Lately, I’ve been standing in front of my fridge staring at the travel magnets I’ve collected from my adventures abroad. I’m not sad, just feeling nostalgic. At the same time, I was also reminded of this adage ‘Time and tide wait for no man’, so if you have something you have always been wanting to do, put it on paper, sketch it, map it out, you will – in some way – as if by order of the universe, get to it. That’s how I’ve made my past trips happened. Looking back on those days, everything was worthwhile.
The world we live in is grinding to an unprecedented halt and no one knows when the storm will be over. The only way to stop escalating the pandemic is to stay at home for the good of all.
Yet, we know time marches on but who are we to wield power over time?
Here is an excerpt from J.R.R Tolkien’s epic novel The Fellowship of the Ring, the first book of the Lord of the Rings series.
“I wish it need not have happened in my time,” said Frodo.
“So do I,” said Gandalf, “and so do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.”
All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us.
During this crisis, we can choose to wallow in an unpleasant situation or choose to be compassionate to ourselves and others.
For travel lovers, coping with the current crisis is unquestionably challenging and there are still so much to see in this world. But you still can adopt a traveller’s mindset at home.
Adopting a traveller’s mindset at home
Instead of focusing on what you plan to achieve over the next few months, how about viewing it as an itinerary? Plan according to days or weeks, and if you called yourself a seasoned traveller you would swear by this phrase: learn to adapt and go with the flow.
Often our expectations cause us to feel distressed. While some might perceive that you’re currently ‘stuck’ at home, how about looking at it from another perspective, you’re actually pausing on purpose and taking time to reconnect with the people around you (virtually) since you have always been on the move.
Think about the times you were abroad, were you always fascinated by the sunrise and sunset? How about waking up earlier to catch the sunrise in your neighbourhood before the crowd or from your window?
Adopt a traveller’s mindset and apply the lessons you’ve learned abroad back home. It is the little moments in life that will help us get by and remind us about the beauty of life and that it’s worth fighting for.
Displaying and Re-organising your travel souvenirs (in French, Souvenirs means to keep)
I know some people find travel memorabilia kitschy but not for me! I’ve kept a physical travel box and scrapbook to document my journeys abroad. It proves to be a worthy investment in times like this for travel lovers at home. These keepsakes can help us feel a certain way, like transporting you back to a particular place and time.
For those who have been procrastinating to organise their travel keepsakes and photographs, now is the best time to do so. Show off your travel collection!
Cooking dishes from around the world or places you’ve visited
One of the best things about travel is that it can make life seem exciting. You feel more alive because everything is new as you leave behind familiarity. You embrace the sight, sound, smell, and taste with vigour. Although travel is off the cards, for now, there are ways to relive those moments and you might learn something new! Here are some cooking inspirations to tide you through a time of quarantine.
Make a list of your favourite dishes from the places you’ve visited abroad and learn how to create and share them with your loved ones! Recently, I’ve tried making Spanish omelette, basic mussels in white wine sauce, and rosti!
Embark on a creative project
Everyone is facing down a global pandemic. The nightly news is the stuff of nightmares so I’ve decided to reduce my time spent on reading the news. It’s depressing and doesn’t help me with my desire to travel.
After looking through and organising all my travel photo albums, I’ve decided to put my wanderlust on paintings. What do I yearn for right now? To witness the sun setting in the Mediterranean sea once more.
Since we’re all told to stay at home as much as possible, there’s no point heading out except for getting your essentials. You can start making use of your ‘Quarantine Creativity’ and explore how to bring more hope and beauty into your surroundings. Before you know it, you’ve bested this pandemic!
Take a mental vacation with Netflix
Life under (and—let’s be real—even before) COVID-19 is stressful enough without adding to the to-do list. While you are unable to anticipate your next vacation at the moment, that doesn’t mean you cannot live vicariously through TV shows and movies. Here’s a list of 5 Best Travel Shows to watch right now.
I hope these ideas serve you well in the times ahead. May you stay safe and healthy!
