After listening to this
NPR commentary, I finally have the courage
to say a few things about my own unknown travel plans. But first, the NPR piece: Writer and filmmaker Celia Beasley is
on her way to Madagascar with her fiancé, as he begins a year-long fellowship on the African island. She’s already
visited about 15 countries in Europe, South America and Africa, but shares her very real fears about the unknowns that
lie before her for this next travel adventure, one where she most definitely will step outside her comfort zone. Her
comments on visiting a “truly foreign place” are worth thinking about — the concept of what is “foreign” will obviously
be something different to each of us. The travel challenges we take on will depend on the journeys of our past and the
curiosities that guide us forward.
Celia’s words resonated with me because a little over a week ago I officially plunged into the unknown as well. It’s
not Africa unknown, but it’s fairly uncharted territory for me. I gave notice at my full time job, with no new one
lined up, and am planning to travel abroad for at least six months of 2006 — maybe more, maybe less, depending on what
unfolds. I’m heading into a world of constant question marks and I, like Celia, am ready to admit that I’m scared! It
is terrifying and exhilarating all at once, but I’m resolved, determined and committed to dive in head first.
I haven’t been to Europe in ten years so I’m probably going there first. But will it be “foreign” enough? I have
reflected on some of the same thoughts as Beasley — about where and how folks chose to travel (Frommers vs. Lonely
Planet; Tuscan Sun vs. Into the Wild); and it makes me wonder — will I be challenging myself enough to experience life
that is truly different from my own here in the states? I’ll be traveling solo for most of my trip, so whether I’m
relaxing in a quiet Western European coastal town or volunteering on a farm or workcamp in Eastern Europe, it will be
new and different and foreign for me since I’ll be going it alone for the first time. It may not be as jarringly
different as Beasley’s move from California to Madagascar, but it’s the unknown just the same, and I welcome it,
jitters and all.