In Search of "Real" Life Using Travel

A few years ago, I travelled around the exotic places of Thailand. It's one of my "travel without money" adventures, once again. My Australian host treated me to a nice hotel and sumptuous meals.

For a few weeks, I was hanging out in the beaches and Buddhist temples. Simply curious. Savoring fresh air and seawaters. Knowing the culture and their religion.

I received special gifts of insight about me, fellow humanity, and life in general, along the way.

One afternoon, in a cafe, I met an aged American "secret agent." He was with a young Thai girlfriend, possibly 4 decades his junior.

In our conversations, both intimated that they're running away from something with their travels together. Not just around Thailand, but also around different Asian countries.

The elderly American, away from the pain of his divorce and estranged children. And the young Thai woman, an escape from poverty and a broken, abusive family.

People seem to be running away from something in their travels.

Yes, travel can be like that - but it's also running towards something. A search for a run towards something "real."

While watching a little boat passed by Hua Hin, I felt myself in both ways. Escaping from and running towards something.

I've been running away from the "worldly" idea of what life is. Imperfect though I am, I avoid that nonlife.

And I run towards a life with a higher purpose, authenticity, and connection. A life above the sun.

Reflecting, I realize how much society boxes me in. With illusions, diversions, false news. It simply cannot fathom that "normal" is outside its norm. I travel away from the abnormal to what's normal.

People who found "real" life in their travels break the mold. They don't just travel. They discover, see, and experience life as it really is.

Be free to travel towards the world and true living. Your whole life is yours to travel. It's short. And you get to travel it only once.