In Alain de Botton’s book The Art of Travel, he writes, “If our lives are dominated by a search for happiness, then perhaps few activities reveal as much about the dynamics of this quest – in all its ardour and paradoxes – than our travels. They express, however inarticulately, an understanding of what life might be about, outside the constraints of work and the struggle for survival.”

It’s one of my favourite books, indulging me in all the philosophical reasons of why I, along with most of my friends, have a shared passion for travel.

Architecture brings splendour to everyone.  Understanding the buildings, their histories, structures, finishes and furnishings, is not always relevant. You just want to see it, look up at it under the sky, stand in front of it: multiple photographs of friends (half body/full body) standing ‘front and centre’ of famous cathedrals, opera houses, museums, galleries, beaming out at you, their faces saying, “Look at me, I’m here”.   

There’s unexpected knowledge gained from architecture. Whether popping through a surprise door or queuing at
enormous basilicas, wherever you go, there are pamphlets, books, guided tours, hop-on-hop-off buses. The most blissful way to learn. It’s all around you, sights to bedazzle the senses.

Architecture brings the “WOW factor” experience to travel.  And, no city has overwhelmed me more than Rome.  My jaw dropped open en route from the airport to my hotel. My eyes didn’t close and my feet seemed not to hit the ground in my three day visit.   I’m going back…………….

Photographs © tPRo Pamela Reid