Looking Forward to Summer Trips

Ick! I couldn't sleep last night. I haven't had this problem in a while. So, I decided to grab a cup of warm milk and animal crackers and watch Episode 1 of No Reservations. And, it made me want to take a vacation. I think I probably fell asleep finally -- dreaming of vacation. I don't know why vacations are so addictive. I think what I really enjoy is the free time doing whatever I want to do, using a different language, experiencing another way of transporting myself, and just observing everyday life. And, when I mean everyday life, I mean - doing what people do everyday even things like going to the grocery store, checking out a yoga class, and talking o people about their hometown.

Well, it's a good thing I've booked a summer trip to the East Coast. People have asked me what I'm going to do, and I haven't really planned much yet. I just like observing, learning about a place's history, and experiencing things I love (art, local food, style, and quirky). I also think the research that goes into a trip is also fun too. Like reading people's reviews about hotels on tripadvisor or finding an inspiring article on Travel and Leisure or the New York Times. The exciting part about travel is just seeing how other people live, discovering a new place to have a cup of chai tea, navigating around unfamiliar territory, or just having a conversation with a complete stranger.

The unknown brings back our attention to our senses and our curiosity. We need new experiences in order for us to live - happily, renewed, and inspired.