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Published: November 17th 2010
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Stepping forward slowly in that scrum which barely resembled a queue at gate 37, south terminal of Gatwick airport, jostling with fellow travellers for supremacy in the race to get seen to first and thus get to their seat. My mind wandered back over how I came to be here. Having never been in this situation before my mind ploughed through the check list I memorised hours before. Passport? Check. Mobile phone? Check. Lonely Planet book covering the USA. Check. Laptop? Check check! I'm a first time traveller and this is the first time.
But hold on a second. Did I call myself a traveller? But how brave am I really being? I won't be climbing up the face of Mount Everest or embarking on an expedition through the Amazon amongst the jungle and its deadly inhabitants, placing myself into danger and far outside of my personal comfort zone. I won't be immersing myself in an alien culture or basking in unknown local cuisines. Wearing my clothes more than twice before washing will be the most danger I'll see. I'm travelling through a country with a similar history, infrastructure and language as my own. Why not travel around the UK
you might think. Why see a country 1,000 miles away before really seeing your own?
The main appeal of journeying through the United States I'm sure has been glorified by Hollywood motion pictures and the over-exaggeration of their historical achievements (and failures for that matter). There is still, however, a romantic blend of diversity about the United States and it has something for everyone, and never being one to jump into the deep end without first knowing how to swim, the USA seemed like a good place to begin my own travel escapade. Which depending on the success of this trip may extend to further continents in the future.
The land has the same appeal now as it had in the 15th century when Christopher Columbus set out in search of the 'new world'. Every traveller has that same urge to discover. Whether it be to meet new people, learn new histories and cultures or unearth their true selves. Travelling can enrich lives which are otherwise overburdened with responsibility and in a financial stranglehold. To travel is to break the mould of modern society, which is to give us our place and keep us there (more or less).
So why don't more from the younger generations do it?
When I myself was working in the archetypal nine to five position, as a glorified pencil pusher (or accountant), a topic thrown around the office (and it should be said that the people involved were all quite young) was how we'd all love to give up our day jobs and travel the globe. But something always stopped us. 'Well why is that?' is the question no-one really asked or dared to answer. Whether it be financial, career-related or any other reason out of a million, the reasons were always enough to put the topic to bed with a general solemn-felt empathy.
Perhaps the real answer being that not everyone wants to be a traveller and, like a specialised career, can only be achieved (and it is an achievement) by certain talented individuals. So like a certain career, it isn't for everyone. But then why is there such hype reverberating around many other offices and universities about this travelling conundrum? That question I suppose can only be answered by those who travel, and quite significantly, those who enjoyed it and share their tales. Which is why I too am
doing this.
If I didn't realise beforehand, I certainly do now, but travelling for two or three months is no easy proposition and cannot be thrown together without good planning, an unflappable approach and some expert aid from a more experienced traveller (mine was my even older brother Michael). Like a career, worthwhile travelling experiences and memories will only come through hard work and commitment. Do not be fooled by the public opinion, that by giving up the day job to travel you are taking an easier option. That will not be the case and this undertaking should not be underestimated or considered easier. You are exchanging one set of responsibilities for a whole new set, to temporarily (or maybe in the long-term) break away from the routines and set-in-stone relationships of your life. Your motivation is the forging of new memories and everlasting wisdom, rather than the pieces of paper with the queen's face on.
I'm now on the plane after taking my seat and placing my 8kg backpack (which will be my entire life for the next few months) in the overhead compartment. I was subjected (for the first time ever I hurry to add) to
a random search before I entered the plane, although being the only sibling of three to suffer from 'the balding' which will one day blight all the Baker boys good looks, I can't say I portray the calmest of people, so I'm actually surprised I haven't been searched more often (no offence to the bald community). Perhaps also giving some explanation as to why I asked my brother Nathan to come along, to form the more composed side of our dynamic duo.
This will not be a true traveller's guide with which to take notes from, but more of an account from the independence seeking brothers on their glorified holiday. We're two brothers drifting through the United States east coast, but unlike our demon hunting counterparts, Sam and Dean Winchester (from the paranormal drama, Supernatural), we plan on staying as safe and law-abiding as possible.
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Mum and Dad
non-member comment
Hello boys, I'm back
Well done Oliver and a very good first blog, if I may say so. Enjoyed it thoroughly. I think the answer is that you can see your own country any time because you live within it steeped in your own and its history which you can partake of at any given time be it for a short time or longer period but the USA you have only been there once before when you were much younger and only to Orlando so this is giving you an opportunity not to be missed to explore farther and wider than ever before (and without any parents!!!). Much more interesting than University or so I am led to believe. This blog was well written and informative with some humour - I am looking forward to the next one which should be showing the start of your trip. Enjoyed the skype boys and everyone sends their love. Loved the mention of The Winchester Brothers and I am relieved that the Baker Brothers will not be undertaking those types of missions and/or journeys. Supernatural is the best! MUM and DADxxxx