I was a student at the University of Basel from 1980-1983. Becky and I enjoyed our time living in Switzerland, but we were also happy to get back home. I am definitely more objective about my own country now than before I lived overseas. I think the same thing applies to the study of foreign languages. I often tell my beginning Greek students that in my class they will be getting two languages for the price of one. They'll learn Greek, yes, but for the first time they will be able to truly understand how their own language works. I mean, who knows what a subordinating clause is until they study Greek or Latin?
Living in Europe was an amazing experience. I loved the history and geography of Switzerland. Equally, I missed the amazing geography of the U.S. Our country is so large that it has such diversity of climate and seasons and topography that it is truly mind-blowing. I've done white-water rafting in Wyoming, hiked Bryce and Zion, climbed the Adirondacks, surfed both coasts, summitted 14,000ers in the Rockies, and run marathons in such amazing places as Utah, Arizona, and the mountains of West Virginia. There are beautiful national parks and untouched wilderness areas everywhere. Many Americans never travel outside of the U.S., not only because it's expensive but because they don't need to. Not when you've got the Everglades, the Grand Canyon, world class beaches, and hiking trails galore. I still think one should see the world if possible. It gives you great perspective. I mean, I will never forget eating dogmeat in Korea and donkey meat in China -- both considered delicacies! But we have a lot of nice things in the U.S. for the everyday man or woman compared to other places in the world.
So let's enjoy them.
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| Approaching the dreaded Veyo Mountain while running in the St. George (Utah) Marathon. |