I thought I was adventurous… I’m not sure anymore.
I guess this is related to what ‘adventure‘ means, as I read about it in many travel blogs, magazines and the way several destinations are marketing themselves. Apparently, adventure is getting more and more about adrenaline activities: bungee jumping, shark cage diving, hang gliding, white water rafting and so on.
Bungee Jumping: Thrilling or Scary?
If I have to jump from a high bridge tied to an elastic cord or descend rough waters on an inflatable boat to be adventurous, then I’m not. I’m scared as hell by heights and water, and have no desire to see a white shark while in a cage since I want to go on scuba diving (with sharks, yes, although not the white shark) with no fear. It’s true that a few times I pushed myself beyond my limits, like when I had my first (and so far only) paragliding experience. This happens however seldom if ever.
During my recent trip across South Africa, I was somewhat surprised by the large amount of extreme activities that are offered and the number of thrill-seekers. It made me think about what ‘adventure’ means to me, with the help of the Oxford dictionary defining ‘adventure’ as ‘an unusual, exciting or dangerous experience, journey or series of events’ and ‘excitement and the willingness to take risks, try new ideas, etc‘
Adventure means being open to the unknown and the unexpected
I like exploring new places with not much of a planning and following as much as possible my instinct. I love mixing up with local people, traveling by public transportation, tasting different foods and trying to absorb a little of a different culture. I traveled alone in countries deemed dangerous because my desire to explore a region is stronger than the concern for possible risks. That’s my way of being adventurous.
I don’t feel ashamed to admit that there are activities that I will probably never experience. Adventure to is much more than adrenaline, it’s a mindset and a lifestyle. It means being open to the unknown and the unexpected, every single minute of a journey.
What is adventure for you?
I’m definitely this kind of traveler: ” like exploring new places with not much of a planning and following as much as possible my instinct. I love mixing up with local people, traveling by public transportation, tasting different foods and trying to absorb a little of a different culture.”
Canada’s Boomergirl recently posted..Titanic anniversary in Canada
I agree – it’s not about adrenaline, but more about going into the unknown. Travel should always be an adventure
Brooke vs. the World recently posted..Palm Tree in Eye Photo: How I Got the Shot
For me, I’d rather have a surge of inspiration and transformation than adrenaline, but I think they all can go hand-in-hand.