In a Minnesota suburban YMCA I overheard a woman describe her trip to Alaska as “It’s just like Minnesota but with mountains.” She went onto convey the banality of the trip. I couldn’t believe my ears. Does this look like MN?

Alaska is spectacular, as is Minnesota. There are similarities, but to compare the two as identical is traveling with your eyes closed.

What is the point of travel if its not to acknowledge and marvel at the unique beauty and diversity of our world? Travel, for me, is the opportunity to visually understand our fellow man. To see how landscapes have formed their perceptions. To experience something of their world in order to expand mine. To stand in awe of a world so spectacular that to see even just one small part of it is a privilege to be embraced and cherished.

I hope the woman in the locker room will have another chance to open her eyes to the magnificence of the world around her, even if it’s just in her own backyard.