It’s been 23 weeks since I last wrote on this blog. The pandemic is still ongoing, and since I’m in the thick of the dreary Chicago winter it’s been difficult to have the creative energy to write. Besides, there is not much happiness, deep pleasure, or the wonder of travel during these past 10 months of the pandemic. I truly cannot believe that this pandemic has lasted this long, and it won’t be over any time soon. Whatever “soon” means these days since the concept of time has been lost for many of us from the stresses of our current world climate.
Since this blog started after my experience of AWE when I first traveled solo to Turkey, I just decided this morning that to practice the discipline of writing I will write about the moments of awe that I experienced in my travel life. I wish there was an exact and true way for all of us to share the feelings and emotions that we experience with our friends and loved ones. For example, a VR machine or a network of electrodes that we can hook up to that allow us to instantly and accurately feel what someone else has experienced or felt, especially the incredible feelings like awe. For now I can only illustrate with words along with some images.
While cleaning I recently found the business card for the Sura Hotel that I stayed at in Istanbul. It is the most beautiful business card I have ever seen, and the memories of the entire journey just flooded my mind. Amazing! Take a look at the photo above which shows the back of the hotel’s business card…it shows a map which illustrates the distance and location of each of the iconic sights from the hotel. I wish every hotel in the world would follow their lead. It makes for a great memento, also.
I hope you take the time today to think about the last time you felt awe. Enjoy your Sunday. 🙏
