“Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you; it should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart, and on your body. You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.” – Anthony Bourdain

Within this past year, I’ve been lucky enough to travel by plane on several occasions. What I’ve noticed is a surprising number of passengers who keep their window shades down. I’m fascinated by this choice; completely baffled. To each their own, but I do love the view from my window seat.

On my most recent trip home from Boston, I began scrolling back through old travel photos searching for my window seat perspective. There is so much beauty to behold. Although it’s a rough start to the day for those who are not morning people, you cannot deny how stunning the sunrise is while soaring through the clouds.

The light and clouds move so gracefully it leaves me in awe.

I’m astonished by the deep variations of blues and greens over the ocean and the depth we are able to take in from thousands of feet above the water.

As you descend, the color variations shift and the stark contrast is unbelievable.

I’m endlessly intrigued by the lines and shapes created below me.

City views of skylines and high rise buildings as far as the eye can see. I watch the bustling world below full of stories unfolding all around me.

Occasionally, there are rain delays. If you’re lucky, you’ll find a few rainbows above the clouds.

By stark contrast, may I present you with a cloud white out:

The bold colors and contrasts always delight me.

And on the evening flight home, I surrender to the golden light of sunset. Subtle shades of pink giving way to deep hues of yellow and orange.

I watch as the sun continues to dip below the horizon and as the last bit of color dissolves into darkness.

Slowly the lights of the cities below come into view and another mesmerizing perspective takes shape.

If you’re lucky, the moon will join you.

What about you? Do you love the view or do you prefer the quiet solitude of the window shade? Regardless of your choice, I hope you fly far and have wonderful adventures. As Anthony Bourdain says, I hope the journey changes you and I hope you leave something good behind.

~ Laura