Over this past winter break I had the wonderful opportunity to travel to Burma. Burma (currently known as Myanmar) is a country located in Southeast Asia. It’s sandwiched right in between India, China, and Thailand, and is one of the most beautiful places you could ever explore. If you had told me several months ago that I would be living there for three weeks while traveling from city to city, I would have never believed you.
Usually during winter break I go home to Columbus for a bit to spend time with my family, then I drive back to Akron to work and train for the upcoming track and field season. However, a very close friend of mine convinced me to travel with them. I was quite caught off guard when I was asked to go all the way to Asia, especially since that was the first time I had heard of that particular country. I was nervous at first just thinking about how I was going to pay for a $2,000 ticket. I couldn’t wrap my mind around where I would train, and where I would live.
My friend reassured me that they would figure out the hotels and where we would stay in certain cities, as well as take care of the places we would visit. I had the money for a ticket but I was scared about leaving work and missing out on the holidays with my family. The last time I traveled abroad was back in 2011 when I went on a student ambassador trip to England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. I was very young and I was with quite a few other kids from different states and backgrounds. I never thought I would travel overseas again for a long time. So when I put that into perspective, I decided to just go, be free, and not worry about anything else but enjoying myself.
Buckingham Palace (personal photo)
Even the plane rides going to Burma were amazing (ok, despite the flight times I still liked it). We left from Chicago on Korean Airlines all the way to Korea, which was about 18 hours. The food and service was something I never expected and I loved it. From Korea we finally landed in Burma about 6 hours later. Long story short, going to Burma was one of the best decisions I ever made in my life. Korean airline meal (personal photo)
When I came back home I was already looking forward to going back. I’m not sure when I will get the chance to book another flight, but traveling to Burma opened my eyes to so many new experiences. In a nutshell, here are 4 reasons why traveling abroad is important:
1. New food, new you!
Try absolutely everything you can when going to a different country. Every culture prepares food differently, and there are certain ways people eat food together that you’ll learn to appreciate. In Burma, you have many options to choose from for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I grew to like the strong, pungent taste of every meal, and Burma is a place made up of many ethnicities with various unique dishes.
Hot Pot in Mandalay, Burma (personal photo)
2. Learn more about yourself
You will discover so much about yourself when you travel. I faced challenges and was put into situations that helped me figure out what I really wanted out of life. Your life will be put into a broader perspective when you get out of your comfort zone. When you return you will have a new appreciation for what you have, and escaping your everyday life will bring about a change for the better.
Ancient Royal Palace (personal photo)
3. The best form of education
Not only will you have some pretty awesome adventures, but you will also open your eyes to new experiences with new people. It was so cool learning a new language and diving into a different cultural environment. People have so many misconceptions about foreign countries until they actually go there. From developing cultural sensitivity, learning about the country’s history and its people, and forming long lasting relationships, there is no better form of education than traveling.
Clothing market in Yangon, Burma (personal photo)
4. Freedom
Get out and see the world! Money comes and goes, but take the opportunity to travel when you can. You will build confidence and find a newer you in the process. Being able to connect with other cultures and feel alive is truly the greatest feeling.
Shwesandaw Pagoda in Bagan, Burma (personal photo)
Go for it!