J’aime la musique
It is incredible that you can jump into a new culture across the world, not know the language, and still have a new family that will stick with you through a lifetime. The Raffetins are so kind, adventurous, and loving. I recently heard from them through email and they are still just as generous as ever. I’d love to make a trip there again soon. Last fall was the most incredible semester I’ve ever had… so incredible that sometimes it makes me so sad… missing the people, the experiences, and the most dynamic part about me learning more about myself than I ever thought possible.
Traveling is more than just spending money and exploring someone else’s home. The Earth is big… gigantic actually… Trying to live life in a new culture is extremely eye opening and it for sure humbles you. It makes you realize that it is so easy to get caught up in the hustle of popularity, image, and money… where in the long run, none of that even matters. So… book a flight, take a train, or sail the sea… you’ll be inspired, humbled, and changed forever.
I leave you with a bit of good music and one of my favorite quotes:
“As you’ve probably noticed, I’m not an expert on the places I’ve visited. I’m not an authority. I’m a visitor, traveler, enthusiast. Is it possible to feel enriched and hollowed out at the same time? Travel isn’t always pretty. It isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes it hurts… it even breaks your heart. But that’s okay. The journey changes you. It should change you. It leaves marks on your memory, on your consciousness, on your heart and on your body. Take something with you. Hopefully you leave something good behind. Where will I end up next? What’s my next journey? Your guess is as good as mine.” Anthony Bourdain
I am also a fan of Bourdain. I couldn’t agree with you more about the profoundly life changing experience that travel brings. I don’t have a problem with “proud Americaanss” because this country is certainly great however I do have a problem with those that are ignorant enough to believe that our country is somehow better and they don’t care to see the beauty of other cultures or countries. I am not sure if I will ever get the courage, but I would love to one day live in another country for a few years and experience all of the changes that it could/would bring to myself and my way of living. Perhaps you will beat me to it! My original dream was to work in foreign relations (diplomacy) and be able to travel the world, but after getting my degree in that field I realized that I also really wanted to have a family and be able to eventually settle down…something a foreign officer would realistically have trouble with. Sigh, oh well. For now I just hope I can still travel as much as “possible”. My next dream trip, although I still have many places that I want to see in Europe and S. America, would have to be Japan and Thailand.
Julie said this on May 30, 2009 at 4:46 pm |