The more you travel, the more you realise how much of the world you are yet to see

The group departing Adelaide Airport for Vietnam: 30 September 2018

Elspeth Grant writes: 

For many of Australia’s young men and women who served in the Vietnam War, it would have been the first time they travelled overseas.  One of my many highlights from our study tour was sharing the pleasure and challenge of overseas travel with our students, especially those who were on their first journey beyond Australian borders.  Everyone engaged with all five senses – seeing conical hats popping out of rice paddies, tasting fresh tropical produce like dragon fruit, hearing the Last Post play at Long Tan before our minute’s silence, feeling the way through dark damp tunnels, and of course, smelling the sweet perfume of tropical strength insect repellent.  The students embraced the sheer joy of diving into new destinations, as well as showing respect when walking in the footsteps of the Anzacs and honouring the fallen with their tributes each night.

At least once a day on the trip I would suddenly realise ‘I’m in Vietnam – how cool is that?’  Your friendly first aider loved watching students who hadn’t already caught it, succumb to the travel bug.  I hope you all continue to venture far and wide albeit if, like me, you’re initially a backpacker to stretch your budget (claw-foot baths, infinity pools, and grand pianos are overrated!)  Immersing yourself in other cultures is an integral part of being a lifelong learner.  There is a saying that ‘the more I learn, the less I know’ and similarly, I have found that the more you travel, the more you realise how much of the world you are yet to see.  As you go, remember that there are often Anzacs resting in far flung corners of the globe and take the time to visit them.  And don’t forget to send me a postcard please!