Day and I binge watch travel videos on YouTube, and one of our favorites is Rick Steves. He’s got a really good video called “Why We Travel.” Of course that leads me to the question, why do I travel? I started answering that question in Why I Travel. Part one: Out of the Darkness. I ended that post with this:

“I like going places, seeing things and doing things. I like to check things off my bucket list. But in doing so, I have become thoughtful and reflective. I’ve learned to be grateful for all I have, and where I am, but never forgetting, where I’ve been.”

Where was I? Years ago, when I drank, I was vegetating, in my own little corner of the world. My world consisted of my construction job, bars and my drinking buddies, that’s all. I had no broad, wholesome, charitable views of anyone. I was a drunk, I didn’t like myself, nor anyone else.

I was prejudiced, bigoted and narrow-minded, but not from hatred, more like, low self esteem and ignorance. Low self esteem is something many of us struggle with and nothing to be ashamed of, but Ignorance, what a horrible word. A lack of knowledge, education and awareness. Understand, it’s not knowledge and education you get from college, but knowledge, education and awareness one gets from not vegetating one’s own corner of the earth. It’s a knowledge, education and awareness one gets from choosing to venture out beyond their comfort zone, and see the world, whether it’s the next town over, or on the far side of the world, with an open mind.

When I finally quit drinking, I decided to go to college. I was 28, and a freshman in college, certainly outside my comfort zone. I went to college because it was, outside my comfort zone and it scared me. I went to college because it wasn’t anywhere near my corner of the earth. I grew, I made new friends, it was the beginning of a new and improved me.

I began traveling as well, lots of traveling. And 20 plus years later, the person I was, seems like a horrible person I once knew. I’m better at liking myself now, and, liking people, all kinds of people. People are the very best part of travel.

Day and I rarely go anywhere and not meet wonderful people. We have memorable interactions with people who are kind, helpful and exactly the same as us, regardless of where they’re from, or what color they are.

Over the years, Day and I have traveled with friends and family. We’ve met people and have made friends. The more I travel, the smaller the world gets. Prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness melts away.

So why do I travel? I like seeing things, doing things and checking things off my bucket list. More importantly, travel helps me appreciate how far I’ve come, how much I’ve grown. The world becomes smaller, and I see people as my brothers and sisters. Here at home, the United States, we could use less prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness.

So let’s all do our part, and Explore.Dream.Discover.Travel

Luv ya,
Curly

P.S.