There are hundreds of books on the market suggesting great places to go, and many more describing having been there, but how about this: A book that is about not where or why, but how to travel…

And as you read it, you might agree that the word ‘travel’ is used in the loosest possible sense: not just the getting from A to B, but the journey through life.

If you go through life never making enemies, you’re doing something wrong. But if you go through life making a lot of enemies, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re doing things right.

“Be impeccable with your words. Speak with integrity. Say only what you mean. Avoid using words to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love.”Miguel Angel Ruiz (Mexican Author)

Two travellers arrive at the gates of a city, asking to be let in.The gatekeeper asks them where they are coming from.  They give the name of another city further down the valley.The gatekeeper then asks them why they left, more specifically, how they found the people in that city.“Oh they were awful,” they say.  “Small-minded, spiteful and unfriendly. That’s partly why we’re leaving.”The gatekeeper sighs.  “Oh dear,” he says.  “I am sorry to hear that, but I think you will find the people of this city very similar to those you encountered in your last place of residence.”Disappointed, the travellers turn away and head over the hill to the next city, where they hope to have a more hopeful welcome.A little later another pair of travellers arrives at the same city gates.  Once again, they are greeted by the gatekeeper who asks the same questions.  When asked about where they have come from, and why they left, they say that they did so somewhat reluctantly, for reasons of family and adventure, and that the people in their last city were wonderful: friendly, welcoming and warm, and that they left them with very fond memories.“I think you will find the people of this city very similar to those you encountered in the last place of residence,” the gatekeeper repeated, with a twinkle in his eye.  “Welcome in!”

Many of our books are accounts of travels to places that might be thought of as exotic. One thing that strikes the reader is how human interactions can transcend cultural and political borders. Simultaneoulsy special and normal. An enjoyable travel experience is not, it seems, about finding friendly people, but being a friendly person! And having enough dollars to bribe the border guards can sometimes help.

“Trust in God, but lock your car.”