So many times the fascination with “over there” consumes people. I’ve seen it over and over. I sat in a university classroom in Innsbruck, Austria listening to my daughter give a presentation in German about the American West and its portrayal in film. Her professor told me after class, that students there are fascinated with John Wayne and Dancing with Wolves and cowboys and indians and the whole mystique of the American West.
“Don’t apologize for the comments you made to them after class (albeit in English to a German speaking classroom), she graciously said, “they love to hear your American accent.”
I’ll never forget checking into a quaint hotel in one of the little villages of Cinque Terre, Italy. While I was so excited to be on the Italian Riviera, I couldn’t help but notice the wide poster behind the bellhop’s desk that featured snow-capped mountain peaks with the word C-O-L-O-R-A-D-O, sprawled across the bottom. Here I was so excited to be in a new and exotic place and in the same moment realized that where I’d just come from was new and far-away exotic to them.
When I rode from Munich on a shuttle, I was awestruck at my first glimpse of the Alps. ”Oh, but no,” said the Austrian couple sitting next to me, “It’s the Rockies that are spectacular. Ahhh – you live near the Rockies. They’re so old and majestic.” Are they older, geologically speaking? I didn’t know this.
I thought the river that meanders through San Antonio, TX, was so pretty and the riverwalk so enticing. When I asked our waitress what the name of the river was, she shrugged like she could have cared less. She didn’t know. She’d never wondered. It was, after all, in her backyard.
I love to travel. I enjoy little more than seeing the world. I appreciate the culture and the beauty. But one of the best parts of travel, for me, is also coming back home. I really “see” my home for what it is, and how it is unique in its own way, because of the places I’ve been.
So, yes, it’s Earth Day today, and what I’m trying to convey is that the earth is full of beauty. Wherever you are. Wherever your home may be. Notice it. See it with new eyes like a traveler would. Notice the rivers and the mountains; the snow and the rain, the ocean and the trees. Appreciate the plains and the grasses. Revel in its simplicity or its complexity. Notice the birds and the bumble bees; the small children. Smell the rain and feel the wind. Wherever your little spot on earth is – don’t apologize for it. Really see it – and be grateful instead.
OH how I love this post, Barb! I have not traveled much but I would love to. And if I don’t, well, that’s OK too. I don’t spend too much time longing for what I don’t have, choosing instead to really appreciate today. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and Happy Earth Day to you!
Old Married Lady recently posted..Live to Ride
And to you too Lina.
Lovely post. We should, indeed, be aware of our surroundings and appreciate them. It is difficult not to in the season of renewal. Something new blooms every day and my friend, the lawn, has already called.
Haha – are you warming up those mowing muscles? It does seem the grass greens up overnight.
I love good old mother earth.I am grateful for what nature does for me,if I am having a hard day,all I have to do is just go outside and do anything outside,even sitting works for me. I find such peace in it. Great post.
I feel exactly the same. There’s not much that is as soothing in this world as nature.
Beautifully said.
I love where I live more than any place I’ve ever travelled. I’m multi-generational in this town, so maybe it’s in my blood.
misssrobin recently posted..Post-it Note Therapy
I feel the same about my home. And my parents were the first to get out as far west as Boulder, Colorado – so only 2nd generation.
One of my very favorite things to do in life is climb into the well supplied minivan and drive anywhere. I allow myself to be lured off the road by every “scenic overlook” or state park sign I come across. I can not get enough of the “local flavor” wherever “local” happens to be at that moment. (Sadly, my husband does not share this love of quirky parks and checking out views from yet another overlook….but it is growing on him!)
May recently posted..Feel Better
I love that so much too. I love a road trip. I’m glad you’re pulling, er coaxing, your husband to the dark side. Local is always interesting.
You are so right about how important it is to take the time to appreciate what is right outside your own back door! There really is so much to see and do within a few miles of just about anywhere.
Margie recently posted..A Visit to Never Never Land
I know you speak from experience – I’ve seen the beautiful photos you take, literally, from your own back door.
Your photographs are beautiful. We used to live in Zambia so I know what you mean about appreciating your home after travelling. A lovely post. – Maureen
Maureen Coyne recently posted..8 Gorgeous Nature Blogs for Earth Day
Yes – travel teaches us there really IS no place like home (and hopefully in a good way).