"Travel is gloriously autonomous, a pure and simple act of self-propulsion, like throwing yourself off a cliff again and again and expecting to grow wings each time."
The quote emphasizes the spirit of travel as an independent, liberating journey. It suggests that travel is not just about reaching destinations but also about self-discovery and personal growth. Just like leaping off a cliff with the hope of growing wings, one embarks on a travel adventure with the expectation to evolve, adapt, and gain new perspectives each time. The quote encapsulates the thrill and anticipation associated with setting out on an expedition, where one dares to face the unknown and embraces transformation along the way.
"There's something about saltwater that soothes me, that takes the itch out of my soul and makes me whole. The ocean is a universal tonic for whatever ails you."
This quote suggests that the calming and healing properties of the sea have a profound effect on an individual's emotional wellbeing, helping to alleviate stress, anxiety, or feelings of disconnection (the 'itch' in one's soul). The ocean is portrayed as a restorative force, capable of rejuvenating one's spirits and bringing a sense of wholeness and harmony. It underscores the therapeutic and soothing power of nature, especially saltwater environments, in addressing our emotional and psychological needs.
"Traveling with a companion can be like peeling an onion: layers are removed, until eventually you're left with the raw truth about each other."
This quote suggests that travel experiences have a way of revealing deep, underlying truths about individuals as they navigate new environments together. The process can be likened to peeling an onion - starting with the outer layers which are often more superficial, then gradually uncovering the subsequent layers that hold deeper truths until eventually, what's left is raw and authentic, exposing each person's true nature. Thus, traveling together can lead to a profound understanding of one another.
"I had always thought that paradise was a place you found; I now realized it was a place you made out of the world as it stood."
This quote by J. Maarten Troost suggests that paradise isn't a destination to be found, but rather an experience that one creates in their day-to-day life. It implies that contentment and happiness are not inherent in the world, but can be cultivated through our own perceptions, attitudes, and actions. Essentially, Troost is saying that we have the power to transform ordinary circumstances into extraordinary ones by finding joy and meaning in them.
"And so, I discovered that travel is not really motion at all; it is standing still and looking around quietly, and seeing what's there to be seen."
This quote suggests that travel is not merely about moving from one place to another, but rather about taking the time to observe, reflect, and truly experience the places we visit. It encourages us to slow down, engage with our surroundings, and gain a deeper understanding of different cultures and environments. In essence, it's about opening our eyes to the world around us and appreciating its beauty and diversity.
We don't think much about climate change and rising sea levels here in the U.S. Beyond a few gardeners, birders and hikers who notice the changes in our own ecosystem, we live on, blissfully unaware of our changing Earth. Our storms - Katrina, Sandy - are dismissed as once-in-a-century events.
- J. Maarten Troost
Escapism, we are led to believe, is evidence of a deficiency in character, a certain failure of temperament, and like so many -isms, it is to be strenuously avoided. 'How do you expect to get ahead?,' people ask. But the question altogether misses the point. The escapist doesn't want to get ahead. He simply wants to get away.
- J. Maarten Troost
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