December 14, 2009

There is a difference between taking a vacation and travel. It is a good idea not to be confused about which kind of trip you are taking. Going to the beach simply to swim, bask in the sunshine, amble along the shore looking for shells; that's a vacation. Going to a big city, staying in a fine hotel, eating in good restaurants, seeing the sights; vacation. Leaving the country, coping with a different language, a time zone change, culture shock; that's travel. Both experiences are valuable. Sometimes we need to relax, unwind, chill. We also need to change the scenery; both for our bodies and our minds, be uncomfortable and uneasy, shake up our perceptions.