Why we travel

There are so many reasons why people travel. When I first thought about traveling for this geography course I am currently taking (I know, I know, a course about traveling and planning trips...sounds cool eh?), I perhaps selfishly automatically thought of why Americans travel, but later I realized that a major influence determining why people travel is their culture. For example, in many middle eastern countries religion is a major factor influencing not only why but also where people travel. While working on assignments in the class I realized that I like to visit basilicas and cathedrals. One obvious reason for this is because I admire the architecture of these buildings, but another, more hidden reason for this is because of my religious upbringing. When I visit a church a sense of peace comes over me. Ultimately, by examining my own reasons for traveling (some didn’t reveal themselves until the final assignment) I discovered why all people love to travel. I love to travel because I like to escape my normal, everyday environment. It can be a spiritual or enlightening experience for me. There are three kinds of tourism I like and participate regularly in: environmental tourism, historical tourism, and cultural tourism. My favorite environmental activity is hiking. This doesn’t have to be in the wilderness- this is something that can be done in my neighborhood park in Omaha. I know you are discouraging historical tourism discussion for this course since it’s a geography course, but I do enjoy learning about glories of the past in museums and historic sites. I believe cultural tourism is something that is so easy to enjoy living in the United States. For example, when I went to New York City four years ago I really enjoyed walking through so many kinds of neighborhoods- it was like a sampler of the world. In conclusion, I now realize that the reasons why I like to travel are just a small piece of the pie when compared to all the other reasons why everyone likes to travel. “To discover oneself-” although it’s a catchphrase, it does sum up why we travel. We live our lives searching for meaning and purpose, and I think part of the journey in finding that meaning and purpose involves taking an actual journey somewhere away from home. We are always searching and wanting more. It just makes sense to actually go out there in the world to try and find it.

By the way, here is the page for a trip I planned to Quebec in the class.

300 pounds

I recently bench pressed over 300 pounds for the first time in my life. What's funny is what first motivated me to reach that milestone.
About 6 years ago, someone told me that they heard Tiger Woods could bench 300 pounds. I was in disbelief. There was no way Tiger Woods, of all people, could lift that much. He certainly didn't look like he could. So I decided if he could do it, then I could. So finally, six years later, I am able to, and you know what? I believe Tiger could lift that much. Surely it helps his distance shots.

In other news, Shannon is back now and I couldn't be more happier with her. It's like we just started dating again. I can't wait to see her when I get home from work.

Also, the Royals still suck. And we're seeing Sigur Ros tonight! :) And our computer died :(