Destination: Solitude?

Recently, the late, great novelist Cormac McCarthy revealed an opinion that, at first glance, may seem unusual to many: "I hear people talking about going on a vacation or something, and I think, what is that about? I have no desire to go on a trip. My perfect day is sitting in a room with some blank paper. That's heaven. That's gold, and anything else is just a waste of time." 

Having just returned from a trip to northern Italy, where we rented a car starting in Milan, heading to Lake Como, then Venice and Florence, and all the way to the Ligurian seaside to visit Cinque Terre, these words resonate with some unexpected power. Although I have traveled extensively, the sheer volume of fellow tourists on this recent trip largely overshadowed what should have been an opportunity for escape and exploration. This year's experience raised questions about the nature of travel and the ever-pervasive desire to chase new horizons, bringing a personal layer to the "issue" sparked by McCarthy's statement.

On the one hand, McCarthy's words underline his evident commitment to his craft. He finds a sense of heaven not in the sun-drenched hills of far-off lands but within the quiet solitude of a room filled with nothing but blank paper and its limitless potential. His words speak loudly about the satisfaction he derived from the act of creation and the intrinsic fulfillment found in dedicated work.

On the other hand, this viewpoint sharply contrasts the commonly held belief in the enriching power of travel. Yet, my recent experience echoes McCarthy's sentiments. The expectations of tranquility and immersion into a new culture can often be dampened by the reality of overcrowded destinations, making the sought-after respite and enrichment elusive.

The words of a famous Buddhist statement come to mind here: "Wherever you go, there you are." In the frenzy of exploring new destinations, we might sometimes lose sight of the fact that the essence of our experiences hinges not on where we are but on our inner state.

Travel undeniably offers invaluable opportunities for personal growth — exploring different cultures, visiting ancient ruins (the Acropolis, for example), encountering new people, and broadening our worldviews by simply watching other people's lives. Yet, these potential benefits can sometimes be obscured by the modern reality of travel, where iconic landmarks are swarmed by tourists, and the authentic experiences we yearn for become commercialized with a massive slice of feta cheese on our plates.

Simultaneously, it's essential to acknowledge the potential rejuvenating power of removing ourselves from familiar surroundings. Travel can allow us to step back, providing mental space to rest, rejuvenate, and return to work with renewed energy and fresh perspectives. Yet, the tranquility we often seek in foreign lands can, ironically, be found within the confines of our own minds, as McCarthy puts it.

Indeed, staying put, and finding contentment within our immediate surroundings, can be as expansive and fulfilling as any voyage. McCarthy's "perfect day" of solitude and creativity offers a different kind of exploration - the exploration of the mind, the imagination, and the depths of thought.