Written on the Sun Viking in southeast Asia in February 1997<br /><br />Travel Thoughts<br /><br /><br />As we travel about our shrinking globe, <br />Let us take the time to see, <br />This earth&#39;s most precious resource - <br />People like you and me.<br /><br />Though we speak myriad languages, <br />And may dress in a different style - <br />A common bond unites us all, <br />The ability to share a smile.<br /><br />As we pack for each new adventure, <br />Let&#39;s leave bias and prejudice behind, <br />Treating others as we&#39;d like to be treated, <br />Remembering to respect all mankind.<br /><br />We must pause to see the beauty, <br />In even the smallest things - <br />In the smiling eyes of a native child, <br />In the bright hue of butterfly wings.<br /><br />Let us take good will as we journey, <br />No matter how near or how far, <br />And rejoice in the cultural differences, <br />That make each of us who we are.<br /><br />Try to be less hasty to criticize, <br />As hither and yon we roam, <br />For if we&#39;re always finding fault, <br />What&#39;s the point of leaving home?<br /><br />To be able to travel is truly a gift, <br />So be grateful as each journey ends, <br />For all we have seen and learned on the way, <br />For the joy of new found friends.<br /><br />May we share our planet&#39;s beauty, <br />With the utmost respect and care <br />Leaving nature and all whom we meet, <br />Better for our having been there.<br /><br />Carmen Henesy<br />Copyrighted