When I travel, there are three questions that constantly run through my mind:
1- How much adventure can be crammed into a single day?
2- Where’s the nearest pub?
3- Can I stay longer?
There is also a fleeting moment when I ponder how my horse will punish me for my time away from her. But mainly I get drawn so far into my travels that all thoughts of reality vanish. Family? Career? Responsibilities? Who the hell cares?
This time last week, I was lying in the sunshine along the shoreline of the Caribbean Sea. The occasion: my close friend’s destination wedding
Despite my travel experience, this was my first time at an all-inclusive resort. And I understand the appeal. Carrying cash wasn’t a big concern, the food was delicious and drinks were bottomless.
Turns out, I’m not an all-inclusive type of gal.
I’m a traveller, not a vacationer. I relish visiting foreign countries on my own, learning about a location through firsthand experience and meeting new people. My curiosity and character judgment have never let me down.
Don’t get me wrong; I’ve made my fair share of bad decisions. There was the time I ran into some interesting characters during a 3 a.m. solo wander through Dublin, Ireland. There was the evening horseback ride that went awry when I narrowly missed being struck by a truck — also in Ireland. And a rough night in Spain that ended with me patching three languages together in an effort to communicate with the policia.
You gain a lot of personal insight when you have to overcome these challenges. Every missed train or broken-down bus gives you perspective. It’s rarely relaxing.
Jamaica left me with the following perspective: I really like lying on a beach sipping on a fruity drink. And I have an appreciation for the fast track from the airport to the buffet.
But I learned very little about the country itself. I met very few people who were local to the area. I enjoyed myself immensely — and loved the cuisine and rum! — but can’t help but think I missed out on the authentic Jamaica experience.
There were no bad decisions in Jamaica. There were no hurdles, unless you count the swollen eye I managed to acquire the day of the wedding. The trip was wonderful and relaxing. The wedding was beautiful — I was touched to be a part of it.
But I’m not a vacationer, I’m a traveller. Just one who likes napping on a beach.
