Carpe Diem Pilgrims

Hey Travel Lover

Life is short, and it’s up to you to make it sweet - Sarah L. (Sadie) Delany

How long is your wish list? How many things are you putting off till later? When will you start ticking those things off?

I made a new friend recently on the golf course when I ventured on my first ever “travel for golf” trip. I was super excited I’d be playing golf on another course in another state (in Nigeria). Ticking things off my wish list right?

Let’s call my friend Mr A. You know there are some people you meet and it seems you have known them since forever. Mr A was one such person, he was warm, encouraging and full of smiles. Eighteen holes in golf is no joke, so of course we gisted as we walked and played golf. I remember when I was attempting a selfie, because the golf course is such a statement of beauty, Mr A quickly offered to take me some pictures. Awwwww….. He was that much of a gentleman.

We spoke about travel, of course, what else would Ajalaress use as a conversation starter? He told me he hadn’t really done much travel but he was about to start off in grand style come September. His first point of call would be Kenya. He had a function there and would also vacation after the event. Seeing that Kenya is on my “to visit” list as well, I asked questions on what he intended to do there. His plans…GRANDIOSE! He was billed to fly first class and stay in a luxury hotel for two weeks. In his words, “I need to start taking care of myself”. He shared videos of the hotel with me after the game. I must say, it was luxury at its Zenith. GOD when🥹

Life is so transient and ephemeral; we will not be here after a breath. So think better, think deeply, think with kindness, and write it with love so that it may live a little longer - Debasish Mridha

Last Month, Mr A, came to my home base to play golf with my golf buddies and I. We had so much fun and lots of laughter. His supreme sense of humor was unmistakable and he had a keen observatory eye. He mentioned he wanted to learn as much as possible from other golfers so he was always attentive to how they swing. Little wonder during a game of mimicry he gave demonstrations of other golfers’ behavior on the course.

I woke up this morning to the rude snatching of Mr A’s life. I couldn’t believe it. What of his dreams? What of the places he wanted to go? What of his jokes? I rushed to check my last chat with him, it was, of course to play golf later this month.

Still in a rude state of shock all I can say is; Mr A, I’m glad I met you. I’m glad you impacted me with your kindness and laughter. I’m glad you were a source of inspiration during my sojourn in uncharted waters at the golf course we met. Farewell Mr A, Farewell Free spirited One. The message from Jasmin Morin now rings truer than ever. “Enjoy life while you can”.

So Travel Lover, how long is your wish list? How many things are you putting off till later? When will you start ticking them off?

Say a prayer for my friend Mr A.

Till Next Week

Live, Love, Laugh

Ajalaress