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- Why Travel Should Be a Priority, Not a Luxury
- The Land of Flavors
- Photographs In Time
- Navigational Table of Contents
- In-depth Intellectual Contributions
Why Travel Should Be a Priority, Not a Luxury
Have you ever felt that traveling is out of reach, something only for the wealthy?
Traveling isn’t just a luxury; it’s an essential part of your personal growth and well-being.
Traveling was always a luxury to me and many others I knew. Traveling required two things I didn’t have much of: time and money.
After watching endless videos late at night, scrolling through social media, and watching people live their dreams of traveling to beautiful countries and experiencing different cultures, I knew I had to make an effort.
To travel. By definition, it means to “go from one place to another, typically over a distance of some length”.
But what does it really mean to travel?
Being able to visit cities across the world to learn about various cultures and ways of living broadens the horizons of your perspectives. The excitement of meeting people you have never met before, trying food you wouldn’t normally try, and being in awe of your surroundings is why the thrill of traveling never fades.
But traveling doesn’t have to be difficult. Not everyone has the time or money to go to such places. Even places just an hour away can offer a refreshing escape, helping you reconnect with nature.
Traveling teaches you real-world abilities such as adaptability and communication. You are able to learn history and geography in a different light, which provides educational value far beyond what classrooms can sometimes offer.
A luxury. By definition, it means “the state of great comfort and extravagant living”.
Many people equate travel with luxury, 5-star resorts, exotic locations, and designer wardrobes. But should these define the travel experience? Perhaps these luxuries align with your vision of travel—or perhaps they don’t. Either way, these don’t define your experience. These items will certainly bring you great joy but why are they a necessity?
At its core, travel isn’t about luxury; it’s about bonding and growth. It helps you build connections to the world around you, opening your eyes to unimaginable wonders that were hidden in plain sight.
Whether near or far, make travel a priority in your life. The experiences you gain will live with you forever, no matter where you decide to go.
The Land of Flavors
With each step forward, the world she knew faded behind her, swallowed by the thick, whispering fog of the forest. Elara hesitated, turning back and looking away from the swift animal in front of her, seemingly leading her somewhere.
As the dipped below the horizon, the golden hue of the late evening was cast over the small coastal village. Waves crashed against the rocky cliffs that overlooked the ocean. Fishing boats lined the harbor, swaying in the water as the main source of illumination was a towering lighthouse, old but strong standing on a hill. The village was often a bit silent, but today nothing but the sound of the waves filled the air.
Elara looked at the fox again and was immediately fascinated, chasing the fox as it darted further and further into the forest behind her village. She was a small girl with auburn hair and hazel eyes but was so quiet for a kid that people found it odd. She was a very curious child who always found interest in the littlest things, especially since nothing exciting ever happened in the village.
As she ran, the air grew warmer, and the dry earth beneath her shoes turned into lush grass. She slowed down and gazed in awe at her surroundings. The trees which were wilting and hollow, were vibrant and full, shimmering in the sunlight.
“Hey you!” Elara’s eyes grew wide as she looked around her to see who spoke. “Hello? I’m behind you!”
Elara gasped as she turned swiftly, looking up at the massive brown tree in front of her, adorned with gold blossoms. “You can speak?” She gasped.
“Of course I can! How did you get in here?” The tree asked her, swaying as it spoke. It had an animated face and raised an eyebrow, demanding an answer from her.
“I was chasing an orange fox,” Elara replied, still in shock. “But I don’t know where I am anymore.”
“Of course it was Fox who led you here! It’s not easy to see a human here. I’m Tree, what’s your name?” The tree asked.
“Hello Tree, my name is Elara.” Elara replied happily.
“Well Elara, you must be careful in this forest,” Tree told her carefully. “It is a very beautiful place, but humans are almost never able to leave.”
Elara frowned. “But I must get home in time for dinner! My mother will be worried!”
Tree hummed, thinking for a moment. “The only way for you to get home is to eat a blue Candyflower.”
The branch rustled before a voice interrupted the conversation. “Tree! Why would you tell her! You know how dangerous it is to get a Candyflower. Even we can barely get a glimpse of them,” Fox said, stepping out from behind the flowers. “Besides, that’s where the Candy Witch lives!”
“The Witch is away right now; she’s getting more ingredients at the far end of the forest. This is the little girl’s only chance!” Tree huffed in annoyance.
Elara smiled. “It’s you! I was following you earlier. Were you trying to lead me somewhere?”
Fox smiled back sheepishly. “I was having fun when you were chasing me and accidentally led you here.”
A red owl flew from within the trees and looked at Elara.
“Hello, my name is Owl. Do you really want to go home? If you do, you must promise not to eat anything but the Candyflower.” Owl asked, his eyes shining beautifully in the sunlight.
Elara nodded, mesmerized by the animal. “I understand. Let’s go, I must get home!”
“Then I will help you!” Owl said confidently. “Our first stop is Harvest Hollow.”
Fox, Owl, and Elara set off to the Candy Witch’s house, first encountering a thicker and lush forest than the one before them. From the trees grew fruits and vegetables of various colors and shapes.
“Wow, there’s so many fruits here!” Elara exclaimed.
“Not just fruits,” Fox replied. “There are also vegetables. Fruits have seeds and vegetables don’t!”
“I see. So, pumpkins, tomatoes, and apples are all examples of fruits!” Elara concluded. “But lettuce and carrots are not since they don’t have any seeds.”
“Exactly.” Fox replied. “They give you lots of vitamins.”
Elara, Fox, and Owl had to stop as they encountered Smoothie Stream. As they were about the cross, they saw that the bridge was broken.
“What do we do? The bridge is broken!” Elara cried out. Fox looked around before noticing someone he knew.
“Deer, we need your help! We can’t cross this bridge, but we know you can help us.” Fox pleaded.
Deer elegantly lifted her head from the lake, licking her lips. “Why should I help you?” She asked, rolling her eyes.
Elara thought for a moment. “You can get a Candyflower if you come with us! The Candy Witch is away right now!”
“A Candyflower?” Deer’s eyes lit up at Elara’s words. “That is a very good offer. Get on my back.” She bent down, and Elara climbed on Deer’s back with Fox in her lap. Deer took a few steps back, before leaping over Smoothie Stream.
Elara excitedly reached down and stuck her finger in the thick green slush that flowed for miles down the river. “It’s surprisingly delicious! I can taste kale, coconuts, and pineapple!”
Fox and Deer both laughed. “Fruits and vegetables are quite tasty in different forms. They are also very healthy for you and can help you grow!” Deer told Elara.
They continued their way to the Candy Witch’s house before coming across Dairy Swamp.
“This is dangerous, the soft ground of the swamp is made from softened butter! We can get sucked in with one wrong move!” Owl speculated.
“I could have flown you across if I was bigger and stronger.” Owl sighed.
Elara’s eyes lit up at his words. “I remember learning about dairy! Dairy foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt help your bones grow big and strong. Since this land is magical, maybe eating some of these dairy items will help you grow too!”
Owl thought for a moment. “I will give it a try!” He stepped forward and began to eat the blocks of cheese by the swamp.
Deer gasped. “I think it’s working!” Owl started to slowly grow as he ate, and a few minutes later he told all of them to get on his back.
“I feel so much stronger!” Owl said confidently. “I’ve grown taller, and my wings help me fly even faster!”
Deer and Elara pointed out what they saw as they flew over the swamp. There was a river made of milk, mountains made of cheddar cheese, and even ice cream near the end!
Finally, the group made it to the Chocolate Crossroads and Owl let them down.
“Dark, milk, or white chocolate. Which one to choose?” Elara asked confusedly.
Deer shook her head in frustration. “These paths always change where they lead to, so it is impossible to know. Fox, you must help us, with your amazing sense of smell!”
“I will check which path is the right one!” Fox walked over to the entrance, seeing if he could smell the correct way to the land of sweets. He stood up after a few moments and said, “Milk chocolate is the right path!”
“Thanks Owl!” Elara exclaimed.
They continued the Milk Chocolate Path and everything around them slowly became made of candy.
“Wow, it’s like a dream!” Elara said, her eyes twinkling with excitement. There were gumdrop bushes, licorice plants, and lollipop orchards.
“Sweets can give you energy and make you feel happy when you are eating them. Too much of it can cause cavities, which are bad for your teeth, and problems for your health. You should eat them in moderation!” Deer explained.
“Okay,” Elara said, remembering the lesson Deer taught her.
Fox squinted. “I think I see it!” The Candy Witch’s house was a small castle, made up of gingerbread and cookie base walls. The path towards it was made of glistening royal icing and it was all decorated with every kind of chocolate and candy you could ever think of.
“Elara, make sure you don’t eat anything but the Candyflower!” Owl exclaimed. For a moment Elara was bewitched and she fought the urge to grab a piece of candy.
“Where is the garden with the Candyflowers?” Deer asked.
Owl flew faster. “I’ll show you the way!” As they raced towards the back of the palace, they saw the Candyflowers glittering in the sunlight. The petals gave off a golden glow and as she reached toward it, Elara saw grains of sugar upon them.
Owl and Deer gasped in astonishment. Fox grinned happily. “That’s the Candyflower Elara, quickly grab it!”
“Not so fast!”
Elara and her friends turned around, face to face with a woman whose dress was made of taffy and hat was made of peppermints. She shook her head angrily as she stomped over.
“Those are my Candyflowers, and only I shall have them!” The Candy Witch exclaimed angrily.
Elara gasped in surprise but tried to explain. “I need a Candyflower to get home! Can’t you please give me one? You have so many!”
The Candy Witch rolled her eyes. “You don’t have anything to offer me, little girl, and I don’t do favors.” She paused for a moment, her eyes widening. “Wait, you’re human?”
Elara nodded. “I need to eat the Candyflower to go back to my world.”
The Candy Witch grinned. “Alright, I’ll give you a Candyflower. In exchange for all your memories about this enchanted forest. A human’s memories are the perfect ingredient to add to my new candy!”
Elara suddenly paused for a moment. This entire time, she had just wanted to go home to her family and her village. But ever since she had come to the forest, the animals had treated her so kindly, and they helped each other. Did she really want to leave behind her happiest memories?
Fox, Deer, and Owl all looked to Elara and walked over to her. “Elara, you should take this chance! What’s wrong?” Owl asked worriedly.
“I don’t want to leave you all, you’re my friends!” She replied sadly.
Deer smiled at her. “You will always be our friend. Just because your memories are gone doesn’t mean we aren’t friends.”
Fox nodded. “If it’s meant to be, we will meet again!”
Elara wiped her tears and nodded. “I’ll exchange my memories!” She said to the Candy Witch.
The Candy Witch jumped with glee and pointed her finger to the Candyflower. There was a bright flash before Elara plucked it from the ground, the sugary petals dissolving on her tongue.
The world around her began to blur and she blinked, opening her eyes to find herself in front of the forest behind her village. The sun’s rays were still a deep gold, painting the sky red and purple as evening turned to night.
Elara was confused as to how she had gotten there. She looked down and saw her shoes dampened despite the dry earth below her. She swallowed tasting sugar in her mouth. Still disoriented, she began her walk back home and out of the corner of her eye, she could have sworn she saw a fox looking at her.
