FAVORITE

I don’t know when it got started..
but, I think that I always set on a journey every time some things came up..
like.. when I can’t make up my mind, having tough time, can’t stop crying, avoiding something..
I remember that I had gone to the park in the next town when I was a little girl,
gone out to nearby places by train when I was in high school..
got started enjoying solo trips since I was at university..
I had lived in Europe for one year after left Tokyo where I enjoyed my work n life for long term..
and now, I’ve been enjoying go on a trip around three times a year since I came back to my hometown..
actually it’s like still middle of the journey rather than consequence..



The country that I'm really into at the moment is Morocco.
2010 was the first time I visited there; at the time I was busy with work and my beloved travels had to take a back seat.
I can still recall how that journey blew fresh life into my love of traveling that I myself had begun to forget.



Walking around and getting lost in Marrakesh until I was exhausted (and giddy).
At the old medina quarter, I smell the exotic scents and gasp at the delicious tastes of the fruit and vegetables
that are grown drenched in the plentiful sunlight.
As a lover of all things tasty, I smack my lips at the unique delicacies there and enjoy some exquisite alcohol too.
There are some misses, but that's all part of the experience:
an adventure is about relying on your own nose and senses when taking action, after all.
Of course, the shopping can't be left out either.
I bring back to Japan what takes my fancy from the beautiful accessories, clothing, fabrics, and handicraft art.
Although the people of Morocco are in some respects quite affable, I was not completely trusting of them at the start,
but I have been frequently helped out by surprisingly kind people there.
A burly driver who easily performs a long, hard drive in a four-by-four with jaunty Berber music playing.
Looking into the clear eyes of the nomad children, who despite their poverty live every day with strength and vigor,
I find myself realizing something precious.
Upon the desert sands while quietly gazing at the full moon together with the setting sun, tears of emotion flow naturally.



Like this, while full of the excitement from meeting the people and experiencing the scenes,
sounds, smells, and tastes when visiting a town for the first time, before I know it I realize I'm becoming reset.
Although there were some scary moments, and some tough moments,
more than anything it was a time where I was able to experience my five senses, unaffected.
Perhaps for me, "journey" is my "source of strength."
Life is like a journey. Make sure not to leave any regrets; come, let's embark on a journey.

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