The Gift of International Travel
Life journeys from around the world.
Today, I am publishing two articles. The first is “The Gift of International Travel” (read it below), and the second launches a new Life is a Journey section focused on Books, starting with my new book, READY, SET, GO! (you will see this article next).
I was incredibly fortunate to work at Cisco during the build-out of the global Internet with the chance to travel, meet fascinating people, and learn about diverse cultures and places around the globe.
Traveling around, you pick up a thing or two. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned, travel is the great equalizer. It’s the classroom of life and I am a dedicated student. You see, when you’re out there on the road, meeting people from all walks of life, tasting their food, hearing their stories, you start to realize something. We might dress differently, speak different languages, and live thousands of miles apart, but strip all that away and we’re all more alike than not. That’s the magic of travel - a gift that keeps on giving, a lesson that never ends.
Great Places to Visit Around the World
Please share your favorite international travel destinations in the comments.
Here are some of mine.
Mexico: Mucho gusto! My recent trips to Oaxaca, San Miguel de Allende, and Patzcuaro for Dia de Los Muertos. Next year, Mexico City!
China (2007): This wasn’t just a trip across the globe, but a once-in-a-lifetime experience. I went for Cisco partner training in Beijing and Guangzhou but walked away with so much more. This trip changed my understanding of China as I learned about its history, met its people, and savored its delicious food. My favorite meal was the Da Dung Roast Duck. I explored the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square, climbed the Great Wall in freezing zero-degree temperatures (sweating as I ascended the steep steps), and shopped for souvenirs at the Pearl Market.
Japan (2015): “Hello” in Japanese is “こんにちは”, which is pronounced as “Konnichiwa. I had the opportunity to visit Tokyo on a business trip to explore opportunities for Smart Cities and the Summer Olympics. Over the weekend, I explored Tokyo and took a train trip to the coast of Japan with my son who was studying Japanese during the summer.
Japan | © Kacey Carpenter Sydney, Australia (2014): “G’day!” I would love to return to Australia. During this trip, I had the opportunity to speak with international court leaders for a conference. Cisco sponsored the “flat white” coffee, a classic Aussie coffee creation with a shot of espresso, a steamy pour of milk, and a thin layer of foam. I saw a kangaroo at the zoo, met the Governor in a reception, walked along the cliffs overlooking Bondi Beach, took a ferry to watch the championship game of Rugby, and traveled by train to explore the Blue Mountains.
Norway (2012): I have visited Oslo, Norway twice in my life. The first was during the “white nights” of summer when the sun does not set below the horizon making it difficult to sleep. The second for the Nobel Peace Prize and Concert (Kylie Minogue, was incredible singing “On a Night Like This”). It was freezing walking in the winter market but one of the most thrilling experiences ever.
Dubai (2013): Just getting there was no small feat - a grueling 15 hours and 45 minutes in the air, covering a staggering 8,086 miles from San Francisco. This trip was more than just another stamp on my passport. It was another opportunity to collaborate with international court leaders, the first of its kind in the Middle East. Dubai is different - you can ski indoors in the desert, dip in the Arabian Sea, and gaze up at skyscrapers that pierce the heavens. And let’s not forget the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, soaring to a dizzying height of 163 stories.
South Korea (2015) Within a few weeks, I made two trips to Seoul and Incheon, South Korea, to plan an event with our Asia Pacific region teams. I was deeply impressed by the people of Seoul, a city right across the border from North Korea, where tensions were heightened during my visit. I had the opportunity to visit historical and cultural sites and take a walk on Gangnam Street. We hosted our events in Incheon, a smart city that showcases digital solutions for healthcare, housing, and city services.
The Netherlands: I love visiting this country. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of visiting Amsterdam and The Hague on many trips. It is a land of contrasts - a place where modernity and tradition coexist. Holland is a place where bicycles rule the roads, where windmills dot the landscape, standing as proud reminders of the country’s history. But it’s not just about the bikes and windmills. One of the highlights of my trips has been the opportunity to engage with the international courts and attend international courts special events at the International Court of Justice.
How many countries have you visited?
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