My spirit needed a shift. I’d look at the quote on my dresser daily: “Always expect something wonderful to happen.” Then it did – the opportunity to fast track my bucket list which had seemed like a far-off dream.
First stop, Zimbabwe – reconnecting with family. A country now so different from the memories of my youth, yet still carrying the resilience and lion spirit of a proud nation.
A simple trip to the grocery store became a carefully navigated drive through rutted and potholed roads. Store shelves lined with expensive imported goods priced in US dollars – despite many locals surviving on as little as $200 USD a month, and a medical system catering to the wealthy.
Yet despite power cuts, water shortages and inflation, I was struck by the warmth, humour and endurance of the Zimbabwean people.
Next Romania. Arriving in Bucharest to minus seven degree weather was a shock to my sun-loving soul. Snow looked magical, like stepping into a fairytale, but grey skies, bitter cold and sleet can reveal another side to beauty.
In Sibiu, I wandered cobblestone streets that felt untouched by time, watched breathtaking ballet and piano performances, and found peace inside ornate churches. Yet hidden beneath old-world charm, culture, artistry and grace are economic and political struggles too.
Then came Bali, vibrant and colourful. I loved the inexpensive meals, bustling art markets and the kind friendly Balinese people.
However, behind the tourist’s dream are families struggling to make ends meet and crowded into one-room homes. A heavily pregnant woman working late into the night selling keyrings instead of resting, made a particular impression on me.
Travelling opened my eyes not only to beauty, but also suffering, resilience and humanity. I returned home with something far greater than souvenirs; it was gratitude for the everyday blessings so easy to overlook.
