TRAVEL AND LEARN

The pleasures of travel – whether alone or with a partner or in groups – should most and foremost be also a learning experience. According to my favorite motto in life (‘the more you know, the less you know’) to learn even more, travel more. And definitely not always to the same locales. I have traveled alone most of my life since the 70s to many continents and countries. And I always learned something new. Not necessarily always from a particular city or town or area, but also from the locals.

One of the best ways to get away from groups and the most known tourist sites, is to go the byways, side streets, back streets, to really dig into the local atmosphere of a place.

Talk to the locals, learn. Even if they speak a different language. I never had a problem with that. I may be blessed to operate in five languages, but that’s not always necessary.

Take for example North Africa, easy, Arabic and French. Take the entire continent of Africa, one of the largest in this world, one can always get around with either French or English. Russia (my travel to Saint Petersburg), talking to our taxi driver in either German or even French, works. I like to talk to the locals, find out about their country, or when I need something.

But what is much more rewarding besides learning other cultures, is learning about their nature. Especially now, with the global warming, how much others are doing to protect their environment, habitat and nature.

In all those many years traveling alone, as a woman, I never encountered any nasty people. The odd times someone stole something, but it was my own fault. [Particularly damaging for your eyes, when your sun glasses disappear in North Africa. Those you definitely need.].

[The following is besides the point: I have been, attacked, years ago, even physically, but do not wish to mention which country.].

Tip: when traveling and you loose something essential, there are always, in each country, no matter where, the second-hand stores. In fact, when I traveled, I always only take a small suitcase, so I can buy some clothes at my destination.

If you travel in a larger group, you may be better protected, but often learn less.

We all like to enjoy our travel and learn in the process. But not in the middle of the night, or late evening, or even in a totally remote street somewhere. With all that said, enjoy the the feel of a new country, respect their people, their culture, their nature, their wildlife. And keep away from street food, buy your own fresh food in markets. That should keep you healthy.

Last not least, the most rewarding experience in my entire life has been – not work, work, work, but travel, travel, travel. And the memories of it.