
Opportunities to learn come fast and leave quick, but are never in short supply. Like the waves in the ocean there is always a chance to catch the next. At first they came fierce, fast, sporadically, wiping me out and leaving me smothering in white sea foam, marinating in the evidence of a missed chance. After enough time in the water I begun to learn to read the waves. I began to see the opportunities building on the horizon, and soon I was ready, and they became easy to catch. Quickly I was hooked, and couldn't wait for the next clumsy ride. With enough experience each ride became steady and strong, and I felt as something had been achieved. That's growing, that's learning and that's what traveling is to me.