Non-Travelers
Feb 27th, 2006, 08:55 AM
#121
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.
Feb 27th, 2006, 09:30 AM
#122
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.
Feb 27th, 2006, 12:46 PM
#123
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 8,586
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
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.
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.
