I had the good fortune of adventuring (WOTY – Word of the Year) in England and Ireland over the past two weeks. Good craic (fun), as the Irish say. I had every intention of journaling my travels, and, well, I guess I was having a little too much craic!
The U.S. is so young in comparison to Europe. We visited four castles – I kissed the Blarney Stone! – and stayed in one, as well as passing the ruins of countless others. We entered “faerie circles,” places of ritual and ceremony dating back around 3,000 years, and a dolmen burial chamber that is estimated to date to 3800 BC. There were countless stone churches and sanctuaries including one in England with a 2,000 year old yew tree that brought tears to my eyes. Many churches were built near pre-Christian spiritual sites that incorporated the yew into their rituals and ceremonies.
I could go on and on about our visit, about treasured time with friends in England, good food, beautiful vistas, and the history that we learned. What I want to share is this. Travel expands your mind, body and soul.
Mind
From the moment you begin planning a trip, you learn about the people and places you’re visiting.
For the days we were in England, we stayed with friends who we so kind to show us their country, and, for our day in London, to make recommendations and check availability so that we were able to sit in on a session for both houses of Parliament. We saw and learned much more than we would have without them. And we ate better, too!
For the Irish leg, we went on a small group guided tour and the tour company (Vagabond Tours of Ireland) began sending us information as soon as we booked. Our tour guide/driver was from Galway and shared history of her country while we traveled from town to town – everything from battles, to sheepherding, to the Great Hunger (Irish Potato Famine).
Travel also requires you to navigate your routes, even when you’re on tour. It’s so easy to get lost in some of these cities, towns and villages that were built before modern roads were a thing.
Body
We walked. A lot. Including lots of stairs. Some of it stretched my level of comfort as I pushed through my fear of heights, climbing ancient castle steps to kiss the Blarney Stone. Other trips may take in hiking or kayaking or yoga or any number of other physical activities.
Soul
You can’t help but feel something in your soul as you visit ancient burial grounds or 2,000 year old yew trees. You can’t help but feel connected to those ancient people and imagine what it may have been like living in their times. You can’t help but feel a sense of compassion to the millions that were affected by the Great Hunger. And you can’t help but appreciate your own home and remember your own lineage.
Travel broadens your horizons and let’s you see things from a different perspective. You make new connections with new people that may last a lifetime. You don’t necessarily need to go far, you have a rich history close to you. And while travel can be hard on the environment, there are ways to travel sustainably. Be sure to take public transportation whenever possible – good for the environment and more fun! Pick a tour group and stay at properties that focus on sustainability. Travel light. All these add up to a greener world.
Special thanks to Mike and Charlotte, our exceptional English hosts and Carrie, who made it possible to travel without worries about the cats or the house. We love you guys!
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