It’s been a good long minute from my ‘page a day’ writing resolution but I’m back in the saddle.

And what a great topic to kick start my intentions: “What’s your favorite part about visiting a new place — the food? The architecture? The people watching?”

My favourite part? ALL OF IT.

Honestly, I’m waiting for the first day I go to New York – I will look up at the skyscrapers all the damn time.

I would smile at every weird and goofy thing, I will dance with the street musicians and take pictures of everything. And I’ll be sure to try to hit the top of a yellow cab and yell “Hey! I’m walking over here!” in my loudest, proudest fake New York Italian accent ever.

Every day at a new place has the potential to stir up my inner Dora the Explorer. Take the first time I went to Kumasi. Yes, the circumstances were sad, but I was like a kid in a candy store : from the moment I sat in the bus to the time I sat and chatting with my Aunty…I was in heaven. Kumasi is cosmopolitan but under all the gloss is a strong veneer of Ashanti traditions. There is history behind every name and a story behind every monument.

I schooled for years in Takoradi but whenever I visit, I take a deep breath because the air is so fresh and the tang of sea salt is lingers in the breeze. The city is large but small enough for everyone to be in each other’s business.

When I was a teenager, I spent a year as an exchange student in a small Norwegian city called Tromsoe. Believe me when I say, I spent those twelve months on sensory overload.

New food.

New routines.

Scenic routes.

Buildings from centuries ago.

A fascinating language.

Friendly people.

Snowy mornings.

24 hour days.

Northern Lights or Nordlys.

It was one of the best years of my life.

And that’s what travelling is for me: a minute away from the familiar, a chance to explore, food to tantalise my palate, and bumping into other intrepid travelers.

It’s a breath of fresh air.

Then I come back home, ready to tackle the next adventure adulting has for me.

Until my finances and wanderlust align like the stars and I’m on the road again.