Recommended Song: Earnestly Yours (feat. Ren Ford) -Kreaton Henson
1. Anthropological Reasons aka New Friends
and Cultural Discoveries : Not that you need more
friends, but the possibility of making friends from new countries, sharing in
their lives and stories - sitting all night discussing arranged marriages in
one culture to dating in another. Fascinating course in anthropology right there.
2. Abandoning the Familiar: Change is scary but can also be the most rewarding. Once you are out of the streets of your existing life, you will find new streets which would be as welcoming. You can be whatever you want to be when you travel. There is no one to judge. How would you know what you want if you don't experience it first hand? Leaving the familiar is a step closer to finding yourself.
3. Gastronomy: Hummus
in the Middle East, Mozarella di Bufala and Parmesano in Rome, Macarons in
Paris, Patatas Bravas in Madrid, Green Curry in Phuket, Dumplings in Guangzhou,
Key Lime Pie in Florida, Fries with sauce in Dam Square in Amsterdam,
Chocolates in Brugge, Pretzels in Nuremberg, Funnel Cake in Budapest, Pastel de
Belem in Lisbon, Pao Bhaji in Mumbai, Aloo Chaat in Delhi, Fondue in Zermatt -
sigh, I get hungry just writing this, and there is so much more for every
palate and diet.
4. The Memories: You will
bring back incredible tales back from your travels. Ones that you can tell your
grandchildren. Granted all tales won't be of fun and adventure, there may be
some lost bags, the odd sickness and heartaches, but trust me 10 years down the
line you will be glad you made those memories.
5. The Research: Research has shown that experiences make us happier longer than purchase of material things anyway. The anticipation of the experience coupled with the experience makes it even more endure longer . What better way to spend your money? (For the research click Here).
6.The Way of Life:
You can read all the books you want - but until you see the Dutch cycling to
work in their business suits or the Spaniards partying till 6 am or an Italian
giving you a lecture on how to really eat a Pizza you will not be able to
understand the way of life of different cultures. The pace at which a city or a
country moves, the friendly smiles, the welcoming gestures, even the silence
has a story. It's your task to find it.
7. The Language: You
may not learn a whole new language but will definitely be able to say please,
thank you, sorry in multiple languages, understand signs, order food you like,
get on to buses, trains and take taxis. That's a useful life skill to add to
your repertoire.
8. Living in the Now:
Travel forces you to live in the now. This road, this sky, these steps. That's
all there is.
9. Getting Lost: Yes,
this is an important part of travel. Get lost in streets of an unknown city.
Get Lost while driving somewhere. That is how you stumble upon some of the best
places.Even if you don't, you will remember it for the rest of your life.
10. The Journey:
Travel for travels sake. Not for the destination alone but for the journey as
well. Airports, train stations-places, trains, buses all have a story. How many
people move through this airport every day? 1 million? 10 million? How many
trains travel to this city? 10? 100? What is the speed at which you move?
800kmph? 100kmph? When do you reach? You reach when you are ready.
All Photos Copyright Mudra Mukesh (c)
