Pre-travel (081126)

Beloved --

Thanks to Debbie, I have discovered the/my best reason for travel. Pico Iyer's article is worth a peek.

http://archive.salon.com/travel/feature/2000/03/18/why/index.html

My rough itinerary goes like this: Central America for three weeks. Home for 36 hours. India to visit Anna in late December and early January. Then to SE Asia until March.

In my pre-travel journal I discovered some notes on "Designing the Perfect Anything." I suppose it is a supplement to Iyer's article. . . .

Travel (I say, like anything worthwhile):
-Reflect values
-Convey significance (meaning, import, suggestiveness, and plain sense)
-Be doable (with some stretch)
-Isn't stymied for lack of will or materials
-Conserves resources (caution here, e.g. "Carbon Credits")
-Doesn't collect what can't be dispersed (Is "sustainable")
-Is reproducible
-Is extensible
-Contains delight factors
-Is intelligent
-Uses "small multiples" (Take a bike or bus. . . .)
-Is healthy (you define it)
-Connects across levels (space, time, understanding)
-Invites collegiality
-Reflects love and compassion
-Has "wabi sabi"
-Promotes mindfullness and imagination
-Is responsible

(Please add to this list. I'm interested, since my perspective is sooooo Western, Christian, male, etc.)

In the Episcopal Book of Common Prayer, Prayers of the People Rite One, there is the importation that we all should be led (as leaders and citizens--my addition) to "wise decisions and right actions for the welfare and peace of the world." Who's to argue with that?

I miss and love you all.

Jim