More Thoughts on Traveling

Traveling has always been one of my biggest passions, albeit I am far from being an authority in this department. Because of work/responsibilities, time and financial limitations, my traveling experience is a bit limited compared to some of the people I know who have been to all corners of the earth. I nonetheless savor every minute I am out there specially if it is a new place, a new culture, a new experience. I was trawling over my old notes and found this one I had written earlier in response to New York Times' travel entreaty. Reposting it here:

Have you been particularly enlightened, surprised or changed by a travel experience? Why do you travel?

Travel always leaves me a sense of wonder, be it the mere sight of a solitary hut along a provincial highway or the splendor of a 1000-year old temple. The grandeur of Angkor Wat, especially at sunset, overwhelmed me. I felt the same when I saw the geometric perfection of Taj Mahal, and more so by the fact that it is a testament to love. I was as in awe at the scale of the Great Wall of China or the ever-evolving La Sagrada.

La Sagrada

The devotion and labor that went into all these magnificent edifices amazes me. And yet I am equally impressed by the more intimate temples of Bali or Bangkok, their intricate designs and the details put into their construction. These structures remind me that although man is merely mortal, he is capable of building splendid temples that can immortalize a generation.

On the way to one of the imposing historical structures, I have passed by a hut in the middle of a vast rice-field: though structurally humble, it is as noble as the big palaces ahead - after all, it provides refuge to local farmers (heroes in their own right) against the mid-day sun or a drenching rain.

While man-made architecture inspires me, seeing natural beauty leaves an equally meaningful impact. When I took a boat-ride through the Mekong River, I could not help but think that here is one river that connects so many countries, and yet there is so much cultural diversity among these countries despite the geographic commonality. When I was at the Himalayan foothills, the view of the snow-capped Tibetan mountains revives the spirit like no other. Here in this rugged and diverse terrain, there is serenity in the simplicity of existence.

Half of the time, I travel for work. And the other half to get away from work. But both always change me in fundamental ways. Travel provides a more balanced perspective, different from what is conveyed by the media – sometimes the news on air is not the reality on the ground. Travel provides a fresh point-of-view and hope - because I have been to Kobe (ravaged by an earthquake in the ‘90s), I have faith that Japan can rise above its current tragedy. 

There is always a surprise that can be learned at the end of a flight, a boat ride or a road trip. The long flight to US or Europe provided me a glimpse of the different topographies. There are superficial differences like the snowy alp of Italy being a contrast to tropical SouthEast Asia. But past the surface, there are similarities - many cultures bond together through food and come together because of family, be it in Europe or Asia. Many festivities are equally celebrated though maybe on different calendars and different modes. While intercontinental travel almost always yields a fresh perspective, an ordinary and short cab-ride can be as impactful: a conversation or non-conversation with the cab driver can break some preconceived notions. When I thought that a Mandarin-speaking driver probably knows nothing about my home country, I ended up being surprised the minute he sang a Filipino ballad fluently while cruising along Singapore’s highway. Sometimes it is not so much the distance or the mode, but the perspective gained from traveling that makes it an enriching experience. And one lesson I have learned is to ensure I leave my biases behind the minute I pick up my traveling bag.

Comment number 183 at New York Times Travel Entreaty – April 5, 2011