To: Amanda23

Your post from last week reminds me of Woody Allen's old joke.

When things were going badly in an earlier marriage he and his wife were considering either a divorce or a vacation to try to patch things up. They couldn't afford both so they had to decide between the two.

They decided to get a divorce because, while a vacation can be pleasurable and rewarding, once it is over, that's it. It's gone.

But a divorce is something you always have.

I would never look down on someone who does not travel, there could be a zillion reasons why.

Put yourself in their shoes for just a moment. I remember my very early travel days there were times I wish I were at home in more familiar surroundings. I remember not knowing what to do and it made me so uncomfortable. Luckily travel began to seep into my soul and now I can't imagine a life without it. But some people never get over their fears.

I ask a number of people why they don't travel or just prefer a beach vacation or time with family at their homes( two things that are really low my list and I don't consider as a travel). So many people where I live are so stressed out that just the thought of planning an overseas trip is just too much. Sure they could go to a TA, some have said their experiences in the past were less than stellar with a TA or some don't even know how to properly work with one to their advantage.

And just think about the extraordinary amount of time we spend gathering info here; for many it's just too much.

Others like visiting relatives as their vacation. I would dread it; love the relatives, but to me this is not travel.

I think it takes alot of courage to go abroad, even though to us so many places in Europe are easily navigable.

OTOH, I will readily admit that I find people who travel abroad more interesting. For instance in conversation, I usually find some way to talk about travel. For someone who has not traveled alot I find they are a good listener, but the conversation is short and one sided. I'd rather have a great travel conversation with someone who is well versed. But I would never claim the less traveled are any less smart or savvy.

I do snicker however when I think of the time George Bush visited Korea and he and his entourage ate at Outback Steakhouse: twice! I'll give him the benefit of the doublt since I don't certainly know the circumstances of this choice, but on the surface this comes from a lack of curiousity and lack of travel experience( not to mention I think a lack of graciousness). It's not that I never have gotten tired of a country's food, but I don't think I would disregard at least trying another cultures food. I could be way off on his visit ( if anyone remembers this and has a different story, do tell)but this is just an example of what I think happens when you don't travel alot abroad.

Hey, Neil, my government doesn't seem to care about who it offends, either. Sigh.

kama - I liked your story and can relate. I grew up 1 hr. fr/Phila. and 1.5 hrs. from NYC and there are so many people from my graduating class who have never visited either place. When I would tell them about all the exciting things I did in either city (pro sports events, plays and musicals, shopping, major concert events), they still couldn't get past the fact that I am not "afraid to get shot" in the big city.

Now I live 20 miles north of Phila. and there are plenty of people out here in awe that I drive to sports events with my son or into Phila. to go shopping "all by myself". When I tell them I go into Manhattan by myself, that really blows their mind.

I also heard some judgmental talk about me leaving my husband and 2 sons behind when I went to Europe (twice, no less) by myself.

I don't really think about what makes nontravelers tick. If they don't judge me, I don't judge them.