One of the best things about living in Liverpool is having the airport so close. There are always cheap deals going on, £14.99 to Dublin is an example, so there really is no excuse for not traveling more. Something that Elizabeth and I love to do is drive to Liverpool airport and watch the planes there. There’s a great spot so close to the runway that we spend hours sat there relaxing. One of the things I enjoy doing is looking for cheap flights, and yet due to my health and mental health, I never book anything. Well, a few weeks ago, I saw a return flight to Alicante for £62, and I kept saying to Elizabeth, “ I’m going to book it.” She kept saying, “Do it,” and yet my overthinking was stopping me. After an hour or so, I thought “ fuck it,” and booked it. Now the big question was, would I do it? Yes, the night before the flight, my anxiety kicked in, and yet I managed a good night’s sleep, and I woke all excited about going on a plane, I love flying.
I found myself getting ready, and it wasn’t long before I was walking towards the aircraft, all excited. I was sat next to a gentleman that was flying out for 2 days to visit his parents, and we got chatting, which really helped take my mind off everything. Instead of overthinking, I was really enjoying my time on the plane. It wasn’t long before I was walking off the plane in the Spanish sun, and it felt freeing and amazing. I found that I couldn’t stop smiling and laughing. I couldn’t believe I had done it. I was in Spain. Oh my lord, I was in Spain. As I write this I’m still smiling, I haven’t felt this good in ages, I feel alive, I feel that I have something to live for and trust me when I say that’s massive for me to say. Now, I understand what life is all about. It’s not about material possessions or money; it’s about creating the moments we cherish for ourselves.
Alicante is a beautiful city with many old streets winding through the old buildings, so many opportunities for street photography. Now, I didn’t do much photography. I found that I couldn’t stop smiling. I was looking around in wonder. I kept saying to myself, “I can’t believe I’m here. This is crazy.”
Now, when I go to Liverpool, Manchester, etc., I find that I’m in and out of shops. 99% of the time, I don’t buy anything. It’s just the norm in the UK. There’s a shop I must go in. However, Alicante offers a stark contrast. The Spanish have a unique perspective on life, and while there are shops, they’re all empty except for the tourists.
The city’s sunshine was intoxicating, and I felt a profound sense of relaxation as I strolled around, soaking it all in. For once, I had a clear purpose. With each passing moment, I became more focused on my camera, capturing the unfolding scenes before me. I spent an entire 8 hours in the city, having an absolute blast. The city and its people were incredibly inspiring.
As I write this, it’s been 11 hours since I landed back in Liverpool. I’m still smiling. Yes, I was dead tired, and I fell asleep within minutes of arriving home. My back and legs are killing me today, and yet I don’t care. I’ve started looking for another cheap flight, and I can’t wait to repeat this amazing day.
I want to conclude this blog by expressing my deepest gratitude to my wonderful wife, Elizabeth. She never holds me back and constantly pushes me to improve. Thank you, Elizabeth.
