For an alternative perspective (one recommended), I decide to pay & travel in style. There is a steam train in Livingstone originally from the UK (c. 1920) that slowly meanders to Vic Falls & halts on the bridge. The full package includes 5 courses & as much as you can drink bar. It’s an inclusive “package” for the hotels. I jumped on as a joker card (but still paid top dollar). I was expecting spectacular scenic views. I got spectacular people views. Given this was an “exclusive”, standards were raised. I had to buy a shirt. Impressed by the steam train, I was upbeat. After moving around, I found myself next to a senior, double chinned, Brummie threesome & it got me thinking “why do people travel?” They were not happy. Give the dry year, the falls were not at their best. They were not impressed. It’s not what the brochures showed. Plus the exchange rate is worse (although they confirmed they voted for Brexit). Plus parking at Heathrow is expensive. And the food's no good. And its too hot. Dennis' lumbago is playing up. “Still, our next hols will definitely be a Warner break”.
So why do it (travel) ? It’s a happy contrast for me to witness. At Kasane, I was surrounded by 30 something’s exchanging travel “hits”. In Livingstone, its 60 something’s exchanging travel “hits”. Outwardly anyway, it appears neither is particularly interested in the landscape. It’s ticking off a travel list. Perhaps, it’s a life stage thing. Post education, for the young, it’s a right of passage. Post work, as a pensioner, it’s another right of passage (“I’ve earnt this). Expectations are high (perhaps too high). Neither appear particularly interested in the people or location. For the younger cohort, its selfie stick glory. For the seniors, it’s telling Doris & Arthur down the Hope & Anchor in Droitwich that they've been following in Livingstone's footsteps. Conquering impossibly wild places without even a selfie stick for protection It's the re-telling that is the common theme - whether that be facebook or the pub
Seeing both ends of the spectrum (younger & older), my conclusion is travel now. Don’t wait. And travel independently. You'll inevitably get plenty breadth & perspective. And if it goes wrong, you’ve only got one person to blame.
Bubbly or Bungee today ?
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