Part one? Yes, once I started listing all the benefits of traveling I soon noticed that there were way too many to sum up in just one blog post. That is why I have decided to divide some of them according to the once that are interesting for you as a traveler, part one. And on the other hand I have written a second part about what traveling can do for the people at the destination, the fauna & flora, and yes even for our climate, despite the flights we take to get there.
YŪGEN wants to introduce you to other cultures, customs and standards, which at first sight may seem strange to you, but at the same time are also quite admirable sometimes. For example, if you find that poorer countries succeed in protecting their nature better than we do. Or if you see how they respectfully live together with all kinds of wild animals.
We ourselves had such a memorable experience last year when we could barely keep up with our 86-year old guide during a hike, who also spotted wild animals on the way which we would never had noticed ourselves. Moreover, that was just his extra income in addition to his full-time job as a gardener at a lodge. This was so confrontational that we did not dare to complain about the heat or blisters on our feet. We each decided to try to make time at home for at least one short walk per day, hoping to be just as spry on our 86th birthday.
This man, who has well reached the age for retirement in our country, was selling pipa fria, drinkable coconuts, in the heat at the beach with nothing more than a wheelbarrow, a small wooden table, a machete and a radiant smile. It was my pleasure to give him a dollar every day for that delicacy and his cheerful chat. Every time I return to this place, I go looking for the man, always with a certain fear that he would no longer be there. And every time I find him, I enjoy his smile even more than the pipa fria. Some of the people you meet along the way, you will always remember because of the experience you give each other. These encounters make the world and the differences smaller, the similarities and mutual understanding bigger, which favors international dialogue.
Traveling brings so many new and special experiences. The day you got lost but managed to reach your destination even though no one spoke your language, makes you more independent and resourceful. Or that rafting trip where they teamed you up with a bunch of strangers, which showed you that team spirit crosses boundaries and that there are actually fun, helpful people around everywhere.
That night in a tent in the African bush when we woke up at night because we thought we heard lions nearby, but the next morning our guide calmly, laughing and somewhat surprised about our fear, told us that he could hear that they were still 4 kilometers away from the camp. The same guide who informs you about all kinds of facts along the way about life in Africa, the language of the animals and the survival of the fittest, while you experience the most beautiful documentary live with heartwarming and ferocious images. Accepting and experiencing reality, in a bizarre way, only contributes to that dream journey.
That picnic during a bike ride at that rippling, clear stream that you would actually dare to drink from. Those wild horses who jauntily cross the road, ignoring you, in their national park. That sunset on a deserted beach, that camp site where monkeys played in the trees. The day that to your own surprise you made your own chocolate by hand from a cocoa fruit. A journey can be full of inspiring YŪGEN moments which you will never forget.
That southern pace, those cheerful people, that different rhythm of life, it brings you peace. The sun on your skin, being outdoors, the fresh vegetables and strange fruits give you energy. Many studies have already proven that spending more time in nature can work therapeutically and have a positive impact on your health. But did you also know that people in other countries often have a bigger general knowledge of for example wild, medicinal plants and these people do not reach that easily for that chemical pill? That every micro-organism in the rainforest plays an important role in the survival of the earth? We can learn from each other in so many ways, every culture has something beautiful to offer.
Going on holidays can have many benefits in terms of personal development. It opens doors, thoughts, new insights, in yourself and in the world. It can inspire, make dreams come true, let you do something crazy, try something new. It is not touchable, not an item that you can purchase. It is far more than that, it gives memories, experiences, sometimes even new friends, which you carry with you forever. It makes the world a nicer place knowing that there are loving people everywhere. Traveling is daring to discover, to grow, to understand, to feel, to enjoy and unwind. Traveling is sharing your smile. Traveling is boundless. Traveling is freedom. Traveling is following your inner self. Traveling is living.
Not convinced yet? Make sure to read part 2 which will be published in a few weeks from now and in which I will focus on the benefits of traveling for the locals, wildlife and the earth.
Share your smile, go yugenstyle,
Iris
Comments
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Leave a message in the box below.