When downtown Manhattan was flung in chaotic darkness in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, many people struggled to make do with no power, no running water and limited resources.
One of the greatest gifts traveling can give is that of perspective. There’s nothing like traveling to a far flung place and then coming home to remind you that there’s so much to be grateful for. In our daily lives we take many things for granted – running water, power, readily available transportation – things that more than half of the world isn’t guaranteed.
When downtown Manhattan was flung in chaotic darkness in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, many people struggled to make do with no power, no running water and limited resources. The 24 convenience Manhattan is known for had suddenly washed away and many found it hard to adjust. Some people refused to ride the bus while others wouldn’t share a taxi. While some rallied around the new circumstances, many grumbled at the inconvenience.
When the power finally came back on after almost a week people championed that life could return to normal. And slowly it is returning to normal but what this experience left me with is a reminder that there’s so much to be grateful for. It’s the lesson I learned when I first started traveling and what I’m reminded of now – the things we take for granted on a daily basis are what most of the world continues to struggle with. For many it’s not just a week without power, it’s their forever.
Article written by Christine Arroyo.
