Life is a Trip

Traveling can really change who you are. This is the case of Judith Fein, an award winning travel writer, speaker and videographer who lives to take journeys around the world. Author of the book, Life is a Trip: The Transformative Magic of Travel (2010), where she narrates her adventures and the complete changes she has went through with her readers. 

Judith Fein

On three stories Fein seem to have learn some valuable life lessons. Three anecdotes that would not have been learned if she haven't traveled to these places. On a trip to Vietnam, she learned that forgiveness is something to live for - live in the present, not in the past. Where in account of the American War she thought Vietnamese people will dislike the Americans, but it was not like that. At first, she tells, that they were angry with the north americans, but once they realized that they were in on the same boat, I mean that both parties had young men on the field battling a war that was not entirely for theirs. A battle that was the cause of many deaths. They preferred to put things behind and forgive the Americans. They now live focusing on whats on their day to day, their present. This was a well acquired information for Judith. 

Another lesson, was in a trip to Guatemala. Where she learned of a deity that is compared to humans by the locals because it also sins. As presented in the text it smokes, and drinks. So, in a different way, it gives humans or anyone who pray to this god, the ability to be forgiven as a result of imperfectness. It somehow gives people the ability to feel at ease with themselves in order to continue life without the martyr. That one, as an individual, can overcome any adversity if you think as the Guatemalteco deity as the god you pray to. In other words, your beliefs are attended by the god you serve and that no matter the culture or faith the figure of your worship you can also be forgiven of your sins.  

The last of the three lessons, is one obtained in El Camino de Santiago de Compostela, or the Way of St. James - a place of pilgrimage. Where she discusses how people from all shapes, sizes and ages come to do the walk in order find some answers. It's just the person and his/her backpack. She additionally talks about how people also come here to volunteer and help those in need (with the walk). Its to escape all sorts of things in the real world and do the challenge for any purpose.  Spiritually, emotionally, physically and mentally.

Here's a TedX https://www.ted.com talk "about why authentic interaction is the best way to travel. But how do you get beneath the surface and meaningful, memorable, and unique travel experiences? How can you be a peacemaker, goodwill ambassador and deep traveler every time you hit the road?" (TedX Talks, 2014).