Bursting My Western Travel Bubble
I stepped outside my comfort zone to transform my worldview
London’s Heathrow airport is eerily empty during the early hours of the morning. Among the announcements and weary travelers, I sit, quietly observing. Across from me, an older gentleman flashes a warm smile, and says he’s about to visit his 100th country.
“Which has been your favorite so far?” I ask, my curiosity piqued.
“Laos,” he says, eyebrows raised at the visible shock on my face. “Going there was a beautiful chapter in my life story, filled with kindness, flavors, and unforgettable moments.”
“I wish I could travel to lots of countries,” I reply.
“You can,” the man tells me. “But you first need to step outside of your comfort zone and embrace the unknown.”
I can’t help but feel a tinge of fear as the plane touches down in Istanbul. It’s not every day that I find myself immersed in such a diverse and unfamiliar culture. So, I wonder if I’ve made the right decision to visit Türkiye.
I wander through Istanbul’s historic Taksim Square, where a giant monument stands to…