The Road goes ever on and on…

Illustration by Alan Lee

“The Road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say”

This is a poem from Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings that I came across while rereading on the train back to Córdoba from Zaragoza today. Yes, I’m one of those dorks who rereads that trilogy not infrequently. Don’t hate. Anyways, Bilbo sings it as he leaves his home in the Shire for the last time. It is a walking song that appears several times with variations throughout Tolkien’s writings. I love that I read it as I was continuing my own journey this year down an endless Road, coming across many different paths and errands with an eagerness that I hope never disappears. What a wonderful message and metaphor for any traveler! Follow the Road that takes you away from the door of your house. Follow the infinite Road that takes you to an unknown destination because it’s the journey that’s important. And most importantly, follow the Road wholeheartedly and with enthusiasm (even singing!) looking for adventure. Life is about leaving the comfort of your house and traveling, experiencing other places and cultures, truly living your life to the fullest. My Road has taken me all over the world, and right now on the long train tracks between Zaragoza and Córdoba, Spain. Where will your Road take you?