I agree that travel makes a more informed voter. When I was traveling in New Zealand with a group of
Aussie’s our discussion consisted of comparing our political systems and health care.  As we were the
only two Americans on the trip, the Australians were anxious to learn from us and visa versa.  Not only
were we learning but developing a great friendship with these people.

Jeanette Arevalo

Rick Steves is usually right on. And I think that is certainly true here. Having models to study can only make us more knowledgeable.

Even the most casual observer can see the methods for the collection of taxes, government involvement in healthcare and attitudes and laws concerning immigration are hot topics in Europe as well as here in North America. 

Tourists I host from the UK are quick to see similarities and differences and they are eager to discuss them. The exchanges, from my experience, have been more inquiring than confrontational.

It is enlightening for them to see where American and Canadian voters come down on these issues. Meeting North Americans while standing in line or over a sandwich when they scatter for lunch gives the more forward Brit a chance to chat.  The results can solidify or change their opinions or leave them in need of more education.

For me this also works in reverse. When observing and discussing these issues during travels to the UK I can imagine what life would be like if their approaches were copied here. 

And I don’t even have to leave home. Just this evening one of my travelers from Wales was educating me on the VAT (value added tax). I thought I understood it, but I was ignorant of the British business tax and when it applies.

Thomas Jefferson said a democracy can only exist with an informed electorate. I guess he was pretty big on travel. His time in Europe and the results of the Lewis and Clark assignment certainly widened his views.

 

Darrell Hosack ITMI #170

I do agree with Rick Stevens, travel is a political act.

What politics mean?

Smart, foresight,commune and community, learning and adopting new ideas.We not travel just to tell our friends that we been in China, and yes, the Great Wall is there. Or we been in Australia and the Outback is – well – it is out….there…..

I just returned from Croatia, and this relatively small Country just fascinated me! With three thousand year history, most people never moved an inch from the house where they were born, they lived in five “Country”, had to learn five languages, pay 22% taxes – and they are happy, friendly, warm, congenial and street smart. They really do not like to work, always late to work and they leave work as much earlier as later they arrived. Start the day with a shot of “grappa” (grape whiskey) just to make sure they have a friendly smile.  Build an extra story on they home and rent out the rooms to visitors, to make an easy euro. Women sitting on the beautiful beach and crocheting what they later sell, but they do not hang on to the tourists and shout in their face pushing their merchandise.If they do not have what I am looking for, recommend an other women down the street, who is also crocheting, she might have what I am looking for. And smiling. I send my friends to buy her work too.

There are beautiful ancient buildings in every city what are still in continues use – for 1700 years! Not just empty remains, rocks or forbidden castles. You have the feeling everywhere, that the homes made by the Romans, the castles of the Venetians, the villas of the Austrians are still is use, antic on the outside, modern inside. Not just empty remains of ancient times to get the tourist pockets empty. They offer something we can all share, the locals and the tourists, beauty, history, art, home made pag cheese and certainly grappa.

I am ready to return any time! K. Toth

 

Hi There!

Mazeltov on the new & improved out reach of ITMI via blogging.. or am I coming out of my professional isolation of recent years & just becoming aware of such things myself?  The themes are very thought provoking.. travel as a political act.. amen…

I am currently enjoying some World Strides work for student groups around Sacramento & the Gold Country.. Colleages are terrific, I believe, all ITMI trained.. knowledgeable, helpful, Michelle McCurry, Mark Kasulen, Adrian C?, many more…

ITMI I attended in LA in 1981, class number 6 I believe..

Thanks again,

Dixie La Grande

This entry was posted on Saturday, May 30th, 2009 at 6:11 pm and is filed under General, Question of the Week. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.