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ChangingMinds Blog! > Blog Archive > 04-Aug-07

Wednesday 15-August-07

Transformational holidays

I'm recently back from holidays where my wife and I drove 2000 miles around Ireland (here's the blog and photos). As with most holidays, I've come back a changed man.

Travelling and seeing the world is such a transformational experience, even in a country close to your own. The mental models of people elsewhere are different, sometimes subtly so, as are their values, beliefs and so on. The Irish are, in general, a delightful people who have a positive and friendly outlook despite a history of oppression and hardship, and I drew inspiration from their attitude. Even the invariable groups of youths in town seemed more intent on enjoying each other's company than staring down anyone who dares look a them.

An example of the Irish friendliness and social concern is the 'please overtake' lane on main roads into which they pull to allow faster drivers to overtake. I also liked the bright colours with which they painted their houses, creating brightness in a land often beset by rain.

We stayed in a series of B&Bs and small hotels where people were friendly and helpful, from taking time to discuss our itinerary to making up picnic hampers for the day's touring.

I must also say that living and travelling closely with my wife, Eleri, has also made me appreciate her even more. God, I'm a lucky chap.

And so I came away refreshed, stimulated and transformed, thanks to Irish hospitality, great company and that most mind-changing of things, time to reflect.