BY: ROEYNA MAY FAMISARAN
THIS pandemic has put a temporary stop to our itchy feet. Most of us had already laid out our travel plans for this year. We already bought our tickeats and booked our hotels. We even had our itineraries and OOTDs ready. But COVID-19 has other plans for us.
The travel industry is one of the most affected sectors during this pandemic. Airplanes stay on ground. Tourism spots are closed. Hotels and restaurants shut down. Border restrictions are put in place. While we all miss hopping on planes and boats, seeing other places, and experiencing various cultures, our health should always come first. And while we stay at home, we can still satisfy our wanderlust through these reads:
1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Simple yet enchanting, Paulo Coelho’s masterpiece tells the story of Santiago — a solo traveller — who journeys from his homeland to the Egyptian desert to fulfil his Personal Legend. Along the way, he meets people who tell him not to give up on his journey. The Alchemist is a story about pursuing your Personal Legend no matter what. “And, when you want something, the universe conspires to make it happen.”
2. Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Eat, Pray, Love is a memoir which tells the author’s road to self-discovery after her divorce. Despite having everything a woman dreams to have at the age of 34, Gilbert still felt confused. She dropped everything to set out to her journey to three countries with various cultures. She enjoyed in Italy, found her spirituality in India, and discovered balance in Indonesia. The book has empowered so many women to not be afraid to travel alone and look for their best selves.
3. The Beach by Alex Garland
Set in Thailand, the book tells the story of Richard, a British young backpacker who discovers an idyllic beach which is completely virgin from tourism. The beach, as legends say, is beautiful beyond words. There is a lagoon hidden from the sea. There is freshwater falls. There is a cannabis plantation. The white sand is way too dreamy. The coral gardens look like they are from books and movies. Richard also finds out that the beach has already been inhabited by a few backpackers and they are doing everything to remain undiscovered. While living in the beach feels like paradise, Richard later experiences the deadly parts of the beach culture.
4. Wind, Sand and Stars by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
We all know about Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince. But much has also been said about his masterpiece Wind, Sand and Stars. A memoir, aviator-writer de Saint-Exupéry tells about his stories of flying, including the 1935 plane crash in the Sahara Desert which he miraculously survived. The book’s themes mainly deal with friendship, death and the search for meaning in life.
5. Strange Weather in Tokyo by Hiromi Kawakami
While drinking alone in a local sake bar, 38-year-old Tsukiko meets her former tutor. Little did she know that the little encounter will blossom into deep friendship and something more. Their story is marked by the subtle hints of Japan’s changing seasons. This book will let you travel through Japan’s modern and ancient culture. Charming and funny, Strange Weather in Tokyo will definitely make you eager to visit the Land of the Rising Sun.
6. Less by Andrew Sean Greer
Almost 50-year-old struggling writer Arthur Less receives a wedding invitation from an ex-lover. He couldn’t say yes as it will be too awkward. He also couldn’t say no as it may appear that he’s bitter. What does he do? He skips town and travels the world for a literary tour. A Pulitzer Prize winner, the book delivers a funny take on relationships, travel and aging./PN
