Journey to enlightenment
On one occasion, I was at the airport in Lagos, on my way out of Nigeria. I handed in my passport to be checked and the official looked at the various visas I had received for visiting countries on several continents. She looked at me with undisguised contempt and I was puzzled by her animosity. In a flash, I realised that she was jealous of the fact that I am a UK citizen of Nigerian heritage and I had travelled extensively. It was almost as if she was trying to goad me into asking her if there was a problem, so she could devise ways and means to obstruct my easy passage. I held my peace and continued on my journey.
What is it about international travel that makes some people jealous of others?
Obviously, it is exciting to see new places and spend time in locations that are different from the place that one regards as home, but I think there are many folks who travel to far flung places and do not gain the potential benefits of doing so.
A sense of curiosity about the things that make a place tick can broaden a person’s mind. Taking time out to learn about other cultures from a humble perspective can add new dimensions to a person’s character and outlook.
There are others who cover many air miles, but prefer to stay cosy in their comfort zones. They stick to hanging out with people they’ve always known and remain in hotel rooms most of the time.
At the end of the day, the benefits of travel come from a willingness to learn from others. There are folks with insular mindsets from all backgrounds. As the saying goes, it takes all sorts to make the world.
