Why Travel ???

Traveling is intoxicating especially when your senses are bombarded with amazing sights, food, and people. Of course for many it can be scary - as the unknown many times is... I question why should anyone travel, beyond the motivation to have a week or so of relaxation or time with loved ones. Sometimes I doubt this innate love of travel, and think about what it is to just see somthing in the world. What does it change? me?...nothing?... just enjoying the somewhat selfish time I am having in a new environment? Not to get too philisophical about why we should travel or what it can bring into our lives I simply love to share what I believe to be a great attributes of discovery, learning, and enjoying the many amazing things that are in this world. I think for many of us traveling only helps us learn how to spark up these attributes in our lives again... reminds us also of the things that are really important in life - Our relationships with others, to reflect inward (and upward at times) and to learn to evolve and adapt. I understand the millions of people in the U.S. who dont leave their state of birth, they dont see the reasoning, as the things that are most important to them are in their immediate vincinity. Maybe they simply cannot afford it - or rather do not make it a priority in their lives. But I do believe that if every American were to go to another country, especially a 2nd or 3rd world one...we as a nation would be far better off than we are at this point in our history. I know many echo this - (and the only public indication that this should happen was in a movie 'Lions fo Lambs'.) There is much good to be felt and seen and to be brought back home and into our lives, incorporated into our own traditions and home life. One of the most extreme cases of good that I have recently read about that involved travel as a trigger was the book Three Cups of Tea. An incredible account of what the right person can do in the right place and how his travels brought him to ultimately effect the lives of thousands. This is rare - and happenstance, not planned which is the best part of life at times...the things that are not planned. So be open, not naive but open minded, when you travel. You never know what you will encounter - hopefully mostly good. Oh - and try NOT to stand out...being a target is never good.