Being housebound changes a person. These four walls have become the boundaries of my whole world. I rely on books and the internet to remind me that there is more to life than this. My imagination can escape, even if my body cannot. But over time, it has become easier to forget about what lies outside. Instead of seeing these walls as part of what is, it has started to feel like the walls are what should be. That I am trapped, and always will be, and that this is all there is. I will sit still while the world goes on. I am not a part of it, anymore.
But who knows what she spoke to the darkness, alone, in the bitter watches of the night, when all her life seemed shrinking, and the walls of her bower closing in about her, a hutch to trammel some wild thing in? – Return of the King
But our trip to New Orleans took me outside this cage for a little while. I got out from under the burden of these walls. And I realized – I remembered – that LIFE surrounds me. There is more out there than the same trees and bushes I see from my windows. Different sky, different people, different sounds. New music, new food.
It was like taking off sunglasses on a cloudless day, everything seemed so bright and fresh. Have you ever had the wind knocked out of you? This was like taking that first deep breath after gasping for air. It was emotionally and spiritually invigorating, despite being physically exhausting.
And I remembered something. My life is about more than enduring this confinement and searching for a way out. I care about more than the contents of my home, and the tired, dusty thoughts in my mind. My life is not an endless monotonous slog towards another day of more of the same. I can touch the world, not just read about it. I can feel it smell it taste it see it hear it. I am PART of it, just like anyone else. There is some life in me yet.
So beautifully written and perfectly expressed, Jennie! You have captured part of the reason I so love travel, even though travel for us now is much different than it used to be. I love being out in the world, seeing new things, breathing in fresh air, tasting new foods.
And your pictures of my favorite city are fabulous!! You are a talented photographer – I especially like the first grouping of architectural details – they so perfectly capture New Orleans. Oh, and the foods look fabulous – my mouth is watering!! Where did you eat while you were there?
So glad you got out in the world and enjoyed your vacation!
Sue
Jennie, I’m so glad you were able to have an out-of-house experience. Thank you for sharing it so I and your other your readers could vicariously enjoy your adventure. I hope the good feelings and change in perspective stay with you for a long time.
Thank you, Trina and Sue! I feel better being able to voice this.
Sue, we ate at Mother’s, Broussard’s, Domenica, Stanley’s, The American Sector (at WWII museum), Irene’s Cuisine, and The Gumbo Shop. YUM! Everything as great.
I’m so glad you went to New Orleans. Before I became too sick to travel, it was one of my favorite cities. I’m glad that people are still visiting after Katrina. The people there need all the support they can get. Looking at your pictures was like a walk down memory lane. Thanks so much.
Thanks for your comment, Toni. I can see why New Orleans would be one of your favorites. I loved it, too.