Paul Theroux likes trains; he has roamed the world and ridden trains and written great books with neat names like "Ghost Train to the Eastern Star" or "The Old Patagonia Express." In his upcoming book he brings us a spiritual sense of the meaning of travel. To be released in May, Tao of Travel: Enlightenments from Lives on the Roadis a Traveler's Cooperstown, a hall of fame of writings and commentary on travels from writers such as Vladimir Nabokov, Mark Twain, Freya Stark, Eudora Welty, Anton Chekhov, and Ernest Hemingway. He even includes a chapter on traveler's advice from Sir Francis Galton, who measured and contrasted human abilities and is one of the founders of psychological testing. Theroux's words will inspire the young and rekindle the old:
As a child, yearning to leave home and go far away, the image in my mind was of flight — my little self hurrying off alone. The word 'travel' did not occur to me, nor did the word 'transformation' which was my unspoken but enduring wish. I wanted to find a new self in a distant place, and new things to care about. The importance of elsewhere was something I took on faith. Elsewhere was the place I wanted to be. Too young to go, I read about elsewheres, fantasizing about my freedom. Books were my road. And then, when I was old enough to go, the roads I traveled became the obsessive subject in my own books. Eventually I saw that the most passionate travelers have always also been passionate readers and writers. And that is how this book came about.
The wish to travel seems to me characteristically human: the desire to move, to satisfy your curiosity or ease your fears, to change the circumstances of your life, to be a stranger, to make a friend, to experience an exotic landscape, to risk the unknown, to bear witness to the consequences, tragic or comic, of people possessed by the narcissism of minor differences. Chekhov said, 'If you're afraid of loneliness, don't marry.' I would say, if yo're afraid of loneliness, don't travel. The literature of travel shows the effects of solitude, sometimes mournful, more often enriching, now and then unexpectedly spiritual.
All my traveling life I have been asked the maddening and oversimplifying question 'What is your favorite travel book?' How to answer it? I have been on the road for almost fifty years and writing about my travels for more than forty years. One of the first books my father read to me at bedtime when I was small was Donn Fendler: Lost on a Mountain in Maine. This 1930s as-told-to account described how a twelve-year-old boy survived eight days on Mount Katahdin. Donn suffered, but he made it out of the Maine woods. The book taught me lessons in wilderness survival, including the basic one: 'Always follow a river or a creek in the direction the water is flowing.' I have read many travel books since, and I have made journeys on every continent except Antarctica, which I have recounted in eight books and hundreds of essays. I have felt renewed inspiration in the thought of little Donn making it safely down the high mountain
The travel narrative is the oldest in the world, the story the wanderer tells to the folk gathered around the fire after his or her return from a journey. 'This is what I saw'; news from the wider world; the odd, the strange, the shocking, tales of beasts or of other people. 'They're just like us!' or 'They're not like us at all!' The traveler's tale is always in the nature of a report. And it is the origin of narrative fiction too, the traveler enlivening a dozing group with invented details, embroidering on experience. It's how the first novel in English got written. Daniel Defoe based Robinson Crusoe on the actual experience of the castaway Alexander Selkirk, though he enlarged the story, turning Selkirk's four and a half years on a remote Pacific Island into twenty-eight years on a Caribbean island, adding Friday, the cannibals, and tropical exotica.
Travel and spirituality are linked in the world's three great religions, recorded in scriptures and recounted lovingly and longingly for generations into the future. Moses led the Jewish people through the desert; people of Islam travel on pilgrimage to Mecca. St. Paul's three missionary journeys took him to places gone but now immortalized--Galatia, Ephesus, Phillipi--and of course, finally to Rome. Paul Theroux brings to mind the unifying value of travel, more than guidebooks collected, passports treasured, or iPhone photos stored: a spiritual dimension or Tao. Perhaps we will start to think about places where we want to go, or be reminded of voyages we have made, and what they meant to us.
William Van Ornum
As the article quotes in the words of Theorux, “the wish to travel seems to me characteristically human: the desire to move, to satisfy your curiosity or ease your fears, to change the circumstances of your life, to be a stranger, to make a friend, to experience an exotic landscape, to risk the unknown, to bear witness to the consequences, tragic or comic, of people possessed by the narcissism of minor differences”. These words sum up my whole experience abroad, and I find them to be so true. My life turned upside down, for the better, when I was in Europe for four months. I made such great friends, that I know will be my friends for a lifetime. I took chances that normally I wouldn’t dare to take if I were here in America. I laughed and I smiled everyday because everything made me happy. I basically had no responsibilities or burdens on my mind, which would sometimes hold me back from going all out and giving my 100% when I’m home. I’ve seen the most amazing sights that have changed my perspective on life, love, friends and family. I went to Italy knowing that it may be difficult to adjust and make friends; I was a stranger to that country, and once I left and returned to America, I knew I had left a huge piece of my heart there in Italy as well, and I know it won’t be long before I return for a visit to remember my voyages and the life changing experiences that occurred to make me into the person I am today.
Dianna (#10),
I too have been very fortunate to visit many places and go on many different types of vacation throughout my life. It is very interesting to read that your parents are immigrants from Croatia because although my parents have instilled the importance of travel, they were born and raised in America. However, my grandparents are immigrants of Italy and Portugal and I still have family living in both places and have been able to travel to see them and learn about my family roots as well. However, your parents being immigrants of Croatia must make the travel experience very different from those of others.
I completely agree with your statement that traveling is an eye-opening experience. I too mention in my post that reading about a place and actually visiting are so different and the experience is difficult to put into words. I too have witnessed the shacks that people live in in the Dominican Republic and it is a sight that is difficult to see and it makes you appreciate the life that you have. The stories about the miracles you have heard about and the churches you have visited seem absolutely amazing. It was very interesting to read about your experiences!
When studying abroad in London this past semester, and travelling to many countries within Europe and the UK, I was given a similar feeling. Not saying that I had become "enlightened" or something of that magnitude, but there was a very calm, spiritual aspect that travelled along beside me. As time went on, I began feeling such a sense of independence and empowerment, especially when exploring on my own (and jumping off cliffs into the ocean in Wales!). Walking in an area where you do not know a single person can be extremely nerve wrecking and lonely, however I began to find it peaceful in a way. I would walk past particular people or families and wonder who they were, sometimes creating little scenarios of where they were going or where they came from. I learned a lot by watching people, and realized how alike we all are.
There were strangers that I passed, and would never get to know, but there were also people who I became extremely close with. Almost immediately, a few girls and I met three guys about our age who ended up becoming very close friends throughout our stay in London. It didn't hit me as, "These are my friends from London," but rather that these are simply, my friends. I also took part in an internship and made many bonds, a few particular ones that I'll never forget. I am still in contact with these people that I formed strong relationships with, and hope to see them again in the future. It's amazing how we can come from such different places around the world but it all simply comes down to the same things. People are people, seeking friendship and love. Perhaps in a poverty stricken country, friendship is formed over sharing the last bite of food. And in another country, bonds are made over a fresh pizza and a glass of wine. No matter the circumstance, humans are humans, and for the most part we have the same desires and needs. This became overwhelmingly evident to me as I travelled, and made me feel as if the world had shrunk to the size of a small town.
On the other hand, there were moments that made me feel the complete opposite. When I travelled to places containing so much natural beauty from the landscape, I couldn't help but be overtaken by the feeling that the world was enormous, and that I had seen only such a slight portion of it. Seeing the Earth's immensity firsthand made me feel so small, yet I was not discouraged by this. I felt more confident in my belief that in a place so big and powerful, there had to be a "God" somewhere, guiding me. I felt closer to "God," the Earth itself, and the people within it. As strange as it sounds, I felt a sense of belonging. One in which we are all people under the same magnificent sky, and however big and powerful it is, we are united under it.
It's incredibly hard to put my travelling experience into words. More than anything, it was a trip filled with many emotions and feelings. There are not enough words, or words with the right meaning to describe most feelings we get. However, my time abroad did make me "feel" more connected with not only myself, but also with the world, its people, and the "God" I believe in.
I agree with you David about visiting and staying.I have worked in 15 different countries and it is an entirely different story.
If you stay in a place for a little longer you no longer get the sugar high of being the guest and also the sense of temporary release that travelling for a shorter period gives.
But you get a chance to digest your experience a lot more and to deepen the understanding of cultural differences.
I only spent 5 months in California but it was shocking for me to see the differences between the Irish way and what people from Santa Barbara think and how they act etc.
The best thing is being able to pick and choose from what you see in other cultures and what you have from your own.Those who have not lived abroad or travelled usually have to insist on the superiority of their way. But I think that nowadays it is changing rapidly thanks to the blessings of Ryanair etc.
Being raised in a small, rural town, this was such as magical experience for myself. Many people dislike the “hustle and bustle,” of the city but to me this fast pace of life was so exciting! As the years went by, we continued to venture off to NYC every summer, where I began to establish a new sense of independence after navigating the streets and subway lines of Manhattan all by myself. As the city is well known for it’s amazing and AUTHENTIC cuisines, my travels have also expanded my tasting palette. If it weren’t for NYC, I may have never developed a love for THAI food! (if you get the chance definitely check out LAND restaurant on Amsterdam between 81st and 82nd- AMAZING!!)
This summer as a part of Spring attachment, I will be traveling to Ghana, Africa where a small group of us will be working to help improve community development. This was a major decision for me, as traveling to a third world country is certainly no luxury. I do however embrace this opportunity, for I know being exposed to their culture and ways of life will have a profound impact on myself and the way I lead my life.
As many of you have said, traveling is truly an eye-opening experience. Whether studying abroad or just simply vacationing in a foreign land, getting “away” from our normal daily routines always seems to render a perfect remedy. It is my hope through my travels around the world that I can gain a better understanding and appreciation for the things in life I am so fortunate to have.”
My wife has read most of Theroux's books and some of our travels were due to her readings. She is always coming up with new places to go. A couple little tidbits.
Theroux would just up and go to write his books and leave his wife and children behind. One time he returned from one of his trips and found them gone.
Galton is the cousin of Charles Darwin and the founder of eugenics. And for that he was knighted. Your students might want to factor that into his efforts and motivation to develop psychological testing.
I nearly decided against going-I was afraid of getting lost and not being in control of my surroundings. Ignoring my fears, I pushed myself to go and couldn't be happier for doing so.
Things started off pretty smoothly. If I ever got lost, i was with friends who worked with me to find our way. One day, I got lost all by myself.
I was in Germany for the weekend celebrating Springfest with my friends. They wanted to stay out much later than I did so I told them it would be okay if I went home by myself. Clearly, I didn't pay enough attention to the street signs (i guess they all looked alike) or how I got to the grounds of the festival, because I got miserably lost in the middle of Munich, by myself, at a late hour, and without a map. I began to panic, but then I realized I could do this. I could find my way. I calmed down, trusted my gut, and after MANY failed attempts, I found my way back to our hostel (where my friends greeted me...so much for leaving early). This experience helped me to learn to trust my instincts and to have faith in myself. It seems to small, but it had such a big effect.
Which of your travels have enriched your faith? How?
thanks, bill
I am still trusting maps and compasses. No GPS. And like you, my instincts! best, bvo
Maybe Mr. Theroux and wife should have taken the FOCCUS at some point? bvo
Last spring semester I had the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy. This was a life changing experience. When I first arrived I stuck out like a sore thumb. I might as well have had American tattooed on my forehead. I felt like a minority and that gave me a true appreciation for others who have felt this way. Over time however, I learned some Italian and made some local friends. This helped to immerse me into the culture and although I probably still looked American, local people seemed to warm up to me a little more.
Through my travels during this time in Italy, Germany, France, London, Monaco, Greece, and Spain I learned that regardless of where a person comes from we all have similar aspirations and dreams to become successful. I feel that from a young age we are taught that the American culture is superior to all others. By having these encounters with others from around the world, my views started to shift. Although, America has so much to offer, so does other countries and cultures. I learned that you don't have to be wealthy to be happy. Some of the happiest people I met lived in poverty and endured many hardships throughout their lives. It was the simplest things that made them happy. I was told that in Europe ''people work to live'' they don't ''live to work'' as many do here in the U.S. I think this is something for us all to consider. Even if we have the Protestant Work Ethic instilled in us we should take some time off every now and again to travel and get the opportunity to see the world in a new light!
How important it is to "work to live" and not "live to work." I don't think I've got this one figured out yet.
Maybe focusing on "working to live" is a good thought for those, like you, who will be graduating soon. best, bvo
I have watched myself grow more in the past 6 months than ever before. The independence I developed, the confidence I gained in myself, and the various things I was exposed to have changed my life. Although I cried many days and nights because I felt so homesick, I never let it get me down and I pushed through the pain and tried to live every single day to its fullest potential. Now that I am home, I would give anything to go back. I think about the magical city of Florence every single day. I even dream about it regularly.
Now that I have experienced the wonders of traveling the world I don't think I will ever be able to stop. Something inside me is pulling at me every day to see more, to explore. I find it difficult to write this because it is challenging for me to put such a life changing experience into words, especially the right ones. Not only am I proud of myself for making the decision to study abroad, but I am thankful to myself as well. I hope that all the students who don't think they can handle going abroad give it at least a little more thought because I was one of those students and it has changed my life immensely for the better.
Traveling is such an eye-opening experience! Reading about a place and actually visiting are so different. By visiting new places, you are exposed to new culture and different ways of life. You really get a feel for the way of life when you are in a new place with a different way of life. I have visited the Dominican Republic, and passed through villages in which people live in shacks, but make the most of what they have. It really makes you appreciate all that you have.
Faith plays an important role in all of my travels. I always ask God to watch over me and protect me. I have always had a fear of planes, but saying a prayer before take-off always puts me at ease. I have visited churches where people leave crutches, walkers, and wheelchairs because they had been healed by God and given the joy of walking again. It is amazing how faith can have such an impact in one’s life. It was a real eye-opening experience for me to hear stories about the miracles that had occurred.
Every summer since I was young my parents had decided to take my three sisters and I to a different island. We started going to places such as the Bahamas, which was gorgeous, but there was not much culture change to observe. I started to realize culture change when we traveled to places such as Jamaica, Mexico, Haiti, and The Dominican Republic. To see the extreme cultural differences in such places was amazing, however, when I went to The Dominican Republic it was an experience that was difficult to swallow. The summer we arrived in the Dominican Republic we were told that the bus ride would take about two hours. The resort was far from the airport and as we traveled the roads of the Dominican Republic we knew why. The area surrounding the airport was indescribably horrid. I have never seen such poverty and hardship in my entire life. As we drive the roads I witnessed people’s homes being bulldozed down by government orders. What was even worse was that these people were trying to save their homes, standing in front of the bulldozers holding mattresses; the bulldozers refused to stop. In addition, on our journey to the hotel our bus was stopped and military officials searched the bus for escaping local; each holding a rifle gun; it was a sight that was scary to see and difficult to comprehend.
In addition to the many islands that I had traveled to, my parents took me on a two week trip to Italy when I was a freshman in high school. I had never been to Europe before and was beyond excited. While in Italy, we visited out family in Milan, where we would attend a cousins wedding. It was amazing to see how my family in Italy lived. We are so often misconceived by others culture through tourist resorts and are therefore unaware of the true culture, however, I was able to witness the true culture through visiting and staying with family. After visiting family we traveled to Venice and the Santa Margarita, which was absolutely breathtaking. Santa Margarita cannot be described with words, it is a sight that needs to be seen with one’s own eyes.
I have traveled to many places around the world with my family and they are all experiences that I will cherish forever. However, when I came to college I decided that I would study abroad and travel to Europe on my own. My Junior year of college I decided to study abroad in London. It was a surprisingly easy decision for me to make, however after the decision was finalized, I realized that I would be completely alone, far away from those I relied on. However, I found this fear to disappear as this experience began. It is very cliché to hear someone who has traveled abroad to state that it was an experience of a lifetime, however, there is no other words to explain it. Many believe that traveling to London would not come with many cultural differences; I used to be one of those people. However, I came to find that their culture indeed was very different, but one that I enjoyed immensely. Of course while I was in London I had o travel Europe and therefore decided to travel to Italy to the Amalfi Coast, which consisted of Pompeii, Positano, Sorrento, and Capri, to Ireland, Greece, and Paris. All were such different experiences but equally amazing.
I have found that travelling while helping me create bonds and friendship, has created independence. There was much that I had to do on my own while in London; things that I would have normally relied on others for if I were home. I gained a sense of independence and of confidence. Even more however, travel helps us to know other culture rather than read about them. What you read about in books can never compare to what you see and experience first- hand. I have learned so much about so many different cultures and have hoped to adopt some of these cultural ways. I believe that everyone should travel if they receive the opportunity. My parents have instilled the importance of travel in me since I was a little girl and I plan on continuing my tradition of travel through the entirety of my life.
I hope to make it to Florence sometime! tx bvo
I am touched by your description of the role of faith in your travels. Thanks for your story. bvo
Your description of your travel is Theroux-like for me. tx. bvo
I think everyone should take the time to travel outside of the United States. Even if you only have time to travel for only a week, you can learn so much about another culture through seeing it through your own eyes. It is much better to visit another country to learn about culture than it is to read about it or listening about other country’s cultures from other people because travelling makes the culture seem more tangible.
After studying abroad in Europe, I realized that I want to travel more of the world and experience other cultures. I think learning about other cultures helps you to appreciate not only your culture, but others’ cultures. There is so much outside of the United States to explore, and I was fortunate to find that out after travelling around Europe.
This is why next semester I have chosen to study abroad in Florence Italy. Studying abroad was a tough decision for me to make since I am a very highly family oriented person and have never been away from my family for that long a period of time. Although this aspect makes me somewhat nervous I know the experience is worth it. Reading people’s comments on this blog about studying abroad has made me very excited and relieved. I have never heard of someone having a bad experience abroad. Everyone I have spoken to or heard from that has gone abroad enjoyed every minute of it and wishes they could go back. Since in my eyes, this is going to be my first time really traveling I am going to take full advantage of it. I want to travel all over Europe and learn about all different kinds of cultures and ways of life. I am hoping this traveling experience will help me become more independent, confident, and well rounded. I believe it will teach me to be open minded and to know more about different cultures around the world. I am extremely excited and cannot wait to begin on my journey. As St.Augustine once said, “The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page”, I plan on reading as many pages as I can.
Although I have never been out of the country, I have many dreams to visit places all over the world. Like the travel narrative of Theroux, I am a full believer in traveling as it provides a link to one’s spirituality and is also an enriching experience that can provide a perspective on life that nothing else can offer. While my experience with traveling is limited to visiting other states within the United States, I know that even in those traveling trips, I always left feeling more in tune with my inner-self, my surrounding family members, and my home. There is something about culture shock that leaves you feeling more connected to what you know, longing to be within reach of it. However, once the traveling experience ends, most people are ready to experience it again—the simple beauty of traveling.
In the future, I hope to visit places that relate directly to my heritage and to places that are so far opposite from what I know and represent. Understanding the world by visiting foreign places that may feel close to home while also remaining unfamiliar in every way, will hopefully give me spiritual insight that can help me lead my life in the most positive and energy-driven way. I continue to be excited for the future for these reasons.
I will be going to Florence, Italy at the end of August to spend an entire semester abroad studying in the country – and this time I will not have my family there with me. I’ve never even been to Europe or anywhere besides the North American region for that matter. Going to Italy with my friends this fall with certainly be a new experience for me. I feel that once I am there and traveling around to neighboring countries, I will have a deeper understanding of what different cultures are like around the world. By actually visiting, I will gain a one-on-one experience of the traditions and customs in Europe and I cannot wait!
Like I said, I really enjoy the traditions of vacationing to the same places with my family year after year. It allows my family to have a connection to bond over. However, being able to explore new places is an eye opening experience like no other. This way you can see other cultures and explore other ways of life.
The bottom line is that vacationing and traveling is a way to appreciate other ways of life, expand your horizons in life and simply live!
To me, travel has always been a recreational part of my life. I have, and probably always will, associate travel with spending time with my family and close friends. For example, every summer all of my family goes on a vacation. When my siblings and cousins were younger, we would travel to destinations such as Disneyland and Hershey Park. As the years continued and we began to grow older, our trips extended to places such as the Dominican Republic and Jamaica. Although we are all older now, we still find ourselves, year after year together for a week during the summer away from home. I also have traveled with my friends. In my junior year of high school I traveled to Italy and France for 10 days; it was an extremely educational trip. I do enjoy traveling. I enjoy a break from my hectic everyday life. I enjoy the change of scenery for a few days. I enjoy being able to relax and spend time with my family. However, I have never had a life-changing experience while traveling. I have never had that one moment where I said “I could see myself living here.”
After reading the article and the comments of others, and reflecting on my own ideas, I have concluded that traveling means different things for different people. For some it may be a form of relaxation. For others it may be to experience new cultures and ways of life. Some may travel to spread their faith. A few, to gain knowledge. However, I think most would agree, that no matter the reasons behind it, traveling is an important part of our culture and our lives.
I am traveling abroad in Italy next semester and I beyond excited because I know that is an experience of a lifetime. I have never traveled somewhere so new and far by myself so although I have been to many places, I know this will be even more of a new experience.
As you have mentioned, there is nothing that can relive the experience fully. No pictures, videos, journals; nothing can bring back the experience to the fullest. When I was younger, I would always get upset upon returning home because everything I had just witnessed and experienced was done. Even looking at pictures and talking about my travels with family and friends can not bring back the reality of the trip, proving that traveling does indeed have a spiritual sense to it, which makes me want to read Theroux's book!
I also always try to visit local churches while I am travelling. One of the most beautiful churches I visited was in the Dominican Republic. It was a very open space with no walls on 3 of the 4 sides. Although I did not understand the mass because it was delivered in Spanish, it was a beautiful ceremony that I really felt a part of. I think that is important to share experiences such as these with local people when visiting different places to fully immerse yourself in the culture.
Traveling to a new park and hiking beaten down paths undiscovered to me is surprisingly one of my most enjoyable activates. A few months back I got the pleasure of driving over to Minnewaska State Park and hiking some amazing mountains and even taking park in some free hand cliff climbing and I have to say it was one of the most amazing experiences of my life. When you get to the top of the mountain you can see 50 miles in every direction and it is an amazing feeling that I would have never had without my desire to explore and discover new places.
I feel as though even if you can’t travel to distant exotic lands it’s worth it to explore the beauty that is around you whether it is the bright lights of New York City or the country side of the Hudson valley. It’s hard to not learn something about yourself or someone else when you travel and it is an experience I think everyone should have, no matter how small the trip is.
Because of my schedule, I do not have the time to study abroad, however, I was playing with the idea of taking part in the Hawaii spring attachment offered at Marist. I had originally thought of going this upcoming summer, but when my friend who was supposed to go with me told me she couldn’t, I backed out. As Theroux suggested, “if you're afraid of loneliness, don't travel.” I was afraid to go on my own. I was afraid to be alone. The only traveling I’ve done in my life has been with my family, and it’s only been along the east coast of the United States. My parents and family joke that I live in a bubble. So, after lots of recent thinking I have decided to reapply for the following spring attachment, whether I have someone going with me or not, because I believe it is something I need to do for myself. I need to expand my world.
Especially after reading all of the above comments, I realize what an impact travel can have on someone’s life. Traveling is a time to gain new experiences, perspective and insight, a time to view the world through a different set of eyes. If we all live in “bubbles” our whole lives, we’ll be missing out. This brings to mind a new TV show called Secret Millionaire on ABC. Millionaires spend time in some of OUR country’s poorest areas and their lives are forever changed by their experiences. So, similarly to what Alyssa (22) stated above, you don’t always have to travel far for your journey to greatly influence your life.
However, I believe there is a significant difference between moving around with your family and traveling. When you move from home to home with your family, your core remains the same. You still return home to the same people, and not much really changes, especially in my case, where I still lived in the United States, in all very suburban areas. It was not until the middle of high school that I realized there is much more to traveling than just moving from one home to another. During high school, I took part in two community service programs, one that went to Costa Rica for a week, and another that went to India for 17 days. These two experiences were monumental in my life. I had never before witnessed any form of lifestyle outside of the U.S., and especially seeing the poverty yet happiness of those in the mountains of India was truly a humbling experience.
My travels to Costa Rica and India left me hungering for more. And thus last spring I studied abroad in England. Unlike many of my friends, I chose to study abroad at an actual university (UEA) two hours north of London, in the small old town of Norwich. The experience was life-changing. During my time abroad, I traveled to Greece, Florence, Rome, Paris, Milan, Switzerland, and all over Southern Ireland. I met so many people from all over the world, and I experienced so many different and unique lifestyles. It was incredible to me how different we all were, yet how innately similar we all were. Our lives were completely different, but we all had the same core instincts, if you will.
I truly agree with the passage by Theroux. The desire to travel is such a large part of our beings, just like the desire to live. Those who travel become grounded and humbled in unbelievable ways.
When i was very young I visited Italy with my family. We went to Calabria, where my parents are originally from and Rome. Although i was still young and cannot remember all of my thoughts and experiences there I am so glad that my parents took me. To travel so far and to a place where my culture and family lies is amazing. Although i have not been back there yet my family and I are planning a trip in the up coming year and for that, i cannot wait!
Just last summer I went on a trip to London. I remember all of my experiences and often wish i was back there! I had an absolutely wonderful time, and it seems like i cannot pick just one favorite location/experience to share because all mean so much to me. I went on this trip with my two sisters and we stayed with family. We had wonderful tour guides (my aunt and uncle) and got to see every little piece of London. When I was there i found lots of differences. Most were things that amazed me.
I remember trips my family and I or my friends and I have taken to other states, and although they are not too far from home they too add to my awareness and experiences of life. Going to Florida, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Maine and Pennsylvania all add to my wonderful memories of family, friendship, and culture.
To travel is a series of journeys. For me travel has not ended in my life. The journey will go on and I cannot wait until i venture off to another new place. It is a gift to be able to go around the world to experience differences, similarities and cultures. Friendships will be made or made stronger and independence will be embraced. While one can see the world through the tv, photos, the internet, or read about them, it will never be as great as seeing it with your own eyes!
Your comment was a pleasure to read! i enjoyed it and agree with you that travel truly does create independence. Although you studied abroad and I only traveled to London for a short time, I shared the same feeling of being away from those whom we relied on. As you said, independence was gained for me as well. You are very fortunate to have traveled to so many beautiful places around the world! I hope i can make it to some of those places one day!
-Sabrina
You said, "I think everyone should take the time to travel outside of the United States. Even if you only have time to travel for only a week, you can learn so much about another culture through seeing it through your own eyes " and i could not agree with you more! It seems like you took the words right out of my mouth. I enjoyed reading your comment about your time in Madrid. I hope that one day I too can make it to visit!
-Sabrina
I agree with the idea that travel and spirituality are linked because many people travel to connect with their religion. I went to Italy with my high school a few years ago and I was able to go to many churches while I was there. This trip allowed me to connect with my religion because I got to see many famous churches and understand more. I will be studying in Florence this fall and I hope to experience more spirituality there. I am excited to live in a new place for a few months and learn more about my culture. By relating a trip to spirituality I think that people are able to take more from it. If people are able to gain new insight from a place they travel, I think they will remember the trip more.
Although it is nice to save items from trips, the memories are the most important. Memories allow people to relive their experiences over and over again. I love to look back on all my memories I have from traveling along the east coast, Italy, and Mexico. I hope to be able to travel back to all these places in the future, but I hope I am able to explore even more places around the world. Traveling is very important to me and I hope everyone will get a chance to experience something out of his or her comfort zone.
The vacation that had the most impact upon my life was visiting Mexico. I went with my best friend and her family to the Four Seasons Resort in Punta Mita, Mexico. This resort was more luxurious and exquisite than I could ever describe or have imagined. However, the part of the vacation that impacted me the most was the drive from the airport to the resort. We had to pass miles and miles of homes and towns of the citizens. The poor state of the shacks and shops was a pain to see, especially when my destination was a five star ritzy hotel just miles away from all the poverty. I felt guilty for having such an indulgent vacation when these citizens were living in a way that I could never fathom. Traveling truly opens up one’s eyes and puts into perspective the lives of oneself. The vacation may have come and gone, but the appreciation and awakening experience will stay with me forever.
While swimming, the team went to San Juan, Puerto Rico for the training trip. We were given one day to explore Old San Juan. The culture of the area was incredible. The fort was magnificent and the architecture of the city was so colorful. I made a friend at Marist who is from San Juan. After expressing how much I loved the city, the people, and that I wanted to work on my Spanish speaking skills, he invited me to stay with him in Puerto Rico whenever I could make the trip. Needless to say, the fact that I traveled to San Juan was a gateway to a friendship. I have a better understanding of him and he feels that he can talk to me about home; he appreciates the time because he does not return until summer vacation.
Certainly reading about these places would have been informative but traveling and having my own experiences is what left an impression. I hope to travel to Europe, Greece, Australia and China in the future. Traveling to these places can give me a better understanding and appreciation for the cultures of the areas and possibly shed more light onto my own family culture.
When my brother and I were born, they in stilled in us the same passion to learn new things and understand different ways of life. Our first experience of travel was to Uruguay when we were babies. I cannot say I remember these first trips since I was only 10 months old, however I do think it has helped make me the person I am today. My parents made it a point to travel to different countries throughout the years, which exposed my brother and me to a variety of new situations. Being exposed to the different cultures at a young age has not only taught me about countries, but has allowed me to be opened minded and better understand people of different races and nationalities.
Another great thing about traveling to new places in many people’s case, is being able to step away from the chaos and stress from home and being able to REALLY spend time with your family and friends. I feel the purpose of traveling does not lie in how many pretty pictures one can take or the number of stamps one can collect in their passport. It can help develop deeper and more personal relationships with the company you are with, or even make you realize what you may be missing. Regardless of the different feelings that come with traveling, the main idea it to be able to take something out of the experience; whether it be a 30 minute train ride or a 3,000 mile flight.
Your last words reminded me of my father. I asked him why he was afraid of flying and he responded "Im not afraid of flying ,I am afraid of crashing"
In my travels I've encountered the "Ugly American" time after time. (I could add the"Ugly European"). Some examples are just awful. Women flaunting their jewels and expensive clothes in areas of poverty. Critical and judmental remarks lacking charity and understanding of differences. Expecting people of other countries to speak English and criticizing them when they don't. Just plain old arrogance and snobbishness. Not having a clue as to what the tao of travel might mean.
In my travels I've encountered the "Ugly American" time after time. (I could add the"Ugly European"). Some examples are just awful. Women flaunting their jewels and expensive clothes in areas of poverty. Critical and judmental remarks lacking charity and understanding of differences. Expecting people of other countries to speak English and criticizing them when they don't. Just plain old arrogance and snobbishness. Not having a clue as to what the tao of travel might mean.
I am very blessed to have had the opportunity to travel on multiple occasions. As a child, family vacations were nothing more than engaging in fun-filled activities such as experiencing Disney World and having fun with my sisters. As I have grown older, however, I have realized that there is a new dimension to traveling and this is the spiritual dimension. Two specific trips have really proven this to be true. Studying abroad in Australia was by far the most enriching experience I have ever had. Coming from a family where my parents have rarely traveled, the thought of me traveling across the world was a mind-boggling thought. As I arrived in Australia, I was surrounded by unfamiliar faces and places. After four short months, the unfamiliarity of this country became my home. The people I had met and the places I had traveled to helped me become the person I am today. I learned invaluable information about myself and surprised myself on how well I adapted to my new surrounding. I came back to America with a new mindset for this experience gave me a clear vision as to what it means to leave the familiar for the unfamiliar.
Another trip that has proven to me that there is a new dimension to travelling was my recent trip to Mexico for Global Outreach. A group of us from Campus Ministry set off to Mexico over spring break to immerse ourselves into the culture of Merida, Mexico to do community service. We stayed at the community service center in one of the poorest areas of Merida. This trip was like anything I had ever experienced. I got the chance to help others through hard labor and giving children a rare peace of mind through playing with them. The funny thing is that this act was reciprocal, for I learned more from these individuals than they learned from me. These individuals had such beautiful and positive mindsets although they lived in unfortunate conditions and in unfortunate situations. I came back to American with a completely enriched state of mind and I now live my life with these individuals in my mind. I now do not take anything for granted and I take pleasure in the simple things in life. This, along with my independence that I found in Australia, would never have been possible if I did not have the opportunity to travel.
There are many, many things I could say about the benefits of living in a foreign culture for an extended period of time, but since Dr. Van Ornum has mentioned travel and sprituality, I'll limit my comments to that. I was posted to an isolated area where a missionary priest would come but once a month. Consequently, Sunday Mass was a very big deal. It was always preceded by confessions, and the service itself would last about two hours because of the cultural extras that were part of the Mass, including the most beautiful a capella singing of hymns in the native language that I've ever heard. And no one would rush off when Mass was over. People traveled from far and wide to get to the church, and they ate together and socialized for hours after the service was completed. In short, Sunday Mass was an event in and of itself that people looked forward to and cherished for both spiritual and social reasons. Though there are likely places in the U.S. where Sunday Mass remains such an event, I think for the most part that we have lost the perspective that Mass should be the central focus of our Sundays. The simple but very real faith of the local people that I lived, worked, and prayed with (people who Westerners would pigeonhole as "poor") certainly made a lasting impression on me.
I completely agree with what you said, it is always great to go on vacations and explore new areas, but I agree with Danielle this traveling can sometimes help you appreciate where you come from. There may be new experiences you enjoyed and learned from but they cannot replace the experiences of your own life.
I really enjoyed reading your post! I am a member of Campus Ministry and I am always interested to see pictures and hear about experiences from that trip to Merida. I think it’s great that both groups learned from each other and the experience was something positive that you can always remember. I hope to have an experience like that in the future. Also, wow you are quite the traveler!
I have had the opportunity to take many trips in my life and I have appreciated them all. Sometimes you can meet the most interesting people just in the airport. It is such a bustling place full of all different types of people heading to all different places for different reasons. One memory from a vacation that shocked me was an experience in Mexico. I was staying at a resort and there was news that a hurricane was coming within the next few days. I was amazed by the courtesy and willingness to help displayed by everyone. Not just the staff members of the hotel, but the local people we met in the local towns. Store and restaurant owners were securing their property and people passing by would offer their help. I felt such a sense of community in that area, no one was just looking out for themselves it was like they were all in the situation together. It was great to see this type of camaraderie even in a time when everyone was nervous.