It has arrived, departure is only a few days away and I find myself is a place of great anticipation and excitement. I have packed and unpacked to ensure that I have all that I need (and no more). I have researched and explored as much as possible before leaving the comforts of home. I have attempted to learn new phrases and words. I have already established a newfound interest and passion for the Swiss culture and people, and haven’t even boarded my flight yet. What does this say about me, as a student, as a traveler, and as a person? I have done the leg work, I have seen “the sights” per say. I have lived the tourist experience without visiting Switzerland and I have done so with a purpose. I am and will be a traveler, one who enjoys the experiences and opportunities that are presented as they are presented. I have no personal list of items to see or do because they will come to me along my journey. Travel and education are very similar in the idea that they cannot be forced upon a person. One must have an interest or desire to want to travel and to want to learn, I sit here on the eve of departure ready to travel and learn with no absolute intentions in mind.

“The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see.”

― G.K. Chesterton

 

Ciao!

-Mallory