Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Wander.
How to Travel the World
As an adult, and a child, I had always envied people who could travel all over the globe. I had always thought, “I can’t do that, I’ve got to save money, and I make minimum wage.” There has always been some barrier that prevented me from traveling. Money, people, family, possessions, love, time, the list goes on.
By Jennifer Gaston8 years ago in Wander
Crossroads
As far as I know, Strasbourg means “Fortress at the Crossroads”—which if you ask me, makes a lot of sense. Look where it lies. The majority of Western Europe is within three hours (by train) of the city, which is historically the border between France and Germany (no matter who the city actually belonged to at any given point in history). So, I guess, in September 2010, it makes sense that I wound up there, as I was definitely at a crossroads in my own life.
By Erika York8 years ago in Wander
Faith
Just like the fairy tales, this story's catalyst was a masquerade ball. In the summer of 2014, I turned 27. I sold everything that didn't fit into a duffle bag, including my car. I quit my job, and walked away from my entire life. Why? Why not. I felt stuck. I booked a flight to Ft. Lauderdale and the taxi dropped me off at a crew-house situated right next to a sex shop... at night, in the rain. A good, strong start. What's a crew-house? Think The Real World, only thankfully, nobody was broadcasting. The house was a stop-over for potential crew—kids trying to get jobs in the world of private yachting. I remember walking into the house. It didn't look like much from the outside. I had to call a few times to get the owner on the line, I went to meet her around back and entered into the next—truly bizarre—phase of my life. The hallway was lined with refrigerators, the black-tiled floor led to an open concept kitchen and living space with a spiral staircase winding up to a hall of dorms. I was the first to arrive for the season—anxious to have something new in my world—and the emptiness of the house kicked off what would be an extremely long waiting period.
By nothing nothing8 years ago in Wander
The Avenues
There is a corner of Hull like no other. We call it the Avenues, and it is a very special place, a warren of streets where I can lose myself. Urban, Victorian, Bohemian. A postcode that means the world. A corner of the Land of Green Ginger that is forever Saturday morning. It is where Yorkshire meets the world, vibrant, youthful and diverse. The university fuels it with energy, and the nineteenth century tempers the air, a riot of red brick and yellow, of stone and wood. As the name hints, it is an area of grid-like avenues, an area where symmetry rules. Yet each villa is unique, grand and overly mature; hints of genteel decay, overgrown in parts, bald in others. There is a smell I associate with the area, a doughy scent from the bread factory and a mulchy tang of dampness, of freshly roasted coffee and pancakes.
By Andrew Reid Wildman8 years ago in Wander
Surfing Surprise
Drowsy, and tasting none other than bad breath, I woke up in the backseat of our family’s grey and slightly cramped suburban. Only a few hours ago, my parents, my siblings, and I decided to go on a day surfing trip with a few of my dad’s friends. We were headed to one of my favorite places, Pacific City. It’s a beach with decent waves and a huge sand dune, that the beach is famous for. Someone once made a rule that when we pass “no-talk-rock,” if any of us talk we’ll have bad luck. You have to be silent until its out of view.
By Lindsey Sarkinen8 years ago in Wander
Two Roads
Two roads diverge in the woods And I… I stood there. Not knowing which way to turn. The day began early with bright blue skies and a hint of wistful breezes in the air. I could hear the robins outside my window playing in the pecan tree. Two frolicking squirrels were leaping from branch to branch collecting what they could for an early breakfast. Honestly, I felt as if I were in a Disney princess movie. I waited for the little mice to suddenly appear to help me dress and make my breakfast. Thank goodness, it didn’t happen. I don’t think I would have been that thrilled to see scurrying grey creatures and their little black droppings all through my kitchen, anyway. So I got out of bed, dressed myself, and toasted my own bagel for breakfast.
By April Hale8 years ago in Wander
