Importance of Travel

I think that the purpose of traveling is to analyze the culture of another country. I think we become very narrow minded when we fail to appreciate the way other people live. Without travel we would know nothing more than our own town. Travel doesn't necessarily have to be to another country in order to have an effect on you. Just traveling to another state could give you a better appreciation of the landscape there. I have two entirely different opinions about traveling and how to get the most out of the experience. Part of me says that you need to see key landmarks of the area you are traveling. For example, Rome has many landmarks that anyone going to the area should make it a point to see. This website gives you insight into the most important landmarks in Rome such as the Colosseum, and Roman baths. http://library.thinkquest.org/26602/landmarks.htm Seeing these things allows you to understand how Rome had so much influence on the country. Look at the size of the Colosseum in the attached picture. To me it represents that the country had enough wealth to build something of that size and the man power to do it. Also, the stadium was used as a form of entertainment which gives insight to the kinds of things the Romans valued. I think that seeing the "tourist attractions" is important to learn about the history of the area you are traveling to. At the same time I think it is important to blend into your surroundings and throw yourself into the culture of that area. Spend a few days with no specific agenda, just ending up wherever you end up. Appreciate the landscape and small towns of the area. Traveling isn't just about seeing important artwork or buildings of our history. It is about learning how other people live their lives and what they value.