Getting ready for a trip
The value in traveling is as much about the anticipation and stories afterwards as it is about the time you spend away from home. Even better, shared excitement is a positive feedback loop. Hosts are excited to welcome friends from out of town and visitors are excited to explore new places and its customs. And then the hosts' friends involved in planning activities get excited too. The fact that you are bringing joy to each other makes the whole experience that much sweeter.
While travel can stressful, it brings people closer together. Finding the right balance between being prepared and being ready for serendipity is hard and the fundamental joy of traveling.
This trip I'm going to randomly record sounds to see if I can recognize them when I get home.