First: birds. Took that one to ground didn’t you?! Lots of hard work. No wonder it is tough to ID any bird, let alone raptors with a quick look. Down here in Tx, I have been told by those who are avid birders that when you see that feather ‘splat’, it could be either a Sharpie or a Cooper’s.
Just declaring that is enough to impress my friends. 🤣
Second: Travel. Yay for Rick. Thoughtful about when I was a traveller and when a pilgrim. For me, pilgrim mode clicks in when immersed in cultures very different from our US of A. Thanks to Rick (and Abdi Sami) we visited *Iran* where we learned to separate the lovely, curious Persian people from their iron-fisted current regime [pilgrim lesson learned: never confuse the character of a people with that of their political overlords]. Thanks to OAT, we have experienced The Stans and learned to appreciate an overlay of USSR occupation on ancient Silk Road customs and cultures. Also thanks to OAT we have walked ‘Sniper Alley’ in Sarajevo, talked to the 1992 war survivors, and grieved over neighbor versus neighbor murder. Ditto in Dubrovnik and in Mostar.
Yes we travel to see the sights and do cool things. Being a privileged traveller is great. I am just grateful to have the opportunity to dive a bit deeper and let the experience change me and my views.
Third: history. To me, travel without appreciation of local history is to miss any possible understanding of ‘why-this-now?’. What would one make of a pile of Roman ruins without the context of history? What? A few snapshots? A been there, done that feeling?
Might as well stay in the bus and take a few evidence shots on your ‘panoramic tour’ on the way to the next western style mega hotel. News Flash- panorama pix of Fes as a city are not featured on brochures. Also, better skip that medina walk (it is scary and nasty down in there). History is the key to appreciation, and I believe the entryway to understanding.
Things went well for you in the 60s because you got to participate in a culturally rich generation of music, change, freedom, uprest and rebellion. To my best knowledge, you were not sent to war, you were not killed or maimed and you were not required to kill or maim without clear reason. You do not have PTSD. It might have been different if you were an actual participant and not a spectator.
So true Kathy. And we had solid families behind us. Look at the old movies your Dad took of the Good Christmas parties in the 50’s. Everyone was happy! Smoking their lungs out and drinking like fish, and enjoying themselves!
Glad you liked the article! I think sometimes a trip can have all three elements - sometimes it’s nice to just get a picture or have the famous pastry or whatever like a tourist, sometimes it’s nice having a cup of coffee in an out-of-the-way cafe or a pint of bitters in a local pub. And sometimes you have that spiritual moment. Just a nice idea to be mindful of what you’re experiencing and not try to force something. It’s ok if the Sistine chapel doesn’t blow your mind because of the throngs of tourists around you. But that doesn’t mean the visit was a failure.
Thanks Lois. Yes, a spiritual journey. It’s a high bar to set, and an interesting frame of reference. I need to think about this a bit more; try to be sensitive to and document the journey of the spirit.
Check out my series on walking the Camino de Santiago (also known as The Way of St. James) across Northern Spain. The Camino de Santiago is one of the top three Christian Pilgrimages in the world and it extends from the Pyrenees along the border of France to the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela and further to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. I have walked the Camino twice, although I have only written about one of my pilgrimages to date. It was a phenomenal experience and I highly recommend it!
Loved the pilgrim idea of travel. I've done a couple of road trips that have opened my eyes to my talents and foibles. How I feel about family, life goals, beliefs, and how stupid I can be most of the time. Traveling can really chasten and humble a person. (My post tomorrow will give you an idea what I mean.)
Lots going on here!!
First: birds. Took that one to ground didn’t you?! Lots of hard work. No wonder it is tough to ID any bird, let alone raptors with a quick look. Down here in Tx, I have been told by those who are avid birders that when you see that feather ‘splat’, it could be either a Sharpie or a Cooper’s.
Just declaring that is enough to impress my friends. 🤣
Second: Travel. Yay for Rick. Thoughtful about when I was a traveller and when a pilgrim. For me, pilgrim mode clicks in when immersed in cultures very different from our US of A. Thanks to Rick (and Abdi Sami) we visited *Iran* where we learned to separate the lovely, curious Persian people from their iron-fisted current regime [pilgrim lesson learned: never confuse the character of a people with that of their political overlords]. Thanks to OAT, we have experienced The Stans and learned to appreciate an overlay of USSR occupation on ancient Silk Road customs and cultures. Also thanks to OAT we have walked ‘Sniper Alley’ in Sarajevo, talked to the 1992 war survivors, and grieved over neighbor versus neighbor murder. Ditto in Dubrovnik and in Mostar.
Yes we travel to see the sights and do cool things. Being a privileged traveller is great. I am just grateful to have the opportunity to dive a bit deeper and let the experience change me and my views.
Third: history. To me, travel without appreciation of local history is to miss any possible understanding of ‘why-this-now?’. What would one make of a pile of Roman ruins without the context of history? What? A few snapshots? A been there, done that feeling?
Might as well stay in the bus and take a few evidence shots on your ‘panoramic tour’ on the way to the next western style mega hotel. News Flash- panorama pix of Fes as a city are not featured on brochures. Also, better skip that medina walk (it is scary and nasty down in there). History is the key to appreciation, and I believe the entryway to understanding.
Things went well for you in the 60s because you got to participate in a culturally rich generation of music, change, freedom, uprest and rebellion. To my best knowledge, you were not sent to war, you were not killed or maimed and you were not required to kill or maim without clear reason. You do not have PTSD. It might have been different if you were an actual participant and not a spectator.
So true Kathy. And we had solid families behind us. Look at the old movies your Dad took of the Good Christmas parties in the 50’s. Everyone was happy! Smoking their lungs out and drinking like fish, and enjoying themselves!
Glad you liked the article! I think sometimes a trip can have all three elements - sometimes it’s nice to just get a picture or have the famous pastry or whatever like a tourist, sometimes it’s nice having a cup of coffee in an out-of-the-way cafe or a pint of bitters in a local pub. And sometimes you have that spiritual moment. Just a nice idea to be mindful of what you’re experiencing and not try to force something. It’s ok if the Sistine chapel doesn’t blow your mind because of the throngs of tourists around you. But that doesn’t mean the visit was a failure.
Great points thanks Ben!
I was also thinking of the birthdays yesterday - need to get a bottle of Old Granddad for the house. ❤️
I do enjoy traveling but I enjoy traveling the back roads and finding mom and pop cafes to eat.
Your next novel: “In search of Truth via Cafe Coffee and Pie: A spiritual journey!” Love it!😍
I have traveled as a tourist and as a pilgrim. There is a difference. It is all in the frame of mind. To me a pilgrimage is a spiritual journey.
Thanks Lois. Yes, a spiritual journey. It’s a high bar to set, and an interesting frame of reference. I need to think about this a bit more; try to be sensitive to and document the journey of the spirit.
Check out my series on walking the Camino de Santiago (also known as The Way of St. James) across Northern Spain. The Camino de Santiago is one of the top three Christian Pilgrimages in the world and it extends from the Pyrenees along the border of France to the Cathedral de Santiago de Compostela and further to the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. I have walked the Camino twice, although I have only written about one of my pilgrimages to date. It was a phenomenal experience and I highly recommend it!
Now that’s a true pilgrimage! Looking forward to reading!
Yes. + Yes. (The two R S questions(.
Loved the pilgrim idea of travel. I've done a couple of road trips that have opened my eyes to my talents and foibles. How I feel about family, life goals, beliefs, and how stupid I can be most of the time. Traveling can really chasten and humble a person. (My post tomorrow will give you an idea what I mean.)
Great! Can’t wait to read it Sue!