Traveling has been a near obsession of mine since I was a child. An all -
consuming fire was ignited when I became I teenager atop the Eiffel Tower in Paris,
France. Now, an intrepid explorer, you can find me in various states or countries in one
trip: packing in rich cultural experiences, speaking with the locals in their language, and
savoring local eats.
An appreciation for differences is the subtle gem of my travels. In my recent trip to Italy and Greece, I was fortunate enough to meet and make friends with individuals from all over the world. I felt like an infant as the murmur of languages enveloped me. I learned about the unique beauty of their lands, their pride in their countries as well as their dismay in the politics of their own towns. Each shared stories of their childhoods, of their favorite beaches and cafés, and their thoughts on American culture. Each story was different but homogulous to the next. Souls brought together by a common yearning; strangers yet kin.
An appreciation for differences is the subtle gem of my travels. In my recent trip to Italy and Greece, I was fortunate enough to meet and make friends with individuals from all over the world. I felt like an infant as the murmur of languages enveloped me. I learned about the unique beauty of their lands, their pride in their countries as well as their dismay in the politics of their own towns. Each shared stories of their childhoods, of their favorite beaches and cafés, and their thoughts on American culture. Each story was different but homogulous to the next. Souls brought together by a common yearning; strangers yet kin.
Traveling reminds me of the fragile, harmonious dance of Humanity. We all create the
beautiful tapestry that is our home, each contributing to its towns, flavors, and essence. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by the abundance
of differences. I relish in the opportunity to listen to the narratives of new friends, fellow travelers, and the occasional misanthrope. It is an honor to bear witness at the junctures when their relatives graduate
from college, as a significant other receives a promotion, when they welcome new life, or
while we embrace them during a loss. I feel privileged to know their stories of courage
and survival, tales of immigration and emigration, and rebuilding life by sheer will. It is humbling to be in such energy, such Light, that I return home a changed woman. Each time.
Let us be as new explorers with fresh eyes this Season of Miracles. May we be reminded how, at the core, very little distinguishes one human from another human, an “us” from “them”, or a visitor from family. Sometimes all that bars us from accepting each other is a cultural oversight, a language barrier, or a simple difference between the Humanity that connects us all.
2014 © DNKG Beautiful Differences
Let us be as new explorers with fresh eyes this Season of Miracles. May we be reminded how, at the core, very little distinguishes one human from another human, an “us” from “them”, or a visitor from family. Sometimes all that bars us from accepting each other is a cultural oversight, a language barrier, or a simple difference between the Humanity that connects us all.
2014 © DNKG Beautiful Differences
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