It is the time of year for frantic last minute shopping, frenzied travel plans to meet relatives and weight gain from holiday food overdose. It is also a time for reflection on the previous year, relishing great memories and setting New Years resolutions. In the travel blogosphere this time of year lends itself to best of and favorites lists, which we created our fair share of. In reflection the number one thing that this year has brought me is perspective.
It’s not often in my pre-travel life that I had an entire year to contemplate my place in the world and to see things with new eyes from a completely different perspective. One of the most fascinating “outsiders” view I got in 2011 was from the local media. Not only did I learn about the places we were in and would be going to through the news, but I learned about the U.S. and how it is viewed from other countries, which has been fascinating. I have taken particular interest in some of my favorite travel destinations that have graced the headlines, unfortunately not always positively, in the last year.
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Getting a glimpse into North Korea before Kim Jong Il died was a highlight of 2011
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Just recently the death of the much talked about North Korean leader Kim Jong Il made headlines all around the world. In my previous life this would have been just another news story, another leader that met his end, but now I have been to this country and I have seen how important he was to the North Korean people. This is not to say that he was a fair and noble leader, but one that will be missed by his citizens. I also have to admit, his passing made me realize how lucky we were to be able to visit as it is anyone’s guess how travel restrictions may change under his son.
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The beautiful temples of Myanmar are a must see with or without U.S. sanctions
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Another headline that would have likely not even raised an eyebrow for me previously was U.S. Secretary of State Clinton’s visit to Myanmar. Obama sent Clinton to visit the country in December to explore “what the United States can do to support progress on political reform, individual rights and national reconciliation.” I felt as if it was a victory for me and I don’t even live in Myanmar, but the connections I made while I was there with the wonderful people made me excited about the U.S. support. Sure it’s just baby steps, but it could open the country for more people to experience what was on of my favorite travel destinations of 2011.
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In the busy streets of Tokyo it seems like business as usual just months after the Tsunami.
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A story that would have captivated my attention regardless of if I was traveling or not was the devastation caused by the tsunami in Japan. While the disaster lowered the costs of flights to this incredible country, making it a surprise stop, we were deeply saddened by the tragedy. Just yesterday, the National Post reported debris washing up on the shores of British Columbia. This and much of the news that I have become keenly aware of in the last year reinforces my belief in how small the world really is.
Much of what happens or what we do in one part of the world greatly affects people and politics on the other side of the world. Sometimes the evidence of these effects aren’t as obvious as cars washing ashore in Canada from a tsunami in Japan, but they are just as devastating. While I have only highlighted news from North Korea, Myanmar and Japan there are so many more stories that deserve our attention world wide and I encourage you whether you are traveling or at home to pay attention to what is happening in the world and be open to new perspectives.
Tags: learning, locavorista, perspective, travel
About the Author
LOCAVORista: is a curious adventurer exploring the culinary delights and local traditions of people and places around the world. Currently on a multi-year expedition across Asia and Oceania with my husband, thinkCHUA, we are exploring the places to go, things to eat and offerings off the beaten tourist track, while working to give back when possible.
Comments
Dec 25, 2011
Even experiencing history/current events “secondhand” through your eyes has made our lives much richer and more insightful……your blogs and photos this past year have given us increased perspective and views on places we will probably never visit…….Merry Christmas!…..love you Dad
Dec 27, 2011
Dad, never say never…glad that you have enjoyed our perspective this past year. We had fun expanding our horizons and getting a fresh perspective. Looking forward to more new views of the world in 2012.