Travel is a privilege.

Being awed by the big wide world is why I travel. I crave those quiet moments where I’m looking out over a mountain range, staring up at ancient trees or finding a view that leaves me breathless. The most interesting places aren’t always in guidebooks or blogs.

Balmaha, Scotland.

At the top of Conic Hill, you can look down on Loch Lomond and its islands. You can also see the effect of the Highland Boundary Fault Line, which cuts across Scotland from Arran in the west to Stonehaven in the east. You’re looking at where the lowlands become the Scottish Highlands.
The views here are outstanding. Conic Hill is on the route of the West Highland Way and one of the most outstanding features of the long-distance trail.

I also enjoy getting off the beaten path… There’s a lot to see in this world that you’ve never heard of.

Avebury henge and stone circles are one of the greatest marvels of prehistoric Britain. Built and much altered during the Neolithic period, roughly between 2850 BC and 2200 BC, the henge survives as a huge circular bank and ditch, encircling an area that includes part of Avebury village. Within the henge is the largest stone circle in Britain – originally of about 100 stones – which in turn encloses two smaller stone circles.

Sometimes its better to slow down, see less, and really get to the heart of a different country.

Rila Monastery is the first Christian monastery in Bulgaria, it was founded by the hermit John of Rila (Yoan of Rila, in Bulgarian Ivan Rilski), who is the traditional patron saint of Bulgaria. The monastery supported book publishing, a library and archives, and various educational institutions. It also attracted a large number of pilgrims. Founded in the 10th century, the Rila Monastery is regarded as one of Bulgaria’s most important cultural, historical and architectural monuments and is a key tourist attraction for both Bulgaria and Southern Europe. In 2008 alone, it attracted 900,000 visitors. The monastery is depicted on the reverse of the 1 lev banknote, issued in 1999.

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Lens-Artists Photo Challenge: Travel has taught me.