I’ve been there – a note from my 2008 diary.

"I've been there" IMG_2301a_1

Sometimes it's better to keep silent in general conversation about travel. !!!!!

The unintentional movement of the eyes say it all…..the  body language is blatantly clear and unless the group is lodged behind a table in a booth, there will often be a subtle, general exodus.

I talk little about travel when I get home.

I don't show my pictures to my friends or regular quilt group. They have continued a life while I was absent and have pressing and meaningful life experiences to discuss.

It's not just travel, but generalities that are left in the suitcase  when I get home.

At a recent forum on Teachers, I did  try to talk to my Guild about the teaching methods I use overseas, and got re-buffed by  an indignant shop owner who had probably had 3 or 4 American Tutors teach in her shop (many years ago).
"I've seen how Americans teach, it's no different to here"  most times I just smile and inwardly shake my head in resignation.

I'm sure you have all had similar experiences. the only people you could drag your photo album out to was your 90 year old Aunt Mabel who loved anything you did and would sit patiently glazed as you relate one story after another.

Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind, its a personal journey, in some instances never to be shared.

Some 15 years ago I spent a wonderful lunch with business partner Cynthia who had returned from a trip to Britain. We sat for hours pouring over her photos.
The  happiness in her voice as she related the experiences fired my enthusiasm for travel.
Maybe I look at things differently. !!!!!

Half the fun of the travel is the esthetic of lostness in the "I've been there" syndrome.

I count myself privileged to travel and work as I do.
I share my experiences in travel  through my designs, filming, writing and presentations……the exciting thing, is that I get paid to do so.!!!!!

As for the generalities… sharing my expertise on teaching methods… I have been asked to consider becoming a consultant….!!!!! Yes, that means I get paid to impart knowledge.

It's seems ironic ~ when I offer to do it all for free.!!!!!

The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway.  ~Henry Boye

12 Comments Add yours

  1. Mindy says:

    I can relate. I don’t travel near as much as I’d like to but I do know that experience well of being very excited about something and making the mistake of trying to share it with others who really are not interested. Sharing is not much fun unless the listeners are interested, too. Thank goodness for blogs and friends with common interests! BTW, I love to hear travel stories. It gives me a vicarious thrill.

  2. I’m with Mindy. It’s a bit of a let down when you get the hoe hum from your friends.

  3. Wendy in Kennewick says:

    It could be that some people are envious of your success. I could listen to you talk all day about your adventures. I may not run out and try everything you teach, but that doesn’t mean I can’t appreciate it.

  4. Mary Ellen says:

    Pam,
    I appreciate your ability to relay your stories with humor and inspiration, which is why I check out your blog on a daily basis when I’m at home.
    I so enjoyed your talk about your travels during your visit to Alamogordo – and can’t imagine anyone not enjoying hearing your stories.
    Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us here on this blog!

  5. peggy says:

    I love to hear of your travel adventures and to look at your wonderful pictures taken dring your travels…..

  6. peggy says:

    left out the u in during…sorry

  7. Chris John says:

    I guess putting your photos online gives people the opportunity to check in or not, it’s up to them.
    Whilst that is interesting in itself, it is the stories behind the picture that are lost in this forum.
    I, for one, love those tales of adventure and intruige, the culture and rhythm of life as the story unfolds.
    To me it is exciting, just as if I was going along with you.
    But it is important for people to choose to be on that journey and like it or not, not everyone is interested in the 2D representation of our travels.

  8. candyshomepatch says:

    Many people don’t relate, they don’t travel. Shared experience is everything. I cannot chat away about quilting in the same way I really don’t want to know about the play of a game of bowls. That’s what friends with shared interest are for – and what is an asset to Guild members. You speak many wonderful words Pam but I didn’t like the reference to ‘my Guild’, when the negative experienced came from a shop owner. It taints a whole group, many of whom Really value your involvement when you are available. Another of the comments above mentions jealousies & I agree, sadly we do see the tall poppy syndrome which is so futile. Keep up the sharing, people will take what they will. What we can give you in return is only our attention & our feedback.

  9. Pam Holland says:

    Candy, it is what it is. The comment was made at Guild but that doesn’t reflect on the whole group. People can take it or leave it. I just tell it as it is.
    But your comments are valuable and this post was written some time ago.

  10. eileenkny says:

    I love to travel and to hear about places others have been. Their insights sometimes help me decide whether or not I’d like to go to the same places.

  11. Candy says:

    Ah yes, I see that now….thanks Pam

  12. candyshomepatch says:

    Ah, I see that now, thanks Pam

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