Lessons from a Quiet Stomach

I’ve always thought that one of the great joys of travel is eating your way through a country — sampling flavors, savoring local dishes, and experiencing culture bite by bite. But on this trip through the UK, I found myself unexpectedly limited after contracting food poisoning.

At first, it felt like such a loss. Meals are often the highlight of a vacation. Yet in this pause, I’ve discovered something surprising: I don’t need food and drink to enjoy my journey. In fact, without them taking center stage, I’m noticing other gifts. I’m sleeping better, which gives me quiet mornings for self-care before setting out to explore. I’m finding presence in the sights, sounds, and simple joys of each day.

This has been an unexpected lesson — that joy doesn’t always have to be consumed; it can be experienced, breathed in, and carried home. And that’s exactly what I intend to do.