When I’m preparing to travel, one of my most necessary — but most dreaded — tasks is to erase the former trip’s photos from my cameras’ memory cards.
As I tackled the task once again this morning, I thought of all the treasured memories those tiny silicon chips contained: Thanksgiving dinner in Paris; four days in Freiburg; strolling through the Christmas market on the Champs Elysée; watching a building come down; meeting a fellow blogger; browsing in an ancient wine shop.
The memories remain, of course, even if the data is gone. But this morning it struck me that there’s something deeply symbolic about the task of erasing my cards: To be open to new travel experiences, I have to let go of the past.
Over the next two weeks, I’ll see many dear friends and old haunts. But who knows what new adventures await among those cherished faces and places?
I hope you’ll join me as I set off to find out.
HeideBlog 
If only I could travel to Paris oneday, ah, the wonderful thought, but since I know I won’t, I live Paris through your eyes. What a beautiful eyesight that is!
Awww, thanks. It’s easy to paint a beautiful portrait when you’re in love with the subject. And maybe you’ll be happy to know I’m already working on my next post? 🙂
Very sentimental indeed… somehow sad – but as you say – place for new experiences!!! I’ll be right along with you reading of your awesome adventures!!! 🙂 **
You’ve pegged it, Xandré: It is indeed a bittersweet experience— which is why I dread it so much. But already I’m making new memories, so no worries! Thanks for reading!
Is it that time again?!!! I’m very thrilled and a teensy bit jealous but I know that if you don’t go, I won’t get my fix.
Incidentally, I thought about you this morning — I wanted to invite you to share your best photos for My Travel Seven Super Shots — but got your post in my inbox before I could reach out to you. And now you’re going to Paris. Again.
Have a wonderful, wonderful time, my friend. I’m looking forward to reading all your posts, pouring over all your photos — you’ve got such a fantastic eye! — and savoring all your experiences. So fill up those memory cards and give Paris a big bisou for me.
BISOU! One for you, and one for Paris. 🙂