by babysan

Created on: September 14, 2008   Last Updated: November 24, 2008

Why it takes the unpredictability of travel to learn new things about oneself I don't know. But it does. I think it has something to do with not knowing much - about the place or the people where you find yourself. Usually we live our daily lives knowing what, where, who and when, we are comfortable, everything is familiar and easy. We know how much gas costs, how far it is to the post office, where to get a good hamburger for a good price. We navigate traffic and elevators with ease, we go to school or work or the gym or the dog park like they were in our own backyard, we meet friends for dinner and can read the menu, understand the prices, know how much to tip. Life is so easy that unless you intend differently you can cruise through it on autopilot.

Try taking a trip to a foreign country where you don't speak the language, don't know the customs of the people and you are all you have to rely on. No parent or friend to ask for help for you and nobody else to decide if you are on the right road or train or bus. Have you just paid way too much for lunch because you aren't sure of the money? Are you turning right because that's what you think the traffic cop said? What if he really said to turn left? How long will you wander before stopping again and finding someone to ask, desperately reading from the necessary phrases in your travel book? Ah, yes, the fun begins!

Imagine that you've found your hotel at last, you are starving and exhausted and what's this? Exhilarated? Triumphant? Feel like you just climbed the Matterhorn and stand on the top of the world because you got from the station to this street, a trip of less than 4 miles? I suggest that you are a changed person forever and it shows.

Never again will you be as afraid of the unknown. And you are braver now, more independent, self-reliant and secure within yourself. These are fantastic leaps of growth, unavailable to those who don't risk their comfort zone. For me, the rewards of venturing into places foreign are never-ending. It has been too many years since I've packed a bag and booked a flight to a place I've never been before. Too many peaceful, predictable days since I listened to the lure of strange music, the rhythm of a different language and the sounds of a different kind of life. Just thinking about going to Greece excites me more than any attraction at home. How long will I need to save the money for the trip and how far ahead of time must I get the ticket to get the best deal? Oh my gosh, I think I'm actually going to start planning a trip again. Life is full again, time is precious and I'm on a path instead of simply being led by the little necessities of my humble life. I can hardly wait!

Learn more about this author, babysan.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.