Why do I Go Abroad?

---

Why do I go abroad?

My answer to this loaded question comes down to three basic reasons:

1. Getting away from it all: So many people get stuck in the grind of going to work or school and sometimes lose track of what it means to truly 'live'. Today's society focuses too much on going to school, getting a job, and paying the bills. For me, I wanted to get away from it all and really explore what else is out there in the world before I came to a point in my life where it wasn't possible for me to drop everything and leave. Whenever I talk to people about my experiences studying abroad in Australia and working abroad in Thailand, more times than not they tell me that they wish they would have traveled before they got tied down with life. I've had numerous people say they live vicariously through me...that's a compliment that'll never get old! When I'm older, I want to look back on my life and smile and be able to make a huge list of places I've been, friend's I've made from all over the world, and the crazy stories that I possess in both pictures and memory. The thrill travelers get from waking up and not knowing what they will do that day or where they will end up, is priceless.

2. Cultural acceptance and personal awareness: This is probably the biggest reason I go abroad. Learning firsthand what it's like to be a minority is one of the most important experiences I've ever had in my life. Being a Caucasian in Thailand, I stick out like a sore thumb. In some ways it’s great, for example, I'm called "beautiful" more times in one day there than my entire life back home in America. In some ways, it’s frustrating and challenging. Being stared at constantly can get old pretty quick (especially on a bad hair day). One of the biggest challenges I've had to face is knowing that I’m being charged exceptionally more on any given item that I buy than a native person. This has only made me stronger in fighting back if I feel taken advantage of. When you first arrive to a new country and culture, the way people act/live seems strange to you. But after a few weeks, you start to realize why they do certain things...it is then that you can truly appreciate their way of living and start to analyze your own. All of the challenges and frustrations I've had to face being in a completely different culture with a strange language have only made me a stronger, more honest and laid back individual. Most importantly, however, it's made me appreciate where I come from, a perspective not many people are fortunate enough to have.

3. Oh sweet memories: I've witnessed a slaughtering of a pig, from it squealing as it gets tied down to its digestion in my stomach...how many people can say that? I've bungee jumped off the 2nd highest bungee in the world, ridden and swam with elephants, seen some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, and made friends from at least 20 different countries. These memories, amongst 1000's of others, are something that I will have with me for the rest of my life. They fill conversations, advise future travelers who reach out to me with questions, and connect me with hundreds of people from around the world. These memories act as an inspiration to myself and others that if you have a dream, you can accomplish it; that if you ever think your life is horrible, there are billions of others whose lives are 10x worse; that if you're ever stuck wondering if the grass is greener on the other side, go find out!

Why do I Go Abroad? I go abroad to not only improve my understanding of myself and others, but to inspire and motivate people who believe seeing the world is not possible and to help those who may need that little extra push to get out there.

---

Comments

[masako]

Hello Genna. I enjoyed your post and pictures. What kind of photo edit soft do you use? Your technique is interesting. If you want to continue your travel, your adventure to find what you are and who you are, why do not you invest in Bangkok? There are many reasons to invest in Bangkok. Please check our site and get extra money to continue your travel by investing in Bangkok. http://www.bangkokfinder.com/ Thank you.