I had never left the country without my parents. I live minutes away from the Mexican border yet I've never crossed it. The last intercontinental voyage I embarked on was to the Philippines with my mom when I was two. But I was sixteen, and I was headed for London with my tour group of classmates and my math teacher. I was going to spend the next two weeks traveling through England, France, and Spain.
On the plane ride, all I could think about were the cities I was going to be in: London, Paris, Barcelona, and Madrid. Questions raced through my mind like jets in an air show.
â–º QUARTER FINALIST 2012 TEEN TRAVEL WRITING SCHOLARSHIP
But the most trivial was, "How different will they be from San Diego?" Veteran travelers had told me that Europe is completely different from the US, so I was expecting these foreign countries to be exactly that – foreign. Needless to say, I was appalled by how much Europe reminded me of home.
The first day in London, my tour group and I were on the "tube" when we overheard a group of English teenagers. My friends and I couldn't help but listen in on the aliens, and despite their incomprehensible accents, we were able to make out the line, "She doesn't even go here!" My friends and I were awestricken to hear the Mean Girls quote that is ubiquitous in every American high school, and that's when I realized it – all those things I was told about these "foreign" countries were false.
Realizing the sameness of these English teenagers and American teenagers helped me realize I'm no different from them. It helped me realize I was living my life inside a bubble; so ignorant of cultures other than my own. I thought that although these cultures were beautiful, the people there were almost freakish. But I realized that these cultures were neither freakish nor foreign at all. The 17-year-old bubble had finally popped. I wasn't a senior at Eastlake High anymore. I wasn't a Californian anymore. I wasn't even an American. I was simply another passenger on a subway, contributing to the bustle.
This subway ride taught me to be more accepting, regardless if things seem foreign; to not be so quick to judge. I use this skill today in the campus-renowned room 804, commonly known as "the yearbook room". To me, this is home. When I see my yearbook staff stress out on a deadline, instead of getting upset that these slackers procrastinated to write a couple paragraphs while I tirelessly created hundreds of layouts, I see things more empathetically. I'm now able to shove my anger aside and realize that sometimes I, much like them, need a kick in the butt. This London subway ride taught me that although I am their Editor-in-Chief, at the end of the day, I am, above all, their equal and we are all the same.
I still had three cities to go.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “An Amateur Wanderlust”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
you can subscribe to our twice monthly e-mail e-newsletter at this link for our Email List Serv.
https://myfamilytravels.us13.list-manage.com/subscribe/post?u=1b0a1654029b6444bf6ff3530&id=869c979acc
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I will be sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I’ll definitely return.
I will right away grab your rss as I can not find your email subscription link or newsletter service. Do you have any? Kindly let me know so that I could subscribe. Thanks.
Cruise looks exciting, this experience will be nice.
The canoe ride looks very fun and exciting. I would like to experience this.
In brief, I can’t recommend this article enough. It’s a must-view for anyone interested in topic above. Good work to the writer, you have truly outsmart yourself! Keep the good blog coming.
Hey there! I simply would like to give you a big thumbs
up for your excellent info you have got right here on this post.
I will be coming back to your site for more soon.
Great line up. We will be linking to this great article on our site. Keep up the good writing.
Pretty nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wanted to say that I have truly enjoyed browsing your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you write again very soon!
Woh I love your posts, saved to fav! .
I believe you have noted some very interesting points, thanks for the post.
Only a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw great design. “Reading well is one of the great pleasures that solitude can afford you.” by Harold Bloom.
I got what you intend, regards for posting.Woh I am happy to find this website through google. “The test and use of a man’s education is that he finds pleasure in the exercise of his mind.” by Carl Barzun.
I appreciate, cause I found just what I was looking for. You have ended my 4 day long hunt! God Bless you man. Have a nice day. Bye
One more thing. In my opinion that there are a lot of travel insurance sites of reputable companies that allow you to enter your vacation details and get you the estimates. You can also purchase the international travel cover policy on-line by using your own credit card. All you should do is to enter all your travel specifics and you can start to see the plans side-by-side. Simply find the package that suits your capacity to pay and needs after which it use your bank credit card to buy them. Travel insurance on the web is a good way to start looking for a reliable company regarding international holiday insurance. Thanks for revealing your ideas.
Some truly quality blog posts on this web site, bookmarked.
Thanks for sharing, this is a fantastic blog post.Really thank you! Much obliged.
Definitely, what a great blog and revealing posts, I definitely will bookmark your site. Best Regards!
Thanks for your travel insurance idea. I am also planning for a tour.
I think this is among the most important information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But want to remark on few general things, The site style is wonderful, the articles is really great : D. Good job, cheers
I have discovered some important matters through your blog post. One other thing I would like to state is that there are lots of games available and which are designed especially for toddler age kids. They consist of pattern recognition, colors, dogs, and styles. These commonly focus on familiarization rather than memorization. This helps to keep little ones occupied without sensing like they are studying. Thanks
It?s really a cool and useful piece of info. I?m glad that you shared this useful info with us. Please keep us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.
Spot on with this write-up, I actually think this web site wants far more consideration. I?ll most likely be again to read far more, thanks for that info.
I have been surfing online more than 3 hours these days, but I never discovered any attention-grabbing article like yours.
It’s pretty worth enough for me. Personally, if all site owners and bloggers made good content as you did, the net shall be much more useful than ever before.
Before my trip, I required all of these specifics, so I randomly looked for information about airline policies. Then I came across this helpful article containing all the necessary travel-related information. I appreciate you providing this insightful advice.
The decorations in NewYork city have always been in a full swing.
That’s an interesting experience, thanks for sharing your story
But a smiling visitant here to share the love (:, btw outstanding style and design. “Individuals may form communities, but it is institutions alone that can create a nation.” by Benjamin Disraeli.
Havve yyou ever consideed writiing ann e-book oor guest authoring on other sites?
I have a blogg based upon on the same topichs youu discuzs and
would love to have you sshare some stories/information. I know my visitors would
appreciate your work.If you’re evn remotely interested, eel free to senhd me an e mail.
Hello there! I just wish to offer you a huge thumbs up for your excellent information you have got here on this
post. I’ll be returning to your website for more soon.
Appreciate this post. Let me try it out.
Very good article! We are linking to this great article on our site.
Keep up the good writing.
Excellent content writing, congratulations you are doing great!
Thank you so much! This was very helpful. Heading out to see the inflation in a few hours!! Happy Thanksgiving!
Definitely a totally motivating content!
Very good information, thank you for sharing it, it has helped me a lot to discover and learn a little more about this topic!
Hi, I’m glad you enjoyed your Orlando vacation! I have a few suggestions on how to make the most of your trip. First, I would recommend visiting the Magic Kingdom during the holidays. The decorations are really something special and you can’t beat the Christmas atmosphere. Second, I would recommend checking out some of the holiday shows and events that Orlando has to offer. There are some great shows for all ages, and you’re sure to find something that everyone will enjoy. Finally, I would recommend taking some time to enjoy the many great restaurants Orlando has to offer. There are some great places to eat, and you’re sure to find something to your taste. I hope you have a great time on your Orlando vacation!
It’s a nice spot to stay here. I found the environment to be relaxing. Such a location sounds like a great spot to spend my holiday. I’m considering some of the choices I found on https://santafe-vacationrentals.com/. They are great options in my opinion.
Wonderful blog! This is really informative and efficient information.
Hello.This article was really motivating, especially because I was searching for thoughts on this subject last Wednesday.
One more important area is that if you are a senior, travel insurance for pensioners is something you ought to really consider. The more mature you are, greater at risk you’re for allowing something awful happen to you while abroad. If you are never covered by some comprehensive insurance policies, you could have quite a few serious issues. Thanks for expressing your ideas on this weblog.
My partner and I absoluely love your blog annd finhd thee majority of your post’s too be precissly what I’m loooking for. Woujld you offfer guest writer too write conternt for you?
I wouldn’t minmd compossing a post oor elaborating on a number of thhe subjects youu write rellated to here.
Again, awesome site!
Really nice style and design and good content, nothing else we require :
D.
Excellent post. I certainly love this site. Keep writing!
Hi i aam kavin, itss mmy first occasion too commentinbg anyplace, when i read this piecee of writng i thougyt i coulld also creatfe comment due to this sensible piece of writing.