MONOMAD - Bon Voyage Vol.1

Hello, my Hive friends! I can't express enough how I miss colder days and less work outside so I can be more here on Hive and behind my computer. However, there is one thing I miss more than this, travel. Due to some projects and life plan changes, we don't have any significant travels in the near future. And this is killing me. Luckily my disk is still full of previous travels, so I can enjoy editing and expressing them, but still.

Traveling can be manifested in many different ways. Even if I am talking about literal travel. One can travel by foot, by train, car, horse, ship, boat and lately even by rocket. My favorite? Safe one and still full of action one. Trains can be fun, especially when you can be a part of the local community. Buses? Sure, as long I feel safe. In Asia, there were some unsafe situations which could made this travels unpleasant. But still, risk is calculated, one would say.

My hardest travel? I would say trains in Vietnam. Hanoi-Sappa was one for sure. For the full experience, I took the third class ticket to share my ride with locals and be a part of it. Sure, the social aspect was nice, but hardwood seats and overcrowded train carts weren't that fun. However, in the end, I reached my destination and an experience like this will never be forgotten. Three children around me were like a cat with their cubs, half sleeping half looking and just counting miles to the final destination.

The most liberating way of traveling is by boat and ship. The water around you is presenting that void you are always trying to avoid. Just you and your thoughts slicing through the waves and getting there slow but surely. If you are lucky you can be a witness of dolphin play and unforgettable sunsets and sunrises. Ironically, traveling on the water can be experienced as safe and dangerous at the same time. On the sea weather conditions can change very quickly and trust me you start to pray to Poseidon before you even realize it.

Our travels are never about reaching the destination but rather about experiences on this route. Meeting new people, sharing stories, and enriching our knowledge are priceless. Traveling luxurious on first class or sharing your sit-on wooden plank with locals are two different meanings. At the end of it, all that matters is your fulfillment. I promise, soon we will be on our huge travel with new gear and new destinations ;)