I recently made a spur of the moment decision to travel to Colombia over Christmas to visit my new boyfriend’s familia over there. Well, what seemed like a risky but exciting move turned out way better than expected.
His familia were so warm and loving from the get-go, and while I definitely had a crash-course in Spanish staying in the 4 generation familia home, they were all so patient and generous with me. Within a week I’d been added to the familia group chat, and am now definitely in the loop of current trending memes and tik toks in Colombia.
We talk about the various facets of wellbeing as including spiritual, physical, mental and social/whānau, and I’m not sure where this one fits in, but I realised on that trip just how vital travel and cultural/linguistic experiences are to my own personal sense of wellbeing.
There’s a certain buzz that I get when immersed in other cultures and languages that I don’t get in other ways. In fact, it’s probably my drug of choice, with the main negative side-effect being climate change. Upon returning to Aotearoa and experiencing the extreme weather events, I must admit I did feel very guilty.
It is a distinct tension, growing up on isolated islands in the South Pacific and absolutely loving overseas travel, while also loving this earth and wanting to do the best for it. This is a tension that probably many of us experience, and one with no easy fix at the moment.
So putting that into the too-hard-basket for now, I’ll share with you several key benefits to overseas travel that I personally experienced.
An immediate sense of present-moment awareness through all 5 senses. Fresh tropical fruits never tasted so sweet. Warm sea breezes never felt so balmy. Chocolatey roasting coffee never smelt so intoxicating. Vibrant colonial streets never looked so colourful. And rhythmical caribbean beats never sounded so fun. AKA, being in the NOW.
Gratitude for ALL of our blessings. Visiting a country with significant levels of poverty suddenly made me aware of all that I’d been taking for granted. The safety of our country, not having to live within caged, gated complexes (yet). Feeling free to walk alone on the streets in safety here. Having a job and a decent salary. Drinkable water out of the tap. Functional sewerage systems. Clean, uncrowded, mostly plastic free beaches. I could go on…
Challenging the brain through language learning. My brain actually feels warm and tingly when I get to make new linguistic connections and learn how to say something useful or funny. Yes, it’s a step out of your comfort zone, but the dopamine rush that follows is such a good buzz. If you haven't yet learnt a second language, why not start with te reo Māori! Hit me up for advice on where to start.
A greater sense of shared humanity and LOVE. Visiting Colombia around New Years was a real vibe, and what struck me was just how much time people make for face to face catch ups. New Years eve was spent walking down one local neighbourhood road, and stopping at every second house to pay our respects to each whānau. Numerous shots of whiskey and aguardiente (local liquor) ensued, with countless hugs, kisses and blessings from my partner’s friends and family. Love was definitely present and it was abundant!
An enhanced appreciation of cultural differences. I now know that music is just plain louder and an ever-present component of daily life in Colombia. I also know that eating dinner at 9pm is normal over there. And that doing things on your own is looked down upon. Why do it on your own when you do it together as a familia/neighbourhood/city?
Yes, the differences drove me crazy sometimes when I just wanted some peace and quiet, but ultimately I know that if we can appreciate each others differences, we are stronger for it.
I fell in love again and again on that trip. In fact, I was almost on a love-high the whole time.
And it wasn’t just with my new partner. It was with life itself. Every day was a precious moment, never to be repeated. So I made sure that I took it all in with wide eyes and an open heart.
Flash forward 3 months, and to be completely honest, that buzz has definitely worn off a little. But as I write this I’m reminded that being present in my day to day life is a choice. It’s a choice we can all make. To appreciate our blessings and to notice the little moments.
And to walk through life with our eyes and hearts wide open.
I invite you join me in this love revolution xx
