Travel- A means to acquaint with Nature

A hippie lifestyle may have been a trend long ago, but today, I guess saying you want to sit at home, spend quality time with your family, or simply enjoy your own company seems to be the new trend. But since when did the art of travelling become so popular?

If you ask a young person what they really want to do in life, or what their idea of happiness is, the answer is often, “Travel.”

Being a wanderlust myself, I would love to spend my spare time and earnings on travelling. But tonight, I found myself wondering, why do we love to travel? What is the real purpose of travelling?

Some of us travel for peace of mind, to escape from the monotony of our routines. Some travel with a purpose, while others travel simply to explore new places, people, and experiences. Ultimately, nature becomes the answer to the equation we create for our journeys.

Travelling helps us connect with nature in a much deeper way. Nature is the best teacher, and being a devoted student of it can elevate us from being mere mortals to becoming more spiritual beings.

Everyone has their own way of enjoying a journey. I have a friend who goes on long drives simply to talk to himself. It may sound funny, but isn't that one of the best ways to deal with stress? Deep down, don't we all talk to ourselves?

My point is that what we all need is a bond with nature, and travelling is one of the ways we choose to build that connection.

Travel helps us grow mentally. In a way, travelling is also an exercise of our liberty. It gives us the freedom to step away from what is familiar and discover something beyond ourselves.

Even when we cross borders to study and explore different cultures, traditions, and ways of life, it is once again Mother Nature teaching us lessons we perhaps never knew we needed to learn. Isn't it?

They say, “Don't tell me how much you have learnt, but tell me how much you have travelled.”

And I would rather have a passport full of stamps than a house full of stuff.

Vicky Christina Barcelona

It was my junior who suggested this movie to me. I knew it was going to be something intense, but oh my goodness, I never expected it to be this much. Director Woody Allen seems to have put immense effort into bringing his brainchild to life in the best possible way.

The story revolves around human psychology and what happens when we are attracted to someone. It makes us question ourselves, understand what love really is, and examine what truly falls into the category of love. Infatuation, crushes, and one night stands, when intertwined with intense emotions, keep the audience on the edge throughout.

The movie mainly focuses on four characters. Two friends, Vicky and Cristina, travel to Barcelona for the summer and become involved with a native, only to discover more about themselves, who they are, and what they truly want from love.

The movie felt especially personal to me because Spain is one country I have always wanted to visit, particularly to explore its traditions, festivals, culture, and art.

The most striking element of the movie, and my personal favorite among Allen's creative choices, was the character of Maria Elena. I loved how the movie follows a simple narrative style that makes it easier for the audience to stay engaged even when the situations on screen become emotionally and psychologically complex. That simplicity, in the midst of such complicated relationships, was truly thoughtful.

Overall, Vicky Cristina Barcelona is a fascinating exploration of love, attraction, desire, and self discovery, wrapped beautifully in the charm and culture of Barcelona.