I chortled and chortled, Kaarin. I was supposed to be doing something else very serious and important but couldn't wait to read about Bora Bora Heaven (?). Clearly, you captured it FULLY. Thanks so much for letting me share some your moments!
Great piece, Kaarin. Love the irony, humor and your observations about Bora Bora and the vast differences for both the residents and the visitors depending on $$$. I guess if everything had been perfect, you wouldn't have had the grist for the mill to write this wonderful post.
Well, dang it. I had a fully written comment here and then accidentally deleted it. But what I wanted to say is that it feels impossible to ignore the stark differences between the haves and have nots while visiting less wealthy nations. Whether we consider ourselves rich or poor by American standards, we're almost always more wealthy than those who live in the places we're visiting. I can't help but ask myself why me? Why them? It's uncomfortable, but also important and especially when I'm traveling with my children, whose perspectives have been broadened through these experiences. More and more, I find myself questioning my impact.
Am I contributing to the local economy in a meaningful way? How much am I affecting the essence of this place simply by being here? Am I being mindful and respectful of those who call it home? This became even clearer to me last summer when we spent five days on Santorini.
Each day, we watched thousands of cruise ship passengers flood the island, making their way to Oia for the iconic Instagram shot of the famed blue domes. They clogged the streets, often leaving litter in their wake without buying anything. You could see the wariness on the faces of the locals, even the seasonal workers from other parts of Greece spoke openly about the problems of the cruise ship guests. It really opened my eyes.
Kristi -- thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree that traveling is so important for broadening horizons and perspective while also raising some uncomfortable questions. Your kids are going to be better citizens (of the US and the world) because they've ventured outside their own borders. Good for you!
I just read an article about a retired couple who makes sure they do volunteer work wherever they visit-and they pick up trash daily. I thought it was an inspiring way to find balance and be mindful while traveling.
Great post!
What a postcard! I love your honesty.
Great post, Kaarin!
Oh wow! What an adventure!!
I chortled and chortled, Kaarin. I was supposed to be doing something else very serious and important but couldn't wait to read about Bora Bora Heaven (?). Clearly, you captured it FULLY. Thanks so much for letting me share some your moments!
Thanks, Missy! I love the image of you "chortling." Now -- get back to all that serious stuff!!
Girl, you had me giggling all the way through this essay, while also making me think. You're so good!
Awww, Chloe. From the Queen of humor herself! Thank you.
Great piece, Kaarin. Love the irony, humor and your observations about Bora Bora and the vast differences for both the residents and the visitors depending on $$$. I guess if everything had been perfect, you wouldn't have had the grist for the mill to write this wonderful post.
Thanks, Adrienne. You are absolutely right. Lucky for me -- life is rarely perfect, but always a lot to be grateful for.
Well, dang it. I had a fully written comment here and then accidentally deleted it. But what I wanted to say is that it feels impossible to ignore the stark differences between the haves and have nots while visiting less wealthy nations. Whether we consider ourselves rich or poor by American standards, we're almost always more wealthy than those who live in the places we're visiting. I can't help but ask myself why me? Why them? It's uncomfortable, but also important and especially when I'm traveling with my children, whose perspectives have been broadened through these experiences. More and more, I find myself questioning my impact.
Am I contributing to the local economy in a meaningful way? How much am I affecting the essence of this place simply by being here? Am I being mindful and respectful of those who call it home? This became even clearer to me last summer when we spent five days on Santorini.
Each day, we watched thousands of cruise ship passengers flood the island, making their way to Oia for the iconic Instagram shot of the famed blue domes. They clogged the streets, often leaving litter in their wake without buying anything. You could see the wariness on the faces of the locals, even the seasonal workers from other parts of Greece spoke openly about the problems of the cruise ship guests. It really opened my eyes.
Kristi -- thanks for sharing your thoughts. I agree that traveling is so important for broadening horizons and perspective while also raising some uncomfortable questions. Your kids are going to be better citizens (of the US and the world) because they've ventured outside their own borders. Good for you!
I just read an article about a retired couple who makes sure they do volunteer work wherever they visit-and they pick up trash daily. I thought it was an inspiring way to find balance and be mindful while traveling.
Such a good idea. Thanks, Laura.
We’ve done it once, but it’s something I’d love to do again.