Jul 29 2009
Looking Farther (42) – The Alien in This World
Personally, I like to travel to “see farther.” To chance upon some education and perhaps enlightenment while finding entertainment. No, cruises don’t appeal to me because you take the same 4 walls with you as you go (they seem a buffet of mediocrity: American McTravel). I like to have new, authentic experiences.
I am at this moment in the Bahamas, not because I like the tropical lifestyle (which ain’t bad) or sitting by a poolside (which ain’t bad either). I’m here for the alien life. Oh sure, the culture is mildly different and that’s worth something. But the alien lifeforms I have encountered have blown my mind. And that is why I am here and will come again.
Were someone to offer me a choice between a trip to the moon, or even to a moon of Jupiter, or a trip to the tropics for some face-time with fishes, I’d take the later. In a heartbeat.
Ever venture to a far-off desert? Kinda neat, huh? There you have it, a wild and weird part of this planet. But, for all most people know, that part could be part of any planet. On the other hand you’ve got a veritable cosmos of alien life beneath the surface of the ocean. My Gawd what a delightfully different world. Those creatures don’t even breath air! Since being here my wife and I have identified over 50 different species of fish.
Some people travel as if they merely desire a change in wallpaper and decorations for a few days. Okay, there is something to be said for that, I guess. But please, there is more to this world than lounge chairs and sweet drinks. There is even more to it than bipedal apes. Look farther, look closer!
And that concludes my poolside rant.
[photo thanks to NASA]
