No Zeal to Travel

Few years back,

I wanted to travel the world,

Now I don’t,

there are valid reasons.

First,

we have a tight budget,

a heavy mortgage, two kids to raise,

and economic crisis worldwide,

the political instability looms.

Travel is not essential,

it can be pushed to the back burner.

Second,

the pandemic has made me cautious.

I don’t want to visit crowded places,

take lovely pictures for social media,

and then get sick on the way home,

in a packed plane.

Third,

many places are crowded now

scented air is my nemesis,

my hormones are triggered,

I don’t like it.

Fourth,

Childcare itself is harsh,

in a foreign land without support,

at least home is familiar.

Caring in another place,

is another layer of stress,

so no, thank you.

Fifth,

I step outside into my neighborhood,

Green hills cloaked in mustards

A blue sky, soaring Turkey vultures,

finches singing from Chinese rain trees.

migratory swallows casting shadows,

we blow dandelions, forage seasonal fruits,

the air is fresh,

with the smell of rosemary and acacia.

What more could I want?

So no,

traveling is not priority,

I am enriched as such.