Appearances can be deceiving
Never assume you know the story from a quick glance
Exploring other cultures, their art, customs, food, clothes and geography brings most of us joy. Travel broadens our knowledge, understanding and hopefully, our empathy. A glimpse into how other people live helps us realise there’s more than one way to keep a roof overhead, earn income, or create a meal.
Some people say they’ve seen the world or visited a country, when all they’ve done is a rushed tour, ticking off the standard sights. They stop only long enough to snap an “I was here” selfie, before rushing on to the next tourist trap.
The digital world is full of such ‘insta moments’. Sadly, too many only see that - the highlights reel. The enticing trailer that makes everyone else’s life look way more exciting, interesting or fun than ours.
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After spending 8 months housesitting in a remote small coastal village, I’ve just had a week off. Finally free from pet care, gardening and home security responsibilities I could travel again. Even if it’s only a short break between housesits.
It started with a rushed trip to cover a lot of miles fast, to inspect a motorhome I thought might suit me. It was a dud. Photos were out of date (...dating sites anyone, LOL. That’s another post for another day).I have a small campervan that’s a cosy little home on wheels for short trips in good weather. My week of freedom started with torrential rain and gale force winds. So after a few days of that, I decided it was time to treat myself to a BnB. A modern timber and glass cabin set high on a hill overlooking lush green fields and a white sandy beach in the distance. A small private plunge pool, a comfy bed and Wifi. As rain pounded on the roof and wind rattled the windows, the weather was perfect for some Netflix bingeing.
Nooo!
The Wifi was not working. Phone coverage was an intermittent one bar.
So the first couple of days I was stranded in the cabin with an old issue of Marie Claire and National Geographic, and a tattered copy of The Dictionary of Lost Words, a lovely novel, but I’ve read it before. Finally the sun came out and I got to enjoy the private pool. I snacked on a simple lunch of strawberries, cheese and crackers while gazing on the view.
Today, I visited a special garden. The photos you saw at the top of this post. At a quick glance, you’d think I was somewhere in Asia. But I’m not. I am actually on the east coast of Australia. That brings me back to what I started writing about at the beginning.
Deceptive appearances.
Assuming we know the full story, from a quick glance.
Even sharing the pool pic, was a considered choice.
If you took the time to read my story, you’d know my road trip and cabin stay was not all sunshine and strawberries by the pool.
You would also know I’m not in Asia.
It’s so important to remember that a superficial glance, whether travelling the world or scrolling social media, never tells the whole story.
When did you last make an assumption about a person or place based on a superficial glance, which later proved to be wrong?
We went there many years ago when the temple was still a model made from yak butter. We loved it there
Were you visiting the Crystal Castle in Northern NSW ? It looks like a place that Rodger and I visited many years ago. Very peaceful spiritual place.