Summary

Jill and Chris, a Canadian couple, are preparing for a trip to Istanbul, expressing both excitement and worry about the journey, given the ongoing global issues and personal concerns about leaving their safe haven in Africa during the pandemic.

Abstract

The authors, Jill and Chris, share their mixed feelings about their upcoming trip to Istanbul. While they are excited about the adventure, they can't help but feel apprehensive about the uncertainties that come with international travel amidst the pandemic and global conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine. Despite the normalcy they've experienced in Africa during Covid, the couple is wary of the potential challenges they might face, exacerbated by reading about others' negative travel experiences. They plan to manage their anxiety by focusing on the present and manifesting a smooth trip. The couple also takes a moment to appreciate the publication 'A Taste For Life' for providing the writing prompt that inspired their reflection.

Opinions

The authors have concerns about the impact of global events on their travel plans, including the war in Ukraine and other regional conflicts.
They acknowledge a sense of disconnection from the rest of the world due to the relatively mild impact of Covid in Africa compared to other regions.
The couple admits to occasionally succumbing to worry, which manifests as they prepare for their trip.
They are skeptical about the benefits of being well-informed about current events, preferring to focus on the day-to-day and avoid negative news.
Despite their concerns, they are hopeful and proactive, choosing to manifest positive outcomes for their travel.
They express gratitude towards the publication 'A Taste For Life' and its contributor, Jason Edmunds, for the weekend writing prompt that sparked their introspective piece.
The authors have a pragmatic approach to travel planning, favoring a direct flight to minimize potential complications.
They remain optimistic about their journey, visualizing positive experiences in Turkey and Eastern Europe.

WRITING PROMPT RESPONSE | A TASTE FOR LIFE

Riding the Waves Of Worry

Weekend writing prompt response - Prompt 4: Waves

I hope we aren’t this guy in the airport. Photo by christopher catbagan on Unsplash

Well, our flights are officially booked and we are headed off to Istanbul next month! We are very excited, but I also can’t help but have some worries about leaving the safety and security that we have found in Africa.

Being here during these past two years of Covid has felt like we have been on a different planet than the one that many of our friends and family were on. Someway, somehow, Covid hasn’t affected Africa the same way that it did in many other places.

In fact, despite the lack of tourists, these countries have continued on, business as usual. Life has been pretty darn normal down here.

So then I start to wonder.

What are we getting ourselves into?

The waves of worry wash over me occasionally and my mind starts to play tricks on me.

Let’s not even talk about the war in Ukraine and various other conflicts that seem to be springing up these days. Somebody mentioned something about Turkey and Greece having a tit-for-tat the other day. I haven’t even looked into it, I really don’t want to know.

I know putting our heads in the sand isn’t helping either. But focusing on one day at a time has served us well these past couple of years. If I start to get too ahead of myself with fear and worry, I know what sort of rabbit hole I can start to go down.

It also doesn’t help that many people are writing about their travel nightmares. I’ve read posts from Bernie Pullen and Sandy Maximus (story links below) about their recent experiences with traveling, and it sure doesn’t look appealing.

The one thing that is on our side is that our flight is direct! This should alleviate any sort of problem that might creep up. I also like to think that Africa is still not hopping with tourists, so hopefully, the flights aren’t crazily booked and overwhelmed like I am hearing is happening in North America and Europe.

Either way, I need to remind myself that the future is an illusion that I am creating in my mind. I have no control over it, and I can only take each day as it comes and do the best with what I am given.

Starting now, we are going to do some manifesting. We will manifest an easy and stress-free crossing to Turkey, and look forward to adventures around Eastern Europe to follow.

Then, instead of riding the waves of worry, I can visualize myself bouncing in mountains of Turkish delight!

Thanks to Jason Edmunds and his publication A Taste For Life for another great weekend prompt! Hope everyone is enjoying themselves, wherever you find yourself.

xo Jill

My weekend prompt responses are on their own list:

A Taste For Life's Writing Prompt Responses

These are responses that I have written for the A Taste For Life publication.

artisticvoyages.medium.com

To read Bernie and Sandy’s stories:

10 Changes I Came Across When Flying Post Pandemic

Are you planning to fly soon? Are you prepared for the changes that have taken place with air travel?

medium.com

Traveling is Like Changing Lenses

You gain more clarity with every new place you visit

medium.com

I Sailed Around The World!

An experience that carved out who I really am.

medium.com

Hi there, we are 2 Canadians, Jill and Chris from Artistic Voyages. We have been nomadic since 2017 living in numerous different countries, and experiencing the life and diversity of our planet on the ground and firsthand. We paint FREE murals in exchange for accommodation. Check us out on Ko-fi!

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