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Freedom lies in being bold

Tom Carr | November 18, 2015 | 8:06 am | 4 Comments

Hot-Air-Balloon,-Luxor

Personal freedom lies in being bold, trusting your instincts and embracing the unknown

Have you ever experienced feelings of apprehension prior to stepping into a foreign country? Surely we all have at some point. Egypt is a country that has received plenty of negative media over the years and one that I was a little cautious toward. Probably because I didn’t really understand the political situation over there and often found myself fixated on sensationalised media.

Travel is an outlet for me, an opportunity to disconnect and feel freedom.

And when I say ‘freedom’ I am referring to western constraints; societal expectation, electronics and digital media – all of the above and more.

But in order to feel free – I need to feel comfortable – and how can I feel comfortable if I am not at ease? Freedom comes with being bold; taking risks and embracing every opportunity I am privileged in receiving – so the need to abolish all irrational thought prior to travelling is very important to me.

So yes, there were many unknowns the day I arrived into Cairo. My head was filled with pre-conceived ideas, my walls were up and I was organised beyond belief (usually not a trait I embrace when backpacking) but hey! I took it in my stride and saw it as a chance to fall in love with a country I never imagined I could.

And that’s exactly what happened. In fact, I didn’t want to leave.

I took this photograph whilst flying high above Luxor. It was the first time I had taken a ride in a hot air balloon and I was blown away (pardon the pun) by how peaceful the experience was. This photograph captured the moment perfectly; the way I felt and the infinite beauty that surrounded me.

And there it was, one month of exploration wrapped into a single moment. Because if I had to describe my time in Egypt, they’re the words I would use: peace and infinite beauty.

Egypt was one of the very first countries I explored, at a time I was young, naïve and lost in many ways. But I left feeling confident, liberated and capable – certain that I could travel almost anywhere alone.

Personal freedom lies in being bold, trusting your instincts and embracing the unknown because lets be honest – nothing is ever as bad as it seems.

About Tom Carr

Hailing from Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, travel is one of Tom’s greatest passions. As a 'My Kitchen Rules' alumni, Tom loves nothing more than sharing his wanderlust over a dish that’s been inspired by his latest adventures! Tom is driven by ‘food travel’, often choosing destinations on what culinary delight he may find.

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Comments

  1. John N Sue Chetcuti says

    November 25, 2015 at 10:00 am

    Yes I have it was our first trip overseas we were in Rome airport many many years ago and there were armed guards with rifles 30 years ago this was very confronting and scary I will never forget it

    Reply
    • Cheryl Archer says

      November 25, 2015 at 1:33 pm

      I remember that too 🙂 That was the days of the Red Brigade terrorist group, from memory.

      Reply
    • Places We Go says

      November 25, 2015 at 7:39 pm

      Have you returned to Rome since, John?

      Reply
    • John N Sue Chetcuti says

      November 25, 2015 at 9:06 pm

      We have not returned but we would like to as the sight of the Colosseum took our breath away simply amazing.

      Reply
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