|
VACATIONING
Sometimes it can be embarrassing being an American tourist.
While gazing out the window of a charming 19th century
Innsbruck, Austrian hotel one in our group commented “The floors
creek.” “Don’t ya have hamburgers?” was spat out by another.
Critical, demanding visitors who have no notion of adapting much
less appreciating the customs and offerings of their hosts
display haughty ignorance … typical of spoiled, narrow minded
dilatants. Too often Americans are ‘blinded’ by and oblivious to
their impediment of standards skewed by facades … the gaudy,
superficial catering to plebian ‘tastes’. The sleek, the new,
the commonplace ‘defines’ them. ‘Golden arches’ becomes their
Mecca … oblivious to the delights of the world’s more mature
variety. Fortunately food and customs from around the globe are
now more evident in American cities. The tasty fare and colorful
celebrations by our Indian, Vietnamese and Caribbean
‘transplants’ are harbingers of a more integrated, homogenized
world. Intrepid strangers are strangers no more.
Apologize for the foregoing, shrill lambaste by the author. An
old pet peeve. It appears that we are becoming more accepting of
‘differences’ … diversity. A positive thought. So … vacationing.
Europeans often refer to this as holiday … a notion of
celebrating .. of ‘embracing’. For Americans this is an
opportunity to vacate … leave the job and home … escape. A
common attitude. Drugs, partying, movies and T.V. … all a means
to leave the ‘real’ world. But this ‘time off’ from
responsibility provides opportunities for sharing and growth. So
vital in today’s world of fragmented families, generation
alienation and self first attitudes.
Parents should ‘make plans’. Nothing more important than
sustaining bonds. Hiking mountain trials, ‘boating’, visiting
exciting or culturally rewarding locales: ‘Adventures’ knit
relationships that can last a lifetime. When friends and
partners travel and discover together they are dependent on each
other; they can strive to improve their compatibility. What one
may find appealing, engrossing the other can learn to
appreciate. A great opportunity: Vacation time. Unencumbered by
labor and stress, ‘soul mates’ renew and reinvigorate
togetherness. Families ‘bind’ and share lasting memories.
Accommodations, essential when traveling, can lessen ‘frictions’
and divisiveness. If loving one another is an earnest endeavor.
So. Open your mind and heart to your companions. Delight in
mutual experiences. Sing along and laugh. Life’s precious
moments abound.
RETURN TO VACATIONING DEFINITIONS
RETURN HOME
©2007-2008 Edwin O'Shea and definingyourworld.com. All or
part of only one topic, including all definitions and essay,
may be used without written permission. Please see full
copyright notice on home page.
|