Live into a new way of thinking

“We do not think ourselves into a new way of living; but we live ourselves into a new way of thinking.” Richard Rohr

I came across this quote while on travel in Portugal and I remembered how much I like this quote. It is so appropriate for why I think it is so important to travel. Travel is all about trying to “live your way into a new way of thinking”. Travel gets you out of your comfort zone for sure. You get out of your “little bubble” and begin to physically experience something completely new to you.

There is so much that can be different to your way of living. It could be the food, the people, the language, their history, the flora or fauna, the landscapes, the weather, you name it; it can feel darn right strange at times. Sometimes you might find that you really, really like this way of living and it changes your thinking of what is important in life.

Take for instance, you might come back from a trip abroad to Europe and decide that you really like not being rushed when your eating. On this trip to Portugal, I was reminded of this over and over when we were dining out. You can really just sit and enjoy as long you want and we did when our schedule allowed. I am not a big fan of eating a meal and then jumping up to clear and cleaning the dishes right away. I love this slow eating and enjoying of the meal and time spent together with family or friends. My way of thinking of what dining should be like has changed since I experienced how Europeans dine.

We experienced Portugal with the help of a Rick Steve’s tour for the majority of our time in Portugal. We love the Rick Steve’s tour as they go out of their way to help you experience the neighborhoods and people. Your local guides are a window into living in the local ways. Your not just a visitor only but your given a chance to converse and get to know the people’s lives a little that have lived in Portugal. You learn through their stories what living in Portugal was and is like. You learn of the hardships they endured. We can even see it written on their faces at times.

Portugal was ruled by a dictator from 1932 to 1970, with almost all the time under one man, Antonio Salazar. We learned what life was like during this time from the story of our guide whose Mom and Dad lived during this time. We learned that women could not work outside home without permission of her husband or could not own property. No more than two people could gather in public or even kiss in public. Neighbors reported other neighbors to the authorities and you could be arrested and tortured. Stunningly, it all came to and end on April 25, 1970 in what is referred to as the Carnation Revolution.

The story of our guides mother and how she was able to find a way to make a living and own a bookbinding business was so inspiring. As I walked through the streets or road the subway or train, I could not help but look at the elderly Portuguese men and women and wonder what was their story.

Like this man I photographed looking out his window during my walk through the streets of Porto. What stories could he tell of the time during the reign of Salazar?

Travel can change us if we are open to the experiences and stories we encounter.

Keep it light and keep on traveling!

John