I remember our drive to see the Great Wall of China and I was so full of excitement and anticipation. This was something I had seen multiple times on TV, in textbooks... and I was about to see it in person!! My eyes were wide open (I don't even think that I blinked!) the last 30 minutes of the drive as I was trying to catch the first glimpse of the wall. I remember when I first caught sight of it-- it was pure JOY and elation! You learn so much about history, culture, people, politics, art... anything you can possibly think of. Going to these places and experiencing things first hand is always way better than any textbook or documentary.
Not only that, but the people are incredible. One of my favorite stories involves staying at a hostel in Australia. I shared a room with a girl from Venezuela, a girl from Australia, two girls from Norway, a girl from China, and a girl from England. (5 of 7 continents represented!) We had been in the room for maybe 10 minutes and we were already talking and laughing and poking fun at each other. There is something so wonderful when everything else gets pushed aside- whatever is happening in the world simply doesn't matter and countries can come together as friends. It's a beautiful thing.
Something else that's beautiful is the confidence you gain when you realize that you're a strong and independent woman and you can navigate any gosh darn country you please! ;) I've mentioned this in other posts, but I'm as anxious as they come. I'm also an introvert. I'm also terrible with directions, but that has not stopped me! I've done solo traveling on two different continents and 6 different countries. It is the most exciting and liberating experience and I have not regretted it once!!
I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes about travel:
