Unless we share
Sharing scenery and snacks in Venice, June 2008
“…pleasure has no relish unless we share it.” – Virginia Woolf
I’ve written a good bit about the joys of solitude, but enjoyment is almost always better when it is shared with others. I think that’s one reason most people like traveling with companions; it’s much more fun when there is someone along who understands your excitement.
I believe blogging has taken off and become widespread because it gives everyday people the chance to share with others, and discover like-minded writers and readers all over the world. It’s reassuring to find out someone else feels the same way we do about something, and energizing to discuss our enthusiasms among those with similar hobbies, beliefs or interests. The world seems friendlier and more connected when we share with each other.
Whatever you have planned today, I hope you make some time to share with someone in person, online or by phone or letter. It’s a great way to divide the sorrows and multiply the joys!
This post was originally published seven years ago today. The original post, comments and photo are linked, along with two other related posts, below. These links to related posts, and their thumbnail photos, do not appear in the blog feed; they are only visible when viewing the individual posts by clicking on each one. I have no idea why, nor do I know how they choose the related posts. That’s just the way WordPress does things.
- Posted in: Uncategorized
- Tagged: companions, connecting, Europe, friendship, fun, Italy, others, people, sharing, staying in touch, talking, together, travel, Venice
Defeat Despair 
Good morning, Julia!
On the morning that this blog published, I missed it because I met a friend for a morning walk at 5:30, just after sunrise. This is the same friend with whom I traveled to Thailand.
I had never thought much about that aspect of traveling solo versus with company. I had thought it was mainly for safety, but looking back, I remember it was fun to discover that at the end of a hot day, washing oneself and washing one’s clothes simultaneously in the shower seemed a perfect time and resources saver that we both appreciated. Having known Sandy since seventh grade, we’ve done equally silly things together for much of our lives. She’s very easy to travel with – at least for me – and sharing the experiences do enhance them.
P.S. We both wore our masks on our walk yesterday.
Susan, it’s wonderful to have a friend with whom one is such a compatible traveler. YES, sharing insights and reactions of each day of travel is one of the great joys. I’m smiling as I think of all the witty comments I enjoyed while Sue, my British pen pal, was visiting me for two weeks this past fall. Her dry humor was a perfect complement to the fun as we toured various places in DC, the Yorktown area, and NYC. WOW, that now seems a lifetime away. Here’s hoping we vagabonds can resume our travels soon!