I have never been out of the country. Unfortunately, my fear of flying (well, fear of going down is more like it) has hindered my exploration of the world. About five years ago, I could have traveled with a friend, and a group of other Jewish adults, to the motherland – Israel. For the most part, it was a free ticket because it involved committed studies and group activities. Now, I kick myself. My hairdresser, whose homeland is Jamaica, always reminds me that I am welcome to go with her whenever I want to – she goes at least once a season, and says that she can just see my sitting by the clear, blue water writing in my journal. And that I CAN imagine.
So with 2009 here and incredible opportunities that have been finding me, I must overcome all of my “what ifs” so that I can fully enjoy the twists and turns of life – and be ready for anything and everything.
Having attended several LA Fashion Week shows through Agenda, I can only imagine the beauty and excitement of Milan Fashion Week. I also envision how it would feel to stroll and skip on the streets of Paris, and then maybe make a trip from there to Brazil so that I can bask in the sexiness of babes and beaches.
While I understand that international travel has its own challenges, frustrations, and even dangers, the inspiration from visiting another country would do wonders on my soul; interesting trips and experiences would only inspire me as a writer, a business owner, and as a person who wants to know what it feels like to be a foreigner. I firmly believe that men and women who seek success can only do so by expanding their horizons and creating new friendships and industry relationships at every chance they get.
And what better way to do so than in a new place where you can open your eyes to new styles, new languages, new mannerisms, new senses of humor, a new fashion of politics, and new (tasty!) dishes.
Think I have a thirst to travel? You can bet your Manolos on that.
If you have a great international traveling trip that you would love to share with Elana, please contact her at elana@talkingchic.com. She may even quote you in her next column!
Elana Pruitt
