People might interpret that my love of travel and the adventure I seek from living in other countries is indication of a renunciation of the United States and/or American culture. This is the opposite of the truth, while I enjoy the unique challenge of living abroad I am proud to be American and I embrace the culture in which I was born. When my guide in Cambodia was cautious about voicing his discontent with his government I was thankful for our freedom of speech which permits Americans to freely criticize our elected officials. As my students in Korea complain about being exhausted from studying until the late hours of the night I realize how grateful I am that American youth are allowed to explore their interests outside of academics which enhance rather than detract their college admission applications. Though the United States is by no means perfect I appreciate all that it has to offer - it's higher education system, mosaic of cultures, modern comforts, diverse geography and the warm and welcoming people.
I believe anthropologist Margaret Mead observation sums up my feelings well - "[a]s the traveler who has once been from home is wiser than he who has never left his own doorstep, so a knowledge of one other culture should sharpen our ability to scrutinize more steadily, to appreciate more lovingly, our own." Click on the pictures below to view more photographs from around the United States. |