houghts On Travel
A journey is not just A to B. It’s also the in between. It’s the moments and the memories, and the glimpses of a time going by. What we feel, the colors of the world, the taste of the air, the lives touched along the way; it’s making new connections to a place, a change of perception. It’s finding yourself on the path less traveled.
A journey is cautious steps and giant leaps of faith. Taking time, taking a breath, charting your own course – being a part of a story worth telling.
If travel is like love, it is, in the end, mostly because we find a higher state of awareness, in which we are aware, receptive, charmed by the unfamiliar and ready to change beyond our imaginations. That is why the best trips, like the best love affairs, never really end. Yes, a journey is reaching the end and then discovering you are only half way there.
Throughout this book, the door opens to numerous magical places; this is my reality. One could say – everything I’ve learned, I’ve learned from traveling around our world; yet, there are still so many lessons to be learned and more corners of the world to discover.
Mark A Paulda Travel Photographer and Gentleman Wayfarer
The world is larger than your mind can ever imagine
The more you see, the more you will want to see. Your travel list will keep growing.
Stepping out of your comfort zone is not that scary. You are braver and stronger than you know
Nothing stops traffic like a herd of cows in the middle of a West Ireland road.
The cruelty of a few can ruin the lives of many but the vast majority of people are good.
Certain sights may disappear from the mind but the experiences will stay with you.
You can travel just fine without a guidebook or a top ten list.
Wearing the same clothing day after day is not so bad unless you don’t wash them.
It is entirely possible to take too many photographs.
Even if you aren’t the traveler or person you want to be, it is never too late to change.
The more you say “tomorrow,” the less likely tomorrow will arrive.
Life is amazing and there is no reason to worry. Relax and go with the flow.
You can’t change the future. Make the best decisions you can today and enjoy the moment.
Life is a curious thing. Curiosity never killed anything except maybe a few hours.
If you are determined enough, there are ample opportunities in life that are entirely within your reach regardless of who you are.
The world is much more fun with people of varying interests and beliefs.
Wear sunscreen even if there is cloud cover when near the equator.
The deeper you travel the larger your family grows.
Sleep and a good meal can cure and otherwise horrible day.
Your home country is as unique as those places we fawn over in travel magazines.
Almost everyone has problems and puts on a brave face. Don’t assume they have it easy.
The fastest way to get from Point A to Point B is not always as obvious as it seems and not always the most interesting.
There is no shame in saying “I don’t know.”
When you spend enough time with people who are living on next to nothing, but having a full life, then you will understand money is not always the answer.
Television is the greatest black hole of all time.
You really can depend on the kindness of strangers.
Gazing at the Milky Way can make you feel both small and insignificant.
Every person’s lifestyle is equally valid as long as that person is happy.
No matter how geeky we think we are, there are people so much geekier than us.
The Aurora Borealis is the most amazing light show anywhere and might make you believe in aliens.
The world that is worth experiencing is not on television or computer screens. It is with other human beings.
While doing what the locals do will help enrich your adventures, urinating on the side of the street is not a necessary requirement.
There is a song for everything. Everything.
Never ever leave your bag unattended.
One word may have three different meanings in three different countries.
Never regret the things you’ve done, only the things you haven’t.
If you want soft toilet paper, it is best to pack it.
There are great benefits to not knowing the local language – like miming out “chicken” to let the waitress know you want eggs for breakfast.
Journey is an adventure. No matter what happens while traveling, it is never a mistake.
Scare yourself once in a while. It makes life less dull.
You are never really alone being alone.
Don’t force yourself to say another goodbye if you don’t have to.
Every country in the world is modernizing but this does not mean they are westernizing or Americanizing.
You can’t please everyone.
Our parents are more incredible, encouraging and open-minded than we have ever given them credit for.
Thinking too much can stop you from experiencing an adventure of a lifetime.
Comfortable shoes can be a blessing.
Always wash your hands.
Living vicariously through someone else is not the way to live.
Deferring your happiness to another day is a terrible idea.
You can relate to everyone in the world if you look past the superficial things that separate us.
The world owes you nothing.
You owe it to yourself to be the master of where your life ends up.
People are impressed by those who are not trying to impress them.
Embrace your individuality. What is “cool” now will be out of style in a few years.
You can be “interesting” by being a good listener.
International calling with mobile phones is great until the bill arrives.
The most important lessons in life can never be expressed in black and white, but must be experienced.
Spending time exclusively with people who agree with you about almost everything is not a challenge and you learn so much less.
Smiles are indeed the same in every language.
“Are we going anywhere nice for our holidays, sir?” asks the barber of his gentleman client in the basement of Trumpet’s in Jermyn Street, at least seven or eight times a day. “Our what?” replies the gentleman, just as regularly. “I don’t know about you Foskett, old chap, but I am not sure that I recognize the term. I shall be sailing in July, as usual, shooting in the latter part of August, naturally, and I have a mind to spend the Autumn in Deauville. You may call it a ‘holiday,’ I suppose, but I rather think of it as life.”
Mark grows spiritually simply by opening his heart and mind to cultures foreign to his own. He's walked over a hundred miles with a nomadic Berber tribe in North Africa; hiked the Himalayas until his head was literally in the clouds; and he is now dedicated to helping a young man in Bali tell the story of his native land through photography and video. As a travel photographer, Paulda has flown well over a million miles all in seat number 3A, worn out numerous pairs of shoes as he trundled step after step, and clicked the shutter on his camera innumerable times.
Mark’s ability to convey a fascinating story has seen him become a bestselling author. His first book, “Celebrating El Paso,” became the fastest selling book in the history of TCU Press and subsequently sold out the first printing within three months. Paulda’s second book “ELP 120: Edge of the Southwest” was met with equal success and was recognized as one of the Best Books of Texas for the year. New book titles are in the works.
Mark’s photography has also been included in several published collaborative collections including – Sandy Hill’s “Mountain,” published by Rizzoli, David Tucker’s “London Walks” and Karen Griffith’s “Reflections of Lake Lenore.” Light and Composition Magazine and LinkedIn name Paulda as one of the Top Travel Photographers in the World. His work has also been nominated for a Grammy for Best Album Cover Art for Asia's album, "Recollections."
When not traveling, Mark can be found entertaining his high maintenance cat, Ollie, or gazing out the window wondering where his travels will find him next.
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