I have been blessed with the desire and love for travel. My traveling demands and expectations are next to nil, and this I think, is why I am always so taken back by the amazing experiences I have. I go, and go without predetermined conceptions of what to expect, or rather, what I think I should expect. I, for the most part, roll with the punches, leave a lot to chance, have faith in my ability to “figure it out,” plus, I rely on the kindness of strangers for guidance when needed (and not). I’ve always done this. It’s amazing what you can accomplish when you succumb to the realization that each of us is free and can do as we wish. We all have our boundaries, comfort levels and abilities. How far we push them is key. Traveling allows us the luxury to re-define ourselves without redefining ourselves, and be whomever ever we want to be. It opens the door for us to push the envelop a bit “unnaturally” as well. Where else can we unveil ourselves without consequence? When abroad, we can do as we wish. I love this. There is little sustainable judgment, which of course, encourages the change most important to us individually – the change we most likely, for whatever reason, wouldn’t take with our respective audiences, at home.
I usually choose the role of the cultural-loving vagabond most of the time, which incidently, isn’t too far from how I would define myself now. I love art, history, food & wine, literary trysts, and especially “local” flavors, expositions, and the people within them. More than anything, I love the relationships that ensue, develop, and take on character as time passes – the relationships that have been encouraged at such events, when away, from my natural settings at home. I have met the most wonderfully interesting, colorful, kind and caring people this way. These experiences define me.
I prefer being thrown into the local mix; the non-touristy scene if you will, where the unabridged version is king. I prefer reality over pre-conceived itineraries geared towards the expectations of the unknowing masses, even if they are less comfortable and/or incomplete. Making my own reality and being a participant is important for me. I find that I am most myself when away. I suppose I take it to the next level “more readily,” when not home, which is the difference. There is a lesson in there for me, and I think I see it.. perhaps we could all “put our guards down a bit” and truly live where we are, as we are, and see what becomes of us. What’s the worst thing that could happen? Perhaps it could be that the best of us could very well be exposed!
To travel, “clink!”
