It’s tax month and so this past week Lyle and I were at our
accountant’s office. As a preamble to the taxation paper work, George (our accountant),
Lyle and I were chatting about our various travel plans and dreams. However,
when it came time for me to sign on the dotted line, I had some trouble finding
the spot to put the pen. Our conversation turned quite naturally to my limited
sight. Although we have been using the same accountant for multiple years now,
George seemed surprised at how little I could see. He then asked a perfectly legitimate
question. His question was:
“I don’t been to be rude, but with your lack of sight, what
do you get out of travelling? What do you see?”
Because I regard George not only as our accountant but as a
friend, I tried to answer his question. At the time, I don’t think I did an especially
good job with that and so I have tried to organize my thoughts a little better
on this blog. What indeed does a blind traveller get out of travelling?
First, let me tell you that I have always liked to travel. I
like to “see” or perhaps I should say “experience” new things and new places. I
might not see everything that there is to see but my other senses are still
alive and well and I can take what I do see from a new experience and enjoy
that.
I have thought of one example among many. When I had 20/20 vision, I was in Paris and climbed the Eiffel Tower. What an amazing
experience! From its height I could see the miniature people and vehicles down
below. Not only that, climbing the Eiffel Tower had been on my bucket list
since I was a child. I mostly remember the thrill of just being there.
Then, just a few years ago, Lyle and I made the trip to
Paris together. Once again I wanted to go to the Eiffel Tower. This time there
were several hundred, maybe even thousands, of tourists with the same thought
in mind. When we made our way to the top level, I knew that I would no longer
be able to see to the street below. However, I was especially aware of the steel
structure itself, and I reached out to touch the beams. I found myself counting the stairs as we
trudged upwards. I was keenly aware of the multitude of languages spoken around
me. At the top I had a sense of height as we looked out over the city. Sure I
couldn’t see any details of people, roads or buildings below me, but I could
look out and see a distinction between land and sky and feel the crispness of
the April air. It was still an amazing experience although not the same amazing
experience of someone who could see.
A second example might be the New England cruise that Lyle
and I took last fall. Lyle was quite excited to see the fall colours. I will
tell you now that from ship to shore I didn’t see a single orange leaf...but did
I enjoy the cruise? Absolutely! I loved the motion of the ship and the tang of
the sea air. I enjoyed the excursions on shore and the entertainment on board
the ship. It was another good travel experience for me.
Of course, there are times when I don’t see what other
people see. For instance, sometimes when
we are driving, Lyle will point out some aspect in the distance. He knows, and
I know that I won’t be able to see it, but when he describes whatever it is, I
can see it in my imagination. “Look,” he might say. “Over in that field over there, there
must be at least a hundred elk.” I look in the general direction, and from
Lyle’s description, I can see those elk quite clearly in my mind.
Even as someone with limited sight, I do like travelling.
George, I hope that this better answers your question and I didn’t mind you
asking it in the least.
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