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Has anyone ever figured out why it always takes longer to go somewhere than it does coming back? Have statistics ever been gathered, surveys taken or hypotheses researched thoroughly in order to find that elusive answer that many of us have wondered? Now don't get me wrong, there are no nights that that I lay awake staring at the ceiling wondering how to find some hidden truth that is about to change the world. But like the king said in the movie, The King & I, "It is a puzzlement."

How many times have we started out on that flight to Europe, that drive to the shore or the train ride into the big city with nothing but eagerness and excitement, only to find half way there that whole idea of getting somewhere is becoming tiresome and uncomfortable. We start to question ourselves. Is this the right route to take for this time of day? Am I paying too much money for something that others have gotten for much less? Do I have enough gas in the car? Is this really going to be worth all the effort that I have put in so far? Then the other questions start and we wonder about every thing that occurred, or should have occurred before started our adventure. Did I turn the iron or stove off? Did I set the alarm before we left? Are the windows to the bedrooms closed? And then the final question, how much further do we have to go?

In contrast, when returning from somewhere, all of those questions seem to not only disappear, but seem to be completely irrelevant. It does not matter how long it takes for us to get home. We are to busy basking in the idea that it was just a few hours ago we were lying almost naked on the beach, or breathing in the intoxicating beauty of some ancient or medieval town. We are carrying memories or gifts and purchases that once we are home, will carry us through those long hum-drum days that make up the ordinary lives of most of us.

We never think of the preparation, the packing the pensiveness of a new adventure. We never think of the time that should be counted even before we hit the road, before we are ready for the grand event. And let's face it, it is a grand event that we are talking about. No one ever talks about how long it's taking to go to work, unless they are running late. No, we are anxious about that journey which will change our lives or vindicate who we are or our purpose for being. And that journey will always be the longest one, "et cetera, et cetera, et cetera"

Learn more about this author, Ian Hicks.
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