Final Reflections *tuh tuh tuh*

I wasn’t sure what to say in this “final reflection” of this course, other than it was and wasn’t what I thought it would be (in a good way!). When I read the title of this blog, that annoying Christina Aguilera song from the Mulan movie soundtrack came into my head....ah the 90’s. *sigh* Not too sound overly cheesy (however, it is my nature), but I learned a lot from this course and I had an incredible experience, no doubt enhanced by the readings and discussions had with Steve Hutkins (I’m not being a brown-noser, but I genuinely happen to think I wouldn’t have gotten the same experience in this class without his insight on traveling). This course showed me a new way of thinking towards what one should do as a traveler as opposed to a “tourist”, and if that negative connotation towards “tourists” was in fact, justified. More than anything though, the articles we read on the sociological aspect of travel were quite informative, as much as I initially disliked them. They helped expose me to much more in-depth information about traveling as people did in the “old days”, if you will. This course also allowed me to meet great, new, like-minded andopen-minded individuals with a desire to see and explore the world around them, as I desire to as well, whereas most people are rather content living in their own little bubble without daring to step outside their comfort zone.

This class in a way was a reassurance of sorts, as to making me think that I was in fact, sane for wanting to go out and explore the world outside of my New York City bubble. Don’t get me wrong, I really do love New York City, but I get antsy being in one place for too long, and one of the main reasons for me even coming to NYU was because of the opportunities to study abroad across the globe. This class was an opportunity to analyze traveling and learn more about Prague and Czech culture, customs and things to do while I’m there, which would come in handy as a semi-resident of the country and just wanderer in general. This class taught me to not be afraid to stray off the beaten path and do things that most “tourists” wouldn’t dare to do, and to not be afraid to “live” somewhere as opposed to living there. I can’t wait to continue my adventure during my Art of Travel course next semester! Thanks for a great half-semester everyone! J