I have always been amazed at people and the reasons they give for not traveling to places “outside their comfort zone”.  Oh, the excuses.  Now I’m forced to ask this of myself.  I’m staring down the barrel of a trip to Asia and I don’t wanna go,  I’ve looked at this rationally;  Great people, rich in history/culture and stunningly beautiful landscapes.  Still don’t wanna go.  It’s too “something” from here.  All that is left for me then, is to look at this through the eyes of a Philosopher.  Why do we travel, why do we take the risk, the WHY we do anything.  What is a philosopher?  For that, let’s ask Mel Brooks for his definition.

In his movie, History of the World Part I, we see Comicus, the Stand-up Philospher, in the unemployment line waiting to hopefully receive his stipend. I believe it is in the Roman Era.

Clerk:  Occupation?

Comicus:  Stand-up Philosopher

Clerk:  (Clearly surprised) What?

Comicus: Stand-up Philosopher! I coalesce the vapors of human experience into a viable and meaningful comprehension.

Clerk: Oh, a “bullsh!*” artist!

Comicus: (Grumble…)

Clerk:  Did you bullsh!* last week?

Comicus: No…

Clerk:  Did you at least “try” and bulls!* last week?

It goes on from there and ultimately Comicus gets his stipend.  He also provides a decent definition.

So apparently I need to “coalesce the vapors…etc”.

Why do I travel? Because I love it, passionately.  I am not afraid of the world but I am, apparently, afraid of Asia.  I’m not sure why.  I do know that it’s time for me to grow though.

Hunter S. Thompson said “Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow!, What a Ride!”

So to those who are afraid to travel somewhere “exotic”, I get it.  And to those fearless travelers who truly know how to “exist” and inspire, my deepest admiration.