Benefits of Traveling

Traveling is more than just visiting new places and people. It is about creating memories, experiencing different cultures, and discovering the beauty of our world and the people who populate it. You also experience places that are not so Comfortable and populations that are not nearly as well off as you are.

I have done a great deal of traveling starting with a trip to Europe with my brother Mike after my graduation from Carleton College in 1959. That was followed by four years in the Navy where I was stationed on the USS Saint Paul stationed in Yokosuka Japan. I joined dear and company when I returned from the Navy and spent most of my vacation traveling with my wife and six children. We purchased a pop-up camper and traveled throughout the United States utilizing state and federal campgrounds as our basis of operation. Besides taking extensive photos on these trips I also documented many family events with my camera. These photos were all done with 35mm slides. During this. I took more than 10,000 35mm slides Before I switched to a digital camera. Unfortunately, I did not join all of these photos into pictorial journals.

 My first pictorial journal was of a journey to Italy and India with my three daughters, Erin Kelley, Page Bloyd and Shannon lamb. That began with my inviting my children to join me on a trip to India. My three daughters indicated they could make themselves available and would like to make the trip, but Shannon had a caveat. She told me that she really wanted to visit Italy. Well, that wasn't the deal, but in researching airline routes, I found that we could go through Rome to get to India. So, the itinerary changed to include Italy. I took a lot of photographs in Italy and India.

One of the most rewarding aspects of traveling is immersing yourself in new cultures. Each country has its own unique traditions, food, and way of life. I wanted my photos of this visit and all subsequent visits to other countries to tell the story of the culture and living conditions of the people. So, many of my photos in each country are of the people. Those images tell a story. After each visit I use them to create a photo journal.

These visits have provided me with a firsthand education about parts of the world that can't be acquired in a textbook, a news commentary, or an opinion editorial. However, they provide a context to better understand commentaries.

For instance, during my visit to Morocco, I was captivated by the vibrant markets and the aroma of spices filling the air.

I remember wandering through the narrow streets of Marrakech, where every corner revealed a new surprise. I learned about the customs and even tried my hand at bargaining in the souks. To truly appreciate a culture, I suggest trying local dishes. That sounds a bit risky, but it can genuinely add to the success and satisfaction you gain from your trip. Ask your guide, or other trusted source, to recommend a trusted restaurant.

 I have also taken many photos of family events, such as weddings, family reunions, birthdays, Christmas and New Years. I use those photos to document the events with pictorial journals. They are available on this website. I hope you will join me in my journey through any one of the countries I've visited and any of the events that I have described in a pictorial journal.

Harry Hoyt