Lasting Effects

Everyone who has travelled knows that the experiences and things you see on your journey stay with you and impact you for quite a while after the trip.

I have only been a few places so I can easily list them:
Las Vegas
Osoyoos BC
Gulf Islands BC
North Bay Ontario
Toronto Ontario

That is the extent to my traveling experiences thus far. The list may be small, however the things that I have taken away from each trip has been incredible.

Las Vegas didn't do too much for me at the time since I was only about 14. So I wasn't able to experience the "Adult" side of it, but I did experience the family side of it. We went to a magic show and aquariums, out for meals, and walked the strip. This taught me that everything has two sides. While Vegas in the media and most peoples perception of it, is a party city, there is a family dynamic to it as well (although it may not be quite as much fun). Basically don't judge a book by its cover.

My experience in Osoyoos BC was very interesting. It taught me to respect change. I went there with my (at the time) best friend. The trip (I thought) was great. We stayed there for a week camping with her family. It was my first time in BC and I was very grateful to be there! Although when we got back from this week long trip, something shifted in our relationship (I still don't know what happened). After many ups and downs, and confusion, that seemed to be the last time we truly connected. We no longer really talk or hang out.

The Gulf Islands trip taught me that ones person treasure in another person's garbage. The family I went with has done this trip every year for the past five years, and its the only holiday they take in the summer. The one child in the family is starting to get really sick and tired of this same trip every summer and she no longer wants to go with the family. This was interesting because growing up I felt the same with camping! She hated the trip yet I was fascinated by it. However I do understand where she's coming from.

My two trips to North Bay (One during winter and one during summer) have taught me the value of family. My moms entire family lives in Ontario (mom,dad, and 4 brothers). So up until I was 16, I hadn't seen my moms family in anywhere from 2-8 years (depending on which relative). Both experiences taught me that no matter how far away you are, family always carries memories and looks out for each other. Now we go there every 2 years just to catch up!

My Toronto trip taught me the true value of friendship. My experience there was horrible and nothing like we had expected. Yet my best friend stuck by me (even through her own frustration) and we're still best friends, even though she's across the country and we only see each other MAYBE once every two years.