When you travel a lot, you naturally get asked this question a lot by those around you.

“Which place did you like the best out of all the places you’ve traveled to so far?”

Actually, when asked this question, one might expect to think of scenery so beautiful it brings tears to one's eyes, the most delicious food of one's life, or a very special experience that remains unforgettable; however, the scenes that always come to mind first are home, neighborhood, and people. These three keywords exist in every country, and since most people hold fond memories of them, it is quite difficult to pick just one to answer. In fact, the concept of "the best" feels like a mirage created by a mixture of deeply personal standards and preferences.

When I travel, there are broadly two things I consider important: home and neighborhood. They are so equally important that I even hesitated for a moment over the order—should I say neighborhood and home?—because these two words have an inseparable relationship. Now, let's imagine that you have to move, rather than just going on a short trip. Then, we would begin to ponder not just "what kind of house do I want to live in?" but simultaneously "what kind of neighborhood would be best."

❶ It is quiet as it is away from the subway station as much as possible, and

❷ There is at least one cafe and bakery nearby that I would like to become a regular at, and

❸ A place with a nice path for a walk or a park. ❹ Finally, go to a supermarket where you can buy organic ingredients.

For me, it is the minimum neighborhood requirement.

I apply similar criteria when choosing accommodation at a travel destination. It is sufficient to have a daily route to the place, a supermarket where I can find most necessities, a bakery that opens early in the morning, a cafe I can visit in casual attire, and a park for a light stroll after a meal. Of course, satisfaction increases as more elements are added according to one's personal lifestyle. For example, it would be perfect if there were a high-end grocery store specializing in cheese and ham, a wine shop, a flower shop, and a bicycle station nearby.

At this point, some might wonder, "Are we really talking about travel?" Surprisingly, yes. For me, travel is not a special experience, but an extension of my daily life. First, when I arrive at a destination, I spend a few days centered around my home and neighborhood without looking up any information. Then, once I become familiar enough with the surroundings to find my way home without consulting a map, I gradually begin to expand my radius. (In my twenties, I had the passion and energy to move between various accommodations, but now that I am in my mid-thirties, my stamina does not allow it, so I prefer staying in one place whenever possible.)

My favorite time while traveling is buying ingredients and cooking in the kitchen. If the timing is right, I visit the weekend farmers' market to buy fresh, seasonal vegetables and fruits directly from farmers. It is quite fun to compare the tastes of the same ingredients, as they vary depending on the environment in which they were grown. (I make sure to consume dairy products, in particular, as they offer a level of freshness that is difficult to experience with imported or processed goods.)

I prefer to travel by walking or cycling whenever possible. Not only can I fully experience the seasons, but I can also discover unexpected delights and find joy on the journey to my destination. (Countries with well-established bicycle paths and systems feature pleasant roads similar in width to car lanes and even dedicated traffic lights, which makes me feel more than just envious; I am jealous.)

More than anything, the greatest inspiration from the trip was none other than the people who lived there. Although they differed in everything—from their occupations to their places of residence and lifestyles—they had one thing in common: they possessed the power to enjoy life proactively.

From a London grandmother who enjoys quilting as a hobby and prepares for Christmas three months in advance, to a Berlin grandfather whose routine is to take a nap after lunch and sing while playing the guitar, and even a young Japanese man living freely running a guesthouse and a hamburger shop in front of the sea in Kamakura—witnessing such diverse lives naturally led me to ask myself what kind of life I wanted to live, and I gained a sense of relief that it was okay no matter what shape it took.

Having continued this kind of travel for over ten years, at some point the boundary between travel and daily life blurred. Sometimes I wonder why I bother to come all the way to this distant place, but then I suddenly realize. This is the life I have been hoping for. Traveling like daily life, and daily life like travel.

From the book *The Sense of Travel*

Experiencing the most ordinary day in an unfamiliar place. Time to walk the neighborhood, go grocery shopping, cook, and observe the lives of the locals up close. After borrowing and living someone else's daily life for a while, my own routine looks a little different upon my return. The alley in front of my house, my favorite cafe, the neighborhood grocery store, and the walking path—things I had taken for granted because they were so familiar—feel suddenly grateful.

In the end, for me, isn't travel not about leaving, but about returning?

⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯✴︎

Write. Muguasu @muguasu

The pen name Mugwasu is a combination of 'Mu,' meaning to caress, and 'Gwasu,' meaning a fruit-bearing tree, reflecting the desire to use one's talents to comfort people's hearts. The author has published the independent publication series *Mugwasu's Records*, as well as *Annyeonghan,ga* and *The Sense of Travel*, and has been consistently recording ordinary daily life in a special light for 14 years.

Illustration. Saki @saki_svn

Saki is a Seoul-based illustrator and artist. Drawing inspiration from scenes and objects encountered in daily life, as well as familiar images seen since childhood, she reinterprets them through her distinctive colors and forms. Based on her two-dimensional work, she collaborates with various fields including fashion, beauty, F&B, and lifestyle.