Rick Steves' says that travel is recess and we need it. In this world of overwhelming responsibility, I believe we could all use a little more recess in our lives. Travel provides a new context: A reason to say yes when we would normally say no. A reason to shed our worries for awhile and live with abandon. A reason to release our inner child.
One of the Rick Steves' tours I lead travels through the lush Bavarian landscape where King Ludwig chose to build his infamous Neuschwanstein Castle. It is a marvel that draws hoards of tourists each year, but the alpine slide that sits in the shadow of Ludwig's boyhood fantasy often elicits more thrills from my tour members than the castle itself.
Within sight of the Tegelberg Luge, the anticipation level in my tour bus always increases as my tour members squeal with excitement. I explain how the luge works - "Forward fast, back brake." I ask them to repeat this with me numerous times as I conjure up memories of bruised and battered speed demons that didn't heed my advice.
Once off the coach, I buy the tickets while my tour members huddle at the entrance like a bunch of school kids: Watching the sled-like go carts being dragged to the top of a mountain and then released down a metal course that twists and turns like only a serpent can. One by one, I scan their tickets as they pass through the rickety turnstile and the gruff attendant with a cigarette dangling dangerously from his mouth. "Forward fast, back brake," I yell one more time as they begin their journey.
One by one, they make their way to the end the course - Always more cautious the first time than the second. They tell stories of slowpokes and near misses as their fellow tour members congratulate them on a good run. It's a joy to watch because I know these people work hard and rarely have time to do such childish things, but I consider it a privilege to encourage such behavior.
I travel to release my inner child. What about you?
One of the Rick Steves' tours I lead travels through the lush Bavarian landscape where King Ludwig chose to build his infamous Neuschwanstein Castle. It is a marvel that draws hoards of tourists each year, but the alpine slide that sits in the shadow of Ludwig's boyhood fantasy often elicits more thrills from my tour members than the castle itself.
Within sight of the Tegelberg Luge, the anticipation level in my tour bus always increases as my tour members squeal with excitement. I explain how the luge works - "Forward fast, back brake." I ask them to repeat this with me numerous times as I conjure up memories of bruised and battered speed demons that didn't heed my advice.
Once off the coach, I buy the tickets while my tour members huddle at the entrance like a bunch of school kids: Watching the sled-like go carts being dragged to the top of a mountain and then released down a metal course that twists and turns like only a serpent can. One by one, I scan their tickets as they pass through the rickety turnstile and the gruff attendant with a cigarette dangling dangerously from his mouth. "Forward fast, back brake," I yell one more time as they begin their journey.
One by one, they make their way to the end the course - Always more cautious the first time than the second. They tell stories of slowpokes and near misses as their fellow tour members congratulate them on a good run. It's a joy to watch because I know these people work hard and rarely have time to do such childish things, but I consider it a privilege to encourage such behavior.
I travel to release my inner child. What about you?