Late last night I was watching television (actually I was barely paying attention) when suddenly a very quiet, beautiful commercial came on. I was completely captivated by the words written across the photographs on the screen. The statements and questions were all about traveling - about journeys, and what they mean. It turned out to be a really clever ad for Louis Vuitton, specifically for their line of luggage. But the words...
"Does the person create the journey - or does the journey create the person?"
That question speaks directly to the heart and soul of every traveler I've ever known. And I use the word traveler deliberately, as opposed to tourist. The travelers go to explore, and learn, and immerse themselves in the culture, the people, the times. The tourist goes to see the sites. As Seinfeld would say, "not that there's anything wrong with that," but they are two different breeds.
I love to travel. As those of you know who are already familiar with Bella Figura USA, the company was begun as a creative outlet for that passion. So I've always been interested in how our travels affect our lives, shape who we are, what we believe in, what we hold dear and what we view as inconsequential.
I don't know anyone who has traveled extensively in different regions of the world, who doesn't develop an affinity and appreciation for the particular culture. Obviously you might not agree with everything, or think that their "ways" are better than ours; but the more you know about them, the more you understand and can relate to them.
You frequently hear that the world is small - and becoming smaller everyday. I can attest to that. How else do you explain meeting a couple on the way to the airport in Istanbul, and finding out that you live less than five minutes from each other at home? Or attending a party halfway across the world, and discovering that the host, while living in Bangkok, knew and worked with a gentleman you knew as your college roommate's father! I LOVE these kinds of encounters.
I'm leaving for Egypt in a couple months, and besides looking forward to the bazaars and all the fabulous handicrafts I'll be buying for the business; I can hardly wait to see how this journey changes me, expands my view of the world.
So here's to all the travelers - who delight in the adventure of discovery - whose spirits are constantly being energized and enlightened by their journeys!
And if you've been to Egypt, write or call and tell me all about your favorite things, places, experiences, etc.
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