Travel makes me appreciate all comforts and conveniences

Spending an extended span of time undertaking travel definitely makes me appreciate every comfort and convenience when they are available.

These comforts include a comfortable horizontal surface to sleep on in the dark and quiet; easy access to laundry; being able to have a shower; having internet access; being able to change outside a cramped bathroom or bathroom stall; being able to borrow access to a local telephone; being able to leave groceries somewhere cold; being able to hang up suits and dress shirts properly; being able to leave batteries around to charge; not having to worry about checkout times; and not having to worry about your things being stolen if unattended.

My period of transition is still not complete. I still need to relocate most of my possessions from Ottawa to Toronto and I still need to find somewhere to live in Toronto and shift all of my things there. That being said, I think I now have the basic requirements for being able to live and work. I can shuttle them around with me from place to place – as necessary – until I have a place of my own.

One lesson reinforced by this move is the general benefit of keeping personal property to a minimum, especially in terms of bulk. Every gram and cubic centimetre of objects you possess makes you less free, though much of it may be awfully pleasant and useful to own.

Author: Milan

In the spring of 2005, I graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in International Relations and a general focus in the area of environmental politics. In the fall of 2005, I began reading for an M.Phil in IR at Wadham College, Oxford. Outside school, I am very interested in photography, writing, and the outdoors. I am writing this blog to keep in touch with friends and family around the world, provide a more personal view of graduate student life in Oxford, and pass on some lessons I've learned here.

One thought on “Travel makes me appreciate all comforts and conveniences”

  1. I could not agree more. Even the most interesting and amazing adventure makes a person think fondly of the comforts of home. Upon my return from Korea, I am well aware of this. I was hosted wonderfully by my former students, but I realized that I like to have some privacy and time of my own. The stay in the Buddhist temple was very peaceful and quiet, but waking up at 3:00 AM was a challenge. I think that the best way to travel for me is to stay in my own accommodation and visit with people during the day.
    I am very proud of your efforts in Washington, D.C. I followed the events with interest as much as I could. All the best for your new work.

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