I used to mistake traveling for leisure, believing that going abroad was simply an intensely exhilarating expedition. However, I learned otherwise last summer during a six-week home stay in Germany.
Upon receiving my letter of acceptance, I began carelessly imagining the fun of living in a quaint German town. As my wild imaginations grew in size, so did expectations of an adventurous six weeks. However, upon arriving in the small village of Hammersbach, my initial excitement faded as I realized that frivolously enjoying myself was highly idealistic. My host family was sweet, but language and cultural differences made communication difficult. German was a charming language, yet it was only esoteric babble I longed to understand. Though the bucolic beauty of the German countryside intrigued me at first, I soon became restless for a more exciting urban environment. My naïve expectations collided with the realities of language and cultural difficulties, and soon I became hopelessly uninspired.
What I imagined to be a fast-paced six week vacation soon stretched into endless, humdrum days. After all, there was only so much to sightsee and shop before settling into the lazy summer routine. While struggling to remain positive, I realized that it was not others' responsibility to keep me happy, but my own to adapt to an unfamiliar environment. The purpose of this home stay program was not so much to be entertained by the new recreational activities Germany had to offer than to understand the more profound cultural details of a German lifestyle tourists rarely touched. I had made the childish mistake of expecting cultural exchange to be a leisurely vacation. After acknowledging my faults, I took the initiative. On uneventful days, I encourage myself to cook American cuisine for my family and learn German. I took a walk outside every evening to free myself from the confines of the home and to enjoy the scenery of timber-framed houses that I thought only existed movies. Whenever my host family made the occasional suggestion of going somewhere–to visit an old castle, or to participate in a local medival festival–I would eagerly agree. I spent time becoming closer with my host siblings (such as forcing my rowdy little brother into the bubble bath) and became particularly fond of my host mother, whom I would chat with–in German, or so I tried diligently–on warm evenings. Though at first I was disappointed about the lack of recreational adventures, I began to understand and appreciate more the lifetime value of more meaningful personal connections forged by honest cultural understanding. Six weeks concluded unexpectedly briefly; by the time I realized how much I actually enjoyed this German experience, I was back in America.
When I flip through the photos of my host family and fields of Hammersbach, a strong wave of nostagia sweeps through my body. I terribly want to repeat the experience once again, because despite the obstacles I encountered in Germany, traveling abroad continues to fill me with burgeoning thrill. I may have matured as an international voyager, but the child-like eagerness for adventure still burns brilliantly inside me. However, Germany taught me that traveling abroad is more about discovering than indulging. When I prepare myself for another journey, I will do so through the worldly eyes I have acquired from this experience.
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Grt place to visit.. This place is located after entering the Ranthambore National Park.. However, to visit this place u can evn get your own vehicle…
John, glad you liked the story. This park is in Ohio where the weather can be unpredictable! It’s warmest between late April and November, but even April has the risk of some snow. If you’re camping with kids, the safest bet is June to August, because it’s warmer and there’s little rain. Enjoy your trip.
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It’s truly magical being there. I love the art this country offers. Their wall arts and crafts are just lovely.
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The history of Cuhahoga valley national park seems interesting and must be a new experience when we observe scenes of National park from their scenic campgrounds.
which season do you think is the best time to visit this national park?
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Wow, what a nice article. Makes you feel like you should pack up and go immediately. It seems Linblad runs a good operation and trips are kid friendly. Is there a list of particular dates that are family friendly or are there kid activities year round on board the boats. Any other advice on travling with kids to Ecuador and Galapagos would be really welcome.
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Hello Michael, glad to hear your family is interested in a dude ranch holiday.
Since your kids are older and, hopefully, everyone in the family rides, you have lots of options. The Dude Ranchers Association is a really helpful resource in sorting through the many types of ranch vacations. For example, you can go here: https://duderanch.org/by-activity-amenity and search for ‘Advanced Rides’ and “Cattle Drives’ and that would get you some real working ranches that would have more of the lifestyle you seem to be looking for. One of our authors recommends the Hideout in Shell, Wyoming for this type of trip.
Looking for a real ranch experience with horseback riding (lots of it) and time in the open air with my son (15) and daughter (12) and my wife (49). I am 62. We live in NJ, my children have been sheltered but I grew up in a small coal mining town in Pennsylvania. I want my children to see another side of life.
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Of course, you can do travel freely and easily through these two countries yourself, but I enjoyed having the trip curated for me, including well-chosen local guides, comfortable transportation on call and some superb private tours, such as a Khmer cooking class or historic walking tour of Saigon, with flexibility in the itinerary for our group of five to follow their own paths, such as making an emotional detour to the moving Genocide Museum housed in the old S-21 jail in Phnom Penh.
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For Richard re: dual citizenship US-Nicaragua… can I use the same to travel back to Nicaragua with the same Power of Attorney (Specific to Minors) since wife is staying back in Nicaragua to keep eyes on the house.
Hi Richard, In our travel experience, this type of document should work well for your travels, but if your wife is available, it can’t hurt to download the sample forms we have online and also have her fill out and notarize one for your trip with your child. The agency responsible in your case will be the carrier — we assume an airline — and if they can make a note in your travel record that they have approved the Nicaraguan documents you should be fine on both departing and entering.
Safe Travels!
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very informative article Travel forums provide first hand experience and advice to travelers and are a great source of information and travel tips.
As a signal parent, your life, world, actions are based on your childs well fair. Not your happiness or anything that has to do with you.
It should list where they are going, the dates that they are allowed to go and grant your permission for that trip. You want to include your address and phone number and probably the contact info for the adult traveling as well.
The grand archways and the paintings of Lord Krishna and his cows are a visual treat. Wander through areas opened for tourists and you shall witness the impressive aura and architecture of the Royal state of Rajasthan.
Thanks for Sharing
Hello guys my wife and I have dual citizenship US-Nicaragua, I’m planning to travel to the US with our son also dual citizenship for 3 weeks, with a Power of Attorney (Specific to Minors) from Nicaragua, can I use the same to travel back to Nicaragua with the same Power of Attorney (Specific to Minors) since wife is staying back in Nicaragua to keep eyes on the house.
Congratulations to the winners! A question to all the professional travelers here, how are you planning the route ant the places to see while visiting a new country? As for me I just google the most touristic and popular places. It works mostly, but there were a few times when I realized that I have seen only some the places this country or city is famous for, and that’s sad. On my last trip to Armenia, I decided to take a tour and it was quite productive. It’s much more informative when somebody is telling you history and some interesting facts. If someone wants to save their time – make sure to ask them to help if you’ll ever be there.
Curitiba é uma lugar lindo, além de ser considerada uma das melhores cidades para se morar em Brasil.
Realmente a muito o que conhecer por lá, como também diversas outras belezas do nosso brasil.
Principalmente as praias do Brasil que são muito procurada por inúmeros turistas internacionais e nacionais.
As Praias do Litoral Paulista, divididos entre Praias do Litoral Norte e Litoral Sul.
As mais conhecidas são as Praias de Ubatuba com mais de 100 belas praias no litoral norte paulista.
Já no litoral sul, a região mais procurada são as Praias de Guarujá, a região conta com 23 praias de pura beleza e preservação ambiental.
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Was an honour and pleasure to host you both in the Maori Whakata/Welcome to Wanaka. Welcome back anytime to this wonderful part of the world.
Kia Kaha/Stay strong
[http://www.wanahaka.co.nz]