Valpo Voyager

Student Stories from Around the World

Author: derekschnake (page 2 of 2)

The Hourglass

Approaching five weeks, I already feel as though I’m running out of time. The calendar suddenly feels much smaller when you think in terms of weekends rather than days or weeks. It then gets even smaller when measured against the ambitiously naïve list of destinations compiled at the outset of this adventure.

Where the heart leads, the wallet stubbornly remains. The dollar sign—or pound sign rather—looms hauntingly in the backdrop of every travel scheme. Energy, the only currency that matters, can be hard to find if one doesn’t know where to look. The fabled virtue of patience also seems to depreciate these days, while fear of the steadfast hourglass slowly grows with each grain of falling sand. If I’m not careful stress will soon settle in, and much like sand, stress will find its way into every crack of the human consciousness.

But I do feel my priorities shifting. I feel resigned to the unshakable truth that I will not see everything I want to see or visit every destination I wish to visit. The only comfort I get is from my own fervor to make every second count and confidence that I will be back. After all, there is not much else I can do.

I think that once the end of the semester arrives, everyone will have the initial conviction to come back and experience what they missed. The challenge is to not allow that conviction to pass into nostalgic regret—a veritable list of things “I should’ve done.” Ultimately, if one makes the most of every opportunity, then there is nothing more anyone can do.

Sunset over the Thames.

Climbing Scotland

Facing oblivion, you learn a lot about yourself. You don’t want to trust yourself; you need someone better than yourself. But with no ropes, no harness and no stretch in your jeans, there’s not much there but you.

There I was, fifty-ish feet up with the Scottish air breezing in off the North Sea. I found a convenient spot to wedge my knee, rest my hips and look out. Before me I saw sparkling waters and a stampede in the stratosphere. I soaked it all in and was soon ready to move on.

Looking upward, all I could see was beach grass and soil. Bad news. The vegetation made it hard to find good hand holds, and it was safe to assume that the rock wasn’t safe; plant roots break up rocks, making it brittle. With a heavy sight I looked down, all fifty feet of rock face. Suddenly I remembered a famous mountaineering quote:

“The summit is optional. The descent is mandatory.”

Mob Mentality: Lessons from traveling in a large group

For a total sixteen people, moving as a cohesive group can be a challenge, not only for us but also the innocent bystanders that cross our path. We made the journey from O’hare to Heathrow smoothly and without complication; it seemed that we were good at this.

But as the hours ticked away, the rush of events took a toll on us. Jet lagged and irritated, group travel began to wear on us culminating in a bus-stop quarrel that left us fragmented for the night.

To help cope and possibly eliminate the stresses of group travel, here are the lessons I’ve learned thus far.

Identify Trip Goals

The group needs to be conscious of each individual’s goals. One person wants to see the London Tower and another wants to see Buckingham Palace. Making these goals clear before the trip starts gives clarity and shape to the trips itinerary. These goals don’t always have to be “sights” either; my roommate Andrew and I were intent on trying Scottish haggis while we were in Edinburgh. A cohesive set of goals for a trip can also help identify places where the group may need to split up and go separate ways for a couple hours.

Don’t take things personally

Especially in the planning stages – booking hostels, reserving train seats, deciding departure times – voices will be raised and conversation may cross into argument. Always be ready to take a breathe and shake it all off. Remember, if a fellow traveler says, “I’m not that interested in seeing that,” he or she is certainly not saying, “I think you’re idea is just plain stupid.” It’s okay to split up to see and do different things.

Know when (and when not) to compromise

Compromise can be a cliche topic, but it is still important to mention. At the risk of sounding crass, when traveling I think compromise should be of strategic value to you. Be ready to bargain and haggle – to give a little and to stand your ground when it matters.

Be prepared to go it alone

Traveling alone does carry some risk, but it should never be ruled out. With a sharp and observant mind, traveling alone can be an liberating and enlightening experience – all the while still being safe. Anecdotally, I think the world is a much safer place than we’re typically led to believe.

***

Traveling in groups can be stressful, but never forget that it can just as rewarding. Be prepared to work and your trip shall be a success!

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