Traveling Abroad

There are things I enjoy about traveling abroad that might seem a bit odd. I have the philosophy that if other people can do it, and it doesn't require any advanced skill to be safe (like cliff diving...), then I can do it too. So even though last year when I decided to go to Cape Town alone I was anxious, and I didn't know what to expect - I knew it could be done, and that it would be a positive learning experience for me regardless of the outcome. This trip in that sense was much easier, but there was still room for reflection on who I want to be.

Traveling gives one time to reflect on their surroundings, and gives the time to observe people. It also tests ones patience - 21 hours in a plane is a really long time... I like to test my patience like that - see how long I can keep my mind happy, and keep from being restless. I like to try to see if I can stay in a positive frame of mind despite the troubles. I didn't mind the hotel trouble in Portland - people in line at the hotel were angry, but I was not. I could see everyone's perspective and not get caught up in the fact that there was stress and aggravation. I use travel as a time to learn to go with the flow, and deal with whatever comes along.

I also enjoy being abroad - I enjoy the challenge of adjusting to a new situation. Learning my way around a new place, figuring out the habits of people, figuring out how to get around. I enjoy becoming adjusted to amenities that are not like (or perhaps less than) I am used to. I like to see how other people approach the world - what things they are used to, what they require, and that they can live without. I always come away from my travel abroad with appreciation for the things at home I like, and some adaptation of habits I enjoyed in the new country. Even if little things like my giant bowl-sized tea mugs from France that I still use daily after 15 years...

Cape Town is a major city - there is everything to be found here from extreme poverty to extreme wealth. I could live here without lack of anything. However, I don't ask for special treatment, and I want to be comfortable. This city provides some challenges in that respect - it is not very safe, there is a lot of crime. However, this morning I left my apartment, went out the protected gate, and followed some university students to the bus stop.

It was really my first time outside (off campus) alone here. I was accompanied everywhere last year. I am enjoying my new freedom and confidence. I would not go outside my apartment's front gate at night, and my friend walked me to the gate after parking to drop me off after dinner, but I am happy to be venturing out alone again in the morning, and not waiting for a door to door ride. I hope to get out more, perhaps take dancing lessons, and I will travel to Kruger alone.

Another thing about being abroad is the lack of "stuff" that normally infuses my life. As much as I miss my dog, I don't have her to walk, or feel guilty that she wants to play with me non-stop. I don't have dishes to do, or piles in my office to clean - all distractions are removed. In short amounts of time at work I am able to be very focused and productive because there is nothing to take away my attention. In fact, even internet is limited. I think in my time here last summer I fully acclimated to no TV, and I got used to silence at home. I am currently loving itunes since my full CD collection is at hand on my laptop, but I am enjoying the peace of a quite apartment with nothing to do but my work.

(To give you an idea about the focus issue - I got to work in time for tea, then ate lunch, then spent 2 hours sorting out my ID card and internet access. I only started working around 4pm, and then at 6pm I left for dinner with my friend, not to get back to my apartment until nearly 10pm. It's now nearly 1am, and I've completely drafted a paper for publication that I started today!!)

For me, traveling is a challenge to adjust, find peace, adapt, observe, and in some ways, really live free. I miss home (I miss my dog!!), but I love being here.