Travel is more than just visiting new places and taking pictures. It’s a journey that changes the way people think, feel, and act. When people travel, they step out of their comfort zone and experience new cultures, languages, and ways of life, which helps them grow as individuals by making them more independent, open-minded, and confident. Traveling teaches important life skills, such as problem solving, patience, self-awareness, and adaptability. This is why I felt compelled to capture and reflect on some of my travel experiences given how my trips brought new challenges and opportunities for growth.
For instance, I once traveled to a countryside area located in Osaka. There I discovered how much I enjoyed nature and its beauty by savoring the peacefulness of a quiet forest, the fresh air, the sound of a waterfall, and by watching the sky change colors at sunset. In that moment, I felt a deep sense of peace and connection with the natural world. Surrounded by the quiet beauty of the countryside, I realized how calming and refreshing it was to step away from the busyness of daily life. This experience taught me that truly appreciating nature and the finer things in life means slowing down, being fully present, and savoring the moment.
Another time, I recall visiting local restaurants in Osaka, where I tried a new type of sushi that had a perfect balance of flavor and artistry, making it a most memorable dining experience. What was noteworthy about this experience was how it made me feel deeply connected to the culture and history of Osaka. The combination of fresh ingredients and skilled preparation gave me a genuine appreciation for Japanese cuisine.
It also made me feel excited about exploring more local food, understanding how food can be a memorable part of traveling. What these experiences taught me in terms of how travel shapes personal growth is that stepping into new environments helps me develop a deeper appreciation for different cultures and ways of life. These moments taught me that travel is not just about seeing new places but also about expanding my understanding of the world and myself.
I recall my problem solving skills being tested when I had to order food at a local restaurant with no English menu or English speaking staff. At first, I felt nervous, but I quickly adapted to the situation by using gestures, pointing at pictures, and even attempting new basic Japanese phrases. The staff responded with smiles and patience, making the experience feel more like an exciting challenge rather than a struggle. In the end, I successfully ordered a delicious meal, which taught me that language barriers can be overcome with creativity, confidence, and a willingness to engage with others.
In my travels, I also was able to build meaningful relationships, and one person stands out in particular. When I was in NYC, I met Solomon. We spent time together by exploring different parts of the city together- from famous landmarks to hidden local spots. We tried different foods, visited museums, and even got lost in the subway a few times, which turned into funny and memorable moments.
Solomon and I had a strong connection because we both had curiosity for new experiences and long conversations. Among various conversations, one that stands out has to do with our shared passion for basketball. A typical conversation would go like this. I’d ask, “Solomon, who’s the most impactful player right now and why?
He’d respond, “Stephen Curry because he changed how basketball is played. His amazing three point shooting gives more advantages to the team. He is also a great leader who works hard and stays humble. He helped Golden State win several championships and proved that a smaller player can still be one of the best.
I would counter, “But nobody plays as well as Kyrie Irving. I’d say Irving is better than Curry because he is more skilled all around scorer and ball handler. His ability to finish at the rim, even against taller defenders, makes him a bigger threat inside the paint. His handles allow him to create his own shot in any situation.”
Solomon would come back with, “Then why does Curry have more rings?”
I’d answer, “Rings don’t define individual skill. Basketball is a team sport, and Curry had the advantage of playing with great teammates like Kevin Durant.
Solomon would smirk and utter, “Whatever, Curry’s still better than Irving,”
To which I’d respond, “That is just because he had the perfect team around him.”
And this friendly debate would go on all night, which made us feel closer as friends because we both loved the game. During one of our evenings in New York City, Solomon and I attended a local basketball game at Madison Square Garden. After the game, we found ourselves discussing the sport’s impact on our lives. Solomon shared how playing basketball during his youth taught him the importance of teamwork and discipline.
In turn, I recounted how following my favorite team’s journey over the years has been a source of inspiration and community for me. This exchange was particularly memorable because it highlighted how a common interest like basketball can transcend different backgrounds and experiences, thus enhancing social connections and fostering a sense of community. Although we are far apart now, I stay in touch with Solomon because we built a friendship based on shared experiences and mutual understanding.
We still message each other about life updates, travel plans, and even random things like new restaurants to try if we ever meet again. In this respect, my travel experience in NYC has been important because it reminded me that meaningful connections can be formed anywhere, even in a big and fast paced city like NYC, which taught me that travel is not just about places; it’s about the people we meet and the memories we create together.
As I look back on my experiences in Osaka and NYC, I realize how much travel has helped me grow. In Osaka, experiencing the countryside allowed me to drink in the beauty of and the tranquility of nature, offering a break from the fast-paced city life and thus giving me a chance to be fully immersed in the moment. I also learned to adapt and communicate in a place where English wasn’t commonly spoken, pushing me to be more resourceful.
In NYC, I built meaningful connections, like my friendship with Solomon, which showed me the power of shared experience. Both cities challenged me in different ways: Osaka tested my problem solving skills, while NYC expanded my social and cultural horizons. These experiences made me more confident, open minded, and eager to further explore the world. Above all, what I learned is that traveling is about adapting, learning, being open to new adventures, and connecting with people.
By: Jonathan Lee
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