The Absence of Blue Skies

Typically, blue skies are synonymous with bustling tourist spots. They signify sunshine and joy. However, there are times when we might prefer the absence of blue skies, like during a summer hike when the path offers no reprieve from the heat.

I vividly recall a season spent in Ghana when I went weeks without seeing blue skies. It neither rained nor were there clouds, just a blanket of gray. It felt surreal.

This phenomenon was due to the harmattan season in West Africa, where powerful winds carry sand and dust from the Sahara, obscuring the sky.

Thus, while the sun blazed, blue skies were nowhere to be seen. This unique occurrence was something I had to adapt to, especially since the northern region where I lived at the time was exceptionally dry, with everything coated in dust and sand.

The Deep Blue of the Ocean

The ocean's true blue only reveals itself beneath the surface. During my scuba diving training, I learned that colors diminish as you descend, leaving only blue.

It’s astonishing how everything appears blue underwater, and without a red filter on your camera, all the fish will reflect this hue.

Experiencing the deep blue ocean changes everything. Sounds are muted, and you're acutely aware of touch, more than anywhere else.

> “What just brushed against me?” becomes a common, somewhat anxious thought.

Yet, we keep returning, drawn to the unique life beneath the waves.

The Turquoise Blue of an Alpine Lake

Large water bodies often mirror the blue sky above, creating a stunning effect, but each has its own distinct shade.

While oceans possess a deeper blue influenced by microorganisms, clear mountain lakes frequently exhibit a turquoise tint, contrasting beautifully with the alpine landscape.

My fondest memories of these turquoise lakes involve succumbing to their allure and taking a brisk dip.

After a swim in an alpine lake, I always feel rejuvenated. The cold water invigorates your muscles, cools the overheated body, and refreshes the mind.

So, if you ask me, I’m always ready to dive in!

The Blue Hour

It’s hard to believe that just a year ago feels like ages, but that’s what travel does. While I cherish every moment, past memories often fade as new ones take their place.

Let me recount a day when the blue hour felt especially poignant. For those unfamiliar, the blue hour is the time just after sunset or before sunrise when the sun has dipped below the horizon but still casts a soft light.

We were on our second night of a two-month camping adventure through Southern Africa, nestled in a secluded campsite in the little-known Mudumu National Park in Namibia.

As the last light painted the sky, the birds chirped excitedly. I sat in my camping chair, absorbing the beauty around me.

From my vantage point overlooking the river nearby, I spotted two elephants making their way to the shore. They were silent yet majestic.

The fire we had lit crackled softly as a hippo's loud exhale broke the stillness.

In an instant, David urged me into the rooftop tent — it wasn’t safe to linger in the bush, and I heeded his advice.

The Blue Architecture

When I think of blue in architecture, Greece immediately comes to mind. No other nation has so famously characterized its landscape with blue and white houses as Greece has.

It’s been a few years since my first steps on Greek soil in 2011. A friend and I spent two weeks on the stunning island of Kos. Reviewing my vacation photos reveals countless water shots, sunset captures, and images of us posing at the beach.

Yet I also recall our excursions into the countryside and neighboring islands, where I admired the charming architecture. Quaint homes, lovingly adorned, nestled into the rugged terrain.

Feeling Blue

Experiencing grief or sadness while traveling is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone, yet it’s a reality for many. Being on vacation doesn’t exempt us from those feelings.

For much of the last decade, I’ve been living outside my home country, now considering two places my home. While I love my lifestyle and wouldn’t trade it for anything, it comes with sacrifices.

Frequent relocations mean constantly building new homes, making friends, and adapting to unfamiliar surroundings.

I’m fortunate to have a wonderful partner with whom I navigate these challenges and share my concerns. Still, there are times I yearn for familiar connections.

I miss chatting with friends face-to-face, not just through screens. I want to hug them, express my gratitude for their unwavering support, and enjoy a night out together.

When I realize I can’t have that, tears often come, prompting me to take a walk — it’s my best remedy in tough moments.

Traveling with Little Blue

Lastly, let me introduce you to Little Blue. I never used to name cars or objects, but our little vehicle in New Zealand quickly earned that title.

Rather than spend a fortune on renting or buying a campervan, we chose this economical car with a suitable camping setup. It allowed us to explore the South Island extensively.

Too many memories and adventures are tied to this little car to recount them all, but it was our trusty companion, even during off-road escapades.

By now, I hope you have an idea brewing — something you could write about.

The color blue.

Share your most unique or memorable experiences related to the color blue. Include thoughts, conversations, or any interactions that made an impression during your journeys.

Provide us with the full story of your exploration of the color blue.

Be specific.

We want to hear all the details.

Be creative.

Engage us with your captivating narrative.

If you need inspiration, consider these prompts:

> My First Time Seeing That Blue > I Was Traveling When I Found Myself Surrounded By Blue > I Didn’t Know I’d Fall in Love With Blue > A Very Different Kind of Blue > I Never Understood Why People Would Fall For the Blue in XYZ

Please continue reading beyond this point. We explain the submission rules step by step. If you think you know them already and don’t need to bother reading them, the chances are high that our editors will reject your submission.

Due to an increase in submissions this year, we’ve raised our standards. We will no longer accept poorly formatted or written essays, nor stories lacking proper photo credits. Expect outright rejection if you violate these guidelines.

The same goes if you think you can outsmart the system by utilizing AI instead of your creativity. Our editors are dedicated to combating computer-generated content to elevate the quality of travel essays from authentic writers, and we will not hesitate to remove authors who violate this.

Please read carefully and adhere to our rules.

For the monthly challenge submissions, you must tag two articles (from our publication) that inspired you, contain quality content about the same country, or are simply travel pieces you enjoyed.

Utilize the search function to explore our publication for articles about your destination. It’s an easy way to show appreciation for fellow writers.

Also, ensure to tag writers correctly. We will no longer do this for you. If you’re unsure how to tag, please refer to this article. Below are examples of how to tag writers and mention their work.

We look forward to your submissions. As always, at the end of the month, Globetrotters editors will announce their winners. While we submit our entries, we do not partake in the competition.

Remember to follow our guidelines when submitting an article:

• The maximum article length must be 10 minutes.
• Always credit your images. We only accept your own photographs. Please review our image policy if unsure.
• Structure your article with a title, subtitle, and title image.
• Include the tags “monthly challenge” and “travel.”
• Ensure travel remains a focus of your narrative.
• List two articles (from Globetrotters) you have read, engaged with, and tag the writers who created them (if unsure how to tag, please refer to this article).
• The challenge runs from August 1st until August 28th. We reserve the final days of the month to announce the results.
• For more submission clarification, visit the Globetrotters submission guidelines.

We, the Globetrotters editorial team (JoAnn, Adrienne, Michele, Krasi & Anne), extend our gratitude for your contributions. You’ve shared many compelling articles during previous challenges, and we can’t wait for the next ones.

Thank you.

Michele Maize kicked off the challenge with this amazing essay. Give it a read and get inspired.