The Edmond Sun

Opinion

June 4, 2009

No better traveling companion

EDMOND — I heard a guy on NPR a few weeks ago say that we should “buy experiences, not stuff.” That set me to thinking; I really should invest more in living life and less in acquiring possessions.

I have a passion for travel, which I think fits nicely into my new investment portfolio. Whether it’s a short drive to Dallas for a weekend of Texas Rangers baseball or a long flight to Beijing to hike the Great Wall, I love to go, see and do.

Is there any better way to buy experiences than to travel?

Kicking this new investment strategy around in my mind, I’ve concluded it’s not the destinations that have returned the greatest dividends. In the past decade, I’ve learned that the person along for the ride is much more important than the sights we’re seeing.

I married my travel partner 10 years ago today, and the vast majority of that time we’ve enjoyed calm seas and smooth sailing. Like most marriages, we’ve had a few minor disagreements, but I figure if we can survive a couple of weeks together in a foreign country where we don’t speak the language, can’t stomach the food and spend most of our visit worn out and hopelessly lost, we can get through anything.

She must agree, because more than 30 countries and almost one dozen U.S. states later, she hasn’t yet made me hitchhike home. It must be love.

I could write pages singing my wife’s praises, but suffice it to say that she makes every little part of my world better. Whether on a Balkan beach in sun-soaked Croatia or at a backyard barbecue in sun-baked Oklahoma, it’s always paradise hanging out with her.

No matter where we are, time together is the greatest investment of all.

A closing note to all my macho buddies — before you start calling and e-mailing with your too-tough-to-talk-about-your-feelings ridicule, let me proudly proclaim, here and now, that I’m smitten, head over heels, hopelessly fallen for my Texas transplant with the long legs and beautiful eyes. Yes fellas, I love my gal.

Happy anniversary Amber, I’d follow you anywhere.

CHARLIE PRICE is a freelance writer in Edmond.

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Poll

Voters in the Edmond Public School District 2 will go to the polls from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Feb. 14 to decide between school board candidates Steve Roy and Kathleen Duncan. District 2 is roughly centered in northwest Edmond. Who will get your vote?

Steve Roy
Kathleen Duncan
     View Results