Dear Sister,
The days until your big trip are winding down quickly. For me, sitting here at my desk in Daejeon, today IS the big day. And so I want to impart to you some advice that I have learned from my own journies.
* Pause. That's it. Just take the time to stand there, in front of the glorious monument that you have just discovered, in a strange new land, and take it all in. Marvel at the wonder of it all. One of my favorite travel memories is of when I was walking through Teotihuacan in Mexico, after just climbing the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon, and it actually sank in that I was experiencing something that I had only dreamed of in high school. It left me in shock and awe, but also with the most wonderful feeling that I can't even begin to discribe because there are no words for it. I carry that feeling and amazement with me still to this day.
* Click but don't obsess. Get that perfect shot because one day your memories of those beautiful moments will fade and you will need the beautiful photos to remind you of the stunning places that you have been. Just don't forget to pause. Don't focus too much on that perfect shot. Sometimes special moments are fleeting and it is better to observe them than document them.
* Be yourself. You are a wonderful, intelligent, and kind young woman. You will make many friends traveling and those friendships WILL last a lifetime.
* Be daring. Expose yourself to new things. New foods, new people, new ideas, new activities. Make sure that you won't regret later something that you didn't do now. Just experience these new things safely.
* Explore. Make the most of your free time. Find unique and unknown places, side streets and coffee shops.
* Don't panic. If you get lost, retrace your steps. Ask a local. Most people want to help travelers, just smile and stay calm. If you are venturing out on your own, walk a path with a pattern that is easy to remember (only take right turns, walk in a straight line). The time that you will have in some of these places will be short, so you won't be familiar with the city, make it easy on yourself.
* Smile no matter what. Always smile, even if you are having a bad day. Time will erase the negative memories. Try to stay positive.
* Ignore social media, but use it once in awhile. Absorb everything that is happening around you. It will be amazing if you are not always looking down at your phone. But check in every now and then, just so we know you're okay.
* Look up. Most people only see what's right in front of them, but sometimes there can be amazing things found just by looking around. It will give you a new perspective on what you are experiencing.
* Write every day. Keep some sort of travel journal, writing down thoughts, feelings, and conversations. Who knows, maybe one day you'll use it to write a book.
These are just a few small pieces of advice, as you venture forth into the world. I hope you find them helpful.
Love always,
your sister. xoxo
No comments:
Post a Comment