Why do terrorists target travel-hubs? They want to take away our passion for life, our zest for adventure. They want to stifle our ability to share our culture, laughs and stories around the world.
After the senseless, futile acts this week in Brussels I heard something that broke my heart. A school trip to Europe has received cancellations from over half of the attendees because of ‘the current situation’.
I can hear the living-room conversations in my head:
“Let’s just put it off until Europe calms down again”
“Why risk it? Just travel closer to home this summer”
“I’ll be worried sick that something will happen”
The thing is though, I doubt that it’s the kids that want to pull the pin – it’s their parents who’ve decided to cancel their coming-of-age dream trip with their pals.
I hate to sound pessimistic, but Europe won’t ever “calm down”, nor will America, Australia, The Middle East, Asia… You get my point. Unfortunately, the world will keep breeding hate-filled people – for whatever reason. Also, travelling has ALWAYS presented risk – whether it be disease, violence, your ship sinking, scurvy, etc
A school trip to Europe has received cancellations from over half of the attendees because of ‘the current situation’.
So you can choose to watch CNN from the comfort of your couches, shaking your head at “what the world has come to” in fear, or you can choose to let the people around you enjoy life, travel the world and see it for all it’s goodness – instead of focusing on the bad stuff, the 1% – what the media makes money from, fear.
If getting on an airplane these days scares you that’s fine – but don’t transfer your fears to others; like your children, co-workers or friends. Let them take a small risk; let them enjoy the anticipation of a planned adventure. Don’t be that stick in the mud that drags down your peers, because fear spreads like Vegemite on a warm, buttered baguette.
Also, what’s to say that “home” isn’t just as risky these days anyways? I’d trade a Parisian café any day of the week over one in Martin Place. Do parents tell their teenage kids to avoid coffee shops now? Perhaps it would be safer to make a cup at home, rather than get one in a public place? Sounds pretty ridiculous, right? Well, what’s the difference between that and cancelling a once in a lifetime school trip to Europe?
I find that the main demographic of people that do choose to stay behind closed doors with knees wobbling are the 40-70 year olds. They’ve already travelled the world, taken their risks and fulfilled their wanderlust. These baby-boomers had it pretty good, they probably needed to avoid a few wars here and there but they mainly sidestepped the age of suicide vests and random, unprovoked attacks on the general public.
I find it quite selfish when these people wag their fingers at their sons, daughters or grandchildren when they want to hop a plane overseas. Instead of closing the world to the younger generation – who’ve unfortunately grown up with the threat of terrorists – these respected elders should be ushering them out the door.
So please don’t be that jerk who talks somebody out of taking that trip, this is the world we live in – and it’s mostly filled with beautiful things, acts and experiences. Do yourself a favour and change the channel instead.