They call me "Scatterbrains!"

Now that my trip to Israel has ended, I can finally take some time to reflect on the experience. What did I learn? How have I changed as a person? Why was I put here? Why does my left shoelace insist upon becoming untied ALL THE FREAKING TIME? These are the important things one has to question after a trip that you take, essentially, alone.


Fast Walkers and Slow Walkers
A big aspect of this trip was that I was not part of any prescribed tour or included in any affiliated group. This was just me. Obviuosly, there are a lot of things to be missed by not going on a tour and with others. I didn't get a detailed run down of the history for each building I saw, I only saw three cities, and I didn't have a mode of transportation that was very reliable.

However, all those things can be equalized by the single fact that I am a "Slow Walker." This is juxtaposed by the opposite personality type of "Fast Walker." These two titles not only describes an individuals physical actions but also their mental behavior. A Slow Walker might take his time walking from place to place, observing each tiny detail, and have thoughts moving from one abstract subject ("Hey this building has really cool archetecture!") to another ("Oh look at that puppy!"). They move with a "go with the flow" type of motion that indicates their sense of discovery.

A Fast Walker moves with a very specific goal in mind. They must get to this location and will get there by going very fast. ZIP ZIP ZIPPPPOOO. A Fast Walker darts through the streets moving at a speed that tells the world "This person knows where they are going!" They observe details, however, they are focused on the big picture. Their thoughts are like a laser beam, one subject, one goal, one solution. If you need to figure out how to get somewhere or solve some sort of problem these Fast Walkers are who you need.

I am a Slow Walker. I took my time on this trip and I would not have it any other way. I did what I wanted to, when I wanted to do it. I wandered the streets of the Old City. I walked aimlessly around the New one. The areas, while most likely well known to tour guides, suddenly became a whole lot more personal. I had discovered these places. I had ownership of this place. I was my own tour guide. I didn't have to keep up with anyone. I had a lot more freedom.

It was frightening. I got lost many times and had to figure things out on my own. I had to take charge of situations, solve them, work around them, figure them out. I had help many times, thanks to my wonderful Israeli friends whom I was able to spend as much time with as I wanted to because I was not on any schedule. But in the end, I feel like I could manage in a place like this on my own.

I encourage everyone to travel alone. You are left with a lot of time to create an internal dialogue with yourself (not in the crazy homeless person sort of way). It's insightful, fulfilling, and creates a wonderful sense of self reliance. It is also scary as hell.





PS. The answers to the opening questions are as follows:

1. The bus station is very confusing. The train station is very confusing. The taxi's are very confusing. Walking by foot I can comprehend. I am secure in my religious-osity. Israel is not only home to Jews but also stray cats (the connection between the two remains inconclusive). Falafel is good, but all the stuff they put on it is better. The beach rocks. I like people watching. Many more...
2. I have not changed at all. Although, I might be a little bit ruder from being in this country for two weeks. I apologize in advance.
3. I was put here to live life to it's fullest.
4. I need new shoes.