One of my goals earlier this year was to travel more, and as the end of '09 is quickly approaching, I think I've gone "booyah" on my goal, and then some. It hasn't been easy though, I must say. Traveling (or leaving the house in general) is a particularly hard feat to accomplish if you are a single Indian girl in your late 20's living under the roof of the parentals. Whenever I inform my parents that I am going on a trip somewhere, I am met with a flood of reactions that include:
"vhaaaaat?"
"vhy are you alvays going somevhere?"
"vhy cant you stay at home?"
"it is not safe to go everyvhere all the time"
"vhy do you need to drive at night" (true statement)
and of course the perennial favorite: "this is vhy you are not married" (although everything I seem to do/not do fits into this particular statement) quickly followed by "going vit friends and
spending money vont get you married!"
Ahhh, yes. fun times!
Somehow I managed to worm my way out of things this year. Anyone who knows me well enough, knows that I might be into planning things. Just a little though- a couple of lists and excel spreadsheets detailing our intinerary here and there. Hey this comes in handy when you need to go on trips! This Spring I was able to go to London and Spain with three of my best friends and it was a long time coming. Just being exposed to a culture that is far different from yours is a learning experience. Leaving behind your community really does contribute to self-growth and awareness of yourself and others.
I learned: the detail and skill that goes into the construction of the smallest monument and how grand it can be centuries later; that the English can be rude but also tolerant; that the Thames River should not be messed with; that the confidence and style of a London city girl is tres chic; that the city of Barcelona is magical in so many ways; that sunsets in Ibiza are worth waiting hours for; and that drinking fresh Sangria outside on a dusky eve while talking about life with your best friends are memories that you will never forget. I also learned that planning isnt everything but it helps get you to where you need to go. Okay maybe thats a lesson I'm still learning ;-)
Recently I was able to go to on many visits to New York (still one of my favorite cities) and also discover new cities worth knowing. I fell in love with Chicago with its clean streets, beautiful architecture, cozy coffeeshops, dog parks and the best: happy friendly people. If not for the turdtastic freezing weather, I could totally see myself living there. New York has a grit and vibrancy that is and real and unmatched, but Chicago offered me a breath of (slightly cleanier) fresh air. Next week it is LA and I hope to enjoy California, no doubt about it. The end of the year is off to the homeland - and I shall be anxiously waiting to see what new treasures (and scary insects) India has to show me. Next year I have my sights set on certain beach towns in Mexico and I won't stop there! I'll be armed with my passport, my camera, and since maybe an excel spreadsheet for good measure.
But seriously, my travels this year have really shown me what a lucky girl I am. Many people are ions more well-traveled than I, and I can see how it can become addicting. You really do feel alive and connected with the greater world when you leave your bubble. I shared many moments and memories in various cities with people I really care about. I'm blessed enough to be able to go places at this point in my life. But as each trip ends, I know I can come back to the safety and comfort of my home and family and also be content with what I do have. And at the end of the day, no matter where you go....Dorothy had it right. Theres no place like home.