Learning in the biggest classroom

Travel is the best way to learn about the foreign countries, their people and cultures. Well, culture is a huge word. And if you have a good portion of curiosity you will try the different cuisine in every country. Even the different regions within offer an entirely different variation of food. I enjoy it when I have food all around me. And I am sure you will have joy in it, too.

Language is imho also a part of the culture. And when it comes to expressing yourself, English will be enough for you in most parts of the world. But you will reach limits like in countries or regions where people speak only the native language. And this I encountered in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia so far. Whereas Malaysia and Singapore have English as a mandatory language at school.

But there is another important meaning for me learning the language of a country. Once you say thank youin the local language, you will see people smile. It shows that you care about the local culture, it shows at least respect towards the local people. Try and you will be enchanted through smiles and people will accept you easier as a friend instead of being solely a foreigner.

I love traveling to remote places. I couldn’t live only in cities. And frankly, if I were the world’s president (haha I would definitely send people backpacking out into the world. Visiting exotic mountains, forests and lakes will make you understand the beauty as well as the issues of this planet such as air pollution and climate changes.

You will realise the indisputable grand majesty of mother nature. I swam in several natural jungle pools, learned how a lot about rain and clouds and how climate in general functions.

I highly recommend to step out of your comfort zone and explore our planet.

I guess every traditional classroom teaches you history. But believe me, this is nothing compared to visiting those places in person. I met a Chinese traveller in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He told me that he went to all historic landmarks and museums of a city and country. And this made him better understand the culture, through learning about the conflicts and the development of a nation.

And books as a form of media may not always give all aspects of an historical event. Travelling thus gives you a better insight into the local thoughts and concerns.

Travelling will give you so much back once you step out your comfort zone. You will encounter new situations due to new culture and life circumstances.

You learn about what really matters for you. Your own priorities, your focus, your life destination. And traveling longterm will even give you your own answer on the meaning of life. Of your own life.

You learn to be independent. Depending in what social environment you grew up this can be be a huge experience, emotionally and intellectually.

You learn that life is about choices. Blaming others or happenings doesn’t bring you to higher levels in life. Self-Development is a constant progress. And so, travelling will open your mind and will show you the true yourself.

Accepting your past, learning from it and using your knowledge and skills to improve your life is definitely not a bad option compared to not travelling and staying in a limited, not developing mind.