It’s tough to watch people take 23 selfies (I counted) of themselves in front of a famous or beautiful sight, without actually turning around to appreciate where they are, or to insist that their friend takes their photo with a better angle for the 4th time (again, I counted—different person).

It’s the Age of Instagram. You haven’t been somewhere unless you have pictures (of yourself). Why even go if you don’t get likes and comments and shares out of it?

But then I think, more people than ever before can afford a plane ticket, and people are getting out there. They're traveling to different countries and continents, different cultures. Even if they travel differently than me, hopefully the experience opens their minds (it definitely helps open mine).

I believe the more we travel and immerse ourselves in different ways of life, the better we will understand each other. And understanding is the first step towards global consciousness, to peace, to harmony.

Share your experience online. It’s great to show people back home. But it helps to remember it’s not about you, or me, or anyone else, but about us. We all share the same rock. Let’s explore it, let's share it, and let’s unite it.