June has already reached us, but we would like to return to last month and recall an event that we think deserves some reflection. But is it such a strange association, really? Loneliness is a real issue for our societies, one that is quite uncomfortable to talk about and mostly hidden inside us, with shame. And, unfortunately, it only grows stronger when not faced and shared. One in five of us hide our feelings of loneliness from others. Travel is, overall, perceived as a great source of joy and excitement; therefore, some might say that it is potentially a useful antidote for loneliness.
However, this kind of travel, in the same way as when we suffer from feelings of loneliness, makes us feel as though we are drifting miles away from everyone else, on a self-activating conveyor belt.
We are disconnected β not only from the real atmosphere of a place, but also from other enriching human encounters. Exotic scenery, warm waters, sunny and bright beaches, white peaks, and fresh footprints on immaculate white snow.
Green lights in the northern skies, desertic views, volcanic lakes surrounded by green mountains hiding the cities of pre-Columbian civilisations. The list could go on forever. And yet, if we travel with the goal of escaping the boredom of our daily reality, to do something very special and memorable so that we can add it to our list of achievements, we are just sweeping more of the dust of discontent under the carpet, which, on our return, will look more like a rough and hilly surface than the flat and comfy floor-covering it is supposed to be.
Travel cannot cure loneliness, only temporarily conceal it, perhaps. Travel brings joy because it allows us to make new connections, not only in our brains, by taking in new information, learning about other cultures and history; but also, because it allows us to make new human connections. Those encounters with the local farmers, or with the barman at the hotel, the chat with other travellers in the cosy neighbourhood bar or the untranslated exchanges of smiles and body language we had with the woman that taught us how to weave colourful baskets from grass or banana leaves.
