Selectively Juggling

With a sense of awe, wonder and spirit. Definitely an open mind and sense of adventure. Try not to compare everything and everyone with your own country (or city), as that’s not necessarily helpful. It is important to be mindful and respectful of the country or new city’s customs, laws and cultural understandings.

It can be helpful to be more observant, as if imagining seeing and experiencing things for the first time, even if there are similarities between where you’re from and the new city/country. It’s also important to be curious, challenging yourself to explore, taste and experience the local sights and customs. More importantly doing so for the experience itself and not through a need to compare and judge.

It’s important to see beyond the shiny, sparkly touristy traps. The best way to achieve this is to do your homework before leaving home and arriving in the new country or city. It would be an absolute shame to miss out of experiencing incredibly rich moments, simply because you chose to be ignorant of the local delights, delicacies and differences. Research is necessary to ensure safety as well as extending your budget and understanding the potential pitfalls and opportunities of travel.

Travel with the knowledge that you may possess certain privileges. Travel with an understanding that you don’t need to be the loudest ones in the room, or the most visible. It’s ok to be chill, to simply vibe like a local. I recommend meeting locals, being open to learning about other people, customs and points of reference. Try not to assume- ask questions to gain the full context.

Explore artwork and nature. Explore different foods and local areas. A country/city is usually a melting pot of cultural differences and vibes. This means getting out to the less touristy areas and experiencing real culture, not just the stereotypical image sold to visitors. Peer beyond the expected, and experience the unexpected. Listen to local artists, music and performances.

Wear good walking shoes and comfortable weather appropriate clothing. I think so many of us make the mistake of completely changing our wardrobes when we travel. As if trying to be a different version of ourselves. I suggest forget that, be you – that is your authentic self. Wear your normal comfortable attire, as it’s crucial to be comfortable in your skin (unless obviously you visit places which require covering up or wearing more conservative clothing). Remember to research weather, so you pack the right gear.

Have fun, be respectful and open minded. And remember to take those memories home and scatter them throughout your normal everyday life. Oh, and remember simply visiting and tasting the crumbs of a country or city doesn’t make you an expert on its culture and meanings. You simply saw what you saw and it literally takes lifetimes to understand and know a city. Even then change is forever sculpting it into a newer version of itself.

One final word of advice – practice humility and compassion when travelling. Although, it’s a large world, it really isn’t. We are all connected by the human experience- so be a good person and understand that it’s your actions that define you. So in a world of division, diversity and upheaval- be kind.