Like any other tourist around the world, I love to see tourism spots in every city I visit. From GWK in Bali to the Versailles Palace in Paris, my travelling itinerary is always full of famous place we know from every travelling books. Taking photograph in front of Bag Ends or Eiffel Tower is something that forever listed on my wishlist. But then I understand, the richness of travelling is more than just coming to the famous spot and taking couples of photographs in front of it. It's the feeling of being the one who's living there. That's why, on my ideal trip, I need them both.
Yes, of course, I need to visit all the famous places and things people used to talk about in every literature, every movie, or even in every daily conversation. I need to see them with my own eyes, so I can tell my version of them.
And also, I need to visit and try to do what local do. Strolling around on the main street, buying street-snacks and then having a little picnic in the park or riverside, hanging out in local cafe, eating out in local restaurant, taking their mass transportation, talking to the locals, anything to mimic the life of the locals. I need to feel to be one of them in order to understand their culture, their value, their way of life and thinking. That's why I hate travelling with travel vendors. Because they eliminate this ultimate experience.
From experiencing all the trips I am blessed to have, I can tell that I couldn't bear to live in Kuala Lumpur, I might be bored after a year in Singapore or a month in Auckland. I really love to live in Melbourne but also fall in love with all the fun that Sydney has to offer. I do think time flies a bit slow in Stuttgart. I agree that Paris is one of best cities in the world with all the beautiful building and all the fun vibes. And I really see myself to spend the retirement age in the most peaceful, somehow feels like heaven on earth, Matamata or Queenstown or any cities in South New Zealand.
Some people might not agree with this kind of passion. "You should save your money for your future not spend it for just present pleasure", they said. But for me, travelling is not just spending money for a mere holiday nor escaping from the routines. Travelling gives me far more than that. The happiness and the excitement to see all the beautiful things God and the mankind have created on this earth. The richness in others cultures and values which can shape wider point of view to understand the life. The survival lesson in living out of the comfort zone which can bring out the creativity and make you stronger and smarter than you are now. The experience and the memory that will stay forever in your life.
So, book a ticket, pack your bag, and let's see the world!
-D
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