dream on ...
here shall i go on holiday ?a trip that doesn't involve 21st century travel hassle - airports vividly spring to mind - and little or no expense ...
One Easter awhile ago whilst treating ourselves to a south of France style lunch in a very cold and rainy London we had the pleasure of talking to a very memorable, quite elderly lady who told us she was visiting from her home in Monaco to finalise arrangements for her next six- week overland visit in India. She explained that she spent winter months at home researching and planning each year's trip in detail including 'employing' an experienced driver plus car to meet her on arrival and accompany her throughout each adventure, and laughing, told us she was nearly always addressed as 'sir' by hotel staff on previous stays in India. I wonder why? She was truly inspiring.
So as current restricted budget living doesn't include holidays I'm going to follow part of this lovely lady's way of life, and take myself (and anyone who wants to join me) on some amazing journeys without leaving home - except maybe for an occasional trip to my local bookshop, library or travel agent - thru books, magazines, supplements, brochures, friends suggestions, and last but not least the Internet.
The plan, to make time to choose a destination then ...
1 - research its history, lifestyle, attractions, maybe shops too and write a travel journal
2 - make a scenic poster size storyboard or slide show from cuttings and photos
3 - track down movies to buy or rent that were filmed there on location including 'foreign' speaking films with subtitles
4 - research and download some atmospheric music
5 - choose recipes from an appropriate cookery book and maybe some wine
6 - find a local deli or market who sell the required ingredients
7 - prepare a delicious meal , style a table or tray setting, put the storyboard on show, have the atmospheric music or movie playing in the background
8 - and let imagination run wild ...