Why did the Sunny cross the road?

 "Sunny, why do you spend all your money on travelling?"

Ah, that's a good one! I get asked this a lot by my friends, and every time my answer is pretty much the same - because travelling is life, mate! Seriously, think about it. We're here on this planet for, what, eighty-odd years if we're lucky? Why wouldn't you want to see as much of it as possible?

The Thrill of the Unknown

Travelling is like being a kid again. Remember the excitement of exploring new places, not knowing what's around the corner? That's what every trip feels like. Whether it's the chaotic streets of Bangkok or the tranquil fjords of Norway, there's always something unexpected waiting to blow you away. And let's be honest, life's too short for boring routine!

It's More Than Just Sightseeing

Sure, ticking off famous landmarks is great, but travelling is more about the experiences. It's about getting lost in a new city, trying food you can't pronounce, and meeting people who show you that there's more than one way to live this life. I mean, I've had my best conversations with strangers in tiny cafés and shared meals with families who didn't speak a word of English. It's those moments that stick with you, not the selfies in front of monuments. Sitting down on the floor in an airport halfway around the world to charge your dying phone is as much of an experience as walking in slush in falling snow in Salzburg to visit a Christmas market. I have done both and look back at them as fond memories. 

Growth and Perspective

Travel has this sneaky way of changing you. You start seeing things differently, appreciating the small stuff. Like, I used to stress over the smallest things, but after you've navigated a foreign country where you can't read the signs or understand the language, everything else seems manageable. Plus, it makes you realise how much we all have in common, no matter where we're from.

Depend on the Kindness of Strangers

A quote I read in a hotel room wall in Vienna has become my favourite travel quote - "Travel is hard; it makes us depend on the kindness of strangers." This is so true! When you're out of your comfort zone, you learn to trust and rely on people more. And you know what? Most of the time, people are genuinely kind and helpful. It's a humbling experience and reminds you that despite all the bad news we hear, there's a lot of good in the world.

Why I Blow My Savings on It

People often say I’m crazy for spending all my savings on travel. But think about it – money can always be earned back. Time? Not so much. When I'm old and grey, I want to look back and remember the adventures, the people, and the places, not the stuff I bought or the bills I paid. Plus, every trip is an investment in myself. It’s like adding layers to who I am, each place, each experience making me a better, more rounded person.

This is Living the Life

I get so many stories from my travels, some good, some of trouble, but all of them dear to me, especially after the fact. Travelling adds a lot more experience to my life than just doing the 9-5 existence. 

The Final Truth

So yeah, that's why I do it. Travelling isn't just a hobby; it's a way of life. It’s challenging, exhilarating, and incredibly rewarding. It's about growing, learning, and embracing the unknown. So next time you see me packing my bags, know that it's because I'm off to find the next great adventure. Life's too short to just live and die in one little corner of the world, I think. What do you think? 

The Unforgettable Isle of Skye Tire Fiasco

A couple of years ago, a few friends and I embarked on what was supposed to be a fun, scenic road trip to Scotland and the Isle of Skye. Now, my car is a sleek black Mercedes, quite a beast in size and comfort. Perfect for such a journey, right? Well, it was until we encountered the infamous flat tire incident.

Picture this: We were wrapping up a day of sightseeing on the stunning Isle of Skye. The sun was setting, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. Everything was perfect until my Mercedes decided it needed a dramatic plot twist—boom, a flat tire. And not just any flat tire, but a flat tire in the middle of nowhere with no phone signal and no internet. Ah, the joys of modern technology rendered useless.

My friends and I stood there, staring at the deflated rubber, contemplating our next move. Neither of us had any clue about changing a tire. I mean, sure, I had a pump in the boot, but let's be honest, our knowledge was as flat as the tire. So, in a brilliant stroke of desperation, we tried to pump it up. Spoiler alert: It didn't work.

Every time we reached for our phones to call for help or consult our trusty friend YouTube, we were reminded of our isolation. No signal, no internet, just the three of us and a very flat tire. At this point, my friend Roberta decided to document our misery. She whipped out her phone and started taking pictures. "You'll thank me later," she said. I wasn’t too sure about that at the time.

Realising we had no other option, we did what any stranded souls would do—we waited for a car to pass by. After what felt like an eternity, a car finally approached. My friends eagerly flagged it down, and to our relief, the car stopped. A couple stepped out, probably wondering why three grown adults were looking so helpless.

The man took one look at our tire and said, “It's a tubeless tire. You can drive on it for a while without any issues.” Cue the collective sigh of relief. We pumped it up with my trusty pump, and very cautiously, I drove us back to our guest house, 25 miles away.

Now, what seemed like a nerve-wracking ordeal at the time has transformed into a favourite story to recount. It's funny how the worst moments make the best memories. So, the next time you find yourself in a sticky situation, remember, it might just be a great story in the making.

And to my friend Roberta who took those pictures—I guess I do thank you.

About My Book: Operation Desert Mountain

Just wanted to share this picture that I shared on the facebook page for this book:
https://www.facebook.com/The-Road-to-Nowhere-And-Back-112305563649196