Of course Travel Penguin would advise to you travel. It is in his being to experience and see the world. Together we have seen a lot, and learned a lot. We are always surprised by the changes in terrain as we go from place to place. A hill in one place, is a mountain in another. In some places small towns continue to be vital and thriving, in others they are ghost towns, with empty shops, and offices in search of cheap space. The people and local agriculture create variations in cuisine. Something as universal as an omlet, will vary from place to place, from spice to spice. Probably most important is to spend a few minutes listening to the locals. People talk about what is bothering them, what concerns them, be it world politics, or local school sports.
People are often curious about the traveler. Who are you? Where did you come from? Why are you here? Especially if you are in small towns, off the beaten path.
Read everything you can get your hands on. I am not a big story or fiction reader. At times during my education that presented a road block, as literature - stories - novels were seen as the only worthwhile reading. Well, BS, read what you find expands your understanding of the world. Turn off or tune out the television, an hour or two a day spent reading, is a book a week.
I am disappointed when I see people surrounded by wonders and landmarks, looking down glued to a screen. Participating in the world is great, and also is simply observing what is going on in the world. Watch, think about what is happening, who are these people, why are they here, why is no one here, what are they doing, or not doing, what do you find beauty or joy in, what is ugly and why. Listen to what is happening around. Is that an airplane or a train in the distance? Where is the water that you can hear flowing? What is the music of the place?
Why do we do this? To become a more complete person. To water our soul.
To water our soul. I like that. Travelling is rather interesting.
ReplyDeleteI returned home at midnight last night, new places and new ideas.
DeleteGood post! So true! Kids today, eyes glued to their phones all the time, sheesh, missing everything.
ReplyDeleteA young guy sitting next to me on the plane from Atlanta last night, his phone never left his hand.
DeleteWe just came back from Tractor Supply getting food and such for the cats. As you enter, the cashiers always say Good Morning and Carlos and I always respond, 'Morning.'
ReplyDeleteAs we were checking out about 5 people came in and the cashier said 'Good Morning,' and not one looked up from their screen. I asked her how many people don't say anything at all and she said most; she also said Carlos and I were the first to respond today and she'd been there two hours.
Put the phones down and look up and try some manners!
The French have it right, a simple Bonjour! is expected or you might be asked to leave the store.
DeleteYou sum up exactly why I like to travel. You could just look at one country and look at the vast differences and people and Landscapes and it's amazing. And don't get me started on the cell phone thing either. I've been in some beautiful places and people are glued to the damn screen. It's even worse when their even in a group together and they're still on the phones.
ReplyDeleteWe talked for how many hours, without staring at our phones.
DeleteLove, love, love everything about this! We must strive to water our soul and find the music that nourishes it. And don't get me started on the cell phone.
ReplyDeleteI play a lot of music.
Deletegood for you! I will send you a link of a cartoon you may enjoy.
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