Conversations with Explorers

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Why is exploration appealing to the rest of us?

Bruce To me, the foundation of exploration is curiosity. Now that I’m a father, I can see how innate this is in my young boy.

Colin I think it’s inherent in all of us. As far back as we go, people have been exploring the world. And though expeditions like going to the poles or to the top of the highest mountains make the mainstream press, exploration is really about challenging yourself and experiencing new things. Whether you’re in your vegetable garden or in a park you’ve never visited, it’s all exploration.

Meagan Because there are so few virgin areas out there, the point nowadays is to explore what you’re capable of doing. Everyone seems to be seeking his or her own adventures. We want to explore the depths of the ocean and the strangest, most far-off points of the earth to see for ourselves what the world is made of.

What is your advice for the amateur explorer?

Wade First of all, I love the word “amateur” because it comes from amare, the Latin word for “to love.” In our wanderings, I think we’re all amateurs.

Bruce Learn at least four words of the language before you land in a country. Read at least one book on the country on any subject. And if you ever get the opportunity to travel independently, I think that’s when you’ll really learn more about a place.

Julie Let a place seep into you, so you can maximize what you take away from that trip.

Wade Above all, give more than you take. North Americans tend to be incredibly parsimonious with their hospitality compared to most peoples around the world. I think about the times we’ve been welcomed into a Tibetan hut or invited to an Indian wedding or given a bed on a rainy night. That’s not something to take for granted.

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