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| The Himalayas, Nepal |
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| Chitwan National Park, Nepal |
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| Bhaktapur, Nepal |
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| The Himalayas, Nepal |
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| The Himalayas, Nepal |
“It is hard to be a stranger. A traveller has no power, no influence, no known identity. That is why a traveller needs optimism and heart, because without confidence travel is misery. Generally, the traveller is anonymous, ignorant, easy to deceive, at the mercy of the people he or she travels among. The traveller might be known as ‘the American’ or ‘the Foreigner’, and there is no power in that.
A traveller is often conspicuous, and consequently is vulnerable. But in my travelling, I whistled in the dark and assumed all would be well. I depended on people being civil and observing a few basic rules. I did not expect preferential treatment.”
-Paul Theroux
The Tao of Travel
I started travelling on my own six years ago, when I was 21. In all those years, and in over 60 countries, I have had only a few negative experiences with the people I’ve met along the way. I like this quote by Theroux, because I feel the same: I assume all will be well, and I try to always travel with confidence, trust, and optimism. I believe that people are inherently good, and that most people will try to help you and make your visit to their country a happy one.
What do you think? Are you a trusting traveller or do you feel wary in a new place?
4 comments
Wow what an incredible quote!!! I am WAY too trusting, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Your clothes btw are GORGEOUS!
I’m with Andi on this one! I’m way too trusting but I prefer to give people the benefit of the doubt 🙂 I’ve met so many wonderful people who are genuinely welcoming and willing to help – they vastly outnumber any bad that may be out there.
Andi – Sometimes I feel that I am way too trusting, too, but it has always worked out for me! And thanks for the compliment on the clothes, I love dressing like a total gypsy when I’m on the road…
Audrey – I agree, the good vastly outweigh the bad. It’s strange, sometimes I feel that I have more to worry about when I am at home than when I travel!
WOW