Episode 4 of my Fireside Talks includes the long list of countries I’m going to make an active effort to travel to.
Why travel?
I think the ability to travel is a superpower. One that you don’t just get from a stray insect bite, but by taking a leap of faith and buying that plane ticket to go somewhere unique, off the beaten path, and out of your comfort zone. Do this a few times and eventually, you’ll catch the “bug.“
For me, it started by studying abroad in Madrid, Spain for a few weeks in 2017 but was strengthened by teaching English in Peru two years later. I remember the feeling of taking a taxi from the Lima airport through Callao. My stomach dropped. Nothing looked familiar. I felt so far from home. But after a few good meals and overcoming jet lag, I became immersed in the new environment and built trust with the world (and myself) that I could go anywhere.
And I think becoming a “global citizen” is virtuous. Travel enough, and you learn regardless of ____________, there is something that connects us all. You realize cultures are often just a product of geographical location and local history. How your country “does things” is merely a function of happenstance and isn’t inherently right/wrong. And with some foresight, humility, and willingness to be vulnerable, the world will embrace you with open arms. And that feeling is priceless.
Speak it into existence
Inspired by a Lebanese friend of mine who posted a travel video showing off his home country, I drew a world map from memory and went through each continent and the countries I’d like to visit. It was a lofty process, but all things considered, I think I did my justice.
NOW, DISCLAIMERS: 1) My taste in countries is a result of my current state – a 28-year-old experimentalist, one who loves historical quirks, who emphasizes culture/religion, and who isn’t particularly seeking out comfort and luxury. 2) This was from memory and on the spot (I missed some areas). 3) This list doesn’t consider the current social-geo-political status of the area. 4) There isn’t any place I wouldn’t want to travel to.
For my full reaction, immediate thoughts, and general ideas – check out the full podcast. But now that I got to reflect (and actually look and a real map), here are my “I’m-going-to-make-an-active-effort-to-go-there” places:
The List:
North America: Vancouver/BAMF, Mexico City/Yucatan Peninsula, Puerto Rico, Cuba
South America: Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Antarctica
Africa: Morocco, Algeria*, Mali*, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania*, Ethiopia, Egypt
Europe: Portugal, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey*
Asia: Thailand, Vietnam, Nepal*, India, Japan, Mongolia
Middle East: Israel, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Iran*, Jordan, UAE
*Did not mention them in the video, but realized I missed
I name-dropped and reacted to a few dozen more countries in the video (and again, I probably wouldn’t say no to most places), but that’s my general list. I’m sure it will evolve and maybe I could be specific and think through what I’d want to do in those places (future podcast idea???).
What are your thoughts? Are you coming with me? Have I overlooked anything? Any travel tips/advice you have for me?
Thanks for reading/listening/watching, and hope you have a great day!