Welcome to the first ever Wanderful Wednesday blog link-up!! I’m so happy that you’re here! Don’t forget to link up one of your wanderful travel related posts at the bottom of this page! Then hop around and make some new friends! 😀
Today, I’m actually going to be sharing a #repost of something I wrote a while ago. It seemed appropriate to re-share this post for our first Wanderful Wednesday, as it outlines some of the reasons why I started blogging and wandering in the first place!
Last week I was going through all of my old blog posts, back from my beginning days as a blogger. I thought it was about time I got them (or tried to get them) up to par with my newest posts, to see which I needed to go back and change or edit, which I needed to add pictures or updated content to, etc.
Eventually, after scrolling through all of the pages in my blog roll, I got way back to the very first post I ever put up. One that I wrote over two years ago now!
Even though it sat there barely touched, with 0 shares and no comments to its name, and was probably only read by my parents (and maybe a few select friends), this post still brought the biggest smile to my face!
Reading my very first blog words reminded me why I started this blog of mine, as an outlet to share my thoughts, travels and stories, while connecting and exploring with others. Since I wrote this post, what seems like forever ago now, wandering and blogging have become such important parts of my life. The combination of the two have inspired me to try new things, helped me to meet new people and brought me to new places that I never imagined I’d go!
Never did I think when I started Lauren on Location (The Wanderlustress back then), that I’d still be at it over two years later! Let alone continuing my writing from my new home on a completely different continent!
To this day, I still believe that wandering is like reading a good book, but, thankfully, I’ve become more of a reader than I was two years ago! I’m already on my 3^rd book since I’ve moved to Santiago! 😀
So, here is my first ever blog post (with a few added pictures). I hope it reminds you, as it did for me, why letting yourself wander about every once and a while is so important!

7 Ways Wandering is like Reading a Good Book:

“I think of life as a good book. The further you get into it, the more it begins to make sense.” -Harold Kushner
I have never been a huge book reader. It takes a lot for me to consider something a “good read”.  But, every once in a while, I come across something special. A book that excites me from the first page, and I can’t put it down until I’ve sucked the binding dry. I lose myself in its pages and find it hard to maneuver my way out.
For me, wandering provokes a very similar sensation. Whether I’m in my own backyard or in a new place for the very first time, every time I wander I lose myself a little in the details.

1. Wandering is unpredictable

An extraordinary author never allows a book’s plot to prematurely reveal itself. An extraordinary wanderer never knows or wants to know, exactly what he or she will find on their next journey. No matter where I am or where I go, I can never be exactly sure what will come next.

2. Wandering is a way to escape reality

Reading someone else’s story allows you to leave your world behind for a short time. But, if I’ve had a hard day, need a break from responsibility or simply want to clear my head, wandering also provides a well needed distraction. I can throw on my headphones, pick a fitting playlist and allow my mind to wander wherever my legs will take me.

3. Oh, the people I meet

A compelling story is shaped by its characters.  In all of the places I’ve wandered, the people in those places have had some of the biggest impact. Living in a big city such as New York or Madrid exposes you to a wealth of inspiring people on any given day. 

4. Wandering satisfies my senses

An exceptional read thrusts you into the scene. You feel what the character is feeling, see what the character is seeing, smell what they are smelling. For me, wandering satisfies those same senses. The alluring doughy odor of bread fresh out of the oven as I pass a bakery; the innocent giggles of two little girls holding hands and skipping through the park. Wandering helps me get in touch with my feelings and better appreciate the lure of the world around me.

5. When I wander, I learn

Just as a good book should leave the reader with a lesson to add to their repertoire, every time I wander, I take a little something back with me. Whether I uncover something new about where I am, someone else, or even myself, I always learn.

6. The thrill of the adventure

The curious reader seeks something new and exciting with the turn of every page. The curious wanderer seeks something new and exciting every time they leave their home. Wanderers allow their instincts to lead the way. When I have the time I often wander in whichever way feels right at the moment.

7. Once I start, it’s hard to stop

A good book keeps me reading because I can’t bare the suspense. I love a good cliffhanger. Wandering creates the same anticipation. Each time I’m on to something good but am forced to return to the real world, I’m left wanting more.  My imagination runs wild until I am able to return and seek what lies around that next corner.

There is no doubt that reading someone else’s story can be both captivating and stimulating. Yet, the true wanderer finds it just as rewarding to set out and write his own.
“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” – Saint Augustine
Well, there you have it! These were the first blog words I ever wrote down. Typed if we’re getting technical.
To all my fellow bloggers out there, here’s to new “wanders,” new firsts, new inspirations, new friends and one hell of a ride writing our own stories!
Do you consider yourself a wanderer? What’s your favorite part of wandering?

Welcome to Wanderful Wednesdays!

Consider yourself a wanderer?! Well then, this Blog Hop is for you!
Meet your hosts: Lauren of Lauren on Location, Van of Snow in Tromso, Isabel of The Sunny Side of This and Marcella of What a Wonderful World.
Here on Wanderful Wednesday we hope to promote an open and supportive community for like-minded bloggers- expats, travelers and all kinds of wanderers!
The linkup will take place every Wednesday at 8AM GMT.
Wanderful Wednesday Guidelines:

1. Link up a wanderful travel related post below! One per blogger per week please!
2. Spread the LOVE! Blog Hops are all about hopping around & getting to know others within the community! At the very least please try to comment on one other post before you go!
3. Let’s get Social! Really liked a post you read? Don’t be shy! Share your favorites on Social Media! You can use the hashtag: #wanderfulwednesday
4. Don’t forget to grab the button and link back to your wanderful hosts! Help us spread the word and let’s get others involved!

We’ll also be pinning our contributor’s posts to our new Pinterest Board!

Happy Hopping Friends! 😀