I should be jealous. Many friends and family members are planning to go on, or have already left on, a vacation. And not all are just off to the cottage. Some plan trips to Europe and even further away than that.
I should be jealous because, due to health issues, I can’t travel – too many chances of picking up an infection like the one that had me in hospital this past winter. I have a passport. I saved up to go to England and Scotland this year. But it is not to be.
BUT I have discovered the fun of travelling via the Internet. Yes, there are many documentary videos available online that will virtually whisk you away to a country or town you want to visit, take you on a tour of the museums or let you visit all the local sights. You can even see what it is like to go on a cruise.
PLUS, what a great way to do research for upcoming books. And a lot cheaper than flights and train rides or even the gas for driving. My mother once said, “Is there anything that isn’t online these days?” And I can’t think of a lot of things that aren’t. She used to read three newspapers every morning – the local one, a British one and the one from her hometown in Antwerp, Belgium.
So, no I am not jealous about my friends and family who are travelling this summer. I am enjoying the discovery of various places and countries online and thinking about which ones I could incorporate into an upcoming book.
I don’t have to pack, deal with busy airports or travel delays. If you are looking for me this month and I don’t answer my phone, I may be in Europe – the virtual version. Leave a message and I’ll call you when I get back.
