by Marissa Muller, AR student reporter
Wanderlust is a strong desire for or impulse to wander or travel and explore the world. This can be sparked by any number of things. It could be from seeing a beautiful city in a film or catching the glimpse of a plane flying by over-head. Travel is my ultimate passion. It inspires me, moves me, and provides a joy inside my heart unlike any other. When wandering through the streets of an unknown city, sometimes you can feel more at home than in your actual home. It is a strange phenomenon for sure. How you can make a lifelong memory by just talking to a stranger at a Café in Marrakesh. Or have your fondest memory be of getting lost in the streets of Spain.
The world is a beautiful place, one with seven continents to explore. There are deserts and tundra’s and rain forests. There are sprawling countrysides and skyscrapers that seem to become a part of the clouds themselves. Sometimes, the greatest clarity can come when you remove yourself from your typical surroundings and immerse yourself in something new. So, if the skyline of Hong Kong or canals of Venice are calling to you, then you have experienced wanderlust as well.
Mine is hitting me especially strong at the moment. For some reason, I’ve decided to declare three majors in college, and subsequently am having to spend the summer in school. Granted, I love academics. Learning is something I truly do love. But, for the first summer, I will not be spending it wandering across the country or the world. I miss it already. The freedom found in a new airport or the excitement when ordering food at a restaurant in a language you do not understand.
Travel opens your eyes and it makes you wise beyond your years. The coolest thing in the world is probably when you hear someone talk about a place and you can go, “oh, I’ve been there- I’ve seen that”. Travel helps you to be able to understand people. You get to see humans for what we are – people. No matter if you are from China, Argentina, or America- you will find a group of young girls laughing and boys playing a sport and adults bonding over a good meal. You get to see the sights of the world that are magnificent, and it inspires you to do more, be more, and strive for more.
Travel opens doors, heals hearts, and expands minds. What other thing on this planet can do that? This summer while I am in school, you can be sure that I will be spending it planning my next trip. Where will I go? What will I see? Do I want to go to Tokyo or Cairo? I don’t know. But I am so excited for the endless possibilities that are in front of me. The most amazing part of wanderlust is that it is a lifelong ailment. I will be striving for the corners of the world for the rest of my life. And I cannot wait to get out there and explore. So, if you have wanderlust like me- embrace it. It is a blessing, not a curse. And maybe one day, I will meet you out there in a market in Cape Town.