journeys of learning
Editorial By Susan O'Connor, illustration by Brittney Guest

Travel has always been an integral part of my life. The best lessons are learned, I believe, by the multi-layered experiences of seeing, feeling and trying to assimilate new places and people; to absorb the very culture.

My parents are true voyagers, spending any discretionary income over the years on unique adventures. Several years ago, they took a river cruise with a few couples down the Rhine River in Germany (my dad is of German descent). Even as senior citizens in countries where they don’t speak the language, Mom and Dad have bravely rented cars and ventured out into the countryside. I love that.

My first trip to Europe was at the age of eight, yet the images and smells and tastes are still fresh. I remember feeling awestruck at the beauty of Switzerland — the thrill of riding a cable car between snowcapped mountains in the Alps, a dinner cruise on pristine Lake Geneva, fondue at a chalet in the countryside, hard French rolls with butter, which was about the only food I would eat.

I fondly remember family road trips all over the U.S., back when station wagons were long and had those little pop-up seats in the back. No one wore seat belts, of course, and we slept for hours along quiet stretches of lonely highway. If time allowed, my dad always chose routes that were off the beaten path, stopping at venues that he thought would be enriching for us. If he had traveled anywhere over the years that he enjoyed, he truly wanted to share the experience with us.

As an adult, I have been blessed with the opportunity to travel, spending time in interesting locales such as Belize, Bolivia and rural Mexico. I can truly say that on each trip, I was broadened in some way and almost always did some soul searching that is often precluded in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
I have also experienced great joy traveling with my children, sharing this love. For Brennan, a trip to London was special. I know she will always smile at the memory of getting lost on foot after midnight with me. Who knew there are no cabs in London after midnight and the police can be particularly unhelpful!

Jessica encountered breathtaking beauty and real danger on a trip to Bolivia. It was 2005, and the president was overthrown during our stay. As we arrived and made our way from the airport perched high atop a mountain down a snake-like road into the valley below that is the capital city of La Paz, masses of people were literally throwing large rocks from overpasses down onto the highway below and our cab driver had to rapidly do a 360. During our stay, rural Aymara Indians in traditional dress held peaceful marches in front of our hotel. What an educational experience for her!

Where to next? Now, that is the question. After interviewing Courtney Hoffman last year and hearing about her trip, Cinque Terre in Italy has continued to be my travel fantasy. This beautiful destination seems made for me, with five mountainous villages and hiking trails in between each one. It is possible to have breakfast in one, and hike to lunch in the next while taking in spectacular views of the sea. Maybe my fantasy will become a reality.