Top Ten Tuesday was created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

For today’s Top Ten Tuesday post, the topic assigned today was Books that Awaken the Travel Bug In Me.

TTT: A Tribute to Anthony Bourdain

To be honest, I had started making a list of actual books that inspired me to travel but with the recent news of Anthony Bourdain’s passing on Friday – I felt that there was no better person who embodies the ultimate “Travel Bug”.

I would like to dedicate today’s Top Ten Tuesday’s post to Anthony Bourdain, I hope you find peace wherever you are.

What he meant to me…

I struggle to find the perfect words on how much he impacted my life. I’ve been watching his shows since I can remember. My family had a little box of a tv on our kitchen buffet and we would always have Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations on in the background. The kitchen was the hub of our busy house, and we always ate meals together as to which Anthony Bourdain was always a guest.

I remember being amazed at the amount of tolerance, humility and bravery he displayed. I don’t how many episodes he shot in dangerous locations, where he would get down right in there and share a meal with a family. Despite language barriers, food and hospitality was always a commonality between everyone and he always had a good time. I still remember how respectful he was of the Masai tribe in Tanzania. The chief bestowed him the honour of killing the goat and tasting the meat first (raw kidney). For most, this is not how we want to enjoy the meal. But Tony, being who is, did it obligingly and respected the cheif’s wishes. I would have fainted.

He expanded our world beyond my little kitchen and I will thank him deeply for that.

My Favourite Quotes…

If I am an advocate for anything, it is to move. As far as you can, as much as you can. Across the ocean, or simply across the river. Walk in someone else’s shoes or at least eat their food. It’s a plus for everybody.

As you move through this life and this world you change things slightly, you leave marks behind, however small. And in return, life — and travel — leaves marks on you. Most of the time, those marks — on your body or on your heart — are beautiful. Often, though, they hurt.

Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts, it even breaks your heart. But that’s OK. The journey changes you; it should change you… You take something with you. Hopefully, you leave something good behind.

My Favourite Moment…

Don’t ask me why this particular episode or moment is my favourite, as it probably wasn’t Anthony’s. I just remember laughing so hard the entire episode, his commentary is perfect.

So not a typical Top Ten Tuesday, but that’s OK! It’s my space, and my place to share my thoughts & feelings.

I wanted to also share some tweets from Victoria/V.E. Schwab and the Local Police…

If you find yourself somewhere deep and you are struggling, I urge you to reach out and talk to someone. No one is impervious.

Thank you again for stopping by, and listening about someone who impacted my life.