Make traveling a part of your life

It’s good to make traveling a part of your life.

Lagos to Abu Dhabi

Several years ago, as a student of the University of Lagos whilst hanging around with a couple of friends, our discussion drifted into the issue of travelling. I was so surprised to discover that I had friends who had never traveled outside Lagos. To them It was like, outside Lagos, what is there to see?

This post is to encourage you to incorporate traveling into your lifestyle as it opens your eyes to know how people live in other places. Where you reside now maybe great. But going to other places will give you the privilege to enjoy what other places have that is not in your present place of abode. It was at Ikogosi that I first encountered hot and cold spring. Though I was taught about it in a geography class several years ago, but nothing beats seeing and touching the hot and cold spring in real life. Later I visited Wikki hotsprings in Yankari to enjoy the same in a different dimension. The Suya in Port Harcourt where I stay is great, but the Suya we were served at Babale off Bauchi – Jos expressway is out of this world.

Suya at Babale

To read more on my experiences with concerning Nigerian food follow this link https://ovyay.com/what-you-must-not-miss-when-you-travel/

Travel gives you freedom-

Wikki warm springs, Yankari

I am a full time Pastor but whenever I travel whether locally or internationally I get to be myself. What I mean is, because of my being a Pastor, there are certain expectations and pressures from people in my place of abode/ministry. I am free from such expectations whenever I travel. Most times I don’t even introduce myself as being a Pastor because some people may want you to counsel them or pray with them which is not bad but travel time, is my holiday time. I hope you understand me. At other times, when I tell people I am a full time Pastor they find it difficult to believe. Some even ask me questions like “what are you doing here”? And I answer them politely, by saying “..the same as you. To see this beautiful site or climb this mountain” etc.

Travel gives me the opportunity to relax and recharge my batteries.

Ovyay at Ilase beach

When I am out there, I tune out all the pressures I am experiencing and enjoy the moment without a care. I love photography so I use the time to get my creative juices flowing through the different types of photos I am privileged to take. This is also the time I do my writing especially concerning the books I am hoping to publish in future. Its the time I perfect my poetry skills. Being in another location far from my daily grind makes me think clearly and my poetic juices flow better. Its not that I can’t write at home. it’s just that when you are free out there, you think clearer and wtite better.

By my experience, traveling is a healer.

Once I travel, my wounded feelings / harassed mind / thoughts gets healed. Though some the problems may be still unresolved, but when I return I am a bit more relaxed in solving them especially since I have spent time away from them. I can now be more rational in proffering solutions to them.

Incorporate traveling into your lifestyle because life is too short and there is so much to see.

Ovyay at Erin ijesa waterfalls

I once told some folks that I am already above fifty years. How many years do you think I have left between now and when old age retires me from going about. This is the time to climb Everest if you ask me. I love the great outdoors so I have to keep going now and will keep going till age stops me or life stops me. I missed a lot as a young man because I was working to survive but have come to realise that there is more to life than just working. I remember my wife and I never went anywhere (for holiday) the first 20 years of our marriage and never realised what we were missing till we were sponsored to Obudu Mountains Ranch for our 20years wedding anniversary. I mean we were like kids all over again. Holding hands, talking and just having fun. Just being ourselves. It was great. Besides, we are not coming through this way anymore so I better see all I can see before I go on to paradise (Amen).

Ovyay at Obudu Mountains

Travel gives you an alternative view to life and people.

Ovyay at Makoko, Lagos

It destroys stereotypes. Your views on people groups radically changes when you travel. The places I have been to in the length and breadth of this country and outside this country has made me come up with the conclusion that everywhere people are just same everywhere. There are good people and bad people everywhere. I normally research where I go to for safety reasons before I move so that I can interact well with the people in the new location without problem. Over the years a lot of wrong opinions I had about people has changed when I experienced them directly.

Actually, travelling helps you to meet interesting people.

I met the python handler whose picture you see below at Abeokuta.

Python handler

We had a little discussion about his craft. This brother stored about 5 phytons in his trouser etc . Yes those are live pythons. Quite interesting. At another time, I travelled with a certain fellow to Israel some years back. This guy won’t stop talking. But every word from his mouth even if you are angry eventually forces you to laugh. He was the life of the party. I can never forget this fellows.

Traveling make you know who your real friends are.

If you travel with someone, probably share a room with them in close quarters for a couple of days, you will really get to know if you are truly friends. Everyone can be nice for a few hours. But when you are like in their face for days, and still return from the trip as buddies, then that fellow is a friend.

I travel to make memories.

Ovyay in the Cable car at Obudu Mountains

Memories I sometimes share with people. At other times, I sit back watch videos of places I have been to and instantly relive the wonderful times I had there. There are time I look at the framed pictures I have on my wall. These were the keepers from my several journey’s. From the beautiful landscapes of Obudu, to the awesome deserts /Cityscapes of Dubai, the Medieval castle at Kajuru, to the beautiful beaches of Ilashe or Casa de LA Papa. Everywhere there are good memories and friends to remember. I remember and smile.

Travelling breaks the chain of routine.

I mean the monotonous repetitions. The grind of life that stifled joy and may have stabilised you on the platform of the mundane. This is why I venture out. Every journey opens a new door and a new vista. You don’t know what lies at the other end till you open the door. What lies around me I have seen. What lies ahead carries in it hidden thrills.

Life is too short not to have fun.

Ovyay at Benin Republic

Your fun will not come and meet you on your sofa/armchair like a long lost beloved friend. You have to go out and find fun or discover fun. I love photography. My love for photography led to my realising my love for traveling. So I travel to discover beautiful places and sometimes not so beautiful places.

What do I not like about travelling?

The most difficult thing for me when it comes to traveling is having to pack my bags. My wife knows this is my weakest area. I just find it difficult. At times she says to me “just pick three trousers and three shirts, your camera stuff/your toiletries and go”. I know its that simple but it’s just my battle area. I just don’t know how to get that over and done with.

Another is when people don’t understand my why?

Ovyay

To them it’s a waste of money. “What did you gain from it now that you are back”? Some have asked? You understand the “show me the money” you made syndrome. That’s not my why. My thrill is when I stand at the top of the mountains of Ado Awaye or looking back from the mountains of Idanre at the town spread out below. That’s my joy. That’s all I need. That’s what makes all the suffering to climb the mountain worth it. I believe everyone should do what is right for them. I do not mean operate in recklessness or being irresponsible. I mean some like to cook. Some like to sing. Some are so good playing musical instruments. (I wish I could). Some are philanthropic in nature. Whatever you are, do you. Don’t try to make another person who you are..

The third is how to fit back into my Grove.

Traveling offers me an opportunity to break off the usual. Whenever I return from a trip, I go through the struggle of getting back into my normal life routines. I get into a bit of struggle concerning my exercising routines etc. It takes a bit of time to hit optimum rhythm in my office and home life activities etc.

So I urge you, incorporate traveling into your lifestyle.

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” -Mark Twain

Selah.

So what’s your view about traveling? Maybe you don’t really like traveling. What is the area of your passion. I would highly appreciate it if you let me know in the comments below. Also if you have not subscribed to this Blog please do so now. Kindly share this post with others who feel will enjoy/benefit from reading it. Thanks

To read another travel Blog post, follow this link Why I travel.