Thursday, July 30, 2026
Traveling within the country or internationally opens the closed windows of our mind.
When we travel our vision becomes more expansive, our lives are enriched, and new connections make us realize that the gem of compassion, the lotus in our heart is in each and every one of us—irrespective of our race, religion, color or gender. As seekers on spiritual path we need clear mind and open heart to see, connect and understand the people different from us.
When we travel Our vision becomes more expansive, our lives are enriched, and we make new connections. Before my husband retired I occasionally accompanied him on his business trips. A bit nervous about walking alone around in a new city, I would stay back in our hotel room to write. But the thought of adventuring on foot would nibble at the back of my mind. Once I attempted to leave the room and adventure into town alone, it took me to another level of experience.
In Nice, France, where we stayed for ten days, I learned to make my way around on my own. I found a wonderful art gallery that had a collection of the works of Chagall and Monet. I had the pleasure of meeting vendors at the Saleya flower market – a florist, a baker, a craftsman. We communicated mostly in gestures and it was delightful.
My walk from the hotel to the flower market became the most pleasurable part of the day. The wet paved stones of Saleya, the scents wafting from variegated bundles of flowers, vendors hawking their wares, the sunshine breaking through the canopy of the makeshift stalls. I watched a man buy a bouquet and hand it to his beloved with a kiss while I was tasting homemade chocolate… all what is left now are the unforgettable impressions, nurturing those memories and sprouting new ones.
On my way back, from a distance I spotted my husband returning to the hotel early. It was a delightful surprise when I encountered a very familiar face midst strangers in that foreign city. What a memorable day!