The Romance of Travel

In the past, I used to hear people complain about the difficulty of obtaining foreign currency in advance of travel. But this is a part of travel I have always loved. In recent years, the Euro has made this aspect easier, but something has been lost when the history and character of various nations – which the currency has always been great at reflecting – is reduced to the same images regardless of whether you’re in France, Germany, or wherever.

So it was a pleasure to me when, for this trip, we needed to get separate currencies for not one or two, but 5 separate countries: Egypt, Jordan, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. Each has been interesting, but my favorite has been that of New Zealand, with its Māori images, sailing ships, and kiwis. It underscores the fact that I’m in a different place, and seeing something new. Indeed, the currency is, to me, part of the essential romance of travel.