Travel always pushes me outside my comfort zone (why I love it). Activities I would never even consider in 'real life' I will gladly push myself to do while traveling. My biggest regret so far is not hang gliding off a mountain in New Zealand. I sat there for an hour watching, then determined to do it but ran out of time. Next time!
What a timely read! We’re headed into planning our next four-month adventure, and I’ve already added several things to my list — including the flight. ✈️
Your photos are stunning, and I love your reminder about challenging our fears. Nigel and I sometimes “fear-set” before a big trip — naming the worst-case, then stepping forward anyway. Everyone’s comfort zone looks different, but growth is always on the other side.
I'm sorry but I couldn't help myself laughing out loud when I read your micro flight story.
Why? Probably because even though as a teenager I knew very little fear boundaries and I'm astounded that I survived to become an adult.
Since becoming an adult I have acquired a bucket load more common sense and a feel for self preservation, so things like bungee jumping, high mountain trekking [and doing handstands while there..... as if I could], jungle trekking, well trekking of any sort or hang gliding are way out of my comfort zone.
But..... Solo travel, that's my preferred mode of travel.
I remember the hotel staff in Qatar more than 10 years ago being horrified that I was going to wander around the old part of the city, in particular the local souk by myself, not the one that lots of tourists visit. I saw a side of Qatar that isn't glitzy but raw, in more ways than one. The rows of gold shops with bridal dowry jewellery displayed in the windows, then just a bit further down the street were the halal butchers with animal carcasses hanging in the open.
Another experience that has stayed with me was a visit to the huge markets in Qatar where they sell everything from bags of flour to camels. As a farm girl, even I was distressed watching live, trussed sheep being stuff into the boot of a car to be taken home to become part of an Eid feast.
While these experiences didn't test my physical boundaries, the did test my emotional and sensory ones.
So, as you point out we are all different and its those differences that make each person's travel experiences theirs.
Haha yes I think I have always had an overdeveloped feel for self-preservation - I was even a wimp as a teenager and have never been on a loopy roller coaster in my life for example. And to be honest, sometimes - depending on where I am and my perceived (real or imagined!) safety, I am also sometimes nervous when travelling solo, but I do love to do it, it's my preferred boundary pushing.
Wow - that Qatar market experience sounds incredible - that would test my (mostly lifelong vegetarian) boundaries significantly!
Travel always pushes me outside my comfort zone (why I love it). Activities I would never even consider in 'real life' I will gladly push myself to do while traveling. My biggest regret so far is not hang gliding off a mountain in New Zealand. I sat there for an hour watching, then determined to do it but ran out of time. Next time!
Oh you are much braver than me!! But I agree, I definitely am much more likely to push myself while travelling. Got to grasp those opportunities!
Yeah, narh..... I'm a wooz I wouldn't hang glide regardless how big the incentive was :) but I'd happily sit and watch someone else do it :)
What a timely read! We’re headed into planning our next four-month adventure, and I’ve already added several things to my list — including the flight. ✈️
Your photos are stunning, and I love your reminder about challenging our fears. Nigel and I sometimes “fear-set” before a big trip — naming the worst-case, then stepping forward anyway. Everyone’s comfort zone looks different, but growth is always on the other side.
Off to listen to your podcast now!
Thanks so much and hope you enjoyed the listen! I love your idea of "fear-setting" - this is genius, I am going to try it!
Well, when I was eighteen I jumped off a fifteen meter cliff in Wattamolla!
That is both impressive and crazy! I presume you wouldn't do such a thing today?!
Not as impressive as a microflight! And even if Brent would let me, no. My body couldn't take that anymore.
Sensible conclusion!
Amanda
I'm sorry but I couldn't help myself laughing out loud when I read your micro flight story.
Why? Probably because even though as a teenager I knew very little fear boundaries and I'm astounded that I survived to become an adult.
Since becoming an adult I have acquired a bucket load more common sense and a feel for self preservation, so things like bungee jumping, high mountain trekking [and doing handstands while there..... as if I could], jungle trekking, well trekking of any sort or hang gliding are way out of my comfort zone.
But..... Solo travel, that's my preferred mode of travel.
I remember the hotel staff in Qatar more than 10 years ago being horrified that I was going to wander around the old part of the city, in particular the local souk by myself, not the one that lots of tourists visit. I saw a side of Qatar that isn't glitzy but raw, in more ways than one. The rows of gold shops with bridal dowry jewellery displayed in the windows, then just a bit further down the street were the halal butchers with animal carcasses hanging in the open.
Another experience that has stayed with me was a visit to the huge markets in Qatar where they sell everything from bags of flour to camels. As a farm girl, even I was distressed watching live, trussed sheep being stuff into the boot of a car to be taken home to become part of an Eid feast.
While these experiences didn't test my physical boundaries, the did test my emotional and sensory ones.
So, as you point out we are all different and its those differences that make each person's travel experiences theirs.
Haha yes I think I have always had an overdeveloped feel for self-preservation - I was even a wimp as a teenager and have never been on a loopy roller coaster in my life for example. And to be honest, sometimes - depending on where I am and my perceived (real or imagined!) safety, I am also sometimes nervous when travelling solo, but I do love to do it, it's my preferred boundary pushing.
Wow - that Qatar market experience sounds incredible - that would test my (mostly lifelong vegetarian) boundaries significantly!