When you travel to another country, what is the first thing you notice? Is it the trash in the gutter? The noise on the subway? The odd food on the menus? The unfriendly people? The unfamiliar sounds of a language you don't understand? Do you tend to view your new experience as something so completely different from your own daily routine that you miss the beauty of the country? Or does the beauty of the country give you a special feeling of experiencing something new and exciting? I guess it's the old adage, "do you view the glass half empty or half full"?
Too often when we travel, particularly when it is to a place that seems really "foreign" to us, we tend to see everything in terms of how different it is. And yet, people are people, no matter where you go. All are trying to live their lives the best they can. All want to provide for their families and take care of their children. All look for opportunities for happiness and joy. We all love to celebrate holidays - both religious and patriotic. We all love family get-togethers and singing and affection. Most people take pride in their communities, their cities, their countries.
I remember returning from a trip to eastern Europe and upon landing in the US and standing in line at the passport check, I heard the man behind me say, "God Bless the USA", as though he thought no other country in the world deserved God's blessings. I responded, "God Bless the world we all share"! I'm not sure he caught the intent of my statement, but I believe it wholeheartedly.
When our every action and comment seek to divide communities of people rather than finding common ground and a way to get through life together, we will be stuck in our own little world of bias and prejudice.
I prefer to see the similarities among the citizens of the world. When I travel I try to embrace those things that are different from my own comfort zone. Someone once asked, "why do people travel when they want everything to be just like it is at home? Just stay at home!" And I say "Amen"! I think there are some who are afraid of anything that's different from what they know. Fear is such a terrible enemy - whether we travel or not.
So my challenge to you in your travels (or in life) is to not be afraid of those things you don't understand. Before you travel to another place, learn something about their culture, language, history. And once you arrive, look for those things that enhance your experience. The trash, the noise, the unfamiliar foods and language will always be there, whether you travel within or outside the US! But look beyond those things and see the people going about their daily lives - in a routine that is probably very similar to yours back home. Look at their culture and history through their eyes and with their pride. Isn't that what you hope people visiting our country would do? We are not so different after all. A bientôt!
