It has come to my realization that I am not the typical traveler who usually goes on trips to see famed places. I'm like this not because I forced myself to be different, but because I have always had other reasons to travel.
A friend of mine recently confronted me for wasting money on trips, just to see friends. My eyes widened when I heard these words: JUST TO SEE FRIENDS.
You see, there are many different things in this world with a variety of reasons behind their existence, and our choices and actions are just the same--they're as varied as jellybean flavors. The reason why I travel may be boring to some people but that's just how it is. I don't exactly book plane tickets without having a premature excitement behind the thought of meeting with acquaintances and friends, both old and new.
I value the stories of people the same way a tourist would value taking photographs of places they've heard of or seen in magazines, the internet, and TV. I learn whenever I sit with friends, over coffee or tea. We don't really have the luxury of meeting everyday, nor do we always have the time to talk and catch up.
True, I don't stop there. Sometimes, I'd pass an interesting place (Of course, the definition of "interesting" varies from person to person as well) which would beckon on me to snap a photo of it. Sometimes, I'd be in the middle of the road walking aimlessly and end up chancing upon a trail of aroma, from a hole-in-the-wall food establishment serving cuisine I've never tasted, never seen. But these things are just bonuses and pleasant surprises that I come across, after pushing through with my visit to friends.
We all have our own drives behind traveling. A traveler is said to be one with a hungry spirit that seeks new adventures, challenges, etc. But seeing friends from faraway places is an adventure and a challenge in itself.
Unfortunately, some people see traveling as a waste of money. If they only understand how much traveling alone can lead to self-discovery and new learning experience.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, first time on your blog. More travels for you! :-)
to be honest travelling is kinda expensive for sometime, and yes it is, pero after that travel you had..mas mahalaga pa sa pera na ginastus mo ang kapalit..precious memories..seeing friends and experiencing culture..keep travelling!
ReplyDeleteTraveling also gives you an opportunity to break stereotypes, expand your knowledge and embrace cultural differences. I've been in the middle east and was able to meet people from Pakistan, Jordan, Saudi, Iraq, Iran (the most beautiful women I have ever seen and very humble) and people from countries I have never heard of like Eritrea for example. I developed a sense of curiosity for each nationality and how I wish I can experience their ways of living. I soon plan to travel to India :) my future second home :) I hope you'll get to travel with me there butch!
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