“Somebody asked me what I missed about Memphis. I said everything.'" — Elvis Presley
One the wheels are down and you feel the planes impact on the ground there is a solace about it. For me it’s a combination of peace of being home and melancholy about going back to the real world. I have always gotten the post-vacation blues. After all of the time spent researching and planning prior to going it’s a definite downer to be home no matter how successful the trip was. Even when I am away for more than a week, and missing my bed, I still know I don’t really want to leave where I am. Traveling is more than a physical experience; it is a mind, body, and soul experience. Once the body is back where it belongs, the soul and mind can carry on in the spirit of their travels because now there is an additional level of permanent contentment that comes along with having another goal reached and destination check off the my list.
At the airport I always find myself wondering who is just arriving to NYC for a new and exciting adventure, and who is coming home like me. I find myself jealous of those just starting out. But there is something to be said to be back on your home ground and the peace I feel watching strangers getting to experience for the first time all of the great things I love about my city. I wonder what they will see and do and if it will mean as much to them. I could watch people coming and going for hours. But usually I am praying my cab comes quickly because knowing me I have work in six hours and need my beauty rest. Even still, I love ending a trip with those thoughts.
For me a vacation has concluded when I am home and my pictures are safely uploaded to my computer. It is only then at the completion of the puzzle, that I really know how much fun I had. I can process the trip differently and more accurately reliving it through my images. It’s the best part because you can share your experience with others, each time reliving your trip. It also allows you to see something you didn't think to mention as people inquire about your vacation photographs. Sometimes words on a page simply won’t do. The photographs are the proof I was there and what keeps the memories alive.
I have only recently learned the power of sharing these photographs. A family friend recently told me that she loved looking at my pictures because “so far I have been to many places and the best part was I didn’t have to leave the house…thanks for taking me on vacation with you.” This is the highest compliment I can be paid. It means I have done my job right and simultaneously feed my soul.
I really enjoyed my time in Memphis. I loved the history, the Southern tradition, the polite people, the beauty of the land, the food of course, and even the accents. These are the things I will miss and reasons I will journey back there someday. While I don’t yearn to be in Memphis the way I do for other places I have visited, I still appreciate it and recommend it. I can see why Elvis loved it so.
So that’s the end of this series! What did you think?? Are you interested in going to Memphis now?? I hope so. It’s really something to see.
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