Going on hiatus

My first semester teaching and living here in China is coming to a close. I think I'll need a bit more time to pass before I can fully reflect on the experiences I've had, but suffice to say that it has certainly been worth it thus far. And what better way to celebrate the Chinese New Year and the Spring Festival than to go to India! I'm off on Wednesday for three weeks to Asia's other billion-plus party. Should be a laugh. I do want to share some thoughts that I've had during my time here, and rest assured that what I am attempting to impart to you is done without pretension. 

I've always valued travel. I've also been quite fortunate to have had many opportunities to do so. But sometimes one needs to make extra efforts to create their own opportunities to travel. I know that not everyone can up stakes and move to the other side of the world, but I feel that seeing more of the world should be a priority for all of us. What travel can give you is something that is unattainable in books, television, or the stories of others. It leads you to change the way you view almost everything, and this should not be viewed as a negative. I've had fantastic experiences here that I could never have back in Dublin or Minneapolis. However, travel (or in my case, living abroad) has also strengthened my appreciation for the places I call home a hundredfold. 

Sometimes you need to make concerted efforts to give yourself the chance to see the world, but I want to tell you that the experiences gained are without equal. Saving enough money to send yourself to a new location in the world can mean as little not upgrading your TV this year, spending one weekend a month at home instead of hitting the same old haunts, or saving up those extra couple of sick days that were taken when the snow or a hangover made a convincing argument to ensconce yourself on the couch for the day. Trust me, I have not forgotten the tribulations of home. Putting off immediate gratification to show yourself something unlike anything you've seen before is easier said than done, but I want to plant the seed today.

As previously stated, I did not write this with the intent of being preachy or patronizing; I earnestly wanted to share my feelings on something I believe can be profoundly significant and beneficial in all our lives. Seeing the world is a fantastic reset button for your perspective on everything from home to the far reaches of the globe, and hitting that button from time to time makes life infinitely more interesting.

Pulpit dismounted.

As for India: I'll be in Mumbai for a few days, then Goa for almost two weeks, and finally Bangalore for a few at the end of the trip. Goa'na be an awesome trip. Get it? I'm the punniest motherpucker alive. All day, kids. Not sure if I'll have the opportunity, or desire, to post much while I'm working on a sweet sunburn, but I should have access to email from time to time, so drop me a line if you are thusly inclined. There will be a fine post coming upon my return in a month or so. Take care.