The Impact of Travel on Perspective and Human Connection

Travel is a profound experience that often transforms our outlook on life and humanity. It offers a unique lens to see the world and the people that populate it. This article explores how travel changes one's perspective and insights into human connection.

Expanding Horizons through Travel

As a seasoned traveler, I can attest that travel challenges the truisms we hold about the world. It removes us from the comfortable cocoon of our familiar surroundings and forces us to engage with different cultures, beliefs, and ways of life. This exposure is invaluable, as it enriches our personal horizons and broadens our understanding of the world.

Personal Experiences and Global Perspectives

My extensive travels, particularly in countries like Indonesia, have shown me that girls from even poorer families can lead empowered lives. This reality contradicts the stereotypes often perpetuated by my home country, India. These experiences have taught me that empowerment is not solely a function of wealth but also of opportunity and determination.

The Diverse Types of Travel

Travel can take many forms, from official postings to temporary duties. In my role as a Canadian foreign service officer, I experienced a variety of travel scenarios, each with its own unique challenges and rewards.

Working Abroad and the Expatriate Experience

Working abroad as a diplomat meant representing Canada in various countries. This experience was not just about processing visas or engaging in international relations. It was an immersion into different cultures, where I witnessed poverty, political extremism, and other harsh realities. These experiences often made me view Canada as a sanctuary of relative tranquility in a tumultuous world. However, this perspective is subject to change depending on the global political landscape.

The expat experience can be challenging. Living away from one's home country for extended periods can lead to disillusionment and a sense of unreality. The phrase 'you can't go home again' aptly describes the transformation that occurs. While some find solace and excitement in expat life, others find themselves out of step with their former lives and struggles to reconnect with their familiar environments.

Enlightenment through Travel?

Despite the rich experiences gained through travel, it is debatable whether travel inherently leads to greater enlightenment or new insights into human commonality. While travel exposes us to the harsh realities of the world, it does not necessarily foster a sense of shared humanity or a universal perspective.

Expatriating can indeed make one cynical. The lifestyle is not always ideal, and one may find oneself associating with individuals who, back home, one would be unlikely to interact with. The financial incentives of working abroad, such as tax-free pay, are significant, but they come with a cost of isolation and a sense of being out of touch with one's roots.

The Precarious Nature of Expat Life

The return to one's home country after extensive travel is often bittersweet. A sense of estrangement can be felt upon entering one's home, with stale air and a lifeless void replacing the familiar ambiance. The routines that once held meaning are disrupted, and the journey to re-establish home can be daunting.

While travel offers exciting opportunities and enriching experiences, it also presents challenges and sacrifices. For the average Canadian, travel is not a casual endeavor but a commitment to embracing a life that may or may not bring enlightenment. It requires a special kind of mindset, one that accepts the precarious nature of the expat experience and commits to making the most of it.