Today I’d like to introduce a new series of short stories, or vignettes if you will, which I’ll post each Wednesday, the first being today.
A recent trip to Spain got me thinking about new content for this travel blog which brought back a flood of little memories from my travels. But as I tried to think of ways to incorporate them into future blog posts, I kept running into the same dead end. These weren’t epic tales of trial and tribulation that led to some life changing moment of enlightenment which I could impart upon you all (although that is a humorous thought). These were quirky little stories and experiences from the road that I share with friends over a beer or a bite to eat. They may not have individual meaning in the grand scheme of things but as a whole, they form an important embodiment of how I view traveling. I never really know how things will turn out, how the cookie will crumble, but I set out anyways, hold on for the ride and have the best possible time wherever I may find myself.
I’d be lying if I didn’t say writing these down wasn’t partially a selfish endeavor. I want to document these while they’re still relatively fresh in my mind, while I remember important details: the tacky decor, his boisterous laugh, the color of her hair. Is a forgotten memory gone forever? It reminds me of the saying about whether a tree falling in the woods makes a sound. I don’t know if the memory is gone forever, but the thought of it makes me sad and I’d like to avoid it as much as possible. Writing these down is the only way I know to preserve them since my memory isn’t winning any awards. As an added bonus, I get to work on my storytelling skills and of course, feedback is exciting! It is welcome and encouraged.
On the flip side, these stories are for you, the reader, who graciously takes time to read my words. These stories will provide another porthole into my life and myself. To some degree, sharing these memories opens up a glimpse of who I am, what I’ve allowed myself to get into and how I view the events after the fact.
I’m hoping to keep each one of them relatively short and succinct. No epic novels like my Rinjani tale. This way, you won’t have to devote more than a few minutes before moving on with your day.
I hope you enjoy.
Short Stories from the Road:
1. A Foxy Encounter
2. Hunting “Defenseless” Pufferfish
3. Where’s The Wildlife?
4. A Muddy Rescue Mission
5. A Munich Forest Party
6. Indonesian Style Detour
7. Torpedo Soup on the Menu
8. An Assembly of the Gods
