Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Wander.
Culture Shock in Practice
According to Google, culture shock is “the feeling of disorientation experienced by someone who is suddenly subjected to an unfamiliar culture, way of life, or set of attitudes”.
Exploration
Wanderlust. It’s become such a popular phrase in today's society. You can find the words carefully etched onto jewelry pieces and lettered on maps and canvases in just about every Target you walk into. So many people like the idea of traveling the world but the only “why” they come up with, for the most part, is to seek adventure.
Lilly KalyPublished 5 years ago in Wander
Who Is Europe?
The question sounds strange, I know. You would expect a “What is Europe,” not such a personal pronoun—who. But the answer on how to identify Europe could be too simple, too strong the temptation to just define the Old Continent as the cradle of Western civilization and leave it at that. And certainly we can’t start from the EU, this messed up jumble of unrelenting bureaucracy and high hopes, to explain the present of countries that, despite their geographical proximity, have chosen to approach in very different ways this ambitious project of political and economic unification.
Fabia Scali-WarnerPublished 5 years ago in Wander
Kronborg
Having grown up attending performing arts groups and with a deep adoration for Shakespeare, Kronborg was one castle I simply had to visit. For those who are not aware this castle was the inspiration and setting for Shakespeare’s Hamlet.
Hayley ParkerPublished 5 years ago in Wander
Paris’s Sacred Heart
As I reached the 299th step, my first thought was that I may never take a full breath again. My second, however, was that I had never in my entire life seen this exact shade of lavender. The sky stretched out across the horizon; a gentle blanket of gray woven with the warmest purple. Below us, Paris spread herself as far as I could see, rooftops and rush hour traffic bathed in the last glimmers of sun and the glow of streetlights. This vista felt removed from the chaos of the city, the faint horns of rush hour only audible in the lulls of the wind, the catcalls of passerby and the elbows of tourists a faint memory. Here, at the top of Sacré-Cœur, I completely understood how this massive cathedral got its name.
Emily HarmanPublished 5 years ago in Wander
Masterpieces
I can’t stop thinking about masterpieces. I remember slowly approaching Michaelangelo’s David in Florence. As I walked, I saw massive blocks of marble with unfinished sculptures of men seeming to climb out of them. These almost-sculptures lined the walls of the hallway that led to the circular room housing one of the greatest, if not the most revered, sculpture of all time. I looked up to see David, bathed in light from the windowed dome above, ethereal and magnificent. Every curve, every edge was unspeakably beautiful. His hands were strong and sturdy. His eyes were knowing and brooding. His stance was powerful and confident. Looking back on this moment in my life, I wish I had thought more. I wish I had known more. I was just a young girl with dark hair in a mauve dress, flitting through life with a childlike lack of awareness. I was more concerned with my own beauty than that of the world around me. If I could go back at this point in my life, I would sit with David for hours. I would draw him, trying to capture my own perspective. I would write about him as I am now.
Elena SilvermanPublished 5 years ago in Wander
My First Time Traveling
In my 24 years of life I had never traveled before overseas. I have only had experiences traveling in my country, Panama. All these years I’ve been doing some internal tourism, but I haven’t even visited all the places in my country. I have always wanted to travel abroad, for tourism or for studying. Finally, it is going to happen.
egarciaw .Published 5 years ago in Wander
Japan
We docked in Kobe, Japan on January 24th and we left the 28th (five days). I really haven’t experienced too much culture shock yet, I don’t think, due to the modernity of these cities and available english. The public transportation is super impressive here; a little chaotic at times, but nothing too extreme. We got the hang of it pretty quickly, although the first day was interesting, to say the least. It’s all very fast and efficient here! The buses and trains are on time all the time, people are orderly when they enter, exit, and walk through the stations, everything is clean, and oddly silent. There is no diversity at all—we stand out so much. A few people have taken our picture, but otherwise they get on with their day and don’t care about us. Caroline especially—having curly blonde hair and height. That being said, we have split up our big group of 11-14 people into three to five people for many reasons. I can’t stand traveling in large groups. There is no possible way to fit in one taxi, restaurant, or quickly get around the stations. We waste too much time waiting up for people at each corner or to make decisions about food, shops, etc. The small groups have been awesome, though. Caroline, Jack, Abbey, and I work really well together. We ran all over the cities and up mountains in a stylish fashion.
August BishopPublished 5 years ago in Wander
Australia, Alpaca, Adventures
I arrive in the gold coast Australia, the tail end of my world trip. It’s during the southern hemispheres winter and it’s the day of Solstice. I bunk up in a cheapest youth hostel and save money by only shopping in supermarkets. Damn, everything here is so expensive I discover. What a beautiful country with clean cities and healthy lifestyles. Curse this strong economy! I come to the realization my only choice is to find a job, save some pennies, maybe the employer can provide accommodation—a common offer to backpackers. I scrounge the internet on the top bunk of my bed. My laptop spotlights my unshaven face and dimly illuminates the rest of the room. Ah ha! I find a not too dodgy-looking wageless work on an alpaca farm that can provide accommodation and food. Working outdoors is my cup of tea, I'll probably ask them. I ponder—they can give me a local reference for future work. I eagerly email my CV and fall into a jet-lagged slumber.
Gareth LoughlinPublished 5 years ago in Wander
Why Do We Travel?
Most anyone who is asked the question "would you like to travel the world?" will answer yes, but most people never will. Excuses always come up and important problems present themselves in our daily lives, and the "I want to travel now" soon transforms into "I'll travel when I find the time." But then do we ever really find the time? Is there ever a moment in our lives where all of our other responsibilities are put on hold, our health and funds are sustainable, and there are no job or family/friend problems that need our assistance? Probably not. But that should not mean we should not still travel.
Kristine ByrumPublished 5 years ago in Wander
Pretty in Pink - Getting My Ruby Latte Fill at Elan Cafe, London
Every now and then I see something online and decide I want to try it. Pink Lattes are one of those things. Being a lover of all things Pink, London, Coffee & Cake dates, and the chance to try something a little different, I couldn't pass up the chance to try a Ruby Latte from recently opened Elan Cafe.
Sarah PhillipsPublished 5 years ago in Wander
What Not to Do While Traveling Solo
At the expense of my pride, I am going to share with you guys a little story. I used to consider myself a savvy traveler, giving my friends tricks and ideas about how to make the most of a trip, save money, and stay safe. Well, one of my most recent travels proved to me I still have a lot to learn. So, here is a recap of my trip to Europe and what not to do while traveling solo.
Grace MattesonPublished 5 years ago in Wander
