- on traveling...
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dogsofeternity
- January 15th, 12:00
Having traveled very little over the last year, I find myself thinking about it a great deal.
Every once in a while, I'll run across a very picky and selective eater. One that turns down all things outside of their tiny norm. Makes me think of a time when a strange new friend offered me some water. They picked a cup up off of the counter, next to the sink. Rinsed it out a bit, and filled it with tap water. I simply said thanks and drank up. I think it's this sort of approach that keeps me from getting sick while abroad. Striving to consume various germs and contaminants. Things that weaker systems would not be able to process well. I've had unboiled water, straight out of a well. It was light brown with particulates floating in it. Too many people are just too strict and uptight about what they'll put in their bodies. I on the other hand, try to eat or drink anything someone offers me...considering that if I'm a guest in their home, I'd think it rude to decline.
Or, last year in Prague. It was at or below freezing. My host said "Sorry for the cold, but to save money, we don't use the heater very much. But, the blanket, it is very thick."
How could one possibly complain about cold air in that situation? Living, if only for a week or a few days, in a communist built apartment. Small, old. Eating authentic food and partying with the locals. I don't know. I guess I can see how traveling, couch surfing, whatever, isn't for everyone. However, I cannot understand the millions of people that have absolutely no desire to travel. I don't get it.
Damn, I miss the open road.