I was recently cleaning up my room (well more just reorganising) and I discovered a few old books from my childhood. A Judy Blume book (Tales of the Four Grade Nothing), an old picture book (The Very Hungry Caterpillar) and one of the most precious gifts ever given to me by my father (May Gibbs Gumnut Classics). These book sent me spiralling down a road of memories, very happy ones.
I suddenly remember travelling with my parents to Malta when I was about 7 years old. My mum packed about 10 books for me, know how I was. It was a 3 and a half month trip but I was going to be busy so what time would I have to read? Well after about two weeks into our trip, I had read each book through and was craving more. Luckily my mum’s cousin (who is close to my age) was happy to let me browse her extensive library, and there I was introduced to The Naughtiest Girl series by Enid Blyton.
When I was 14 years old, we were back on another trip. 1 week in the USA and 6 weeks in Malta. A winter trip. I just just finished reading Tomorrow When the War Began in school and I wanted the entire set. So off we went to Big W and Mum bout me all 7 books, saying that should hold me for 6 weeks. We only had a week left before we flew out so she handed me the books and told me to back them. 2 days before we were set to leave I run up to my Mum in a panic. “I have nothing to read!!!” “When?” “For the Trip!!” To her dismay I had devoured the series of 7 books in under a week, and so off we went back to Big W, only this time I was only allowed 3 books and she wouldn’t give them to me until we were on the plane.
At the age of 19 I was back on a plane on my way to Europe. This time I packed a few favourite, devoured them and then raided my cousins Danielle Steele collection. My only big issue was coming home, I had purchased a few books and a few other goodies. When weighing my luggage at the airport I was 6kg over and about to be charged an insane amount. We decided to remove the books from my luggage and soon discovered once I had done that I was 4kg under weight. Solution was to carry them in a plastic bag for the next 35 hours.
Last year I went to Europe (surprise surprise) and this time I took my handy eReader. It had over 200 book sin it and I got through 15 in just 7 short weeks. But it did make me remember how with every trip I go on, books are always a part of my holiday. I can remember what I ready or how when I was in Rome last year I was also reading the Hunger Games. Its an incredible thing how books link to the past and to the great adventures I have had.
I would love to hear your stories