Meandering around the Castle
Hill Graffiti Garden in Austin, Texas. Moment captured by city and desert
explorer, Ann Sydney Taylor.
The
traveler in me is restless for the road, thirsty for new sights and aching to
meet the part of myself I think I’ll find in that wide and open desert space.
I like
the person I am when I travel. She’s a fine balance of extrovert and introvert.
The lone wanderer in the crowd. I’m ready to be her again. I’m openhearted to
get swept up in the arms of adventure. I want to stumble back into love again,
with myself, with travel.
I fall
in love so easily with places, especially cities. Cities unlock the key to my
heart. All it takes is a charming wink – an eclectic bookshop pleasantly
situated on the corner, a discarded lot turned into an urban playground of
graffiti art, this one tucked away café with a winding staircase – and I swoon.
Sometimes it is love at first
sight. I step off the plane and into a place I instantly recognize as my
soul mate home. Other times, it’s
a surprise encounter; a second glance sparks my heart and a piece of the city becomes mine forever.
I
carefully preserve these heartbeat memories like old love letters. I return to
them to seek comfort and validation. At times when I feel discouraged and insecure,
I go back to this treasure trove of moments where I independently traveled and
explored, serendipitously discovered hidden gems that directly spoke to my
soul. It’s a collage of art experienced, purposeful conversations shared, and this
feeling of belonging, lightheartedness, liberation and being utterly and blissfully
nourished by the dancing diversity of life.
I
remember the feeling. I can go back to the feeling and slip it on like an old
boyfriend’s jacket. I clothe myself in the memory and let it empower my
present self.
I fell
in love with a city long before I gave my heart to a man. I travel to heal over
men, to let the fresh experience burn out lingering fragments from the
relationship. I let the journey redefine my freed identity. At this time of
solo flight, I find myself journeying back to my first love, back to the glittering
image of a city, where a love story waits to enchant, inspire and take hold.
