How Traveling Has Altered Our Perspective
By Avery DeLacey
TFW co founder, Monika Samtani in Hyde Park, London, August, 1983
For many, traveling can be a way to escape the tasks and habits that our boring, daily lives bring us. But, for all of us at The Fem Word, traveling is much more than just a vacation. We aim to better ourselves when we travel, by better understanding the culture, language, and to even learn more about ourselves along the way. Members of The Fem Word team share some of their most memorable traveling experiences, that changed their perspective.
Avery in Argentina
TFW writer, Avery, in Buenos Aries, Argentina, January, 2012
Argentina taught me, at a very young age, that there is beauty in everything. Argentina was a country I had barely even heard of before traveling there at the age of 12 and then again at 14. I visited some of the most beautiful buildings, waterfalls, and other sites. Just because a country may be deemed as “dangerous” or “dirty” you can always find beauty in it; and I’ve found that is the same for most things in life.
Sara in The United Kingdom
TFW assistant editor, Sara, in Oxford, England
Studying in England was an experience I'm very grateful for. I'm naturally very introverted, but I traveled all that way on my own and learned that moving out of one's comfort zone always leads to big rewards. I made lifelong friends and was able to see so many amazing things. England taught me that just because something is scary doesn't mean it isn't worth it.
Meera in India
TFW junior contributor, Meera, at Sahasra Deepika in Bangalore, India. PHOTO CREDIT: Aanya Rathod
When I traveled to India I learned about the power of positivity. For the past four years, I have been working with a school in India for underprivileged girls called Sahasra Deepika. Every time I visit the school, I’m amazed by the positive energy of the girls. Though they come from challenging backgrounds, the girls are incredibly optimistic. They focus on the opportunities that they have, and that helps them focus on their education and their futures. I have learned from that even in challenging situations, if you focus on the positive, you can push through.
Alyssa in Spain
TFW junior contributor, Alyssa, in Barcelona, Spain
My trip to Barcelona taught me to always live in the moment and to take a second to appreciate my life. I was so frustrated because all we did that trip was to go to museums and sightsee. During my trip, I realized that I am so fortunate to be able to travel and see such an amazing place. Now I appreciate every opportunity I am given.
Saira in Brazil
TFW junior contributor, Saira, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
When I travelled to Brazil I learned that life is about adventure and that the earth has so much to offer. I should take advantage of how we live in a beautiful world. Brazil also has a culture like no other. There is a colorful vibe that makes you want to dance forever. What I learned most is that to live in the present and to be yourself unapologetically as cheesy as it sounds. People in Brazil are so comfortable in their own skin and express themselves freely.
Monika in London and Germany
I was 16 years old and had led a relatively sheltered life in the suburbs of Washington, DC. As the eldest of three kids, my immigrant parents were always wary of allowing me to do the typical American teenage things, like attending parties and having sleepovers. So, when they arranged a trip for my younger brother and I to go to Europe for a month to stay with family friends, I was completely shocked and incredibly excited to be setting out on this adventure across the Atlantic Ocean.
It was the summer of 1983, and a life changing trip to say the least. My brother and I were joined by my best friend Milan and her brother - the four of us explored London and Hamburg together. In London we learned about the English way of life and had total freedom. We took the tube everywhere - Buckingham Palace, Oxford Circus, Hyde Park...and learned about pub life, shepherd’s pie, punk rock, leather, and mohawks. In Hamburg, Germany, we ditched our brothers and befriended a cool, super-hip guy named Nikolai, (yes, I still remember his name!) who took us to all the clubs and taught us about music, fashion, topless beaches (ahem), marzipan, and bratwurst.
The trip completely changed me. Although I had traveled abroad to India with my family many times before, this time when I came back home to Maryland I felt different. I was less unsure of myself, my life perspective had changed - I felt more aware, more cultured, more stylish, and more excited about the world. I knew at that point that whatever I ended up doing with my life, it would entail a global perspective with endless stories of the people I met along the way.
The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of The Fem Word organization. Any content provided by our authors are of their opinion and is not intended to malign any religion, ethnic group, club, organization, company, individual or anyone or anything.