avatarWill Hull

Summary

The article reflects on the author's personal connection to the United States, detailing cherished travel memories and the significance of family and shared experiences in defining the concept of 'home'.

Abstract

The author, an Australian resident with familial ties to the United States, shares a collection of travel memories from their country of birth. Inspired by a writing prompt from Anne Bonfert, the piece emphasizes that the essence of 'home' is not just locations on a map but the people and experiences that give these places meaning. Through photographs and anecdotes, the author highlights moments such as introducing their son to baseball, exploring historical landmarks, and enjoying the company of loved ones. The narrative underscores the importance of family, the impact of a travel partner, and the enduring connection to one's roots, all of which contribute to a sense of belonging and identity.

Opinions

  • The author expresses a deep sense of gratitude for their life in Australia, considering it a place of home surrounded by friends and loved ones.
  • The United States holds a special place in the author's heart as it is where their story began and continues to represent 'home'.
  • The author values the influence of Anne Bonfert's writing prompt and the collaborative nature of the travel writing community in inspiring personal reflections and storytelling.
  • The concept of 'home' is expansive for the author, encompassing multiple places and the people who inhabit them, rather than being confined to a single geographical location.
  • The author acknowledges the unique bond they share with their travel partner, Jo, who is also their best friend and the photographer behind many precious memories.
  • There is a playful acknowledgment that the author's son appears frequently in the shared photographs, suggesting a close relationship and the joy of sharing American culture with him.
  • The author cherishes the moments captured with family, particularly a candid photo with their mother, which was taken without their knowledge, highlighting the authenticity of these shared experiences.
  • The author shows appreciation for the World Traveler’s Blog and the community it fosters, as well as the exclusive writing services now offered to members, indicating a commitment to quality storytelling and support within the travel writing niche.

Travel. Photography. USA. Life.

It’s the People that Make ‘Home’, Home

Travel memories from my mother country

Photo by Author’s partner, Jo

‘Favourite travel memories from your country of birth.’

Not Anne Bonfert’s exact words, but they’re the gist of this story.

‘Home’ is a variety of ideas, special people, distinct memories, and different places for each one of us. For me, the word ‘home’ represents at least two far-apart places and branches of my family.

I have a blessed life in Australia and I am home here, surrounded by friends and loved ones.

Home is also Stateside with family and friends. It’s where my story started and it will always be ‘home’.

Sometimes inspiration comes full circle. I was inspired to think of home again and revisit my photo folders, by Anne Bonfert’s WTB prompt which was inspired by my tagging Anne in a photo essay.

We write and post about so many amazing places and adventures we have been privileged to experience, but without people — family — they are just coordinates on a world map. Lines on a bucket list.

So here’s my #travelmemories prompted share.

*Spoiler alert, you won’t find any Thanksgiving photos here; sorry. Pumpkin pie is too dear to my heart.

San Diego Padres baseball, San Diego, California / Photo by Author

Introducing my son to the greatest of American pastimes, and hot dogs done properly, in one of the best (and best weather) cities in all the U.S.

Author and son, Empire State Building, NY, NY / Photo by Author’s partner, Jo

Top of the World, Ma. Sorry boy, you feature in a few of these pics.

Notice who’s used to handling the cold better? Just pointing that out. 😎

Jo and the Capitol Building, Washington D.C. / Photo by Author

Finding the perfect travel partner is no small feat. I’m truly lucky to have found one in Jo. My love and my best friend.

My brothers / Photo by Author

My brothers. Yes, brothers. I’m the middle child. Possibly explains a lot.

Author and Son at the Lincoln Memorial, Washington D.C. / Photo by Author’s partner, Jo

Sharing American history with my Australian son.

San Francisco, California / Photo by Author

Showing Jo another All-American experience, the cable cars of San Francisco. (Yes, the cropped head shots are our thing. Drives my step-daughter mad. 😁)

Author and mom / Photo by Author’s partner, Jo

Home? This is the closest definition I’ve got. My last visit a couple of years ago. I didn’t know Jo took this photo until we returned home.

I will be forever grateful — no matter how this pandemic and travel thing plays out.

#travelmemories

Kudos to Anne Bonfert and World Traveler’s Blog and all travel writers and readers. In case you are interested in the writing prompt just read on here.

If you’d like to read a couple more of my U.S. articles (not photo essays), hope you enjoy the one about Virginia or another interesting read on NYC.

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