[Ollinson]

I had a similar realization as you. Sort of a cultural "wherever you go, there you are."

I do hate the elitist aspect of travel though. In a way it's sort of like experimenting with drugs, you really can't have a say on the experience unless you've actually done it.

I've had to be very careful about who I talk to about my travels because I've noticed that even the kindest people can become apprehensive. They act like I'm questioning their knowledge/experience/worth if they are less well-traveled than me. If anyone has any tips for dealing with this please let me know. Note that I'm already very sensitive to the subject and never bring it up unless asked and even then keep the details to a minimum.

[nagrom]

There's a certain amount of one-upsmanship, and gotta-catch-'em-all to travel discussions. I also find it very difficult to talk about things without coming across as competitive. I have no idea how to fix that though! If I could, I would :-)