Becoming a mindful traveler often helps reveal our blind spots about the world and opens our eyes to the reality of our humanity. Sometimes that can be unsettling.
Oh so true, the eyes that will not see. But my first head-on with 'the real world' came when I first traveled to Mexico in my early 20s. My boyfriend and I took a bus from southern CA to Mexico, hoping enroute to find that perfect little fishing village on Mexico's western coast. We jumped off for a while in Guadalajara, and naive me, I had never before seen poverty--probably at all--as a middle-class gringa. There, while walking around that huge marketplace that takes up an entire city block, I saw poor indigenous women sitting on the sidewalk holding cups for donations. They were beyond poor. My naive 20-something self was startled. It really affected me, and in an instant, my worldview changed. I realized how closeted, cloistered and sheltered I'd been for my entire existence.
This is perfectly written. Traveling is humbling and it's always a learning experience, even when the destination isn't that exotic. Every time you think you have things figured out the universe proves you wrong. While travelling I've received 100 kindnesses from strangers for every scammer I've encountered; and fortunately, for me the scams have always been for minor bits of money, overcharges for tours and cabs and similar, so the only real loss was pride.
Having your pocket picked while travelling through a country as a tourist is a peculiarly humiliating experience. It feels like you trusted someone, and they heartlessly took advantage of it. Many years ago, my wife had her purse lifted in a crowded mall. Once again, a slick job carried out by a mother-daughter (I presume) pair. We were travelling with five young children—two of our own and three nieces. All our money was gone. We had a lot of scrambling to do to continue with our trip. I have never felt comfortable in that country during a subsequent visit, many years later.
Sometimes you notice these "dangers" after living in a foreign country for so long and traveling back to your own, something I have experienced myself. It's important to remain safe and careful in both scenerios. Thank you for sharing.
I love the shared imagery - "crushed under the same terrible wheel".
As a 21 year old, during the return from a trip to Guatemala, I was unknowingly hustled on the NYC subway between JFK and Manhattan. Upon arriving home, I became indignant when my father insisted that I had been hustled. Over time I came to realize that I had been naive and he was right.
Oh so true, the eyes that will not see. But my first head-on with 'the real world' came when I first traveled to Mexico in my early 20s. My boyfriend and I took a bus from southern CA to Mexico, hoping enroute to find that perfect little fishing village on Mexico's western coast. We jumped off for a while in Guadalajara, and naive me, I had never before seen poverty--probably at all--as a middle-class gringa. There, while walking around that huge marketplace that takes up an entire city block, I saw poor indigenous women sitting on the sidewalk holding cups for donations. They were beyond poor. My naive 20-something self was startled. It really affected me, and in an instant, my worldview changed. I realized how closeted, cloistered and sheltered I'd been for my entire existence.
This is perfectly written. Traveling is humbling and it's always a learning experience, even when the destination isn't that exotic. Every time you think you have things figured out the universe proves you wrong. While travelling I've received 100 kindnesses from strangers for every scammer I've encountered; and fortunately, for me the scams have always been for minor bits of money, overcharges for tours and cabs and similar, so the only real loss was pride.
Thank you Gary and well said! 😊
Having your pocket picked while travelling through a country as a tourist is a peculiarly humiliating experience. It feels like you trusted someone, and they heartlessly took advantage of it. Many years ago, my wife had her purse lifted in a crowded mall. Once again, a slick job carried out by a mother-daughter (I presume) pair. We were travelling with five young children—two of our own and three nieces. All our money was gone. We had a lot of scrambling to do to continue with our trip. I have never felt comfortable in that country during a subsequent visit, many years later.
Travel is the highest education. The experience of food is a leveler. Loved this read. It reminds me of my substack inspirations.
Thank you Nessa! 😊
Sometimes you notice these "dangers" after living in a foreign country for so long and traveling back to your own, something I have experienced myself. It's important to remain safe and careful in both scenerios. Thank you for sharing.
New perspective about travel.Hope i will remember these when I travel next time.😄
A great reminder that we all need the education provided by travel.
I love the shared imagery - "crushed under the same terrible wheel".
As a 21 year old, during the return from a trip to Guatemala, I was unknowingly hustled on the NYC subway between JFK and Manhattan. Upon arriving home, I became indignant when my father insisted that I had been hustled. Over time I came to realize that I had been naive and he was right.