Traveling

One thing that I think is really important is traveling to new places, especially internationally. I am so thankful that I have been able to travel all over the world this past year (to France and the Dominican Republic). My family friend recently made a comment to me that he hopes that I really appreciated the experiences I had because not very many people ever get to travel, and in the past four months I have had two major international excursions. I became somewhat defensive after hearing this, but in all honesty sometimes it is very important to reflect on those kind of experiences to another person. Here's my response: I am so thankful for the experiences that I have had traveling this year. Thinking about teaching kids in the Dominican, and playing hand games with my favorite buddy Jose is making me tear up. The people in the DR were the happiest that I have ever seen. Even though they have barely any clothes, no clean water, and no electricity these people are living their lives with a permanent smile on their face. I was blown away by the way that my French family took me in. I was practically a stranger, but they made me feel like a loved one.

After my travels, I am simply in love with our world. I want to see every nook and cranny. I really am interested in traveling the world in the near future. The volunteer work I did in the DR has taught me that teaching is hard, especially to people through a language barrier. However, I am already trying to leave the country yet again to work with people that I can help. ... Because all in all, it's just as much of a life changing cultural exchange as anything else. If you have any suggestions for service organizations, shoot me an email or comment below.

Some of my idols "travel-wise" have been on the internet. Jacksgap and Casey Neistat are both YouTube filmmakers with the passion for film and traveling. Their experinces are very inspirational for me. I love how their interest in sharing videos through YouTube has allowed them to be able to travel the world and still get paid. It goes along with the saying that "if you do what you love you'll never have to work a day in your life." Another web-traveling-idol is Jay Alvarrez. His passion for photography is stunning. Really cool guy.

Any-hoo, that's what has been on my mind.

Safe travels, friends.
Kelsey

playlist for this post: washing dishes - jack johnson // cape town (panama remix) - clubfeet // flake - jack johnson