MTM: People Watching in Athens

This MTM is coming to you a day late this week because I was all fired up talking about millennials marching. That's a lot of "m" words flying about... Anyway today I want to talk about the art of travel people watching. It's a different kind of breed of people watching than the people watching you could be doing in your own hometown from the local coffee shop while catching bits of gossip and banter. This kind, obviously, has a broader spectrum with different locations, languages, and much more detail than when you're location locked at home. Technically, you could live in a very diverse area and this may not particularly pertain to you as much as others, but nevertheless when you're traveling about country to country there are bound to be differences. 

Sonder is a huge player when you're traveling and that's so blatantly one of my favorite things abut it. Here, pictured above, are two siblings that I ran into up on the Acropolis of Athens. They were talking in a language I did not know, but were being very sweet to each other and seemed engaged in not only the surrounding architecture but little things they were finding that were overlooked by others. Picking up tiny rocks and pointing out other sites and views set them apart from others. As travelers we can always learn from the youth because their imaginations can be quite different from our own. Seeing what they notice or recognize, watching their expressions when they see architecture they've only looked at through books, and listening to their exclamations about historical events can be very intriguing. 

I'm not saying that you have to have baby fever to appreciate what little kids are talking about and I'm certainly not saying that you have to interact with children either. Simply see if you notice anything when you're people watching about the youth and take a moment to take data from it, so to speak. 

You may be inspired or lose faith in parenting skills, who's to say. 

-CS

Traveling soon? Here are some things you may need and a place or two to do bookings. Safe travels and if you ever want to share something you found you know where to find me.

Why Millennials are Marching

Taken during the Science March in downtown Denver, 2017

Taken at the Science March in downtown Denver, 2017. The event  started off with speakers before the 14 block march.

In the past four months there is undoubtably more marches than there have been in quite a long time. Now, we could talk politics and rant on about terms, but that's not the point of this. Something incredible is happening amongst all the unrest and tension. People. Are. Marching. 

People from all colors, creeds, and backgrounds are taking to the streets to stand for their rights and the rights of others (even the rights of the environment). There have been some incredible things that have happened to unite groups of people together and I'm not just talking about the Woman's March (although that was very important). Millennials in particular are getting in on the action that once seemed a far off history fact of the 50s and 70s. Those that were around during those times are seemingly not thrilled about marching again, but the Gen X have taken action. 

It's a powerful thing to witness when there are very young individuals who are standing for things that they are actually INFORMED about. It's not some light topic or some unrest about a pizza shop closing - it's about rights and necessity. I have spoken to a handful of these individuals and there seems to be one common factor. They want a voice and they're going to share it until they are heard. 

Millennials have come to be the generation that can do things faster, bigger, and potentially with more passion than others might imagine. Once thought to just be the generation with their heads in their phones (although this stereotype still hangs on) there are been some great strides and accomplishments. The "kids" are getting stuff done. 

There are countless stances to take whether you're opposing or supporting a given topic. In the coming weeks I am touching on a few of these again and would love to hear more input aside from my own research and interviews. However, if you are here to spread hate and have no inquiries or details to add I ask you to take your comments elsewhere. I know this thing is unavoidable in most cases, but you've been asked nicely...for now. 

What are some of the marches you have been part of? Fear not - my March for Science shirt is on it's way in the mail even after I marched around Denver. 

-CS

National Park Week

It’s National Park Week and that gives even more reason to celebrate our wilderness. From the vast oceans to the deep forests national parks are very important to us not only on a sustainable level, but an emotional level as well. Family road trips and vacations are often centered around certain parks and can shape the way new generations think. Personally, I can remember being very young and going to Yellowstone National Park, seeing the Grand Canyon, and visiting the wild west quite often. Now that I have been living in Colorado for some time my appreciation has only increased.

This vibrant photo is from my last visit out to Colorado before I later became a resident. This particular shot is from Rocky Mountain National Park and it was taken in the summer. Yes, that's snow and yes I was wearing shorts (not pictured). I saw various parks and monuments while I was out on this visit and thoroughly enjoyed my time exploring, per usual. However, when I was younger seeing national parks was something that really shaped the person I am today.

From a very young age I was taught to not only care for other humans but for plants and animals as well. I am very thankful for these lessons that were instilled in me at such a young age. I spent a lot of my time outside regardless of where my family was living at the time and my imagination soared. Growing up, I demanded more information and more knowledge. I wanted more science, botany, agriculture, and so fourth to be part of my life. Atop of my college courses and experiences out in the field I always refer back to my inquisitive nature and trips I got to take when I was younger. 

Although I have yet to see all of the national parks I intend to do my best to protect them and spread my love for them to the best of my ability. If you have been here for awhile, you know that the majority of my travel writing career has a foundation of environmental conservation and exploration. Feel free to add in your own experiences or stories if you so please and share this article if you would like to pass it on. 

What is the next national park on your list to see?

-CS

Here are some items relevant to today's discussion. Included are; video, print, a map, a coloring book and even a board game in celebration of our great parks! Feel free to click the photos to learn more and/or shop.