Three time author and MEM columnist
Graham Field takes a look at our theme
this week. What happens when the
wanderer returns to their homeland.
WHEN THE JOURNEY ENDS
E
rnestine’s theory of relativity introduced
the concept of time dilation, which basically
says that time will bend based on velocity. A
proven example is how a clock on the space
shuttle runs at a slower pace to one on Earth.
I think another example of this can be seen in
the returning overlander. Time has clearl y
been running at a different rate back home
than it did for the person on the road.
The home coming traveller has inevitably
been hit with a plethora of experiences some
of which quite likely will have had a significant
impact on their life. Possibly the perspective
of wealth verses happiness, maybe the
appreciation of seasons and changing
natures, or perhaps just a realisation that the
only way to win in the rat race is to run away
from it.
From a two week tour to a round the world
trip the predictable comment from people at
home in response to your return is often ‘wow,
has it really been (insert time passed) ago that
you left?’