Journeying Through Life
by TRICIA ANNE MARES
How Travel Led Me to Learning
At 55, I never imagined I’d be studying English Literature and Creative Writing at university. But life has a way of surprising us—just when we think we’ve settled into one chapter, another begins. And if I’ve learned anything, it’s that it is never too late to turn the page.
In my younger years, travelling the world was a dream I kept on the back burner, nestled among other aspirations that seemed less urgent. I married in my twenties and devoted myself to raising a young family. Life was busy and full. Years later, divorced and finding my feet again, I met my second husband—a man who showed me that life could be spontaneous, joyful, and full of adventure. With his zest for fun and our shared dream to travel and experience new things, we began our new journey (or should I say journeys) together. I consider myself fortunate, and I am so grateful to be able to fulfil my dreams, because I realise that not everyone is so lucky.
Together, we made up for lost time. Over the last decade, we’ve explored over 30 European countries; our very first trip was to visit the birthplace of my great grandmother in the colourful harbour town of Kinsale in Ireland, we have since travelled to some incredible countries such as, Malta, Italy, France, Monaco, Liechtenstein, Germany, Poland, Montenegro, and so many more. Our latest trip was to the historic city of Istanbul in Turkey where the smell of the salty Bosphorus drifts through the streets, mingling with the scent of freshly grilled fish and roasted chestnuts. Each trip is its own one-of-a kind adventure. Travel is basically creativity rocket fuel: you pick up new slang, try questionable snacks, and discover that ‘values and traditions’ can sometimes involve giant pastries, wooden shoes, and yodelling.
“STRASBOURG; ITS BRIDGES FULL OF FLOWERS AND HISTORIC BUILDINGS WAS LIKE A FAIRY-TALE DROPPED INTO REAL LIFE”
Travel hasn’t swollen my bank account, but it’s certainly enriched my life in innumerable ways. Each trip brings new challenges – how do you ask for the bathroom in Latvian? But alongside those funny moments, I’m forced to admit that I am still learning, and this keeps me young at heart and gives me a sense of possibility. We never intended to see as many places as we have, but travelling is like a bug: as we unpack from one trip, we’re already planning the next. Our calendars are perpetually filled with plans—whether for a weekend getaway or a family holiday, we always have something on the horizon. These experiences aren’t just ticks on a to do list; each one is a dog-eared chapter in our lives.
We try to avoid the tourist routes (doesn’t everyone?), preferring to find our own hidden gems, seeking out authentic flavours and local stories. Travel, for us, is about pocketing those little spontaneous moments—the ones that catch you off guard and stay with you forever. Like that time we drove through the Swiss valleys, windows down, cowbells clanging in the distance. Or when Vienna hit us with its imperial drama—those palaces don’t just show off, they narrate centuries of history in gold leaf. One place that left me in awe of its beauty was Strasbourg; its bridges full of flowers and historic buildings was like a fairy-tale dropped into real life. It was impossible to take a bad picture. Poland was another country that holds a great memory for me; not only the people we met, but we also found that the trains and buses were all wonderfully new and punctual – who knew? As for the food, we tried Bigos, a delicious stew served in an edible bread bowl. I mean, what’s not to like about that? I can’t forget the late‐night zapiekanka— basically a Polish homage to pizza… on a baguette! By the time we waddled away, our stomachs had memorised more Polish words than Duolingo ever taught us. Anyone for oscypek cheese?
“TRAVELLING DIDN’T JUST EXPAND MY WORLD—IT LIT A CREATIVE SPARK IN ME THAT I DIDN’T KNOW EXISTED”
Some of our trips have been quite the ride. One unforgettable day saw us having breakfast in Carcassonne, lunch at a ski resort in Ax Les Therme, high in the Pyrenees, and after dinner, walking with our toes in the sand, watching the sunset at Platja de les Portes in Spain. Another time, we flew to Köln and road‐tripped across Germany, Liechtenstein, Switzerland and back again in a single day. And then there’s the time I dozed off in the car and woke up 300km from where I thought we were going—at Borussia Dortmund football stadium, all because my husband longed to see the famous “Yellow Wall”.
“TRAVEL HASN’T SWOLLEN MY BANK ACCOUNT, BUT IT’S CERTAINLY ENRICHED MY LIFE”
I’d imagined it was some historic landmark. Well, I suppose it is for the football fans. It’s one of the largest single kop stands of any football stadium. I forgave him once I saw his little face light up; I even posed for a photo outside the stadium. By fate, I was even wearing yellow that day. Auf Geht’s Dortmund!
Travelling didn’t just expand my world—it lit a creative spark in me that I didn’t know existed. Between airport coffee and mountain sunsets, I started to write. At first, it was just to remember the places, people, and meals. But soon, the words became more than memories: the scribbles turned into sentences, the sentences into stories. Writing became a way to relive the magic and share it. Slowly, my confidence grew.
In 2023, I decided to embark on a new journey, but this time, it did not involve travelling; instead, it was a journey of learning. I took the leap and applied for a BA (Hons) in English Literature and Creative Writing through Burnley College University Courses. It felt like stepping into the unknown. I told myself not to get my hopes up. So, when that acceptance came through, I couldn’t believe it—I was going to university!
It wasn’t easy at first, I felt like a fish out of water on my first day. But two years in, I’ve found my rhythm. I’ve rediscovered who I am and who I want to be. I’m shaping a future which is entirely my own—and I’m doing it with my words. I am thriving in a world I never imagined I could be a part of. Developing my writing skills and embracing this new creative journey.
And so, my journey continues—one that intertwines the joys of travel with the transformative power of learning. While I am unsure of the destination, I know it will lead somewhere extraordinary. I look forward to cultivating the stories yet to be written and the journeys yet to be taken. Each step forward is a testament to the notion that it’s never too late to chase dreams, ignite passions, and embrace life in all its beautiful complexity. Travel led me to storytelling. Now, perhaps storytelling will lead me to new adventures—both on and off the page.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: stepping out of your comfort zone gets more rewarding with age. My journey may have started with countries, but now it’s carried me to learning. And I can’t wait to see where life takes me next. Bon voyage!
ColneLife June/July/Aug 25
