The Wall Magnets of Worldwide Travel - Time Out #319

Souvenir hunting has always been high on my list of things to do when we are traveling during our frequent trips. In our 40-plus years of marital bliss, we have been all over planet earth, and have recently attained regular membership in the Travelers' Century Club. This southern California nonprofit social organization has been in existence since 1954. It offers regular membership to people who have visited 100 or more countries and territories over the globe. The club has over 1,400 worldwide members, and 20 regional chapters in the U.S.A.

During our globe-trotting adventures, I am always on the lookout for souvenir magnets. Thus, I have accumulated hundreds of them, representing many sizes and physical compositions. Early on, many years ago, I began putting my magnet "treasures" on the family refrigerator, as happens in many households. Quickly, however, our indoor appliance became so crowed with magnets, I had to find other locations to display my souvenirs. Eventually, my bride, Lady Deborah, surprised me by hiring a carpenter to install a huge piece of sheet metal, completely covering an entire wall in our laundry room. Over the decades, I eventually filled this location. Our magnet wall also became a popular conversation topic when friends/guests would visit our home. Frequently, I would provide a verbal travelogue engaging interested folks, as the magnets were grouped in sequence of when we visited certain destinations. I have always enjoyed sharing our travel stories with people. Hopefully, my embellishment regarding travel has been kept minimal?

Occasionally, during our travels, I have been unable to purchase a magnet, since the site's gift store didn't offer any for sale. My usual plan in this scenario is to improvise. At those times, I simply buy a souvenir key chain, almost always available. When I return home to Our Town, I merely glue a loose magnet to the key chain. Presto, magic, now I have another magnet for my collection!

Alas, I bring up an current problem for me regarding my beloved travel magnets. In July, 2017, my bride and I moved from our home of 35 years, to a new home. In our present home, several storage drawers are holding my valuable stick-on souvenirs. This is an issue because I have not decided, after 4-plus years, just where I will display the hundreds I own? Even though we currently have plenty of space to choose from in our home, my lady and I have to be on the same page before I establish a display area for my magnets. I am well-aware I would like to choose a location that has high visibility. Once the site is chosen, I know each time I walk by the designated area, my eyes will focus on a magnet that brings me pleasant memories. I also love to tell short stories about various worldwide travel locations to anyone who asks me about any magnet they notice.

As time continues its attempt to put the COVID-19 pandemic in our rearview mirrors, I frequently daydream about our future travel destinations. And, with those upcoming adventures, I certainly will add additional magnets to my vast collection. My behavior is well-established regarding collecting these important souvenirs! Happy trails to you...