True to my usual form . . . Slave to my obsessive ways . . . I probably expend too much energy taking notes . . . instead of sitting back and enjoying the ride . . . smelling the forest.
I’m exhausted trying to understand the convoluted history of Romania, the oppression of its people since the Middle Ages at the hands of Turks, Hungarians and more recently Communism and Ceauşescu . . . not to mention trying to fathom the inter-marrying of Royalty.
And then there’s the story of the legendry Dracula, who never set foot in Bran Castle, a medieval fortress high up on a rocky ledge on the side of a mountain pass in the Carpathian mountains of Transylvania.
Count Dracula’s legendary Bran Castle – an important feudal fortress throughout the Middle Ages
Perhaps if the local guide were not so good, I’d switch off after hearing the usual trivia. But, my Romanian guide, Andrea is a born storyteller and walking encyclopaedia . . . Won’t I ever learn? Greg in Portugal did the same in 2009. He also captured my imagination and exhausted me with his stories of Kings and Queens, Battles and Discoveries, and Apparitions . . . and in the end, I had lost the spontaneity needed for writing a light and breezy account.
I am . . . but only for what I produce for affirmation and accolade. . . . Why can’t I simply be? . . . And live the moment?
Can I ever change? Do I want to change? Or will I continue living in this life of self-imposed slavery?
And possibly at the expense of my immortal soul? God forbid!
Don’t change Michael … It is good and engaging stuff, written with both intelligence and flair
Dear M,
I am happy that you finally start to question your obsession of making notes and reporting with photos, videos and words.
How much easier it would be just to sit back, relax and enjoy the day of discovery without having to tell the world in details what you saw and ate and did.
If you do not control your obsession it will get worse as you get older (it may already be out of control).
Your stay in London will be different when we go out without the camera and just enjoy the world around us and each others company.
Eddy, You are right about the obsession and you are also right that it is now too late to change the situation. In a few years he will go places and spend one day visiting and three writing!
Edmundo
Dear Friends, The world is not black or white. The solution is not total abandonment of a hobby that gives me so much satisfaction, but more a modification of behaviour. Easier said than done, I know. Telling a young boy not to do what his friends are doing or he’ll grow hair on his hands won’t stop him either. Understanding and encouragement to temper his practices will have much more benefit.
mick – this is how you travel – why fight it?