Wednesday, August 02, 2017
Go Do What Scares You
I have to admit I was apprehensive about traveling to Greece. I found the spoken language impenetrable - not even starting to look at the written language in a different alphabet. I knew Greece would be about as far from my cultural comfort zone as I had ever been. Simply put the trip scared me a little.
Then it got stranger, I was traveling on frequent flyer miles, and Jay was traveling on a ticket the University had paid for. So his flights and mine where not the same. Then his schedule was changed, and mine was not. As a result I arrived in Athens at 9:00 AM, he came in at 5 PM, having changed planes in London and Rome on the way. I would need to find my way from the airport, into Athens, to the hotel and check in without him, and his modest understanding of Greek. I also had several free hours in Athens on my own, I would need to find lunch on my own. A new level of adventure.
The Train from the airport was fairly easy to find, and it only runs one way. I bought a ticket and away I went. I had looked at Google earth and I had some idea of there I was going. I knew what subway station was closest to the hotel, and based on my Google street exploration knew which way to go and what to look for. I found the hotel. Check in was easy. I collapsed, rested for a short while then went out to explore. I succeeded at ordering lunch, not real sure what it was, but it was good. I headed a couple of blocks down the the Central Market, only to find it was the end of the market day. I wandered around a few blocks, did a little shopping and made my way back to the hotel. I drifted off for a late afternoon, and Jay arrived, exhausted and famished.
Greece was WONDERFUL, the people were warm and welcoming, the food fresh and filling, and the sights like few others in the world. In the end I am so glad I ignored my fears and went. Now to tackle Asia some day.
What place scares you, and yet you would like to visit?
Interestingly, I have no fear of going places where I don't speak the language or find the culture completely different to mine. The places that scare me are those that are known for high crime rates, have authoritarian regimes, and/or might deny my rights. I'm often told by acquaintances to visit places that jail people for being gay. When I say I wouldn't go to a place like that, they'll say, "Oh, just don't let anyone know." THAT scares me!
ReplyDeleteWell Nairobi is on my bucklist....that may be a challenge, not sure yet. My brother in law is 100% Greek, so If I ever go, he will hook me up with some of his brothers who live there. Which I have no problem with...there all very handsome.
ReplyDeleteDo something everyday that scares you to overcome your fears. ... When we have cancer, we go through chemotherapy, even though it is ...
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Traveling in general scares me so no matter where I go that counts.
ReplyDeleteThe places that scare me are those that are known for high crime rates
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i really likes your blog and You have shared the whole concept really well. and Very beautifully soulful read! thanks for sharing.
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