Aside from shopping, traveling is one of my favorite things to do. Exploring a new place is exciting, adventurous, sometimes a little stressful, and no matter how far in advance you plan, it is filled with the unexpected. That’s why I stopped trying to plan every detail out a long time ago. Anyway, this week I was super inspired by photography from abroad that I found online. These pictures captured not only beautiful scenery, but an entirely different type of culture. It reminded me both of the differences and similarities between humans across the globe.
A daily commute may mean something different from one person to the next–riding a bike versus a 45 minute traffic jam every morning. Going across the George Washington Bridge with a toll of $12 is far different than crossing the Ponte Vecchio on a Vespa.
In Europe bikers are embraced instead of causing aggravation; Gondolas are better on gas, and much more charming. Pasta and carbs are encouraged, not shunned. Everything about Europe seems miles (literally and figuratively) from the American culture.
Yet as I look at the beautiful scenery, the ancient and elegant buildings that double as office spaces, and the culinary delights, I am reminded that we are not all that different after all. I took away some very key similarities despite language or cultural barriers from these photos:
Kids will be kids.
Let’s be honest, we all have those days.
Law enforcement always looks a little scary.
But at the end of the day, we all just want to do what we love, relax, and keep good company.
Perhaps when it comes down to it, we’re not that different from one another.