How Technology Has Impacted My Life

Technology is all around us everyday, no matter where you may be or what you may be doing.  It is hard to picture living life in the world we live in today without being able to utilize technology.  Just about every activity that a person does throughout the day, uses technology in some form or fashion because it generally makes our lives easier.  The traditional methods of doing tasks have been left in the past due to the innovations and inventions that have come along to make our lives and everyday tasks much easier though the use of new technologies.

Looking into this assertion, think about any task that you may do throughout the course of the day.  The first thing I did this morning was brush my teeth.  While doing so I used technology.  It may seem like a very simple task, but think about the running water that I had to use just to do this simple task.  This is technology.  Technology can also be seen as the mechanical devices we use everyday to make life easier such as our televisions, radios, and the cell phones that are attached to all of our hands.  The cell phone is a perfect example of this use of technology.  In the past 20 years, cell phones have gone from the size of someone’s forearm, to the size of a wallet that now possesses the ability to access the entire internet and thousands of useful applications. 

The world we live in today has adapted around technology, which is why it has become such a big part of everyday life.  No matter what you do, or where you go, chances are that technology will play a part in whatever you may do.  Like right now, as I do this assignment, I am using technology as we speak, and so are you if you’re reading this.

Journal 10: What I would Take on My Trip

            When planning to take a trip one of the most important things to do is plan what exactly you will need to take with you.  These items are dependent upon the trip in which you intend to take, and the person involved.  Some may feel the need to bring items such as a camera or their phone, while others would not want either of those items simply because of the experience they intend on having.  For example, I would prefer to see the world in front of me through my own eyes, rather than through the lens of a camera because I feel as if that presents a less authentic and real experience.  I generally travel with a light load in terms of the items that I feel as if I will need because having too many things with you can often feel as if it is a distraction from what is taking place around you in my opinion.    

            The trip that I am speaking of for my travel guide is an experience that has already happened, but instead of simply stating what I did take, looking in retrospect on the trip, it is interesting to think about what I would take if it were to happen a second time around.  The trip at hand is a cruise that took me and several of my friends through the Bahamas’s over the course of a week.

            The first item I would take is sunscreen of a higher SPF, because the one I had taken was clearly not enough.  I would still take items such as a cell phone and maybe a camera simply because it is easier to have these items, but then leave them behind if I feel as if I do not need them.   I honestly would take less clothing because I remember feeling as if I had more stuff than I would ever need which only created an issue with space in my bag and also in the tiny bedroom that five of us had to share.  The last item that I would take that I did not bring the first time around is my acoustic guitar.  A friend of mine on the trip had brought his and I remember him playing in on the balcony outside of his room on the side of this ship.  I feel as if that would be an awesome experience when looking to find time to be by yourself after being around people for a week straight.  This seems to me as if it would present a “sacred space” that I feel as if I did not have during the trip.

Journal 9: Two Styles of Travel

            Travel is something that is specific to a person, even when others experience it alongside them.  In each situation or experience that unfolds during travels, the person or people experiencing this event take away different thoughts and feelings from what has happened.  This is because of several factors, mainly the way in which they perceive it individually.  This to me ties into the fact that there are different forms of travel in which people can partake, even if they are on the same trip due to the different thoughts, feeling, and motivating factors behind the trip for that individual.  This may sound confusing, but it relates directly to the feeling in which people perceive the things around them differently than anyone else making for many different forms of travel.

            One style of travel in which our class has talked about deals with having the intentions to cross borders mentally.  Some people travel in order to learn about themselves by having new experiences or by stepping out of their comfort zones in a way that would not be possible without placing themselves in a foreign scenario in regards to their everyday life.  This is a specific form of travel as stated in the previous paragraph that is unique to the individual due to the borders in which they may intend to cross on a personal level.  

Another form of travel differing from the crossing of mental borders would the travel with the intentions to cross physical borders and to have new experiences that introduce you to different corners of the world and ways of life.  This form of travel in which we talked about can often be seen as a sacred experience due to the way in which it allows for someone to learn about themselves and the world around them.  In this form of travel a person is able to make a deep connection with the new cultures and experiences happening around them due to their location.

Both of these forms of travel allow for the traveler to learn about themselves, but in a different manner than one another.  The crossing of mental borders is more specific to the individual and something that they have in mind, whereas the crossing of physical borders deals more with the existing cultures that one is now having the chances to experience.  Although these forms of travel differ, they both serve the purpose of allowing for growth and better understanding of themselves.

Journal #8: Borders in My Own Explorations

            Through the several pieces that we have read, many different borders have been crossed.   Each piece and each author had their own set of circumstances presented that placed them in situations that called for them to break down barriers or cross borders.   The same can be certain for my travel log, as I recall different situations that I experienced through the course of a trip that I had taken in the past.  By looking back at the situation for my travel log as opposed to experiencing a new set of events, one specific border jumps out to me as the most prevalent in my writing. To focus upon one theme coming from the different texts we have worked with, I feel that the border I crossed in my previous travels deals with a “coming of age” sort of scenario.  I feel as if the travels I have taken in my past that will be explained within this travel log have allowed me to learn a lot about myself and the world around me, as can be seen in the several pieces we have read as a border.  This border specifically deals with the explorations within my travel log, and will serve as the main theme for those writings.

            Looking into my future explorations aside from the travel log, I feel as if another border that is apparent in these texts that applies to me is the need to step out of one’s comfort zone.  This applies to me because I feel as if I could capitalize on many different opportunities more often than I do by eliminating the apprehension in many instances which I know I have.  This seems to be the dominant theme from these passages that applies to my life moving forward, seeing as I know this is an area that I need to work on. 

            Relating this border dealing with stepping out of one’s comfort zone with the text, this theme is shown within “Travels with Herodotus”.  By doing something that you are not accustomed to you force yourself to step outside of your comfort zone as can be seen in this piece.  This is something that moving forward in my travels I aim to place a great deal of focus and effort upon, seeing this as an opportunity to grow.  This message ties into a saying that I often refer to which is, “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”

Journal 7: Competiton and Embellishment in Travel Writing

            Travel writing is a genre of writing that can have a broad range of meanings, along with the endless possibilities in which stories of this sort can tell.  In many cases, travel writing consists of true events that have taken place in a person’s life.  These are firsthand accounts of things that have actually taken place, but from the unique and individualized perspective of someone who had partaken in said experience.  This leaves the information within these stories as being subject to the way in which a specific person was able to experience it, which may not match that of a person who experienced the exact same thing.  Often times, the emotions involved in related pieces differ from author to author, which can change the mood and overall feel of a story.  Also, an issue of embellishment often takes place in order to enhance the message that the author wishes to convey.  As stated in the prompt, this can be seen as an attempt to compete for the “best” story as a sort of competition, but embellished facts are not always used for this purpose.  In many cases, embellishments are often used to better tell the story from an entertainment aspect.

            However, not all travel writing pieces are written from firsthand account.  Oftentimes these are stories that are told in order to express a message or theme based upon fictional accounts.  Many times in these stories embellishments are used in order to create the best story and imagery possible.  In my opinion this ties in more directly with the prompt as being a “competition”.  These stories serve more of an entertainment purpose, as opposed to the stories that use firsthand accounts in order to express the feelings or messages that the author has in mind.

            Embellishments within travel writing can hinder the message of the story when used as a way to compete for the best story, but does not present only negative aspects to writing.  Although these accounts are of events that may not have happened the way in which they are described, in some cases these embellishments can go toward aiding and strengthening the theme of a story.  By emphasizing a specific event of point in order to better express the message, embellishment serves as a positive tool for writing.  The issues lies within trying to compete for the “best” story, and totally taking away from the message within the text.

Journal 6 Humor

           Travel writing to me is a written account of experiences that have unfolded, that may be either physical or mental.  A big part of what makes different travel writing pieces come to life if the ton in which they are written in.  The tone in which the author speaks helps to let the reader become a part of the story, and to really see what experiences are taking place.   Not every piece can be written in the same manner.  Some travel writing pieces carry heavy feelings that must be conveyed through context, while others may be stories of happiness and celebration. 

            The use of humor within travel writing is something that can be very effective if used properly.  Not only does humor give a way to entice and entertain the reader, but it also helps to better explain the way in which the author is intending for the piece to be interpreted.  For example, the Bryson piece which described the ideal Midwest night as a night spent with Pabst Blue Ribbon and Reeses Peanut Butter Cups in my opinion was humor used to better describe the tone and feelings of the author.  Examples like this are able to give you a mental picture to what it is the author is trying to get you to experience. 

            Humor is a good tool to use in travel writing, but in many cases stories do not call for the use of humor.  In some writings, the use of humor would be totally disruptive to the theme of a particular piece.  In many instances, humor cannot be used because it does not coincide with what is being conveyed.  For example, a piece such as the Shukman piece we read would not benefit from an expansive use of humor because it changes the entire feel of the piece.

            When thinking about the importance of humor in travel writing, it certainly has its place when the story permits the use of it.  Depending upon the situation and feel of the story the author may greatly add to, or disrupt a piece through the use of humor.  It is an important aspect of travel writing that can be beneficial to the story that is trying to be conveyed, but it must be used in the proper stories and the proper time.

Journal 5: Kapuscinski and Russell’s Borders

The term “crossing borders” has several different meanings in my opinion.  To cross a border could mean something physical in terms of location, as well as something physical in terms of completing a task.  It could also mean something mental such as facing or conquering a weakness or a fear.  Many borders also deal with certain experiences that one may have had, or may want to have.  To cross a border in the sense we are using it in this class is truly something that is unique to an individual.  Something that one may see as a huge border in their life that they intend to cross, may not be that in the eyes of another person.  The two pieces that I will discuss by Kapuscinski and Russell offer great examples of the differences in which borders many have. 

            In “Travels with Herodotus” by Kapuscinski, the border crossed differs greatly from that of Russell’s.  This piece speaks of new experiences, and stepping out of a person’s comfort zone.  This piece dealt in large part with the feelings of being different during his travels to different lands.  The new experiences in these countries that differed from that of his normal life presented the borders that were crossed.  This excerpt from Kapuscinski really captures the theme of his piece.

            “I wouldn’t have dared to say something like Paris or London and frankly they didn’t really interest me; I couldn’t even imagine them. This was only about crossing the border-somewhere. It made no difference which one, because what was important was not the destination, the goal, the end, but the almost mystical and transcendent act Crossing the border.”

            In Russell’s “Mirror Images”, a very different border was crossed.  In travels from Dublin to Bosnia, the expectations of women were very different.  The border crossed in this piece dealt with the crossing of a border that dealt with the differing views of women.  Not to mention the very different countries that were involved in this piece, this may have also presented borders.

            The border that resonates stronger with me is the one dealing with Kapuscinski.  I feel as if a large part of travel for me is to step out of my comfort zone.  I feel as if many of us live such repetitive and mundane lives that this border is one in which each person could cross in some form.  Although Russell’s piece also has a very important border than had to be crossed, the one dealing with new experience matters much more in my eyes, because this is a border that I intend to cross myself.   

Journal 4: How I Would Like to Travel

            When thinking about travel, the ideal trip varies from person to person.  People often travel with very similar intentions; in the hopes to have new experiences and to learn new things while also enjoying oneself, or the company of those around them.  However, not all people envision the same things in order to fulfill these desires.  By this I mean that although the intentions for travel may coincide from person to person, their hopes of the events and the way in which they experience them may differ drastically.

            The first source in which I feel outlines my ideal template from travel actually is the handout concerning Primeau.  I say this because I strongly agree with the sentiment that the highway holds a special place in the hearts of many people, myself included.  In my eyes, a road trip across the nation, or to any destination for that matter is an experience.  I feel as if this alone is something that I strongly enjoy and see as an ideal way of travel.  I say this for many reasons.  The first reason being that the road offers a quiet place to gather your thoughts, while also seeing many different sites due to the nature of this form of travel.  This is ideal to me due to the arguments made in a previous journal that the road is a sanctuary, and I feel as if this directly relates to the way in which would love to travel. As Primeau states, “Getting away is a chance at a new start, a special time to discover self, and country.”  And I could not agree more.

            The second template for travel that I feel outlines the way in which I would love to travel is a writing that we have not discussed in class.  It is called, Apricots on the Nile, by Colette Rossant.  This piece talks a lot about getting to experience the heritage of her family and of her ancestors.  This is another form of travel that I would love to experience.  One of my dreams is to learn more about my family’s past and the heritage that I feel is left behind over the course of time.  I feel as if this would not only be a very fun and interesting trip to visit places like Italy, Spain, Germany, and France, where my family comes from, but to also have the opportunity to feel the freedom that comes from this sort of discovery.

            Travel is something that people will always be intrigued by, but in many different ways.  The two excerpts that I have mentioned summarize the way in which I personally feel about travel, and would like to go about doing so.  To learn, to experience.

 

Here is the link to the Colette Rossant piece in which I referenced:http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/725071/A-taste-of-the-best-travel-writing.html

Journal 3: The Border Between Tourism and Travel

               The question of whether there is a border between tourism and travel may draw varying responses.  In the eyes of many, these two things may seem to be the same, but there is a distinct difference.  As Fussell states, “if travel offers the thrill of quasi-felonious escape, it also conveys the pleasure of learning new things”.  This quote to me goes a long way in stating one of the primary differences between tourism and travel.  I say this because travel in my eyes is a learning experience on many levels that offers an escape, while tourism is purely for the escape.   

                To elaborate on this statement, I also feel as if travel is more of an adventure, while tourism is more of a trip.  By experiencing new things “off the beaten path” I believe travel takes place.  This is why I feel as if Cahill makes a statement that falls in line with this feeling. “Stories are the way we organize the chaos in our lives, orchestrate voluminous factual material, and – if we are very good – shed some light oil the human condition, such as it is”.  This to me explains travel, and travel writing.  I also feel as if this is the border between the two.  By being able to take a look at the experiences that one has, and organize them in a way that allows you to “shed light on the human condition” I feel as if the jump from tourism to travel has been made.  The difference to me mainly lies within what is taken away from the experience, and the way in which the traveler(s) approach this that creates the border.

                Looking into what Rick Steeves outlines as faithful travel, I see it as a way to have a deep and spiritual experience with the world.  Something that makes you leave with something you did not have prior to your travels, an intangible souvenir.  This shows the distinct difference between tourism and travel.  This is a form of travel that is centered around you, and the way you experience the world around you, and what you are able to learn from it.  This is also why travel writing deals more with this form of adventure, as opposed to tourism, who’s writing generally results in stale, touristy tour guides instead.

                The border between tourism and travel is something that must be determined on an individual basis by the person or people in which it involves.  No two people walk away from the same event holding the same views, thoughts, and experiences from it.  Travel is a much deeper form of exploration than tourism due to the personal and spiritual aspects in which it is able to present.

My Ideal Travel Partner

My ideal travel partner would be someone who is not afraid to try new things.  I feel that a big part of travel is having new experiences, so I would want to be with someone who is open to being spontaneous and having new experiences.  Also, I would hope they like good music if I have to travel with them for an extended period of time.