Mbcoudal's Traveler Profile

I have never been on a trip where I didn't feel an irresistible urge to plan another trip. Travel begets travel. Travel makes me happy. I see the world anew. The place or the thing that I expect will excite me most on a trip is never the thing that leaves the biggest impression. Travel is a reminder that I don't have to plan every meaningful experience in life. I just have to let experiences unfold. I love traveling to places where I do not speak the language - although I will always consult a small phrase book to learn Please, Thank You, and Hello.   I am a word person, so not speaking a language makes me feel ignorant. It's hard for me to be ignorant, but it's good for me. It's a good life lesson. I like having what they call in Zen Buddhism, a Beginner's Mind. I remember being at a big dinner party with my cousin and her friends in Ravenna, Italy. For all the Italians knew, I was just a big, dumb American. They didn't know I was clever with a pun or a real wordsmith. I just smiled and nodded at everything they said.

Everywhere I go, I do try to share with a stranger a big smile and some eye contact - as if to say, "I like you." And, travel, I like you. Gratzi. Prego. Bon Giorno.