Salzburg, Austria.
The Answer Lies Just Around the corner
Erps-Kwerps, Belgium - By Jeffrey
All my life, I've felt that the answer, some profound purpose in life, has sat just round the corner. Soon, I would go round the corner, discover the answer and all would be fine and dandy.
Now, at 60, I've gone round an awful lot of corners in an awful lot of cities in an awful lot of countries around the world. I've had adventures. I've lived in a half dozen countries. I've started companies. I have worked in a massive bureaucracy. I have loved and been loved. I've raised children to become successful young adults with promising futures. I've written books. I've travelled widely. I have a few marvellous friends. I've finally met my rest-of-my-life partner. I've laughed, I've cried. I've danced with death and survived.
Dessert near Dubai.
And yet
And yet, somehow, I have failed to turn round the corner where that fucking answer lies. It is still out there, somewhere. Waiting for me.
Yeah, I know. The search for that corner has probably led me to a more interesting, diverse and inspiring journey through life than I might otherwise have experienced.
On the other hand, I feel dissatisfied. I still feel sure that somewhere, just around the corner, my answer awaits me.
I know this is wrong. I should appreciate more the variety of achievements my life has allowed me. I should take more pride in the diversity of experiences, homes, loves and work that have come my way.
And yet, that corner taunts me. I am sure it is not far now.
PS: The answer that lies around the corner is not 42. That was Douglas Adams's answer, not mine.
PPS: Images are corners from around the world. But, you probably worked that out for yourself.
Barcelona, Spain.
Dammam, Saudi Arabia (road to Qatar).
Mumbai, India.
South Africa, somewhere between Johannesburg and Swellendam.
Somewhere in Latvia (or possibly Estonia).
Montenegro.
Osti Antica, near Rome, Italy.
Toledo, Spain.
Outskirts of Edinburgh, Scotland.
Somewhere in upstate New York, USA.
Krakow, Poland.
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