Traveling: A Journey of Self-Discovery and Cultural Enlightenment

Synthesis essay When people are asked why the travel the general answer is to experience a life different from their own. An escape from a person's normal life and to experience anew. So why when people travel do they live a more lavish life but one that is completely obtainable in their hometown. They don't experience anything different, they don't open themselves up to world and be in a new culture. Although some people share a different reason of traveling. To travel to learn and understand other cultures, to learn about themselves and what they are doing in this world. So how true is this, that when traveling to other cultures and regions it allows the traveller to experience new cultures, expand your knowledge, and learn about yourself.

He is fascinated by the wall, he calls it “ the result of a freakish accident or an explosive act of sheer weirdness”. When he attempts to cross the border into mexico he is greeted with a disapproving reaction from the security guard. The story then goes on to explain how the two neighboring towns used to hold parades and would enjoy each other's mixed cultures. This had since stopped from the incident on 9/11. Theroux then experiences an evening on the town with various foods, drinks, and entertainment. The talks about how nice the community is and the pleasure of being in the town. Even though americans are advised not to go to Nogales, much less walk the streets at night like the man is doing. The story then goes into the lives of some Nogales residents who had worked in the US for many years, had been influential in their community, and never done wrong by the law in their life. These residents were forced from the US back to Nogales. The story ends with a brief review of the amazing experiences Theroux had in a city that is hidden and believed to be a hostile environment. Theroux finishes off the article by saying “ It’s there for anyone to discover, and so simple”. Encouraging people to visit the city and get a first hand experience because that is the only true way to form an opinion of citizens and a community. Theroux was only able to fully