Air travel is my primary method of travel these days only because I'm caught by the crazy American lifestyle which binds me with time constraints, but I long to re-experience the driving vacation. There is a truth to becoming part of the vacation, to immerse yourself into a different culture and view the world through new eyes.
I've recently returned from my annual trek to Cabo, Mexico. Each year I try to experience a different aspect of the uniquely Cabo culture. This year, because of my new low light camera lens, I focused on the celestial majesty that makes this region famous. I still have much to learn, both about photographing night skies, and the local lore, but I'd say, I managed to capture a good sense of the magic.
This desire of mine to become completely immersed into a different culture is what drove me to study anthropology. During the summer of my sophomore year of college I journeyed to Belize to work on an archaeological dig. Working in such an exotic environment made me realize that even though it maybe fun to do touristy things--living and truly experiencing a different culture is life changing.
The acute observations I gain by traveling in this manor expands my awareness of my own culture and beliefs as well as enlightens me to the host culture, giving me great insight which I incorporate into my writing. We are all connected and yet different.
A friend recently introduced me to an adventure travel group whose main focus is the cultural experience; Wild Women Expeditions is a female based travel group I would love to join. Maybe they could help me to fulfill my dream of indulging in an African Safari or enlightening me with the ancient rituals of Bali. Even their Icelandic Pony adventure would combine both my love of horses and my need to learn about other cultures.
Nothing compares with my love of travel. Photographing my experience as well as writing has helped me to relive my journeys even when I am bound to my computer as home.
