Is Travelling Good For The Soul? (page 2)

Dutchie

Joy, I think you might be right!

Black Pudding or Deviled Kidneys??? Decisions, decisions.

Traveling definitely broadens your horizons. When we started traveling outside the U.S., we both felt ourselves growing as people. England was very comfortable, and so familiar. There aren't very many differnces between us, and that is understandable too, since our roots are there.

Asia was a real eye opener. I have been to Malaysia twice, on business, and since that is an Islamic nation, it was a total culture shock, but I prepared well by researching, so I dressed appropriately (they don't have dress restrictions there like in other Islamic countries, but they think many Western women are "loose" because of the way they dress, so I wore baggy long dresses) I learned about the people by going to their homes, and accepting their hospitality, eating their food, and asking questions sincerely. I do like people, and want to learn all I can. I must say the people in Malaysia treated me like a celebrity. They knew I really liked them too. Other people I know, who went there, at the same time, ate in the European hotels, and stayed close to the office. I went exploring, but never alone..............I never got sick either, and they did. (intestinal problems happen there all the time, from the food) I am tall compared to the Malaysian women, who are all not much more than 5 feet tall, so I stood out.

My husband had a similar experience when he worked in Japan. A tall red head with two taller red haired sons, really stands out in that country. The Japanese people treated them like royalty. They loved it.

MegaDude

Black pudding and deviled kidneys. I predict leftovers! lol.

Dutchie, bring lots of ketchup if you go to Eman's.

terabletera

I was born in Hollywood CA and grew up mostly in Montana so I guess I've been everywhere in between as far as trips to and fro to visit family. Now that my sister moved to Seattle, I have added that to my trips out of town. Then the nephew moved to NYC and we got to go to the wedding so I got to visit NYC last year (but it was right after the bombing). Nothing like touch stones to get a person here or there. But as for REAL travel, guess we need to wait for the kids to get older.

Englishman

Englishman.

terabletera

Eman, that may well be why so many left the mother land of england all those eons ago! You British will eat anything!

MegaDude

Traveling to some beautiful place always makes me happy. I've been scared of heights as long as I can remember, but I can't resist scaling up the rock wall at Half Dome in Yosemite. Hanging off the cables 400 feet above ground, 5000 feet to the valley floor, and taking in the awesome view that goes on for miles and miles is exhilarating. Can't say I'm afraid really afraid of heights anymore.

This is the view from the top. The part that sticks out is called The Diving Board.

MegaDude

It's pretty much a challenging hike except this last part is a bit steeper before you summit. 400 feet up two steel cables. Lots of people do it. There was an 10 year old right behind me, and I've seen people, men and women, in their 60s climb this.

Edited by - megadude on 23 October 2002 20:31:33

ozziepost

Other people I know, who went there, at the same time, ate in the European hotels, and stayed close to the office. I went exploring, but never alone..............I never got sick either, and they did.

Mulan,

Yup, us too! Mrs Ozzie and I spent a wonderful evening yesterday looking through literally hundreds of photos from our sabbatical. The views of the locals are the best.

Now can I afford another R&R soon?

Cheers, Ozzie

Prisca

I LOVE travelling!!!

I was fortunate to travel throughout Australia during my first 16 years, and it showed me what a beautiful country it is. I really believe a person should see their own country first, before travelling to others, because you will appreciate your home more, plus you will appreciate the differences in culture, people and sights.

Italy: I have been to Italy twice, first as a tourist, and the second time I was staying with locals. Rome is just a big ugly dirty city, although there's history everywhere you look. One thing that amazes me about Italians is that they don't worry about peeling paint, or shabbiness. They seem to let their homes go, whereas in Oz we take pride in our homes looking spick and span. The food isn't that crash hot, I prefer my version of Italian foods.

Russia: An amazing country, full of poverty but not in spirit. Russians are warm people despite the conditions they live under. There is a mix of communism and capitalism, resulting in the extreme rich and the extreme poor. Although the young have embraced capitalism, the old still want to go back to their old ways. It will be interesting to see what happens in the future. If you're into history, you'll enjoy some of the older towns, such as Novrogod.

Greece: Athens is just another big ugly dirty city, but the other towns are interesting. The food is cheap and the natives are friendly, especially if you say a few words in their language. If you're Australian, every Greek you meet will have a brother/uncle/cousin in Melbourne or Sydney. The Greek Isles are the most beautiful I have ever seen - I couldn't believe how blue the water really is. It is as blue as it looks in the postcards, no joke.

USA: Is it safe to offer an opinion on the good ole US of A? hehehe, the people are friendly, I stayed with locals who were black-American as well, so that gave an interesting perspective on living in America. I had few surprises visiting the country, thanks to movies and the television. I only saw the West Coast, and I hope to see the other side one day.

Mexico: I only spent half a day in Tijuana, so I didn't really see much of the country, but what I saw was pretty sad - the shanty towns, and poverty still stand out in my mind.

England: I visited this place in the dead middle of winter!!! Beautiful country, so lush and green. I would love to go back and do a driving tour of England, staying in B&Bs.

Is travelling good for the soul? You betcha!

Is Travelling Good For The Soul?

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