Let's face it, most places can only be shared well by an actual visit. Unfortunately, other than my significant-other, there really is nobody to share the places of my world. When I first visited the Isle of Capri, off the coast of Naples, I dreamed of getting together with old high school friends there. In the harsh light of reality, I now realize I seldom even make it back to the town where I grew up. Of course, it was silly to think we'd fill up a section of airplane on a trip to Italy together. Moreover, my dad was never able to make it out here to Vancouver and now is probably not in good enough health to ever do so.
More to the point, there are seldom convenient chances to get together with local friends at present. So, any dreams of going off on a cruise, or perhaps on a foreign trip together just won't happen. It's hard enough to arrange schedules to meet up for a dinner.
Will anyone I know now, actually ever see Colombo, Sri Lanka?
My travels to and knowledge of Sri Lanka have become an enormous part of me. Jay and I have done it often enough so that it is a home away from home. Yet unfortunately, I cannot think of a single, living person who would actually have the time or money to fly there. Even if we buy retirement property and live there for four or five months a year, I cannot picture having any family or friends as visitors.
All this is not awfully sad but reality can surely bite a little, can't it?