Monday, August 09, 2004
Angelo is off to Crested Butte, Colorado! He left in our little Honda just moments ago. Another road trip - another fabulous life-changing experience.
Reflection on road trips...
Road trips are my preferable way to roam the world. When in another country, land travel is the absolute best way to tour a place. Despite our variety of train experiences in India (and Thailand for that matter), I loved the landscape passing our window, allowing one to ponder the dynamic of each place. I often think of On the Road, by Jack Kerouac, when a road trip begins. His book is a reminder that experience is preferable to the attainment of stuff. Although it is a matter of opinion, I would rather have a road trip experience over a home entertainment centre.
It surprised me how many people were disappointed for Angelo in doing the road trip versus a flight. Is it that we have designed our lives to be at odds with time? Certainly time is a factor in any experience, particularly that of an extended road trip. Convenience isn't compromised (unless time is a factor), because the car is always available (for no extra cost), the ability to stop and check out any sight is an option, and the independence factor is tops - no need to depend on transit, other people, and strict itineraries. Not to mention, control of one's personal space is at it's highest level. Nonetheless, he's happy to drive, write (mentally, of course), and mountain-bike his way to Colorado.
As for me, I'm living vicariously through him, moving forward with my course a little faster, reading a few more books, and watching films that have been on my list (and not his), like Girl With a Pearl Earring, Sylvia, and Cold Mountain.
Reflection on road trips...
Road trips are my preferable way to roam the world. When in another country, land travel is the absolute best way to tour a place. Despite our variety of train experiences in India (and Thailand for that matter), I loved the landscape passing our window, allowing one to ponder the dynamic of each place. I often think of On the Road, by Jack Kerouac, when a road trip begins. His book is a reminder that experience is preferable to the attainment of stuff. Although it is a matter of opinion, I would rather have a road trip experience over a home entertainment centre.
It surprised me how many people were disappointed for Angelo in doing the road trip versus a flight. Is it that we have designed our lives to be at odds with time? Certainly time is a factor in any experience, particularly that of an extended road trip. Convenience isn't compromised (unless time is a factor), because the car is always available (for no extra cost), the ability to stop and check out any sight is an option, and the independence factor is tops - no need to depend on transit, other people, and strict itineraries. Not to mention, control of one's personal space is at it's highest level. Nonetheless, he's happy to drive, write (mentally, of course), and mountain-bike his way to Colorado.
As for me, I'm living vicariously through him, moving forward with my course a little faster, reading a few more books, and watching films that have been on my list (and not his), like Girl With a Pearl Earring, Sylvia, and Cold Mountain.
