Wanderlust
English doesn’t have a reputation for being the most beautiful language, but it has its moments. One of these moments for me is the word wanderlust. It’s the perfect word to describe that dizzying desire to go out into the world and randomly experience whatever comes your way.
So I was disappointed when Wikipedia informed me that wanderlust is a German word that literally translates to “an enjoyment of hiking.” Hiking?? Hiking isn’t nearly as sexy as wandering!
But, as an activity that involves pre-planned trails, hideously sensible footwear, shorts with well-engineered pockets, and way too much contemplation about where/when/how to dispose of your own poop, hiking is undeniably much more German.
