The World |
© copyright 2007
by Lin
Stone
ALL Rights Reserved
.
|
As a travel writer you can help
people find and experience almost any part of the world -- right here in the
United States of America. You'll find little icebergs of ethnic enthusiasm all across our nation
in little towns and big towns where the pride of heritage comes alive at
least once a year with glorious pageants, parades, feasts, shows and culturally
centered events.
In Arkansas, for example, there are three towns in a row; Stuttgart, Ulm and Roe, named for similarly spaced towns in Germany. The people there are proud to be Americans first, but also proud of their Germanic heritage. Once a year they celebrate their heritage and do themselves proud. Over in Oklahoma there are two towns close together named Krebs and McAlester. Together they cook up special cuisine days celebrating their Cowboys and Italian heritages with spectacular events that draw people from hundreds of miles away. |
In places that would seem unlikely,
you can discover entire populations of Germans, the Polish, Bavarians and
other ethnic groups from central Europe. And without much coaxing, they love
to share their delightful foods, music and dance with you as well.
It doesn't matter if you are from England, Spain, Africa or the Middle East, your readers will be glad to take an evening, eat a bratwurst, enjoy a stout beer and for a little while, they too are just as German as anyone at that party. |
It makes sense that the
cultures of dozens if not hundreds of countries have snuggled down
so comfortably almost side by side here. After all, America was comprised almost
entirely of immigrants from every country across the globe. They
wanted to be a part of the American Experience and yet as
each new wave of immigrants arrived made their home here in America, they found
it easiest to seek out the support of their countrymen and thus they
usually ended up living near each
other, if for no other reason than to hear their native tongues
spoken occasionally. And within those communities, the the best
traits of culture from “the old country” were beautifully reproduced
to make those immigrants get over a little of their homesickness
with familiar memories of the country they once called home. The American melting pot brought out a trait that seems to be common in most if not all of the ethnic populations around the world. And that is a very basic hospitality, openness to outsiders and excitement to share their cultural richness with anyone who wishes to join in. Add to that the natural American trait of friendliness and hospitality to strangers and you will understand why it is so easy to experience the whole world in right here at home. In many cities in our country, you can take an evening and seemingly leave your common world behind and visit ancient china, Thailand, Persia or Tibet. Let the foods of these countries delight your mouth and give your taste buds some exciting new adventures as well. Let the ambiance and music that the natives who create these worlds for us transport us to their home lands just as magically as one of those special effects movies from Hollywood. |
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As a writer you will be extending that invitation farther and wider than they can do. You can provide information and opinions they would never think to put forward. You can quote numbers, you can show diversity, you can give directions and reveal travel dates, places to stay and adventurous foods to taste to experience a whole new world. These events are not so hard to find either. Often in one city and often within city blocks of one another, you can help your readers to experience cultures as diverse and different from each other as night is from day.
As you travel take the time to seek out the various cultures and
listen to the music with an eye to recording it for others to hear.
Enjoy the whirl of street dancing and really soak up the
atmosphere of the country of origin as you savor the delicacies of
their foods as well. Let your eyes open wide in wonder, then
let the words you write open up a new world for the people reading
those words. As you sit, or stroll through them, open up, ask questions, take pictures, record music, and above all SMILE. Smile as if you were having a wonderful time and were not ashamed of it. The people around you will open up for you, pose for you, share their hearts with you, give you enough material to make a whole book out of. Don't let these opportunities slide by you. Open your heart and show the world how much there is to love here in America. When you show your interest situations will open up for you just like magic. Sure it takes courage to open your mouth and join in, the first three or four times, but think of the rewards. Think how excited these representatives of far away lands and places are to share their native customs with you. Nothing to lose, much to gain, drag your pen or keyboard out and start writing. So what if you end up walking out of that Pakistani area of Pittsburgh all decked out in robes and native headwear. You'll be the envy of all your neighbors back home when you lounge around in your unique attire. You'll have a life worth living, memories worth telling and experiences that can bring money to you and other rewards too when you open your eyes to the best parts of the whole world -- as found right here in the United States. |
Even when it
comes to shooting movies most of the sets for foreign stories can be
done right here in the United States. We've got the scenery. We've
got the people. We've got the heritage. And, the welcome mat
is always out for visitors.
As a writer you can be a part of all of it. As you travel look for areas with foreign connections, like LITTLE SAHARA. Stop in at the local chamber of commerce and simply ask. Ask who is the most colorful participants and how you can find them. Ask if they have any pictures you can use. Compare LITTLE SAHARA with the original and tell how to enjoy these places best. Where can you sell travel writings of this nature? Actually, state newspapers are the best, especially if you are just starting your writing career. Then move on to filling the needs of regional magazines. As your reputation and your skills improve think of the travel magazines that can bring you fame and fortune. Open your heart to the world around you and write. Have the courage to START and you too will have a life few others can even dream of achieving. Sincerely yours Lin Stone |
the end
About the author:
Lin Stone maintains a National Directory of the best health insurance companies on the web and a National Directory of the best car insurance companies on the web.
Hundreds of his other articles are available for free reading on the Internet. Just Click HERE to see an
abbreviated index to his works.
|
Africa *
The United States *
Europe * United Kingdom
* Australia *
Far East * Parks
* Camping *
Cars *
Crystals *
horses *
Sunglasses *
Water *
Exotic Destinations *
Be An Ethnic Writer * My favorite campsite * Robbers Cave * Indian Creek * Jasper Texas * Cold Water Canoeing * Getting Paid for your writing *
What did little girls know |