Your Greatest Discovery
 

Travel offers enlightenment and sometimes, surprise. I'm curious, what is the greatest discovery you have made after a European trip--about a place, the people, or about yourself?

The greatest discovery I ever made from my European trips was that I could travel on my own and enjoy it. When I became a widow I stopped traveling for awhile, but I picked myself up and went to places I had never been with my husband. When you travel on your own you get to meet the people and really feel a part of the scene and it has even become my travel of choice in many cases. I hope others can discover this as well. Start with places where English is spoken if it's hard for you.

The greatest discovery for me was how foolish the notion of the French been rude was. This often repeated notion had prevented me for years to planning any trips to France (who wants to be treated rudely while on vacation?). When I finally did it was a nice surprise how ridiculous that notion was.

I discovered that while stereotypes may apply to a large group of people, individuals vary. I have found the most warm and considerate individuals in countries known for coldness or rudeness, and some real stinkers in countries with great press, like Italy. I keep an open mind and am often surprised.

I discovered how much I love the beauty of small European villages and towns. So often they have retained ancient architectural styles and a lifestyle that still revolves around a square or a plaza. People congregate there and stroll in the evening and sip coffee in the daytime and argue and flirt. This is a way of life that seems so wonderful to me. I think Europeans still have a wonderful way of spending leisure time this way in small towns. Unfortunately I live in an area of strip malls and chain stores and there is little sense of community.

We have lived in Saudi Arabia, on the East coast,west coast, in the Southwest, and have travelled extensively from every corner of Europe thru Russia, Japan and China, etc. The one true thing I have learned is that people are pretty much the same, and that home is a state of mind. Good and bad--everywhere. However, coming home is always one of the best parts of going.

The greatest discovery that I make every time I go to Europe is that it is the one area of the world that I can't seem to get enough of. No matter how many times I have gone, whenever I get a chance, I go back. And it doesn't much matter if I've been to a place before; I'll happily return to see how it has/hasn't changed. Anyone else on the forum as obsessed?

I wouldn't necessarily say that this is my greatest discovery, but nonetheless a major one. <BR> <BR>How spoiled we Americans are! Oh, I love my country, and I love living here. But we're really overconsumed with materialism. When I go to the store to buy shampoo or a box of tissues, do I honestly need a choice of a zillion kinds?! I like the European attitude of spending money on travel and true material necessities. <BR> <BR>I'm embarrassed to say -- I just have too much "stuff"! I think we should all live on a lot less so we would have more money for travel. A well-traveled person is a rich person, no matter what the dollar amount in his bank account states.

Dido for Jennifer's comment above. This weekend I was thinking about what Could be said of our American Culture. If the French have Joie de Vivre and the Italains have La Dolce Vita, Amercians have The Aquisitions of Life. <BR> <BR>My most memorable experience was spending a summer with a large Mexican family in San Luis Potosi, Mexico when I was 15. There were five girls in the family and their little brother was a baby. Becoming part of the fabric of their lives was the best. The night before I left, everyone cried. I mean really cried. Later that night, the parents woke me up to hear the serenading of some of the teenage boys that I had met while I was there. Guitars and all, no joke. Beautiful culture and incredible memory.

Re Anne's Mexican experience above, I hate to bring up all the agony over little Elian, but she says what I have discovered from traveling to many countries, including Russia and those in Eastern Europe, under socialist rule at the time. It is not trips to DisneyWorld and expensive toys and gifts--it is not capitalism -it is love of a parent that brings the greatest gift to a child. A loving family is family, whether they are poor or not. My travels and observance of this has affected my thoughts on many current issues. I have seen with my own eyes that poverty and even politics are no barriers to love of family. And travel helps us open our minds and discover this.

I had the privilege of living in Rome for six years as a young woman. While I treasure that experience, and truly enjoy the scant visits back, my greatest discovery was probably about how American I am! After a couple of years (I'm sure it took that long), I was ready for the vacation to be over and for real life to begin. I discovered that the family, the politics, the educational system, and the society I really cared about was all back in the U.S. and I became, to my great surprise, profoundly homesick for my own country. So I guess I agree with whoever said that travel helps you to know yourself better. One of the best reasons to do it!

I discovered how much my passport means to me. It allows me to leave the country any time I want - and come back. <BR>When Charles Keating was arrested, the police TOOK AWAY HIS PASSPORT. Of all the things they could have done to him, that was the one that made me cringe. <BR> <BR>The second big discovery is how reasonably-priced travel can be.

Elvira please do share your secret on reasonably-priced travel. I live in South Africa and NOTHING seems reasonable when you are converting the SA Rand. On the other hand I'd rather starve than not travel, well almost : )

I love this posting. The greatest discovery I have made is that I can actually speak another language. I have taken Spanish in high school, and before my trip to Spain I brushed up with one of those "10 minutes a day" books and lo and behold I made myself clear enough to be understood and if the Spaniards spoke slowly enough I could even understand them! I am currently learning Italian and hope to be able to do the same in Italy. The main thing is to be satisfied with a couple of verb tenses and not be afraid to make mistakes. I have also discovered how pleased it makes people feel to try and speak their language.

So many discoveries. One of mine is that the American standard of living isn't the end all and be all, and that in some countries you aren't even judged by the size of your SUVs and tract houses. Also discovered that fresh fruits and vegetables and "free range" meat, sold only in season, is the best eating in the world. Don't know if I could ever go back to tennis-ball tomatoes. Also discovered that every challenge that I am able to overcome or get around or slide under only increases my self-confidence and self-sufficiency. And finally, to the relief of friends and family, I am learning patience. <BR>

The greatest discovery I have made is the Greek islands. I just feel compelled to go back to different ones each year. I especially love them in May--the fresh, warm air, the flowers, the people, the sea, the shades of blue and the (yes!) shades of white!

I enjoy these kinds of threads where I can ponder awhile. One of my greatest discoveries in traveling in Europe is that although travel may be "broadening," it doesn't have to mean you gain weight. I find that by eating the moderate breakfast often provided at the hotel, a light lunch --often fruit and cheese or soup and bread, and a full dinner, I do not gain weight. That is because I also WALK whenever possible. In the many years I have been traveling I have found that travel to Europe leaves me more fit than when I am home, by my fridge. As Ms. Martha might say, "It's a good thing."

Lola- I have discovered after reading this forum for just a while that you guys really do help a fella out when he finally gets to Europe. I used the advice from here this past month in England and Ireland. I found that what you have warned about or uncovered is by and large pretty on the mark. So I think that this site is my greatest discovery.

Driving around rural France, with no fixed schedule, I happened upon the Gorges du Tarn. Wasn't expecting anything, had not heard of it before, and it was breathtakingly spectacular... I could've stayed forever.

Lola: <BR> <BR>We haven't heard from you. What has been your greatest discovery? How would you summarize the insights gleaned from your posting? This has been alot of fun. <BR>

I have had a lot of great experiences traveling, but I think my greatest discovery is how much travel can do for you when you are not traveling. I spend a lot more time even than before reading about other places, learning languages, discussing the world with others, and thinking about where to go next. When I hear that something happened in a far away place that I have visited, even if it is just in the same country, it seems more meaningful to me. It has made my whole life more rewarding and interesting. Somehow, I just feel very enriched for having had these opportunities, and the world has become a smaller place. Did that sound like a sermon? Let's all join hands now.

Anne- Thanks for asking my opinion. I get so curious about others' responses that I sometimes don't weigh in with my own. My greatest discoveries (and that's plural, because there have been many great ones), usually have to do with people and their reactions. I have discovered that you never know. Sometimes you meet a lovely person who helps you find your way and invites you to join them for tea as I have many times and sometimes you are dismissed rudely when you try your best to get along. I think that surprise is such a huge part of why we love to travel--the constant surprise of what's around the bend, what will be on our plate, what the folks will be wearing as they stroll by. And Europe, with its magnificent cultures and art gives--to many of us--the greatest surprises and delights possible. So that's my contribution, and I've certainly enjoyed all of yours.

I agree with Lola that surprises are a great part of the charm of travel. We all tend to get into ruts and by getting out of our routines we are able to discover many things. I have discovered little villages and new cheeses and how to sit and think and rest and gaze without guilt. And I have discovered I am an open-minded, curious man who needs to get away to get in touch with that. (I am normally considered "high-powered.") You have to stir the pot once and a while or the soup will burn! And Europe provides such a beautiful spoon, don't it now?

My greatest discovery from traveling on my first trip to Europe over thirty years ago was that after spending four years at college getting a degree in history-history became ALIVE for me!It also made me realize what a big world there was out there and that perhaps I shouldn't get married too quickly before I enjoyed the wonders of the world.Everyone should also go on at least one trip(in their lifetime) by themselves in order to really learn about themselves and the world. <BR>I laugh at some of the previous postings and the "stuff" that we Americans must have! As one gets older,I am starting to weigh things for our house/cars versus a travel experience.Travel and its wonderful memories have kept my ill health mother company through many a painful night. I just hope that I can remember them all if I hit that bridge in upcoming years! Debbie

My greatest discoveries include the food in Belgium; the flowers at Keukenhof gardens right now, in Amsterdam; the beauty of the Norwegian fjords; the people in Ireland; the villages above the coast in the mountains behind Amalfi; sleeper trains in Germany, etc. etc.

My greatest discovery was that I have no discrimination in travel destinations. My first trip was an eleven-country, twenty-one day tour; and many people told me not to do it but to pick a country and see it. I said, "But what if I never get to go again? At least I will have had a taste, and if I can go again I will know where I would most like to visit." How was I to know that I would absolutely love absolutely every place I went? And the trip didn't include Greece or Spain or Portugal or Scotland or Ireland or Wales or . . . Oh, well--back to work to earn more money for travel.

Without a doubt, my greatest discovery in my traveling years has been this forum!! It has saved me money, my sanity,and my marriage by giving me information in great detail that I need when I need it before I every leave home. Thanks to everyone. One other thing that I learned from a friend who also travels a great deal: home has many charms and seeing other places really opens your eyes to what is right around you. Come home and look at your own town with the eyes of a traveler. Take in your own town the way you would a foreign town; I am always amazed at what I have missed!

Regarding Marty's previous posting, I have discovered that I am much more appreciative, observant, curious, openminded, and appreciative when I am traveling in Europe. When I return, I try to keep that outlook in appreciating some of the nice things closer to home, but it is hard. Maybe that's because I am a fan of old things and a quiet pace.

I agree with Debbie, who said that travel made history come alive. After my first trip to Europe, many years ago, I remember thinking that I learned more in 10 days than I did in 4 years of college. It was an exaggeration, of course, but only slightly. I've forgotten much of what my professors droned on about, but I'll never forget my first visit to the Prado Museum, my first glimpse of the Colosseum, walking the Roman Forum, and dining at the Plaza Mayor in Madrid. It doesn't have to be Europe (although that's my favorite), because, for instance, the sacrifices of World War II came really and truly alive for me at the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor. <BR>And I agree with the gentleman who said that reading can be the best part of a trip. We began planning our second trip to Spain last August and I've been reading guides and other pertinent books ever since. It led me to read Hemingway's "The Sun Also Rises" and "For Whom the Bells Tolls," and books on Teresa of Avila, Velasquez and Ferdinand and Isabella. Travel is such a widening experience, even when you haven't left home yet!

Nice thread here. I've learned a lot. My greatest discovery is that you get much more out of travel if you take it nice and easy rather than trying to jam too many places in. If you have time to wander a bit, sit or get lost in a place you will find yourself interacting. You need time to absorb the atmosphere and visit the museums. Rushing around is not the way for me. Besides, I need excuses to come back to Europe, so I'll be a tortoise and take it slow and steady.

The greatest discovery? Bring a washcloth.

That if you wear a pouch around your neck and act as much like a local as possible you do not get bothered as much as when you look like a tourist. It works!

toppie-top.

I have recently discovered, after about the last 2-3 trips to Europe, how very much beauty, art and culture make me happy, give me a feeling I don't get from anything else. <BR>Now that I have found that feeling in Europe, I now try to find places and experiences in the US that affect me the same way. Even in my large Texas city, it works. This discovery has enriched my life enormously. Thanks for asking the question and making me think about it and share.

PEOPLE PEOPLE PEOPLE! I am forever grateful, amazed and gratified by complete strangers from other countries and yes, even this forum, who will go that extra mile for someone they never met! For every dishonest or rude person there are 20 other people who will assist, direct, explain, or literaly save you when you are lost in a strange, new place. It is incredibly profound, these encounters with people who never expect a reward.I find myself doing things I never would have done, helping strangers who can't find such and such address, really trying to understand someone who's first language isn't English, all in my own home town. It is this effect on myself and the truly profound kindness of human beings throughout the globe that keeps me buying plane tickets again and again, and restores my faith in the human condition.

My greatest discovery is viewing different cultures and how they live their everday lives. <BR> <BR>Next, is that learning I have an appreciation for art. I have been in some of the most famous museums and enjoyed them tremendously. <BR> <BR>I feel so blessed that I have had the opportunity to travel. I am younger than others on this forum and still have to look for the cheapest hotel or airfare in order to go. I am grateful for this forum that has assisted in my travel plans and help make two European trips in the last two years possible.

That Europe is a beautiful, sweet, deadly drug :) And I'm hooked!

What a wonderful thread. And Dan Woodlief, thank you for putting into words in your 4/18 10am post above just exactly what moves me most about travelling: I gain a personal, lasting stake in the past and future of other places and people. That didn't exactly come as a discovery when I started travelling 17 years ago -- more as an affirmation of what I had always hoped. <BR> <BR>My greatest discovery from European travel has been that no matter how much I think I know about a place, or how many movies/pictures I've seen, there's always at least one commonplace thing that shocks me into thinking "how could I not have know that X is true in Y?" <BR>Examples: <BR>How could I not have known how many churches and other buildings in the Bavarian countryside are painted vivid chrome yellow, like pale Kodak boxes? <BR> <BR>How could I not have known that the most dramatic thing about Venice (imho) is not the canals, but the mysterious mazes of tiny passageways and sudden squares? <BR> <BR>Soon I'll find out what I don't know about Ireland. I can't wait. <BR> <BR> <BR>

<BR>Well?

This year I traveled to Budapest (by myself) and just recently to Barcelona (with a friend). I have to admit I came back from Budapest more refreshed and relaxed than I did from Barcelona. There is something really wonderful about being on one's own schedule - doing one's own thing, and as selfish as this may sound, not having to be concerned about another person. I come to realize vaction for me means unplugging from everyhting, everyone here in NYC and going off on my own. I love sitting in cafes, reading a book, having a bottle of wine or a campari. I also think one developes a certain inner strength traveling alone - what I saw, ate, experience weren't filtered or flavored by another person. Maybe one day I'll meet that right person to travel with. Happy travels.