Jet Lagged Philosophies

" You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction your choose. You're on your own, and you know what you know. And you will be the guy who'll decide where you'll go. "  Oh The Places You'll Go   - Dr. Seuss

After about 24 hours of flights and layover,  90 pounds of luggage, weeks of preparation and months of anticipation, I am finally in Cyprus.

Cyprus?  Nine times out of 10 I get that question.

I want to travel, and I want to learn.  Cyprus is the cross roads of culture, "where East meets West" , I can't seem to think of a better place.  I would be lying if I didn't mention that getting an amazing tan was a huge factor.  

My main motivation is that I really want to answer the question: "How big is the world?"  

I'm constantly playing with the concept in head.  I came to college with an idea that it's a big world, but only to find out that it seemed smaller.  People seemed more connected and have more in common then ever before. 

I'm a history nerd, so I'm keeping in mind an article I read for a Western Civ. paper, "A World Not Neatly Divided."   In summary, it suggests not stereotyping cultures. It is almost impossible too, because there are more unique differences within a culture.  Think about how different accents there are in America.  I'm coming in open-minded and ready to learn.

It also asks to appreciate the similarities between cultures.  Sometimes I feel like we as people can be focused about what is different that we forget about the common bonding point.  Listening to the radio on the bus ride to the apartments I learned that Cypriots still love the Backstreet Boys too! I can only imagine that there are girls that remind me of my friends and I when we still argue over which boy is the cutest. 

You may take philosophical thoughts lightly, or even find them silly.  I understand that mentioning tanning, Backstreet Boys and a cliche Dr. Seuss quote may discredit me, but I've come to find that the little things that make up life are the greatest.   This is my mindset and I'm ready to go exploring.

What to check out:
 My favorite Sky Mall finds:  Dumbledore's Wand,  The Dream Chair Lounger and the 6-foot-tall Easter Island Statue