How often have you been on a trip when you’ve found inspiration for some project or other to embark upon when you get home? Or even just a new way of handling something you’ve been doing for a long time already?
Partly it’s the inspiration of what we see and do while travelling (taking a pottery lesson in Shigaraki lead directly to my taking up pottery when I got home). But it’s also having the time away from our usual commitments and concerns, away from the places and routines that are familiar, which allows us to think differently.
That’s why this quote from Kazuo Ishiguro resonates. Born in Japan but having lived most of his life in the UK, Ishiguro is a successful novelist, best known for The Remains of the Day.
Have you found a new way of thinking about things, or launched a big new project (or even a small one) after your perspective has changed while away travelling?
The Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik is a really stunning piece of architecture. Full of the most striking interplays of light and shadow, unusual angles and corners, beautiful textures and colours it’s a space that is endlessly stimulating and we whiled away several hours here on a rainy Reykjavik day. That’s Pete at the back, taking a photograph as I take one of him.
More Kavey Eats Travel Quotes.
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Please leave a comment - I love hearing from you!30 Comments to "Travel Quote Tuesday | Kazuo Ishiguro"
I travelled for 4 years in my younger days and it opened up my mind to so many new possibilities. And even now, on a much smaller scale, when my life feels too full and I’m struggling with deadlines and the amount on my to-do list, I have learnt to trust in just getting up and walking away. It sounds so counter productive, yet getting distance is so often the key to finding focus once again.
Janie x
This, exactly this. You totally get it, as I knew you would! It’s exactly when you are most stressed, most absorbed in one task or issue, almost to the exclusion of all else, that a new perspective can help the most. Taking a break, preferably in a completely new setting, and doing something completely different so often helps me see a new solution or possibility I just couldn’t see for looking!
My perspective definitely changed after travelling when I was 19. I went back to Canada, organised everything and moved permanently to the UK!
Aah, now that’s the biggest possible change!
I haven’t started something new after having experienced it away but travelling always gives me time to think and write lists. When I get home I’m usually more focused and ready for what’s ahead! Gorgeous photo too Kavey.
I think that’s often enough, the prioritisation and assessment of what one needs to do, and a new focus to do it.
I really like Kazuo Ishiguro’s books – another poignant quote!
Thanks Becca!
I always come up with so many ideas on those hours on a plane. I love having a window seat and watching the land, sea or clouds slip by for hours. I never tire of it.
Yes, if I’m not fast asleep, the travel part of a trip is perfect thinking time!
I haven’t been to Iceland yet but here’s one more reason to go.
It’s a truly beautiful country.
Iceland is definitely on my wishlist. Would love to see the Northern lights!
Very insightful quote as usual too Kavey! Have a lovely Christmas. Gary x
Thanks Gary, hope you make it to Iceland soon, it’s a beautiful country.
What a lovely inspirational travel quote !! I ll pin it for sure 🙂 Merry Christmas
Thank you, glad you like it!
I always think of new projects and adventures while traveling. On a plane, I often meet new people and I love listening to their life stories. People that I meet in my travels inspire me to do good and be the best that I can be. I have not traveled to Iceland, but I have no doubt that I would be inspired by the experience.
Iceland is just such a beautiful place and so many many different landscapes within one country too. The people are friendly and a very creative population too, very inspiring to those who have creative hobbies such as music, photography, art.
I agree, I think travel has huge potential to change your perspectives because it broadens your knowledge of the world and expands our mind. I’ve found I’ve come home with entirely new perspectives after I’ve taken trips to the other side of the world, and I wouldn’t have it any other way! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Thanks, I totally agree of course. Is one of the best bits about travelling!
Traveling provides you with new perspectives. Everyone knows it and everybody agrees on it. But for me, the most incredible thing is that this new perspective also improves and builds your tolerance towards other groups of people, which is a key element to understand today’s world
Yes, absolutely. I think only with travel and seeing other cultures do you realise that there is never only one right way of doing something, never only one way of thinking – even something as small as discovering that many languages have words / concepts that don’t even exist in other ones – opens your eyes.
My time in Africa was definitely an eye opener. When I returned home, I found that I was more humble and respecting of other people and their different cultures. So that quote definitely resonates with me. Each travel expands my vision of the world that much more.
That’s great to read, Mar.
Lovely quote and I’ve enjoyed seeing pictures of this space over the years. Lovely post.
Thank you!
Great travel quote. I love to read such inspiring quotes as they give me more reason to continue my journey which actually helps me to know myself better.
Thanks Himanshu, glad you like it.
Love this quote! Traveling does really give you an opportunity to open your mind and experience things in a new way–I find I always come home refreshed with new ideas and an open mind! Also, I love the Harpa Concert Hall in Reykjavik–such a gorgeous building! 🙂
Thanks Jenna, yes me too. And agree about Harpa – we ended up going back a second time during our visit to Reykjavik!