Why does one travel? 

Some people travel for entertainment, some for a change, some for a show of prestige, some for exposure. When I look at myself over the years, I realise I have moved from reason to reason, never really understanding why I like to travel. 

Living now in my sixth home in three countries over five years, I believe that travel for me has more to do with people than the place. Looking up at the ceiling in the Pantheon, I wasn’t looking just at the light in the space - I was wondering how the Roman folks built it so long ago. I thought of their determination, of their spirit – of all that is invisible in the remains of their hard work. Gaping at David in Florence, I was thinking of the power of excellence demonstrated by one man. I was thinking of what I can learn from him, of how I must stand my ground as a perfectionist. As I walk through the picturesque pathways of Strasbourg, I think of slums in Mumbai: what decides who deserves an easier life? 

I travel to experience varying priorities: nobody in London stares at you for being well-dressed, while all that matters to a farmer in Mali is whether it will rain well this year. African singer Rokia’s work is deeply affected by military conflict in the country, whereas the French simply cannot do without coffee after lunch. No amount of rain seems to dampen a Mumbaikar’s spirit, but a 1min delay in the London tube upsets everyone. 

Once we are exposed to these extreme priorities, we realise our problems in perspective- the big ones are not as big and the small ones can be smaller. This realization is an education worth a lifetime; certainly worth all reasoning one can gather. Life comes full circle as it dawns on me- this is my work as a design researcher! Travel for perspective, travel to empathise, travel to understand, travel to help. What luck!