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Thursday, May 2, 2013

Travel: It's The Journey That Counts (Travel Story)

When I was in Europe back in 1971, I rode in a hovercraft across a body of water. It was a commuter hovercraft with maybe twenty passengers. I was completely focused on the experience. It was a thrill riding in this air/boat in the shiny glittering choppy surf. I felt as if I were the only passenger and that this ride was a special gift from Providence. And it probably was, because I've never forgotten it.

Here's the thing, though. I cannot remember where this body of water was, nor which country it was in. My inclinations say it was in England. But, I'm not sure. Did I cross the English Channel in it? I think not. Was I in Scotland or France, even Spain or Italy? I cannot remember. What I do remember is the excitement, the wonder, I felt at riding in that amazing craft.

I think this reflects the notion that it isn't the destination that matters--it's the journey. Where I was and where I was going then aren't important today. What is important is the experience and the memory of it.
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7 comments:

  1. KamilleEMay 2, 2013 at 5:27 AM

    I love hovercrafts! They always look so cool. I've never been on one though and I only know about one hovercraft journey route and it's less than 10 minutes long so I figured it wasn't worth the money.

    I agree about the journey though. I had a teacher who said, there's no point going somewhere nice if you have to go through hell to get to it.

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  2. Julia HonesMay 2, 2013 at 10:06 AM

    I couldn't agree more with you. What matters is the journey. I don't care about the outcome. I enjoy the ride. (If I were worrying about outcomes or results I would not be enjoying the journey). Lovely post, Richard.

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  3. Emily R. KingMay 2, 2013 at 12:07 PM

    Lovely thoughts, Richard. Thanks for sharing!

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  4. JonMay 2, 2013 at 1:59 PM

    I certainly agree that the journey is more important than the destination. By the way, Richard, I did get your email and I've put "Beautiful Ruins" on my reading list.

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  5. Jeff HargettMay 2, 2013 at 6:27 PM

    That would be an experience worth remembering.

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  6. Tanya ReimerMay 3, 2013 at 7:30 AM

    I have memories like that too. I remember the lake, the water, the fact that it was made from a volcano, and the people. But I have no idea where I was. Too bad. Would be nice to got back, but I guess memories are like that...

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  7. Rachna ChhabriaMay 3, 2013 at 9:43 AM

    I have never been in an hovercraft. Some journeys can never be forgotten.

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