As you may have noticed I (we) like to travel. Well, Ikuko is prone to say, "What's there?" or, "We've already been there." But once we get going she joins in the excitement and generally enjoys herself.
As for myself, I like to travel. Almost anyplace will do and I prefer locations that are further away, but a new place next door, whether in King County, Eastern Washington or British Columbia, all beckon to me with the lure of the unknown. Something about different scenery and different people stimulates my interest and encourages comparisons with known scenery and people of home.
Even a return to the same place, foreign and exotic or next door and well known, elicits a certain curious comparison to observations and experiences during former visits. Time changes things and cultures are no exception. Gradual changes that are almost unnoticed by the full-time residents are obvious to the returning visitor.
Sometimes the changing seasons will emphasize one or another of the particular attractions of a place that are not so apparent during other seasons. The dripping Hoh rain forest in the Olympic National Forest during December is remarkably unlike the same place during July or August. Likewise Kyoto during cherry blossom viewing (hanami) in the spring and autumn color viewing (koyo) in the fall are quite different aspects of the same physical location.
It has often been said that travel is a broadening experience and for me that is certainly true. It's not true for everyone though as I have known people who might travel halfway around the world yet drink coffee at Starbucks and have a hamburger and fries at McDonalds. Somehow I think those people are missing out on at least some of the broadening part of travel. But travel, like so many things in life, is all about whatever makes you happy. Some people are happy sampling the unknown while others prefer taking part of their home along with them.
Of course there are tradeoffs for the excitement of travel. Living out of a suitcase, sleeping in a different bed, eating foreign food and watching out for foreign pathogens are all deterrents for many people. In today's world it is also important to note that the speed of modern communication to which we have become accustomed might fly out the window depending on local electronic support. Speaking for myself, these seem like small sacrifices to make to be able to enjoy traveling to new places and meeting new people.
On the other side of the equation are the comforts of home.
Sleeping in one's own bed, always sleeping and waking in the same time zone, eating home-cooked food, reading the hometown newspaper, watching familiar TV channels and shows, having my entire wardrobe available for wear, saying hello to old friends and neighbors while walking my little dog and relaxing in the comfort of my old familiar recliner are all pleasures not lightly surrendered. For many people these homegrown pleasures outweigh any potential gain from travel beyond that which is absolutely necessary.
I admit that some of these are important considerations. For instance, Iko and I both like to cook so we don't often go out for dinner when we're home and I miss the ability to cook while traveling. Likewise I miss my little dog when I travel. I miss the walks and the way he snuggles up on my lap while I recline in my easy chair.
While I like to read the digital virtual edition of the Seattle Times when I travel, it isn't always available and no matter if it is it doesn't compare to reading the hard copy paper edition. I suppose that might not be a big liability to younger folks but for me the digital edition just doesn't feel or look the same.
In summary, travel and home each have their pros and cons. I enjoy living at home and I enjoy traveling. When I've traveled a lot I'm ready to get back home but when I'm home for too long I get itchy feet. I guess a balance to suit each person is what's best.
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