Travelling, in a way is new to me. I remember my first holiday, Ayia Napa in Cyprus. At the age of 17. I wasn't sure what to expect. Perhaps the obvious was, Sun, Sea & Sand.
As the years went by and with the influence of books that I had read, I was very fascinated with the complexity of the European History. That in itself opened up a new world for me.
The now 31 me, a little more wiser and little more 'well travelled'. Yet, there are still many places within those countries and cities which I have not yet explored.
When visiting a place, I have an immediate sense of the people, how they live, their culture and their cuisines. Its absolutely fascinating to experience even given the short window time.
Europe and Asia has always been my top destinations for travelling, mainly because it offers so much history and you can really sense the influences from its neighbouring countries. Without having to even cross a border, you can immediately feel the influences in culture and its cuisine. And of course, the most poignant one being their beliefs, what we know it as 'Religion'.
From reading the book Empire:
How Britain Made the Modern World - I immediately, had an urge to experience and explore those countries. The route that connects all European countries together. The war torn states and the countries that are still rebuilding itself today. The influences of the Roman Empire, the Moors in Southern Spain and not to mention the influences that Britain have on the Common Wealth countries. All so tightly linked together.
These are all Harrowing aspects of the History of War itself. Though I have barely even scratched the surface and many places which deserve to be mentioned here. North & South America. Africa, Australia, India and Southern Parts of the Middle and Far East.
The indifference of culture from that back at home, the local cuisine and a different way of living that inspires us, opening our eyes to new experiences. Though in contrast, reflecting the life I have in London, the huge opportunities that also bring along with an Capitalistic Country, the possibilities that we are capable of achieving, in some ways, taken granted for. The right to Vote, access to health care and even Human Resources, which in some of these countries are very limited to.
We need the truth, we need to travel, experience and see for ourselves what the world holds for us and what culture has given us and what is yet still to be discovered. The Good, the Bad, the Ugly and the Beautiful.