Entries RSSTraveling. The simple sound of the word evokes a series of emotions. From new experiences with possible new friends, to outdoor adventures, to quality margaritas on the beach, the common denominator is that traveling is an experience many of us crave. Yes, as adventurous women we cannot help but seek out the next possible escape.
This past weekend I had the unique experience of visiting an old college friend in a surrounding new to me. Seattle was my destination. Recently I had created a tick list of areas within the United States which I had yet to visit. Seattle was first, simply due to convenience. In general, the city is amazingly beautiful. Walking the streets of Fremont, I could feel the culture in every small coffee shop and every local eatery. Non-pretentious late twenty-somethings to early thirties hipsters who climbed on the weekends and lived the memory of Kurt Cobain through their celebration of good music. Yes, I liked Seattle and perhaps someday I will live among these people.
I share this story not because my experience is so unique and interesting, but simply because it is a good reminder of an all too common comfort zone to which we fall prey. Up until this weekend I assumed that Boulder, Colorado was the most amazing city in the world. After a few years of embracing the local culture, I soon came to accept everything offered by Boulder as the norm. Don’t get me wrong because I most certainly deem myself a Boulderite in many ways. I hold fitness in high regard, consider a strong cup of java from Vic’s a necessity in getting through the morning and am transient like so many of the other locals. However, a spontaneous weekend trip to the Northwest reminded me that my world was quite small. It is truly bizarre yet understandable how limited we can become in our surroundings. The truth is there is a great big world out there filled with many amazing people, experiences and opportunities. I suppose ignorance is bliss if we never choose to leave our bubble. But, if we somehow decide to open our eyes to the possibilities which surround us, we begin to see the world as something much larger and more real. Anything becomes possible.
