As we kick off 2014, let us leave space in our schedules to wander, to walk for the pure sake of walking, to linger over a second cup of tea. But most importantly, let us never doubt ourselves for doing so.
May 2014 be a year of adventure, a year of doing what we love, a year of experiencing things we can’t even begin to fathom right now. That was the final lesson 2013 taught me: Leave room for the unexpected.
Geraldine reminded me of a valuable truth that afternoon: that no matter what the crazy retailers want us to believe, Christmas isn’t about what we’re going to get or give. It’s about celebrating what we already have.
My vision for this guide is to take the scary prospect of traveling to India alone for the first time and break it down into manageable steps – tangible tips that will help you feel less daunted.
The hills were equally arresting. I couldn’t stop staring at them, shielding my eyes from the sun as I tried to burn their image to my memory forever. When I think about it now, they offered me a bit of their clarity on a day when I felt anything but.
Maybe you feel the same way, too – that as thrilling as big cities and popular spots can be, there’s a different sort of thrill to be found off the beaten track, where you can get lost a little easier and hear the sound of your own footsteps more clearly.
One final thing I was grateful for this Thanksgiving was the community of writers and artists I have become a part of, scattered though we are across the globe. The friends I have made are wondrously talented and are a constant source of inspiration to me.
While I so enjoyed sharing stories and lessons from the Evliya Çelebi Way with you, now I’d like to get a little more practical. What follows is a round up of information I hope you’ll find useful, should you be interested in walking the route yourself.