Spotlights

Is it a vacation or a trip?

I define my getaways as either trips or vacations. For me, there is a fundamental difference between the two. Vacations are relaxing and trips are educational. Vacations involve lazing around, and trips involve lots of sightseeing. Vacations are probably spent at a single location, and trips require an itinerary. I wear sandals on vacation and walking shoes on trips. I go ‘on’ vacations and take trips ‘to’ places. Both are great, but what do I prefer? I love history, art, culture, food, and old ruins. Therefore, trips are my favorite. Nothing makes me happier than spending a few weeks exploring a new country. Don’t misunderstand me – I am happy to laze around on a beach, but I prefer trips. (It’s possible I am biased because I live in California…) What is your preference?

Driving on the other side of the road…

There was this time I was driving through a neighborhood in Ireland, and a guy was walking his dog on the side of the road. He was giving me a really strange look. It was one of those looks that makes you wonder what you’re missing. I was puzzled… Then, after a moment, I realized I was driving on the wrong side of the road! Oops!

In some locations, driving is the most efficient way to get around. With a car, you can go to places off the beaten path and move at your own pace. However, driving in other countries can be a bit stressful. It’s even more uncomfortable when you are getting behind the wheel on the ‘other’ side of the car and driving on the ‘other’ side of the road. However, it is doable. You just have to get in the car and start driving.

“Just take a deep breath. You can do this. Stay to the left. Stay to the left. Ahh, too far! That was close.” This is just part of the conversation I had with myself the first time I drove on the other side of the road. I had to psych myself up. After a few hours, it got a lot easier. By day 2, it was almost comfortable. By the of the trip… it felt natural. I have now taken multiple trips in which I had to drive opposite. I got nervous each time and avoided driving in major cities, but I did it. Isn’t that what traveling is all about? Getting out of our comfort zone?