I have travelled around the globe since I was at the tender age of 4. I remember crying my lungs out thinking I was abandoned in Japan. At 8 I was potty trained to defecate in the open air in a country side in Li Jiang– just like what the locals did, and I remember immaturely complaing about not having doors in washrooms there.
It always brings back fond memories and reminded me of this clip from the movie: Slumdog Millionaire
At 11, I went back with my dad and supported him as he taught in rural schools (guess what? The toilets remained the same). These experiences then seemed to be torture, and having to leave the safe confines of my sanitized home brought about dread. Looking back, it was these unconventional journeys that slowly shaped my perspective of travelling, increased my curiosity to know more about the different lifestyles people lead, and sparked the desire to immerse myself in different cultures. Surprisingly, I found myself bugging my parents to bring me back to Li Jiang.
The following are the 5 gleanings I have accumulated over the last 10 years of wandering:
1. The Intrinsic Worth of Adventure
Fast-fashion today promotes clothes that are worn today and thrown tomorrow. Clothes are cookie-cutter and mass-produced, the pleasure from the purchase is also short lived. Unlike fast fashion, travelling has the potential to be forever imprinted at the back of our minds, with pictures so vivid and emotions so real, we never want to get rid of. The experiences found on the trip are also beyond material satisfaction, specific and unique to each individual.
2. You Need a Sturdy Pair of Trotters
This is a practical tip I learnt to be always conscious about whenever i pack
“Good shoes take you to good places”
– a quote by Seo Min Hyun, an actress in a popular Korean drama Boys over Flowers. These words may have been used in a fictional setting yet we cannot disregard the wisdom behind them. It may seem a rather “duh” thing to say but shoes really play a crucial role, no matter what journey we embark on. Picture being on a hiking trip, somewhere really awe inspiring, it would be so much more enjoyable if we could eradicate any factors which could mar the overall experience. How will one be able to truly enjoy the feast for the eyes with aching feet and blisters?
Travelling is a precious opportunity, on each voyage, it is best we adequately arm ourselves with the best tools. It would be immensely worth it even if it means saving a little each week by sacrificing your guilty indulgences to pay for a comfortable pair of boots.
3. Try new things.
This involves travelling with an open mind. Journeying does not simply mean learning more about new places, it is much more than that. Being prepared to step out of your comfort zones may actually turn out for the best when you discover something new about yourself. I never wanted to take roller coasters because they looked scary. One trip which involved visiting three amusement parks, I was determined to try all the roller coasters at least once. I did. To my amazement I realized I quite liked taking those rides. My resolution taught me that I can do whatever I put my heart and mind to- I may even surprise myself after that.
4. Talk to ‘Strangers’
This may seem controversial to our conservative upbringing but talking to locals always brings about a whole new perspective. Often, the secret nooks and crannies aren’t found on travel blogs or on tourist websites. It is also always an honor to be narrated the little things that continue to astound people who live there. Everyone has a story to tell.
5. There is no place like home.
It is always exciting to board a plane and fly away from Singapore, but it is always just as compelling to be welcomed back. It is like a warm embrace, full of promise and the comfort of home. No matter where I travel to, there is nothing like coming back to family and bringing back tales from afar. If anything, travelling always teaches me to appreciate the things that I have gotten used to once again.
A Taste of Freedom 