There's something about travel that will always excite me. Going new places, seeing new things, getting away from the familiarity of living in a small town that over time seems to become mundane. Travel allows me to see the world a different way, to think new thoughts, to learn new things. Travel allows me to immerse myself in cultures which I would never know of had I not left my own little corner of the world. Most importantly, travel awakens within me a curiosity that cannot be evaded, a thirst for knowledge, history, and the unknown. I'm a firm believer that travel is among one of the greatest investments a person can make in life, because when you step out of your comfort zone there is so much to be learned.
Recently, I went on a trip to the Caribbean, a graduation present for my brother and I from our grandma. Throughout a week, we visited Mexico, Belize, and Rotan, an island off of Honduras. The trip was satisfying in so many ways, and I came back feeling refreshed and relaxed, as most people return from a vacation. My trip, however, produced much more than a relaxed mind.
In Mexico, my brother and I shared a once in a lifetime, unbelievable experience. We took a tour through Rio Secreto, the second largest cave system in the world. The cave was pitch black and mostly filled with water, so we spent the afternoon hiking swimming around, knocking our headlamps helmets on stalactites. It was incredible.
As we climbed out of the cave, our tour guide told us to listen carefully for the call of a local bird. The ancient Mayans used to listen for the call of this bird, and follow closely to their nest. They know that wherever this bird had nested, there would be a cave, and water, nearby. Once the Mayans found this bird, they found their fresh water, without which they could not live. The Mayans needed this bird to survive. This shows us all that sometimes, we just can't do it on our own. We have to look outside of ourselves, listen to the birds sing, and trust that with a little help, we will find what we need.
While I learned of the importance of animals in Mexico, I learned in Belize just how helpful plants can be. Belize is an extremely interesting country. Made mostly of coastline, they depend solely on a few agricultural exports and the steady stream of visitors for their income. Belize's coastline is completely covered in mangrove trees. These mangrove trees put the entire country in somewhat of a catch 22. The trees are strong, and protect the coastline from any hurricane damage, keeping the country and it's citizens safe. However, they prevent Belize from building up any major industries, because they are protected by the government and cannot be cut down. Thus, the majority of citizens live and complete and udder poverty.
The poverty of Belize is what sparked my curiosity. As I watched children walk home from school, I began to wonder about the goals of these children. What do they say, when asked "What do you want to be when you grow up?" What do they think of us American tourists? What is the cause of the adorable grins they all seem to be wearing? While these children showed me I should appreciate the opportunities I have, they also showed me that it's possible to be happy when you have so little. As an American, I will admit that is hard for me to picture life without the many luxuries I take for granted. But I need to realize that happiness does not come from any of these things.
This trip showed me the magic of travel, the power of removing yourself from places in which you are comfortable, and the curiosity that can come about from experiencing other cultures. Travel is important for those that wish to see life from many perspectives. Sometimes, it's nice to take a journey, to learn how someone else lives, or what it looks like in another part of the world. But each and every day, we are traveling, traveling down the journey of life. If we look at life as one grand adventure, a splendid opportunity, we will surely always find happiness. Even if the longest journey you make is to the grocery store, and the only way you can leave the country is through a travel book or website, be grateful for those opportunities. Look at each day as an opportunity to learn, to spark your curiosity, and to fuel your creativity.
Recently, I went on a trip to the Caribbean, a graduation present for my brother and I from our grandma. Throughout a week, we visited Mexico, Belize, and Rotan, an island off of Honduras. The trip was satisfying in so many ways, and I came back feeling refreshed and relaxed, as most people return from a vacation. My trip, however, produced much more than a relaxed mind.
In Mexico, my brother and I shared a once in a lifetime, unbelievable experience. We took a tour through Rio Secreto, the second largest cave system in the world. The cave was pitch black and mostly filled with water, so we spent the afternoon hiking swimming around, knocking our headlamps helmets on stalactites. It was incredible.
As we climbed out of the cave, our tour guide told us to listen carefully for the call of a local bird. The ancient Mayans used to listen for the call of this bird, and follow closely to their nest. They know that wherever this bird had nested, there would be a cave, and water, nearby. Once the Mayans found this bird, they found their fresh water, without which they could not live. The Mayans needed this bird to survive. This shows us all that sometimes, we just can't do it on our own. We have to look outside of ourselves, listen to the birds sing, and trust that with a little help, we will find what we need.
While I learned of the importance of animals in Mexico, I learned in Belize just how helpful plants can be. Belize is an extremely interesting country. Made mostly of coastline, they depend solely on a few agricultural exports and the steady stream of visitors for their income. Belize's coastline is completely covered in mangrove trees. These mangrove trees put the entire country in somewhat of a catch 22. The trees are strong, and protect the coastline from any hurricane damage, keeping the country and it's citizens safe. However, they prevent Belize from building up any major industries, because they are protected by the government and cannot be cut down. Thus, the majority of citizens live and complete and udder poverty.
The poverty of Belize is what sparked my curiosity. As I watched children walk home from school, I began to wonder about the goals of these children. What do they say, when asked "What do you want to be when you grow up?" What do they think of us American tourists? What is the cause of the adorable grins they all seem to be wearing? While these children showed me I should appreciate the opportunities I have, they also showed me that it's possible to be happy when you have so little. As an American, I will admit that is hard for me to picture life without the many luxuries I take for granted. But I need to realize that happiness does not come from any of these things.
This trip showed me the magic of travel, the power of removing yourself from places in which you are comfortable, and the curiosity that can come about from experiencing other cultures. Travel is important for those that wish to see life from many perspectives. Sometimes, it's nice to take a journey, to learn how someone else lives, or what it looks like in another part of the world. But each and every day, we are traveling, traveling down the journey of life. If we look at life as one grand adventure, a splendid opportunity, we will surely always find happiness. Even if the longest journey you make is to the grocery store, and the only way you can leave the country is through a travel book or website, be grateful for those opportunities. Look at each day as an opportunity to learn, to spark your curiosity, and to fuel your creativity.
.....And sometimes a day of relaxation can do wonders, even if a monkey is hanging from your neck. Never underestimate the power of the Sun, the ocean, a delicious Pina Colada, and a Jane Austen novel (aka my day in Rotan).
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