Comments on: Chasing familiarity in far-flung places

By: Sofia @ As We Travel

Sofia @ As We Travel — Thu, 17 May 2012 00:02:10 +0000

This is so true. Me and Nathan talk about this with each other often, trying to remind ourselves not to always compare everything with something similar that we’ve seen somewhere else.

Like comparing a medieval wall in Germany with one we saw in Estonia, judging which one was “better”, instead of just appreciating what you’re experiencing at the moment and leave it there.

By: Andy Jarosz

Andy Jarosz — Tue, 15 May 2012 07:25:30 +0000

Thanks for the great comments folks. Agree with Hal and Abhi that how Britain (particularly its people) are viewed by others makes for a fascinating topic. I’m probably worst placed to write this, being largely blind to these views as a long-term resident. But yes, Britain has left more than enough of a mark around the world to have created some very strong opinions – not always good.

By: Hal Peat

Hal Peat — Mon, 14 May 2012 21:26:59 +0000

This might have been better done as a series of different blogs breaking it down to how different geographic regions or geopolitical groups see Britain or react to its cultural norms. For instance, how various inhabitants of the former British empire see Britain – then I’d have a few things to say. Nice things, mind you:)

By: Mary Zabell

Mary Zabell — Sat, 12 May 2012 23:02:21 +0000

I enjoyed reading this philosophical take on travel as, having come to the travel game relatively late in life ( raising kids and raising money ) I find it to be true that most of us compare such and such to our own experiences. This is perfectly natural as we all want to be reassured that our life, our experiences and our understandings are as good as or better than those we observe in other spheres. We are inherently competitive!

By: Abhi

Abhi — Sat, 12 May 2012 20:30:26 +0000

Not exactly connected to this post, but you should read the book ‘Watching the English’ by Kate Fox – you’ll learn a lot about what people from outside feel (and why they are often puzzled) when they interact with the English!

By: Jeremy Branham

Jeremy Branham — Wed, 09 May 2012 14:40:53 +0000

You are completely right. We evaluate new places based on the context of our own experiences (of course, that is our natural instinct). However, we sometimes overlook the obvious because it is familiar. Yet the obvious may be the most striking thing right in front of us.

That’s where travel teaches us to see things through the perspective of others. We don’t always have to agree with choices or the way people do things but we get to see life through their eyes. They see things we do not and vice versa.

While many things we experience may not be new, maybe the key is learning to experience them with all 5 senses.