he Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu once said, “A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.”
Clearly, the man was never in charge of family vacations.
Traveling — an everyday act of magic that leaves you in a totally different place — seems as much America’s birthright as cowboy hats and deep-fried Twinkies. What’s more iconic than Route 66, more anticipated than your senior trip, and — very possibly — the most life-changing experience you’ll ever have?
(Ahem. Besides the WVU football season.)
A poll of Fairmont Senior students yielded surprisingly uniform results. In fact, no one used a word less enthusiastic than “enjoy.” Aaron Pilkington, the lone naysayer, described it as “one of the seven levels of hell” — before adding “But really, I love traveling.”
So what’s the draw?
Obviously, the anticipation of fun helps. The Magic Kingdom alone drew 17 million visitors last year, the number one vacation spot worldwide. Furthermore, the Travel Industry Association helpfully tells us that one in ten people choose a beach when planning their vacation, while camping remains at the top of outdoor trip activities. Just try to count the number of friends you have who’ve abstained from all three destinations, and you’ll realize their ubiquity.
Interestingly, none of Fairmont Senior’s poll responders cited ‘fun’ as a reason for traveling — in fact, no one even specified a destination. Could it be that we travel less “to” a place than “for” it?
“I love to travel and visit new places,” Kathryn Shields said. “Travel allows me to see that, though we speak differently, enjoy different things, and call different places home, we all have a lot in common.” That’s not the typical tourist experience, but she’s not the typical tourist; instead of seeing the sights of a landmark location, she prefers to “learn about the history and culture of each new place.” That’s great and all, but — considering that the world contains so many theme parks and so little time — isn’t it kind of preposterous?
Apparently, not so much. Further questioning of Fairmont Senior’s finest led to a consensus, a near-mythical event seen only during East-West week and the last day of school: Travel is, all said, an eye-opener.
“You gain so much more knowledge of other places with first-hand experience than you would from just reading a book,” Josh Singleton said. “Books may give us knowledge about a place, but it can’t give us the depth of the experience.” Perhaps seeing, despite all arguments to the contrary, really is believing. Keep in mind, the best-selling books about places tend not to be travelogues but guidebooks — a peculiar branch of writing that leaves all the details up to your own making.
That’s not to say that it’s all cake, of course. Very few respondents said they tolerated travel time, much less liked it. “Even though I love new places and friends, I hate the getting there,” Leah Nestor said, citing a childhood tendency towards travel sickness. Nausea due to motion — a different bird, but still frequent — is especially common among people who are focusing on something other than the beautiful scenery outside the car. That is, if you’re reading, looking through your iPod, or trying to find the next turnoff on the map (good luck!), you’re vulnerable.
There’s only one problem: Traveling can be kind of, well, boring.
“I don’t like traveling because my legs get all sore and cramped from sitting for so long,” Matt Yost said. Similarly, Johnny Leon enjoys seeing new parts of the world ... except for “long car rides with my family, especially the younger siblings.” It would seem that, as much as we love seeing new places and learning new things, getting to New-And-Excitingland is tolerable at best. Beautiful though the landscape may be, it gets boringly beautiful after, say, three hours or so.
Michael Lyden disagrees. “My favorite part of traveling is not arriving at my destination, but the journey there,” he says. “I love observing the landscape as it passes by my window, noticing both the familiar features and new sights.” And, Danielle Price said, it’s worth it — “Traveling allows people to experience life beyond their hometown.” Whatever your stance on transportation, its returns are amazing.
This summer, reconsider your strict stay-at-home policy in favor of going someplace new. Challenge your dislike of trains, planes, and automobiles; they’re just part of the journey. After all, as Lao Tzu said, traveling is all about the experience.
Cold Pizza
Related Photos
-
Submitted Photo
June 17, 2008
Hit the road, Jack
The traveler' manifesto
- Cold Pizza
-
-
Commanding the field
How many can distinctively conduct the “The Star-Spangled Banner” in ¾ time using the appropriate cut-offs and the upbeat introductions? How many can direct a band marching backward and keeping time to the parade style songs? These are only the tryouts, while in reality the job of field commander entitles much more.
-
To hear music, just press ‘play’
Can you imagine living a day without music? Or having a month without your iPod or mp3 player? Just think of how the world would be if you were not able to hear your favorite song echo through a speaker. Well, the way that music players have branched out over the years, there are no worries for not having music by your side for generations to come.
-
A night to remember
The night was just like any other dance we seniors had attended. North Marion’s Prom of 2009 hit it off from the start. Students danced to songs including “Just Dance”, by Lady Gaga and “When You Say Nothing at All.”
-
A musical journey
On April 23, East Fairmont High School’s Elizabethans and My Fair Ladies began their eight-hour journey to Williamsburg, Va.
-
A new outlook
When you think of the city of Fairmont, what is the first thing that comes to mind?
Perhaps it’s the courthouse — nestled in the heart of downtown, a depiction of regal architecture that is a symbol of our city’s history. Or maybe you think of the “Million Dollar” bridge that connects east and west side; an optimistic landscape which is a more recent addition to Marion County. Then again, you may picture a site that is connected to your own personal memories. -
Making it worthwhile
During the spring and the fall, a very important event happens to a selected group at Fairmont Senior High School. This event is the inductions of the National Honor Society.
-
Cell phone nation
Are cell phones taking over the nation?
Is it just me or does it appear that everywhere you turn someone is using a cell phone? -
In praise of the humble elective
With an economy that can at best be described as “chilly,” it makes sense that Americans are turning more and more to the majors and careers that seem like sure things. Why get a degree in medicine? Well, you could be a doctor. Interested in advertisements? Have you considered going into ... advertisement?
-
Bittersweet new beginnings
Now that spring has finally arrived, students in their senior years have one main goal — get to graduation!
It has been a long 13 years of report cards, field trips, dances, sporting events, friendships, and yes, even some fighting. -
Free Spirit Conference ’09
It’s your special perfect day and a thunderstorm starts to move in, causing all the banners, balloons, the perfect hair, etc. to become distorted.
After this treacherous day do you pack your bags and give up? - More Cold Pizza Headlines
-
