I always try to keep some of the things I need and collect when traveling. Like train tickets, a timetable, a matchbook, CD of the local music and so on. They are small, but evocative prompts that help me to recall where I’ve been.
“I have more memories than if I were a thousand years old.” Charles Baudelaire
Starkly different from the things I shop for, these are smaller mementos that remind me of very specific experiences I’ve enjoyed while on a trip…a hotel, a train ride, a restaurant, a place I enjoyed visiting, local music, a show, and so on.
Small mementos prompt sweet memories!
Even better, these mementos can be brought together in a collage. Or an online “scrap book” of photos. I sometimes assemble these little cards and tickets in a large decorative envelope with the name of the place they’re from and dates of the trip. It’s so much fun to “re-discover” these souvenirs when I want to recall the feelings of a trip I made on my own.
Small reminders can evoke Big Memories
These maps, cards, tickets and such are so helpful when you’ve been out and about on your own. Traveling with a spouse, friends or family provides an opportunity to create a collective memory. But when you’re traveling on your own, it’s important to collect these little reminders that will help jog your memory back to a place you enjoyed. Hotels, cafes and restaurants too frequently have a card or photo available to take along with you. Don’t hesitate to take one and add these to your collections.
Be sure to take these with you after a meal or a stay!
They will be your “companion pieces” when you want to recall a wonderful trip you made with “A Table For One”.
Copyright 2015 Marion O’Grady
