Farewell Entry

Well, this is it. The last blog entry for this class. I can't say I'm sorry to see the end of the semester come. I'm exhausted! So ready for a break. But I really would like to say that I found this class very enjoyable and informative and enlightening.

In closing I guess it only makes sense to tackle the subject of travel and the value of travel writing. In short: I'm in favor of both.

I would love to travel more than I do. One of my dream vacations is to visit Egypt and the Pryamids. I've always been fascinated by the Ancient Egyptians. I've always marvelled at their architecture and the many feats they managed during those long ago centuries. None of that has changed. I'll still research the Ancient Egyptians just for the sake of sating my curiosity. However, I think I'll begin to pay more attention to Egypt's neighbors and the diverse culture that surrounds its borders.

I've never wanted to visit the Middle East. I've always been content to view it from afar. Mostly this contentedness has to do with safety. I'm all for travelling as long as I feel secure in doing so. The Middle East can't boast of safe passage for visitors, especially in today's world, and that means I'm perfectly happy to stay at home and read or watch TV.

Not exactly the best way to learn about a foreign culture, is it? I don't think so, either. However, you work with what you have. And now I realize I have access to a lot more information than I ever realized.

Right now I'm working on my final paper for this class and I have to admit I'm enjoying the research more than I had anticipated. I found a book in the library that gives a voice to the Middle Eastern women. Not one voice. Many voices. Instead of getting a travel writer's perspective on this populace, I'm able to read the Muslim woman's perspective on herself, her culture and her values. If not for this class, I'm sure I ever would have given this book so much as a second glance. What a waste that would have been.

I think that's the thing I've taken away from this class: the opportunity to break down stereotypes is all around us, but many of us don't take advantage of those resources and are content to live with the images sold to us by the media. Courses like this generate more than conversation. They provide an opporunity for growth.