What do you LOVE about travel?

Your senses are constantly processing data and creating the perception of the experience you are having. I LOVE the sense of joy when you are aligned with what you are feeling, seeing, hearing, smelling and tasting.

I LOVE the way I feel when I travel, My heart is wide open to let people in and experience the unfamiliar. I observe how much more I smile and engage with people, I allow myself  to receive their LOVE, kindness and help. I slow right down so I am able to stop and be aware of my surroundings, So I can appreciate what chooses to cross my path. I LOVE to feel the energy of a country, in a city or small town and of the people I encounter. I LOVE to touch beautifully woven textiles in Asia, run my hands over expertly carved stones in Europe, hold the hands of people who LOVE with their hearts on their sleeves and embrace the hearts of generous friends from around the world.

I LOVE the way I see through the eyes of child when I’m experiencing new sights, My eyes are wide open and filled with curiosity and wonder. I’ve watched animals in the wild on safari in Kenya and South Africa, I’ve viewed the luxury of over water bungalows in Bora Bora, I’ve laid eyes on worldly wonders in Latin America like Machu Pichhu in Peru and Teotihuacan in Mexico, I’ve witnessed the huge hearts and been welcomed into the homes of families in The Cook Islands and around the globe.

I LOVE the way I smell familiar scents but am also confronted with whiffs of intriguing odours that I’ve never experienced. Trailing through a souk in Qatar and smelling the incredible spices in the market and sitting back in a shisha lounge in the U.A.E while the sweetly scented smoke swirls around my nostrils. I LOVE the perfume of an English garden at the height of spring, the aroma of fajitas sizzling in Mexico, Coconut oil on a beach in Indonesia and the smell of rain that comes to feed and regenerate our fascinating planet.

I LOVE the chance I have to taste new cuisines and be intrigued by exotic flavours. I LOVE to challenge myself and try dishes that I’ve never heard of, food that is out of my comfort zone and scares my senses because it is unknown to me. I’ve eaten guinea pig in Ecuador, fried insects in Thailand, Haggis in Scotland and crocodile in Australia. I also LOVE to indulge in the familiar and find my favourites in the countries they originate from or are famous for. Say hello to pizza and pasta in Italy, the finest of  breads and cheeses in France, Seafood chowder in Boston, A genuine Philly cheesesteak in Philadelphia, A funnel cake on the pier in Santa Monica, Dumplings in Hong Kong and the freshest of ceviche in Peru.

I LOVE the way I hear the sound of music and feel the beat flow through my body while I dance, It makes me feel alive and connected to my body, the earth and the people around me. I remember running on to a stage in Cuba when they asked for volunteers from different countries to get up and represent in a fun competition. I didn’t hesitate, something took over me and I had to be up there and living the full experience. Partnered with a local who was teaching me how to salsa, twirling around that stage and letting the joy that flowed through me escape through my smile into laughter.

I LOVE the magical sound of another language or accent caressing my ears and the beauty of allowing myself  to appreciate not knowing what is going on and accept that what will be, is PERFECT, WHOLE & COMPLETE for me.

What do you love about travelling? I’d love to hear your story in the comments below.

Love, Dana x