Thoughts

I love to travel. I love everything about it: seeing new places, getting away, meeting new people, eating at new restaurants, taking pictures to remember the places I have been. All of it.

A few weeks ago I made the declaration that I would like to start traveling abroad. I have only been to two countries outside of the United States, and many of you might not take me too seriously when I tell you that one is lowly Canada. The good news is that I am able to say that my experience in Canada is not limited to driving an hour south and heading into Windsor, nor is it to any attempts to reduce driving time between Michigan and the Northeastern US.

My other trip was to England for a 10 day trip with my family when I was about 15 years old. While we were able to stay very busy and cover much ground in the time I was there I would still like to go back. There were a few things specifically I would like the opportunity to see that were not feasible due to time constraints on the first trip, and many other things I am sure I do not even know about.

In my adventures abroad I would like to start with a return trip to London before I hit mainland Europe. For the most part, other places do not excite me as much as Europe. The exception is that I would truly love to visit Australia and New Zealand.

I have not reconsidered in the fact that I no longer desire to travel to these places, but rather in the timeframe I follow to get me there. While before I wanted to begin saving money for my first trip to Europe (hopefully) in 2007, I believe now I would prefer to push that back.

I know this will sound horribly boring to most of you, but that which I have chosen as having higher priority than Europe is right here at home. I want to travel to other cities in other states that I have never visited. Ultimately I would like to be able to say that I have been to all 50 states, but that is secondary to my goal to see more places.

I actually proposed this very idea to at least one of my friends from college. Since a handful of use scattered when handed our diplomas, reunion now requires travel. Rather than meeting in Philadelphia year after year, I suggested that we pick a new city each year. This would accomplish many things in my mind. No one would feel slighted because they have to pay travel expenses since everyone has to pay them. In other words, the people who did not move out of Philadelphia after graduation have to buy a plane ticket, too. We all have the opportunity to visit someplace we have never been. As years go by the chances of us finding a city where no one has been yet we all want to visit will dwindle, but that is perfectly acceptable. And, if anyone is concerned at all, you may leave any inhibitions you may have about your reputation in a local environment at home. We will all be away from that and able to enjoy ourselves relatively freely. I know my reasons do not sound like much, but I also do not think they need to BE much.

Though I tell you of my proposed idea to make these periodic trips, I do not take credit for the travel as it has come up. My friends from college have been able to travel to various parts of the country for different events, thus serving as a veritable reunion. For example they were together this past weekend in Austin, Texas following the Villanova University men's basketball team. The truth of the situation is consistent with the idea that I had proposed way back when. The problem is that while it was an idea well received and even in practice to a large extent, I have not been able to enjoy it. Constraints placed on my time (work and school) have kept me from making the trips.

As I know my schedule remains busy, I need to plan my trips when I am able. I have never really sat down and made a list of the cities I want to see period, let alone in any particular order. I think it is better this way anyhow; I am freer to decide based upon mood, seasonality and the fluctuating cost of plane fare.

I guess it would be nice to find someone to come along. I would prefer it that way, actually. I am looking forward to it already. Europe can wait. After all, it is not going anywhere. So do not be surprised if I call you and ask you to meet me in Seattle, Washington.