Sprint Travelers vs Marathon Travelers
There are some common themes we´ve seen develop in our…two months (wow, already?) on the road. I´m specifically talking about types of people we meet. They can generally be broken down into two categories: the Sprinter and the Marathoner.
The Sprint Traveler:
- Clutches a guide book like the bible, often with a pen or other writing implement, determined to check attractions off of a list.
- Upon arriving in a place, immediately wants to know ¨what there is to do¨.
- Stays in one particular place only as long as they are entertained and occupied.
- Has a laundry list of places they have seen, and talks about them like badges of honor.
The Marathon Traveler:
- Is more concerned with feeling comfortable and at home in a place than with what there is to do or what the guide books say about it (they´re usually wrong anyway).
- Paces themselves, and is unconcerned with packing as many stamps into their passports as time allows.
- Meet people, and reconnect with them down the road.
- Share stories about the people they´ve met more than the places they´ve seen. When they do talk about the destinations, their eyes take on more of a sparkle and their voice becomes passionate.
- Never loose sight of the fact that the journey is the destination.
In my humble opinion, seeing as much as possible is not the goal of travel. It is about immersing yourself in a totally new, fresh, and alien experience and discovering how you react. It is about finding comfort and solitude in the places you go and the people you meet. It is about moving, and resting when you´re tired. Elena and I have grown so much already, and we look forward to what else our travels might bring.
