Increased mobility and tech tools can lull and dull us to the magic and mystery of traveling to other destinations and experiencing fresh and strange delights.
A recent article by a perceptive daughter of close friends has brought up this recurring rub and reminds us to love, honor and respect all with closer attention to the wake we make.
Here is a sampling of some of her hopeful wishes:
- I wish only that we saw visits to communities as a person-to-person exchange.
- I wish we appreciated more the time our guides spend with us - especially when they could be working the fields, raising their own set of kids and pigs.
- I wish we regarded our homestays less like hotel rooms we can pay to trash and more like homes. i.e. go home with your own damn garbage and don't vandalize - don't call them lazy either.
"[A]s a tourist, I have grown so aware of the impact I have on the
communities I visit. When I cause a stir by not having the sensitivity to
inquire about the ways of the people, I go home blissfully ignorant thinking
that I had the best trip ever. Meanwhile, I leave the people I have stirred to
face the consequences of my actions alone. We take our fond memories home with
us and in exchange, we leave headaches for people to deal with." ~ Nash Tysmans
Don't be an entitled brat.
Take a breath. Slow down.
Imbibe. Immerse.
Get attuned and connect.
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