I’ve been training quite seriously for the past six weeks for my trek to Machu Picchu next month. Part of that means a disciplined exercise regime—my son and I will be trekking for four days at elevations between 8000 and 15,000 ft. (2400 and 4600 m.)
I’ve always been a hiker, and I enjoy climbing trails in the hills around the Fraser Valley. But, now that I live near downtown, much of my exercise regime is confined to brisk morning walks in the area.
Which has caused me to take notice! When you’re walking around the streets, you see so much more than when you’re just whistling by in your vehicle.
I’ve lived in this city for over twenty years. But it’s been in the suburbs. Downtown has been a place to visit for commercial purposes and, to a lesser degree, entertainment and dining. From what I always saw, I thought they rolled up the sidewalks in the evening, and spread them out again every morning.
When you take it at a slower pace, and without a singular destination focus, a new world opens up. Especially if you go off the main streets, you realize how much there is behind the veneer of the central commercial area.
For example:
- I had no idea there were that many apartment buildings around the downtown core;
- I had no idea there were that many little creeks and creek-side parks and trails;
- I didn’t know about some small sub-divisions tucked in behind, or beside, the commercial strips;
- I didn’t know there were that many developed hiking and biking trails;
- I didn’t know there were that many ducks and geese in all of the Fraser Valley, let alone Mill Lake; and,
- I didn’t realize there were that many gradient changes on the plateau that seemed generally flat when in your vehicle.
I think, though, that this experience mirrors life more generally, not just our experience of the natural and built-up landscapes around us:
- the more we explore outside of our micro-cultures, the more we appreciate the complexity of the larger culture around us;
- the more we explore beyond limited belief systems, the more we appreciate the complexity of the formation of belief systems and values;
- the more we dialogue with those holding varieties of views, the richer our understanding becomes; and,
- the more we get out to experience what we’ve only seen in pictures, the more real this world becomes to us.
When it comes right down to it, all of these lead to a greater appreciation for one another and, ultimately, a reduction of violence, poverty and crime in the world.
That’s why two of my values are education and travel. I want to experience the reality that lies behind the picture. Even Google can’t give me that.
But, sometimes, preparing for the travel provides education in totally unanticipated ways.
At least, that’s how I see it . . .
Rent 2 Own tip
Credit and credit repair is a confusing topic to many (most) consumers. But it is a major issue for many who cannot currently get a mortgage and so consider the rent 2 own option. Some try to take matters in their own hands but sometimes a little education is worse than no education, and they do things exactly wrong.
Credible rent 2 own programs will always include a credit coaching component. If you are considering rent 2 own, make sure the provider has such. Then, once in the program, follow the credit coach’s advice. It may be the only way to achieve a successful outcome to your deal. And, after putting up all those funds, it would be a tragedy to have to give up the home of your dreams.
