"Well Traveled"... what does that mean exactly? I looked it up and the definition I found online was... someone who is well travelled has been to many different countries and is familiar
with their cultures. Now I'm not arguing this meaning or the people it defines but can not a person be "well traveled" if their travels remain within the United States? Now I understand staying within the United States does not give us the cultural differences traveling to other countries would... but are there not other opportunities to learn about different cultures? I guess what I'm getting at here is if there is no desire to travel afar... are those people who choose to stay close to home at some sort of disadvantage to those who are "well traveled"? I PERSONALLY do not believe this to be true... I have known people who have been to the far off corners of the world but frankly lack in kindness and appreciation and I've known those who have never left their hometown who have more knowledge, love and gratitude for their lives and the people in them than anyone I've ever met.
Don't get me wrong... traveling is a wonderful thing and when I hear about someone traveling and coming back exploding with excitement, talking all about the wonderful things they saw, and being very passionate about sharing their experiences with other... I simply love it! What I don't like is when people use it as a measuring stick of how "well traveled" they are and acting as though they are "better" than those who have not done the same. If the opportunity arises for us to travel abroad it's not like we wouldn't take it. If I had to choose where to go, the list to choose from would consist of Italy, Germany, Costa Rica and Chile... The two places I see off that list being the most likely to happen are Costa Rica... because we almost went at one point but our trip got canceled... and Chile because my husband has friends there and he knows the area well from having spent a couple months there one summer. However... the places that have been the most appealing to me as of late have been places right here in our own country. Sometimes I wonder if we take advantage or simply aren't aware of the beautiful places America has to offer.
I'm going to post a few pictures that I've found of gorgeous places that I would LOVE to visit right here in America... I guess my message to you today is... no matter where you've been, no matter who you know... if you are not kind, respectful and compassionate... it simply does not matter.
with their cultures. Now I'm not arguing this meaning or the people it defines but can not a person be "well traveled" if their travels remain within the United States? Now I understand staying within the United States does not give us the cultural differences traveling to other countries would... but are there not other opportunities to learn about different cultures? I guess what I'm getting at here is if there is no desire to travel afar... are those people who choose to stay close to home at some sort of disadvantage to those who are "well traveled"? I PERSONALLY do not believe this to be true... I have known people who have been to the far off corners of the world but frankly lack in kindness and appreciation and I've known those who have never left their hometown who have more knowledge, love and gratitude for their lives and the people in them than anyone I've ever met.
Don't get me wrong... traveling is a wonderful thing and when I hear about someone traveling and coming back exploding with excitement, talking all about the wonderful things they saw, and being very passionate about sharing their experiences with other... I simply love it! What I don't like is when people use it as a measuring stick of how "well traveled" they are and acting as though they are "better" than those who have not done the same. If the opportunity arises for us to travel abroad it's not like we wouldn't take it. If I had to choose where to go, the list to choose from would consist of Italy, Germany, Costa Rica and Chile... The two places I see off that list being the most likely to happen are Costa Rica... because we almost went at one point but our trip got canceled... and Chile because my husband has friends there and he knows the area well from having spent a couple months there one summer. However... the places that have been the most appealing to me as of late have been places right here in our own country. Sometimes I wonder if we take advantage or simply aren't aware of the beautiful places America has to offer.
I'm going to post a few pictures that I've found of gorgeous places that I would LOVE to visit right here in America... I guess my message to you today is... no matter where you've been, no matter who you know... if you are not kind, respectful and compassionate... it simply does not matter.
Horseshoe Bend (Arizona)
Havasu Falls (Arizona)
Columbia River Gorge (Oregon)
Oregon Coast
