Non-Travelers
Feb 21st, 2006, 08:30 PM
#41
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I guess I'm just puzzled by people who don't travel because they don't WANT to do so. I have a friend who's very wealthy, but who spends his life walking his dog, going to the gym, puttering around his garage, car or motorhome. (He bought the motorhome only so that he could bring his dog with him to visit his daughter.) He's not materialistic at all, so it's not that he spends his money on stuff...
My themesong is that old 50's (I think) song, "Far-away places with strange-sounding name, so far away over the sea. Those far-away places...are calling, calling me...I'm going to China or maybe Siam, but I'm longing see for myself those far-away places I've been reading about in a book that I took from the shelf..."
I've wanted to travel for as long as I can remember..but I guess it's like a biker guy I knew once said, "If God made us all alike, where would we park all the Harley's?"
Feb 21st, 2006, 08:35 PM
#42
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Just because alot of Americans don't travel around the world doesn't mean they don't travel. You could spend a lifetime trying to see everything you want in America (and Canada too) and still not see all of it. I don't think alot of people see the benefit in spending two days traveling places when they could spend hours instead especially considering how limited most Americans vacation time is.
Feb 21st, 2006, 09:54 PM
#43
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A long time ago I stopped expecting others to share my joys, values and opinions (witness the 2000 and 2004 presidental elections). For me, this thread could easily be titled "Non-Poetry Lovers" or "Non-Opera Lovers". Along with travel, poetry and opera have brought so much beauty, happiness and understanding into my life that I cannot imagine living in a world without them. Alas, although both my daughters grew up in a house filled with poetry books and opera CDs, neither of them developed the pleasure that I experience. Does this make me sad or think any less of them. No, they both have a deep love of music and other beautiful parts of life.
Feb 21st, 2006, 11:58 PM
#44
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After some of the initial responses, I was very sorry for posting this. But some of the posts have gotten me thinking and to be, yes, a bit more open-minded about the non-travelers I know and love--Tracey14's and NeilOz's especially. I loved your point, Neil, about your not hiking the Golden Triangle being sneered at by some adventurers.
I once had my students write essays on whether they are romantics or realists. One boy wrote that he would prefer a vacation in Cancun over one at a raw-foods retreat in the Costa Rican rainforest (a trip about which I had recently told his class) and that, deep down, he thought people who do things like that are only doing it to feel superior to others! I thought that was a very interesting viewpoint.
Well, as I said in this thread already, "pity" and "contempt" were overly strong words used in an ironic manner. I will be MUCH more careful about choosing my words and attempting humor in the future, and I hope that I can continue to reap the benefits of this wonderful forum without anyone thinking less of me._
I once had my students write essays on whether they are romantics or realists. One boy wrote that he would prefer a vacation in Cancun over one at a raw-foods retreat in the Costa Rican rainforest (a trip about which I had recently told his class) and that, deep down, he thought people who do things like that are only doing it to feel superior to others! I thought that was a very interesting viewpoint.
Well, as I said in this thread already, "pity" and "contempt" were overly strong words used in an ironic manner. I will be MUCH more careful about choosing my words and attempting humor in the future, and I hope that I can continue to reap the benefits of this wonderful forum without anyone thinking less of me._
Feb 22nd, 2006, 02:06 AM
#45
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Sorry, P_Texas, I had my tongue in my cheek. New Zealand is a great place to visit, it really is - but to an Australian it doesn't seem to quite count as foreign travel, more like a visit to an estranged state of Australia occupied by cousins with funny vowels. But we're fond of them, we really are.
Feb 22nd, 2006, 02:12 AM
#46
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Would you believe I just checked my email and found the following story. American readers need to know that international rugby games are referred to as test matches. OK, I know it should have been posted to that old jokes thread, but...
Wiremu, a New Zealander, was in Australia to watch the upcoming Rugby
World Cup and was not feeling well, so he decided to see a doctor.
"Hey doc, I dun't feel so good, ey" said Wiremu.
The doctor gave him a thorough examination and informed Wiremu that he
had longstanding advanced prostate problems and that the only cure
was testicular removal.
"No way doc" replied Wiremu "I'm gitting a sicond opinion ey!"
The second Aussie doctor gave Wiremu the same diagnosis and also advised
him that testicular removal was the only cure.
Not surprisingly, Wiremu refused the treatment.
Wiremu was devastated, but with the Rugby World Cup just around the corner he found an expat Kiwi doctor and decided to get one last opinion from someone he could trust.
The Kiwi doctor examined him and said "Wiremu, cuzzy bro, you huv
prostate suckness ey."
"What's the cure thin doc ?" asked Wiremu, hoping for a different answer.
"Wull, Wiremu", said the Kiwi doctor "Wi're gonna huv to cut off your
balls."
"Phew, thunk god for thut!" said Wiremu, "those Aussie bastards wanted
to take my test tickets off me!"
Wiremu, a New Zealander, was in Australia to watch the upcoming Rugby
World Cup and was not feeling well, so he decided to see a doctor.
"Hey doc, I dun't feel so good, ey" said Wiremu.
The doctor gave him a thorough examination and informed Wiremu that he
had longstanding advanced prostate problems and that the only cure
was testicular removal.
"No way doc" replied Wiremu "I'm gitting a sicond opinion ey!"
The second Aussie doctor gave Wiremu the same diagnosis and also advised
him that testicular removal was the only cure.
Not surprisingly, Wiremu refused the treatment.
Wiremu was devastated, but with the Rugby World Cup just around the corner he found an expat Kiwi doctor and decided to get one last opinion from someone he could trust.
The Kiwi doctor examined him and said "Wiremu, cuzzy bro, you huv
prostate suckness ey."
"What's the cure thin doc ?" asked Wiremu, hoping for a different answer.
"Wull, Wiremu", said the Kiwi doctor "Wi're gonna huv to cut off your
balls."
"Phew, thunk god for thut!" said Wiremu, "those Aussie bastards wanted
to take my test tickets off me!"
Feb 22nd, 2006, 02:57 AM
#47
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I'm not sure why so many people think that cruise ship passengers aren't "travelers" and that they somehow don't experience anything when they do travel.
Perhaps they don't experience things in the same way that many others do but to generalize that they somehow haven't moved about and enjoyed/learned/been encouraged to go farther the next time, etc., seems rather shortsighted...or perhaps it is coming from people who have never done it themselves.
This reminds me of the poster here who berated me for staying on the Via Veneto because "it isn't the 'real' Rome."
Perhaps they don't experience things in the same way that many others do but to generalize that they somehow haven't moved about and enjoyed/learned/been encouraged to go farther the next time, etc., seems rather shortsighted...or perhaps it is coming from people who have never done it themselves.
This reminds me of the poster here who berated me for staying on the Via Veneto because "it isn't the 'real' Rome."
Feb 22nd, 2006, 03:05 AM
#48
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A good friend told me once she could not understand people spending money on travel as at the end "there was nothing to show". I am dumbfounded about that one...and yes, she is th eone with the big house/luxury car/unhappy marriage/problem kids.
Feb 22nd, 2006, 03:39 AM
#49
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in the big picture...travel to europe is not leaving your comfort zone.
over the last few decades, foreign travel from the UK has increased greatly and flights and holiday packages are getting cheaper all the time.
is this a good thing? most british holiday resorts are now slums as few families choose UK destinations anymore. vast swathes of spain, portugal, greece and other countries have been transformed into tourist ghettos that cater to british tastes.
rhodes, prague and many other places are overrun by a drink culture that is far different from the local culture.
a quick internet search will show you just how much pollution results from a journey in a modern day jet...not to mention the use of energy. this board is full of people who pat themselves on the back for not owning an SUV but then will jump in a plane for four leisure days in paris.
of course there are benefits to travel and i do travel a lot. however, i would never put myself above others who choose not to travel. in reality, the benefits to the world of my travel are very little and i certainly wouldn't congratulate myself for contributing to world peace.
i believe the negatives of my travel to the world outweigh the positives. it's just a selfish personal indulgence no nobler than owning an SUV, large house, etc.
over the last few decades, foreign travel from the UK has increased greatly and flights and holiday packages are getting cheaper all the time.
is this a good thing? most british holiday resorts are now slums as few families choose UK destinations anymore. vast swathes of spain, portugal, greece and other countries have been transformed into tourist ghettos that cater to british tastes.
rhodes, prague and many other places are overrun by a drink culture that is far different from the local culture.
a quick internet search will show you just how much pollution results from a journey in a modern day jet...not to mention the use of energy. this board is full of people who pat themselves on the back for not owning an SUV but then will jump in a plane for four leisure days in paris.
of course there are benefits to travel and i do travel a lot. however, i would never put myself above others who choose not to travel. in reality, the benefits to the world of my travel are very little and i certainly wouldn't congratulate myself for contributing to world peace.
i believe the negatives of my travel to the world outweigh the positives. it's just a selfish personal indulgence no nobler than owning an SUV, large house, etc.
Feb 22nd, 2006, 05:43 AM
#51
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Fidel-You're a big fan of dropping provocative statements with no explanation. Perhaps you'd like to read through the thread carefully and see in me someone who has admitted to hasty judgement and generalizations. I have had no problem admitting I need to think more carefully next time. I have a funny feeling, Fidel, that, instead of giving me credit for that, you'll see it as a sign of weakness. Or choose to pretend it didn't happen at all...
Feb 22nd, 2006, 06:04 AM
#52
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My great-grandfather was born in West Texas on a ranch. He died in 1998 at the age of 97 and only went where he could go on a horse. He was the happiest person I have ever known.
My great-grandmother was born on a ranch a few miles away. By the time she was 50 she had been to Russia, China, India and Australia. All during a time when travel was not so easy. She also died in 1998 at the age of 98. She was also the happiest person I have ever known.
I always thought they were so completely incompatible until I realized the epitome of happiness is when you get to do whatever the hell you want and everybody is ok with that.
My great-grandmother was born on a ranch a few miles away. By the time she was 50 she had been to Russia, China, India and Australia. All during a time when travel was not so easy. She also died in 1998 at the age of 98. She was also the happiest person I have ever known.
I always thought they were so completely incompatible until I realized the epitome of happiness is when you get to do whatever the hell you want and everybody is ok with that.
Feb 22nd, 2006, 06:04 AM
#53
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I consider travel one of my hobbies and do not think it has improved the world or me.
I have friends who don't travel. One is highly intelligent and cultured but is terrified of flying -- she also gets seasick.
Another couple does have fairly circumscribed interests -- they're my fishing friends -- but they have an exceptional knowledge of their local area and particularly the salt pond that forms the center of their neighborhood. They have listened to our travel tales and asked to come along on a trip. We took them to Mexico and they loved it. I think they may have a new hobby.
I have friends who don't travel. One is highly intelligent and cultured but is terrified of flying -- she also gets seasick.
Another couple does have fairly circumscribed interests -- they're my fishing friends -- but they have an exceptional knowledge of their local area and particularly the salt pond that forms the center of their neighborhood. They have listened to our travel tales and asked to come along on a trip. We took them to Mexico and they loved it. I think they may have a new hobby.
Feb 22nd, 2006, 07:16 AM
#56
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It is oftentimes unfortunate that you can pass your fears on to your children. My sister still resides in the same small town in which we were raised. Never been on a plane & it is a chore to get her to go to the beach once a year (from Ohio). She has passed the same travel fears (& in this case it IS a fear of flying & the fear of the unknown) to her children. While we were still the cool Auntie & Uncle we did what we could to encourage the little ones (including my nephews' only flight to date). However, now we have kids of our own, so that does not occur as often. I do feel sorry for them & hope they at least have the chance to do some traveling later. But what does one do in this type of case ?
Feb 22nd, 2006, 07:26 AM
#57
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Welcome to my world...I'd spend all my discretionary income (well, a lot of it) on travel, my husband would not.
He'd rather contribute to his ever expanding wine cellar, I don't get the appeal, meanwhile, it's like pulling teeth to get him to agree to a trip, which he thoroughly enjoys once he's there, but can't help feel that the money is somehow wasted if you only have memories to show for it. I of course think it's worth every penny.
I think the answer is as simple as different strokes for different folks.
He'd rather contribute to his ever expanding wine cellar, I don't get the appeal, meanwhile, it's like pulling teeth to get him to agree to a trip, which he thoroughly enjoys once he's there, but can't help feel that the money is somehow wasted if you only have memories to show for it. I of course think it's worth every penny.
I think the answer is as simple as different strokes for different folks.
Feb 22nd, 2006, 07:28 AM
#58
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Guy18, Did you read Walter Williams editorial column yesterday? He's an econ prof at George Mason and writes a syndicated column. Yesterday's was on education.
Anyway, back to the subject. I know someone who is married to a guy who likes to smoke pot. No way is he going to go near a drug-sniffing dog. So they travel by car for their vacations. He's not even interested in visiting Amsterdam. I don't ask too much because I really don't want to know.
Anyway, back to the subject. I know someone who is married to a guy who likes to smoke pot. No way is he going to go near a drug-sniffing dog. So they travel by car for their vacations. He's not even interested in visiting Amsterdam. I don't ask too much because I really don't want to know.
Feb 22nd, 2006, 08:07 AM
#59
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How about posing the opposite question! Why do we like to travel so much?
The trite and shallow answer is that we travel to see new places and different things, but why do we find new places and different things so stimulating?
Some travelers trivialize the issue by reducing it to one or two items. They like French food or Belgian beer, for example. But surely if they scoured their own city, they would find a few great restaurants or places to buy imported beer. Travel is not about "things." Even I have figured that much out.
When others attempt to explain their love of travel it often seems so superficial -- not their love of travel, but their ability to articulate why travel is so rewarding.
I readily concede that I have never been able to find the exact words, or even thoughts, to express this fundamental drive and desire that I have to visit other places.
Travel, especially foreign travel, makes me feel more "multi-dimensional," but I have never been able to put my finger on the reason why. Maybe I'm deluding myself. I know many intelligent thoughtful people that are not particularly fond of travel.
What if each of us had to choose between being well-traveled and well-read? Which is better? Which would lead to a more satisfying life? Would we pity, or have contempt for, those that chose differently?
The trite and shallow answer is that we travel to see new places and different things, but why do we find new places and different things so stimulating?
Some travelers trivialize the issue by reducing it to one or two items. They like French food or Belgian beer, for example. But surely if they scoured their own city, they would find a few great restaurants or places to buy imported beer. Travel is not about "things." Even I have figured that much out.
When others attempt to explain their love of travel it often seems so superficial -- not their love of travel, but their ability to articulate why travel is so rewarding.
I readily concede that I have never been able to find the exact words, or even thoughts, to express this fundamental drive and desire that I have to visit other places.
Travel, especially foreign travel, makes me feel more "multi-dimensional," but I have never been able to put my finger on the reason why. Maybe I'm deluding myself. I know many intelligent thoughtful people that are not particularly fond of travel.
What if each of us had to choose between being well-traveled and well-read? Which is better? Which would lead to a more satisfying life? Would we pity, or have contempt for, those that chose differently?
Feb 22nd, 2006, 08:37 AM
#60
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I think I love to travel because I relish the experience much more than I could ever care about a material object. People always ask us how we do it & I believe it is just a matter of priorities. We don't live in a Mc Mansion w/a leased SUV & BMW. To each their own as to what is important, I'd much rather spend my $$ traveling, than on a car loan or mortgage payment. To each their own is accurate..
