The way out technology has made so much of the world accessible. In this case, I'm meaning in a physical sense. Recently, I took a trip to Japan. Did I have to spend weeks on a boat, ever at the mercy of the waves? No. I hopped on a plane. I realize this is not new technology to anyone here (myself included) but think about it. A little over a century ago, there simply weren't planes. Now, I can take it for granted that I can be at any major city on this earth, and many much smaller cities, within a day of travel time.
And it's absolutely worthwhile. Japan is the place least culturally similar to where I'm from that I've been, and that is in of itself valuable. I got to be exposed to a very different culture, and at times, participate in that culture. It reminded me that people are simply people, no matter where they are from or what they do. I saw sights and ate foods, had experiences that I simply could not do in the States. I recommend to all of you, when traveling, to only do what you can do at home when necessary. Seek out novel foods, novel experiences. You're in Rome. Do as the Romans.
I love that we live in a time in history where the whole of humanity, all of its culture and practice, the technological, architectural, and culinary wonders, are all available within a day of travel to any who seek it out. I love that not just technologically, but culturally, you can visit many countries without any prior notification, and be admitted as a guest on sight.
The world, open and available to everyone. As it should be.
Oh, and I snagged a Super Famicom copy of Chrono Trigger.
