Travel or Travel
July 8th, 2010 § 9 Comments
Most people write Traveling as their hobby, just like Music. But few ever get out and experience it. Yes, Weekend trip to nearest hill-station doesn’t cut it. Esp when all you do is call travel agent or google hotel details, book it, drive to it, stay in comfort for 2 nights, marvel at beautiful sights, take few snaps and come back. Did you even bother to experience it or even spoke to any local except when to ask for directions?
Oh yes, I’m being judgmental and I’m looking down at you, fake travel lover.
Til you immersed yourself in the culture of the place you are visiting. Til you tried those local dishes whose name you can never pronounce. Til you know bit of history about the place. Til you talk to local and compare notes. Til then, my friend, you haven’t traveled.
Visiting Eiffel tower and Louvre And having lunch at those hidden restaurants that local frequent is completely different experience.
Experience the people, the culture, the air, the beauty and you’ll know why some people are looking forward to their next break.
I’m in town, though generally booked. Look for me on IM during the day.
Well! i think you are so right, however, for some poeple traveling just mean watching TV in a hotel room in some other place in the world. For the true lovers of the world, traveling means getting into the true real feeling of the country, the culture and life of its people.
That’s the only way to do it.. Getting under the skin of country and it’s people
Each has their own preferred method of travel; but, I tend to agree with you. When we travel it is usually to one city and we spend 2-3 weeks there. For longer vacations we may visit two cities. For the sake of this discussion, I’ll include a single rural location as a single “city”; but, we very often focus on cities because I’m a city boy.
In my experience this is the most satisfying way to travel. There’s no hectic “see the sight, jump on the train to the next city” itinerary. You get to walk the streets, meet the people and explore their life. You get to find out how the residents eat, sleep, party, relax, etc. Its much more satisfying and relaxing.
My favorite vacation spot for this type of leisurely vacation is Barcelona. The most awesome food in the world, provided you take the time to look about and see what the locals are eating. And the nightlife is… Mediterranean (if you’ve been there, you know what I mean.)
I don’t mind spending even 2 days in a city.. But then again, I usually end up wandering on streets and chatting with random people.. So whether it’s a day or week.. I get to learn something new each time..
And stop making me jealous about Barcelona.. Next year, I’m definitely going there.
Btw.. what happened to your India visit?
I leave tomorrow morning.
oh cool.. Lets catch up once u here.
My plane was delayed and I’ll be a day late now. Stuck in the middle of nowhere in Illinois.
Ouch… Hope you get enough rest.. Will see you soon