I’m taking a public speaking class at work. In two weeks I have to have a 10-15 minute speech put together- a “call-to-action” speech that I will present to my class and then to the EXECUTIVE TEAM. So by that I just mean, the President and three Vice Presidents of the company I work for. So nobody really. Ah!
It’s terrifying. I’m writing my speech on the importance of being a traveler not a tourist. I’m not against tourists, so don’t get me wrong. I am often a tourist but I think it’s important that when we travel, we take the time to be travelers too. A traveler being someone who stops, looks around, takes their time to explore and doesn’t just want to rush through the sites to get all the right pictures. Someone who ventures outside their comfort zone and has new experiences when in new places. I think these things are important and under utilized.
So, I’ve been reading travel blogs and articles on travel to find quotes and more articulate people to express what it is I’m trying to say in my speech. This has basically lead to me being overwhelmed with a physical need to travel. It literally makes me feel ill that I haven’t explored a new state or country since I moved to Texas. Obviously Texas is still new to me and I do try to spend time visiting new towns and state parks. Regular life often prevents me but I do make the effort. But still the idea of going somewhere completely foreign, being lost in a city, meting new people is making me crazy.
Newest travel obsessions (also known as my travel agenda):
1. Pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela
The idea of walking/hiking around Spain and France along this beautiful pilgrimage route just sounds magical, hard and amazing. Sign me up! (I’m pretty much willing to walk/hike/bike the majority of European countryside. Flexible on the which country.)
2. Crete
I don’t know what it is specifically that intrigues me about Crete. The history? The food? That it’s an island?
3. Croatia
I hear such beautiful things about Croatia. I know tourism is only in the early stages there which makes it even more appealing.
4. Big Bend
Supposed to be one of the best places in the US to see the stars. Also, I really need one travel destination that I may actually get to.
Oh, employment. You provide me with money but you are clearly working with life to keep me traveling! Just you wait. It won’t be long til I break free!
Here’s a picture of part of the route for the pilgrimage so you can feel the way I feel. Sorry.
I’m ready to go!
Seeking Misadventure 