CultureCise - Traveling Solo

 

CultureCise: This is a term I created to describe exercise and dance classes that incorporate songs from various countries.  I wanted my adult students to learn about different cultures while enjoying dancing and doing aerobics. I am using it for my travel blog because it allows us to learn about different cultures and exercise our knowledge and respect for everyone. 


I love traveling! Over the years, I have learned to travel by myself, and it has been a rewarding experience.


I usually travel with a purpose in mind.  Since 1997, I have traveled to many countries around the world.  One reason is to learn the culture and history of that country, but I have studied a language many times.  


In February of 1998, I studied Spanish in Madrid for two weeks.  After that, I studied in Alicante twice.  Later, I traveled to Argentina and many other countries in South America.  It is a low-cost way of traveling.  I stay with a family, and most of the time, they are single women my age who want to rent a bedroom.  The language institutes find a family for their students.  I have made friends with the hosts.  We speak Spanish.  I eat the food they prepare.  I tell them I'm a vegetarian and have never had a problem with making simple, delicious food. 


After several years of studying Spanish and traveling in South America and Spain, I decided to do the same thing with Italian.  I began learning Italian at the age of 55.  During different trips, I have studied in Rome, Florence, Siena, Verona, Assisi, and Napoli.   


Additionally, when I visit Armenia, I have a purpose beyond visiting family and friends. In 2012, I presented a book and participated in a photo exhibition in Yerevan. I published a bilingual English and Armenian book for teachers, featuring social and emotional learning strategies, in 2012.  In October 2023, I followed some social workers who were assisting refugees from Artsakh.  I wrote an article about one family and their resilience.  


I have traveled with friends and people I hardly knew; the tour company matched us, or I had just met them during a trip.  Many times I had bad experiences. Therefore, I decided to travel alone.  Also, when I go to Spain or South America, I can connect with locals in Spanish. I don’t want to have a companion who constantly requires translation. Sometimes I want quiet.  I don’t want to talk in English or Armenian while traveling in a Spanish-speaking country or Italy. I can read or mingle with locals. I call it Me Time


Having a purpose and a goal makes my trips meaningful and joyful.  Learning something new about others and myself is the key to growth.  Let’s celebrate our curiosity and discover the world.


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