I hear quite a lot of statements about The World getting smaller or appearing to be smaller. I don’t mean in it’s physical sense but due to the fact that most areas can be accessed quite easily with modern transport. But this got me thinking yet again about how things appear today for me.

When I was much younger I would have no problem travelling anywhere unless I couldn’t afford to or there wasn’t someone to hitch a ride with. Time, responsibilities and danger were things that held no problem.

The World seemed vast in its unknown mysteries but small as travel was easy.

Today I see these roles reversed.

The internet has given rise to information about anything, anywhere and anyone instantly and one can experience the sights and wonders at a click of a button. Others do the travelling so others can live and share their experiences together at home.

Travel today is full of problems. Progress is hindered on the roads as they are so over-crowded and one is held up even more by roadworks, accidents and traffic calming. Once an airport or ferry port is reached then there are the checks, delays, extra costs and the ever-present fear of attack from terror. I don’t think I could bear the constant waiting, queuing, questions and boredom that I (maybe falsely, as I do very little now and my imagination runs wild) have come to associate with travel.

I loath having to make a journey of 40-50 miles and shudder at the possibility of entering a strange city or town.

Certain circumstances like owning a home with all the trappings of expense that come with that and the responsibility of having to work full-time to pay for it doesn’t help and being a pet guardian has its drawbacks too. But its not just that. I can’t be arsed with it any more.

If it wasn’t for a brilliant friend organising some travel and accommodation plans for a couple of weeks time then I could hardly see myself venturing down to London for a party and its only an hour or so away. My nerve and excuse mode would have kicked in and I most likely would have stayed away. As it is I am still nervous of the hustle and bustle of the vast City and all the problems that come with this huge package.

I am comfortable at home and around the familiar landmarks of the area. So for me The World has become a massive place physically but has shrunk in the virtual due to all the portals available to use as a window of learning.

Age and experience do funny things it appears.