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Those transient moments

For most of my life I just wanted to do something and then get on with what's next. The trouble is it makes me frustrated and that usually causes problems or I end up writing dumb things. The post pandemic years this has lessened in me. A couple of trips to Morocco really helped. There were some people just sitting or standing around, apparently doing nothing, so I gave it a try. I began to notice stuff which normally I would have missed and found it quite interesting. I suppose we all have these transient moments and have to decide what to do with them.

Plans

You have planned, or are planning, to get out on the road to somewhere there are ways to do that and it could be good. However, if millions of people want to do the same thing, you're just another tourist surrounded by the same, getting ripped off and usually missing out on something, or someone, which could have real meaning in life. It's okay to make some basic plans, but allow a fair amount of room to be flexible. Just because a lot of folk head toward South East Asia (SEA) does not mean the rest of this planet could offer less. Even in SEA there are places others do not see and those may be worth the extra effort to check out and stay a while.

There have been occassions when I go to do something and it ends up a total disaster. I also live in a city that I do not like and have to be patient.

Pay attention to the locals

You'd be surprised just how much you could learn in one minute by noting what the locals do. How many of us live in cities where we have bus stops coming out our ears? For instance: I rode a bus in the north of Morocco from Tanger to Ksar es Seghir. Enroute it stopped in the middle of nowhere next to a high mountain that had a house a little way up and a lady got off the bus. I remembered that and a short while later grabbed the same bus. I saw the mountain coming, it went straight into the water and the road was low, just above the sea. I asked the driver to stop and he did, letting me disembark from the bus. Standing there I looked at it all, saw a small driveway leading to the house and began to walk up it. I thoroughly enjoyed that Time in the Rif, all because I paid attention to a local.

Sometimes it may not work out

Many years ago I had a plan, not one I had spent a lot of time on but after a little thought, why not? Two major natural disasters had taken place and I had actually survived so was ready to continue, but that stint in Frankfurt happened and the plan never got fulfilled. You never know what is going to take place next, it could be anything so you will have to learn and adjust. I have traveled since I was 2 weeks old. Quite honestly I am at home on the road, everything else is just pieces of paper. There have been good times, bad ones and I have learned from them all.

The travels

How are you to get there? For very long distances, flying or a ship is a requirement. Once you have arrived at the destination, local transport is the next step. Oh yes, you could grab a short flight but why? Trains or buses allow you to see something you will never observe on an airplane. You will more than likely sit next to a local and maybe make a friend. As the little trip continues you see the lay of the land, buildings and other things to take note of. By the way, turn the controlling smartphone off and enjoy some real life.

I have flown over 400,000 miles in my life, all over this corner of the globe. It's after landing that everything comes to life. At first when I headed toward the Basque Country, I rode trains from London to San Sebastian then a bus to Pamplona. For most of the ride the clouds were down and nothing could be clearly seen. There were many tunnels, then after one we emerged into the visible mountains and immediately loved it.

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First view of the Basque Mountains.

I carry a small notepad and a pen in my pocket so I can make a quick note of something worth remembering, smartphones are too slow.

Once "there"

Unless you have tons of money, you're probably going to stay in a hostel. (booked before is best). I had never done that before and ended up in the Hostel Hemmingway (now closed) in Pamplona. I did have a basic plan but was flexible. After Pamplona I wanted to go to Madrid for some stuff and while there winged it to Seville, where I first ate some Shakshuka.

Give yourself some room to wing it, you never know what you might discover. Get off the backpackers trail for a while, there are some great places. Some years later I needed something to do and saw a dot on the map named Artajona. It was great, I even considered it might be somewhere small to bunk up for a month later on even though there was only one bus a day in and out.

Not to do

The town or city you have arrived in have their people. It is their home and us travelers have to accept that and them. Chat with them, have a beer together, get to know one or two and you could end up good friends. Ask questions about their culture, observe how they greet each other etc-etc. If you don't do that, you may well be rejected or get into trouble.

In some countries you must be very careful. Let's say you are in Muslim nation and there is a funeral procession coming down the street. You must back off, turn away, go into a cafe or the like. They really do not like Westerners joining the procession. Other countries also have their customs where outsiders are not welcome, unless invited, so be aware and ask the hostel/hotel staff about do's and don't do's.

You are female , you're in a situation or met someone and you experience that little uncomfortable wiggle inside, that is your intuition saying get out or get away—NOW! Us guys do not have that normally. I have a strong 6th sense and it has kept me safe, even though I have been in dangerous situations. Other times you are not really sure, so walk carefully and stay in a group.

When all is said and done, most of your trips will be enjoyable.




Have fun....
 
Nov 26, 2025

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