DIVERSIVITY
Travel
CREDITS Our Mission: At Diversivity, we strive to create a more inclusive community that embraces diversity amongst different identities and cultures. We hope to do this by providing a safe platform for teens to share their perspectives, stories, and thoughts, while also advocating for solutions to issues relating to race relations, global events, identity, and more.
Team Message: As members of Diversivity, we wanted our electronic magazine to be a safe space for people from a multitude of backgrounds to share their stories, opinions, and perspectives about a diverse range of topics. We believe that writing is a powerful tool that can help create a more inclusive and diverse world. Each month we hone in on a certain theme, opening up submissions to anyone who wants to write about their experiences. This month’s theme, “travel� drew many responses and shines a light on new issues. We believe it's important for every voice to be heard and we hope that our e-magazine can accurately portray travel and its numerous parts.
Chief Writer:
Katie MacDonald Hillary Xu
Writers:
Rachel Daniels Sonal Gupta Marina Davis Myint Myat Theingi
Chief Editor: Rhea Kaw
Director of Graphics Design: Harshana Jawahar
Graphics Designer: Megha Patel
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL IMPACTS OF TRAVELING
This article isn’t an attempt to make you feel guilty about your desire to travel or to shame your past adventures. I love seeing new sights and experiencing new cultures just as much as the next person. This is an attempt, however, to make you more cognizant of the impact that travel has on native societies and the environment. There has been a rise in ecotourism or sustainable travel, for a myriad of reasons. While many countries’ economies are built on tourism and have taken a massive hit because of the pandemic, local communities aren’t profiting as much as one might think. A report released by the World Trade Organization in 2013 revealed that a mere $5 out of every $100 spent in a developing country stays in that destination. Multiple organizations have arisen to educate travelers about true local businesses to support and stimulate microeconomics and help smaller enterprises.
Another more obvious issue with travel is pollution and its link to climate change. Aviation is one of the fastest growing sources of greenhouse emissions. In fact, the World Wildlife Foundation states that, “if the entire aviation sector were a country, it would be one of the top 10 carbon-polluting nations on the planet.” This statistic demonstrates the massive impact the airline business has on carbon emissions and the problems that arise with it. Again, don’t feel downtrodden or overwhelmed with this influx of information. You can take simple steps to reduce your negative effects as you travel. Here are a few key principles of ecotourism: - Build environmental and cultural awareness and respect - Provide financial benefits and empowerment for local people - Raise sensitivity to host countries’ political, environmental, and social climate Try to keep in mind a few of these things as you cross the world. Happy travels!
TOP THREE 0F HAWAII Waikiki Beach - Oahu The Waikiki region was once where royalty enjoyed their time overlooking the deep blue, green ocean. As the moist swampland turned into a place of rising hotels, the area was transformed into one of the greatest tourist attractions of Hawaii. Most resorts remain close to the ocean, making it easier for visitors to enjoy beach day activities such as surfing, hula dancing, and musical events. The everyday life along the Waikiki beach is always thriving with different activities and there is always something to enjoy. Once known as “The Gathering Place,” tourists enjoy first-class dining, beautiful hotels, and frequent shopping. Half of the actual beach area is a great spot for active surfers. Classes teaching canoeing and paddle boarding are offered all day allowing visitors to spend hours riding the scenic ocean and taking in the salty, fresh air. The waters are relatively calm and aren't too deep, layered with visible rocks underneath. Due to rocks, beginners experiencing some boating activities and swimming may find it slightly difficult, yet the beach has excellent caution protocols and lifeguards on hand at all times to ensure the safety of all the people. Haleakala National Park - Maui The Haleakala crater spans over Maui, towering the island, visible from any point. The name Maui comes from the demigod that is believed to have lassoed the sun as it was journeying across the sky. He did so by standing at a volcano's summit and achieved this mighty feat in order to make the day longer. Many tourists often have the chance to view some of the most spectacular and gorgeous sunsets and sunrises over the landscapes of the National Park. Even the great Mark Twain describes the setting as “the most sublime spectacle.” The many acres of land features numerous attributes including red deserts, large rock gardens, towering waterfalls, and carving streams. Hiking trails allow tourists to take in the view of the beauty of the nature surrounding them. This national park accounts for many world-class endangered species as well, making it a unique location. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park - Big Island A unique geological and biological landscape branches out to different heights on its mountainous shape in Hawaii. This popular national park encompasses two of the world's active volcanoes: Kilauea and Mauna Loa. As any park, hiking trails offer scenic views embracing the natural beauty and exquisiteness of this state. Personal and close views of volcanic terrain can be observed, offering a contrast from the beach-like life associated with travels to Hawaii. Paved roads allow for long drives passing by a chain of craters and extending to volcanic summits. The people of the cultural island have celebrated many traditions and have worshipped the volcanoes for years. Various sacred landscapes have obtained a significant importance to the people where stories, myths, and legends about the Hawaiian culture can be shared and retold. Many credit Pelehonuamea, a Hawaiian deity, as the creator of the volcanic landscapes. The park contains numerous museums relating ancient Hawaiian artifacts and serving as a place to cool down from the hot climate.
Travelling to local destinations Oftentimes, when we are asked to choose a destination that we want to travel to, we all tend to prefer choosing other countries in the world. The reasons include: wanting to experience new culture, to travel farther, to be in a different environment, and more. However, it is important to keep in mind the valuable states and places that could be potentially explored locally. People usually seem to disregard the assets of what local destinations can give to us and the importance of them. Regardless, learn to appreciate these locations and be aware of preserving them. I have always loved to travel to other countries; preferably to countries on the other side of the world. As far as I remember, I have only travelled to 3 local cities including where I am living right now. Due to this occurrence, I lacked knowledge in my country’s history and its own cultural heritage. I had often been ignorant of the famous cities in Yangon and what values they bring for Myanmar, my country as a whole. I was ashamed of how I was more interested in other countries’s cultures rather than my own. Therefore, I took the chance to travel to more local cities during December and that experience completely changed my love for the local places in my own country.
This change occurred when I visited Hpa-An, the capital and largest city in Kayin, a state located in Myanmar. The early mornings in the city of Hpa-An are rather pleasant and dazzling due to its golden sun rise that shines across Mount Zwegabin. There are several caves that are located all around Hpa-An that have broadened my eyes. Some of the most breathtaking caves were the Sundan Caves. Often in Myanmar, the caves are filled with pagodas, Buddha statues, and thousands of bats. It is gigantic and spacious for people to visit as well. As you approach the exit of the cave, you are welcomed by the magnificent lake located in the middle of the rice fields. The setting is definitely postcard worthy, where you can form tracing memories that will last forever. While other countries bring you different types of excitement, the local cities within one’s country give off a different sensation as well. It is important to be educated on what your own country consists of and try to explore and discover new treasuries within it. It is also important to learn how to appreciate your country’s culture and traditions as well as the significance of its cities. Should people visit these local destinations frequently? Absolutely! Embrace your own culture and enhance its value and learn the true meaning and incredible power these local destinations can bring to you. Afterall, they are your cities in your country, so take responsibility. Visit more often!
By this point in quarantine, many of us are itching to leave our homes and explore the world. Confined within the same walls, day after day, dragging ourselves through the quotidian chore of living—we would rather be anywhere else than here. In this month’s issue of Diversivity’s E-magazine, I asked more than 10 high schoolers to imagine their dream vacation, conducting this short interview segment over text messaging. Stretch your imagination. Free yourself from the confines of your current situation. Humor me this: If you could travel anywhere in the world… 1. Where would you go? 2. Why specifically there? 3. Who would you bring? In the meantime, while travel is limited and the pandemic still rages, stay safe! Take a walk outside and continue planning that dream vacation. When the time comes, you’ll be ready.
1 MINUTE INTERVIEWS TRAVEL EDITION
Note: Responses from 15 to 17-year-olds collected via text messaging & formatted for grammatical clarity. Extra information in brackets. All interviewees are identified by their initials (e.g. JD = John Doe) and remain anonymous. BG 1. “Japan!” 2. “I’d go there to experience the amazing food and culture, as well as to visit the cool amusement parks and to see the cherry blossoms. I also like the fashion scene over there, so I would probably do some shopping.” 3. “I would take my friends and my family with me because we have all been wanting to go there for a long time.” ZA 1. “Ireland!” 2. “It’s pretty and not the US.” 3. “I would bring no one—I just want to live in a cottage alone with many pets of various species.” JH 1. “[I] would definitely go to Chernobyl.” 2. “I think it is such a unique place where anyone could explore the effects of urbanization and it’s abandonment on the environment!” 3. “I would definitely bring my friend; we’ve played a couple of games based on the location and would get a kick out of seeing it in person.”
KP 1. “I would go to Chongqing, Changsha, Guilin, Seoul, Busan, Jeju, Osaka, Tokyo, Kyoto, Phuket and Bangkok.” 2. “I’m Chinese and my friend [is] Japanese; We’ve all wanted to go to Korea and Thailand to see the pretty beaches and eat good food.” 3. “I would go with my friends because for a long time we’ve been talking about going on a trip together and going all over Asia.” EW 1. “I would go to Germany.” 2. “It’s my favorite place to go in the world and it’s beautiful and it has fantastic food!” 3. “I would bring my family because they are my favorite people.” MC 1. “Italy.” 2. “Because it’s literally gorgeous, has great food, and there [are] history museums.” 3. “I would go with someone rich enough to pay for the trip.” JG 1. “Either Singapore or Japan!” 2. “Because they have such rich culture and diversity that I’ve never experienced before.” 3. “I would probably bring my family.” AB 1. “Northern Italy.” 2. “Because it looks beautiful, peaceful, and the food is sooo good!” 3. “I would go with my sister.” ES 1. “I would go to Boca Raton, Florida.” 2. “My family lives there and usually everyone in my family drives down there to have Thanksgiving together.” 3. “I’d bring my mom, my brother, and my dog.” SV 1. “Lithuania!” 2. “I would love to see the place where my favorite books take place.” 3. “[I would] bring my mom! And possibly my dad too!”
NK 1. “The Australian beach and coral reef.” 2. “I heard it’s really pretty and I want to see it before coral bleaching ruins [the reef].” 3. “I want to say my dog but he wouldn’t have as much fun as a human obviously, so probably my favorite cousin.” JG 1. “To China.” 2. “In order to see my birthplace.” 3. “I would go with my friends.” LR 1. “Skiing at Deer Valley [in Utah].” 2. “I miss skiing a lot and haven’t gone for the last two seasons.” 3. “I want to go with my family and the family friends we usually go with.” LH 1. “Colorado.” 2. “I want to snowboard.” 3. “ [I would bring] my family and family friends.” AN 1. “Vietnam.” 2. “Because I haven’t been there in over 10 years and I want to meet my baby cousin.” 3. “I would bring my family.” YL 1. “I would go to Switzerland.” 2. “The scenery is [spectacular].” 3. “Alone time sounds good.” WW 1. “I would go to Canada.” 2. “I haven’t seen my relatives in 2 years, and I miss them.” 3. “[I] would bring Slim Jim, just because.” NI 1. “My bed.” 2. “Because I’m sleep deprived.” 3. “[I would bring] my dog.”
AJ 1. “I would go to Italy.” 2. “It is such a beautiful country and I know I would never go to sleep without a full stomach of Italian food.” 3. “[I would] bring my closest friends.” JK 1. “Singapore.” 2. “[It’s] very pretty, looks really cool—have you seen their airport? It has a waterfall that’s huge.” 3. “[I would bring] my family!” AZ 1. “Someplace with snow.” 2. “I love cold weather and I never get snow where I live. Snow is so puffy…” 3. “[I would bring] my friend.” KT 1. “The Philippines.” 2. “Because I love it there!” 3. “[I would bring] my family (including the dog).”
Walking in a Shadow From a young age, I have been introduced to the French culture. My mom’s side of the family is from Quebec, so the French culture and language is extremely prevalent in my life. I’ve had a whole lifetime of hearing about hilarious stories, exasperating experiences and more. Family trips through Quebec weren’t out of the blue for me; it became like a second home. But, last year, I had the chance to travel with my grandparents to Quebec to explore my grandfather’s life when he lived there. Every night I looked out the window of the aged hotel to peer upon the church that my grandfather would go to each Sunday. Each morning, I would walk the same path he took to go to school. At night, we would look upon the same stars that he did– 70 years ago. 70 years ago does not seem like a long time, but it got me thinking. It got me thinking about the future. I know we have purpose on this Earth, and I am determined to break all the barriers and truly make change. If that time can go by in a snap, we cannot just wait for change to come to us.
Each morning my grandfather would walk to school, unknowing what his future had in store for him. Unknowing what his purpose was in life. Unknowing how fast his life would go by. But, fast does not mean unmeaningful. He met the love of his life, assisted and supported children as a living, and put his heart into raising his own children. And, eventually his grandchildren. Eventually me. This experience of travelling to Quebec was life changing to me. It made me truly realise that we cannot hide behind the past anymore. We cannot walk in the shadows of our doubts and fears. We must make our own paths; We must walk without turning back. We have so much potential in life. Our voices are the most powerful thing we own. What will you do with yours?
THE MOOD OF TRAVELLING AS A WOMEN Being able to travel is an enormous pleasure. It has always given me a tingling sensation, itching feet, and that strong urge to explore destinations I know I will be thrilled by. For someone who is extremely independent and needs alone time, travelling alone has always been an escape from problems, workloads, and stresses. Being able to travel all by myself was exactly what I needed. But, with all the joy and happiness I achieve from travelling, concerns with misguided information always tag along. Since I was 16 years old, I was told that women are not allowed to travel alone. I have always wondered: why is it that women are forbidden to do that? The reason was simple. As always, my parents responded to me with repetitive thoughts that they had since they were young. Eventually, the reason was revealed to be that it was unsafe for young women to be alone. Gender Inequality and Male Dominance. The issue of gender equality and discrimination against women is still a main concern for women, especially in countries where they receive inferior treatment. How does this concept apply to travelling? Well, women are told and warned by people that travelling alone is a taboo. Due to these misconceptions that people still abide by, women are losing opportunities and chances to create change. Due to the fact that people are not as welcoming to women as they are to men and lessen the changes that women can make, it undermines women’s power to be as dominant as the men. As a result, the peaceful and pleasant characterics of travelling became an invalid escape for us. Women are missing out on the enormous aspects of what traveling can bring and its beneficial effects on individuals.
What are the positive benefits of travelling alone? Firstly, you are able to have complete freedom to choose your own path and the places you want to explore. It gives you various opportunities that you can partake in and you have control over your own acts and decisions. Second, it allows you to step out of your comfort zone and become more interconnected with new people, making great connections. It makes you confident as well as helps you to find other sides of yourself in ways you never knew you could be. Most importantly, it builds you to become stronger and teaches you to be independent. It makes you both internally and externally motivated with a strong sense of leadership. With all of the uncountable advantages, women still aren’t able to receive these essential benefits that will allow them to grow and be successful. There was always one answer to the problem of women travelling alone: it is not safe. But why don’t people ask why it is not safe? Research has shown that women that seem to be alone have a high risk of getting raped, assaulted, and becoming a victim violence as well as human trafficking. In most cases, these are likely caused by men who take advantage of vulnerable women. However, there has been little criticism for men with people blaming mostly on women. Women have rights. Women deserve justice and most notably, they require freedom. They should be allowed to do what they want and not let anyone keep them from their rights to be free. Traveling represents freedom for most people. It should always remain as a gate for escape, for everyone to have access to and for women to explore. As a woman myself, I have always travelled alone. Do I fear the danger? No doubt about it. Would I not take intitivate and not create change? Definitely not. Traveling alone is a guilty pleasure for me. I would collect all the pocket money I received just to plan a quality trip of my own. It inspires me, motivates me, encourages me, and supports me. As a woman myself, I should not be fearful of it. I should not stray from it. I just want to lose myself in the world of traveling. Travelling does exist for me not only in my imagination, but also as a reality.
CINEMATIC AFRICA
Red-orange deserts engulf all the surroundings. The sun is golden. The inhabitants walk across the fertile, lavashing land. A place of new birth. Rising mountains grow ruggedly over the lakes which reflect the scene.
MINISTOP AT THE EXCHANGE REGENCY It was always a good time at the Ministop. We’d walk down the smoky yellow hotel halls and take the elevator down from our new home for the week, 20a, 14c, 25f. Teenagers giddy with freedom, thousands of miles away from parents, ignoring responsibility for the moment. The Ministop held infinite promise, its metal shelves filled with colorful gleaming packages. Junk food abroad has an exotic feel, picking your way through the shelves is an adventure when you don’t know what you’ll find. Discovering a new favorite made me feel worldly, I had not only tried something foreign but I had developed a taste for it. Saying your favorite soda is a Sarsi Cola feels much more sophisticated than an American Coke. Each of us had a favorite, Maryland and I would get Mogu Mogu (lychee of course) and cookies, Georgia, and Maine would get ice cream, but I don’t know what New York would get, he was always apart. Ministop during the day was bright, the sun shining in through a wall of glass windows, the light bouncing off the gleaming white interior. The floor was always dusted from the city outside being brought in, the dirt creating patterns of swirls and shoe prints. At midday, it would be filled to the brim with workers grabbing a quick lunch. Siopao, shark fin, bubble tea, siomai, I watched what they chose, guessing, and matching the foods to their looks . . . - The friendly elevator operator: Fried chicken, extra rice, with turon on the side. - The overworked hotel maid: Tuna kariman and a C2 green tea. - The tourist with arms full of tattoos: Sharkfin, rice, and a San Miguel beer.
Ministop at night was magic. Leaving the lukewarm feel of the Exchange Regency hotel, stepping out into the sticky warmth and musk of Pasig at night, and then finally being hit by the sharp cool air of Ministop. The dark blue or black of the sky contrasted against the neon signs in the distance, the litter on the ground reflecting the moonlight and the shine of the hotel lobby. The bright light of Ministop shone out in the darkness like a beacon from the side of the hotel. During the day we went to Ministop out of necessity, we went at night for the adventure. Stragglers would be seated at a table eating dinner alone, a group of men would be there buying a bag full of beer to enjoy in their hotel room, and then us, laughing loudly and flitting throughout the shelves. Our group would descend on the Ministop in waves, we had our places within the group, unchanging assignments. Always Georgia and Maine together ahead, laughing at private jokes as they peered behind at the rest of us, Maryland and I together, rolling our eyes at their fickle alliance and thinking of the secrets we’ve shared, and then New York, joking in between our pairs or silent and behind, depending on his ever-changing mood. The pairs would split ways in the lobby, rushing to fit into the packed elevators. The jangle of pesos in our palms and the thumps of our items rolling around in the paper bags accompanied us up. Maryland and I would retire to our room with our spoils, discussing our problems, making life plans, and cracking jokes. We’re real friends, we keep the promises we made to stay in touch. I don’t know the other states anymore, we’re just internet friends. We were only ever together for a couple of days at a time. Alliances were forged at first glance and strengthened on shared annoyance. Our stay in the Philippines lasted for 8 months, about a month of this was at the Exchange Regency and when we came together, Ministop was the daily routine. The days at the hotel were sprinkled in the larger months, sometimes we saw each other twice in a matter of weeks, others were months apart. I never seemed to shake the hotel though. I had six host families in those months, five more than Maryland, four more than the rest. In between families I would be at the hotel, waiting to hear where my next life will be. This was not by design, happenstance was the force behind the constant change. I moved from one family to another because of a maid quitting, no schools in the area, two miscommunications from the program, and a volcano eruption. In the end, we left the country because of Covid19 and all of it comes together into a good enough story. It sounds like a lot written down but looking back it seems less real than a dream. The hazy quality of my memories feels romantic, but I’d prefer sharp recollection.
By chance, I ended up at the hotel again with a different mix of teens. All of us had been displaced by the Taal volcano eruption and were stuck in the hotel in limbo as our program scrambled to find us new family placements. It was three of us Americans, Maine, New York, and I, plus Aachen Germany, Northern Germany, and Bologna, Italy. We split into groups instantly and spent our time suited to our tastes, ignoring the rest. Maine and Bologna went anywhere but the hotel, Aachen and I sharing books, movies, and secrets becoming friends by accident in our room, and New York and North Germany, in the middle space between our two hotel rooms, not wanting to be alone. Aachen and I went to Ministop whenever we could. We tried every sandwich and every mediocre to-go pasta dish. We talked about our hopes for the future, family problems back home, and rearranged our luggage over and over. One night, in the elevator on the way up from Ministop, she taught me a word in German. Spinne or spider. I rolled it around in my mouth as we walked down the hall to our room and smiled to myself, spinne felt like a secret between the two of us, an affirmation of a bond. I can’t remember my last trip to Ministop, but I do remember looking back as the car taking us to the airport left the front of the hotel. I knew I could never feel that special brand of magic again, the clash of personalities in our group, the exhilaration of coming of age outside the restriction of our American lives, the sheer freedom of being alone in a crowd, and how the bright fluorescent lights of Ministop amplified every high and low. I kept a paper bag I got from there and the plastic cap of a Mogu Mogu bottle. I take the cap out now and then, rolling it in between my fingers. One day I’ll taste the sickly sweetness of the drink under the bright lights and smog of Manila again, and it will be magic enough.
EXTRAS
Here are some stories that aren't about this month's theme, but we felt should be included!
A STAR IN THE NIGHT The darkness of night. The choking darkness that engulfs you― controls you. The darkness that makes you feel like you cannot escape its clutching grasp, its death grip on you. Holding you down, drowning you in your own thoughts. Each failure in life dragging you closer and closer to the darkness. The darkness that you fear; the darkness that welcomes you. Failure. It tells you your worth. It tells you that you are worthless. It clouds your thoughts, the thoughts that are desperately trying to deny this. Not smart enough, not skilled enough, not good enough. It feels like you cannot enjoy anything anymore. The little things that would fill your heart with joy and hope, now fill you with dread. You feel empty. You can act okay, you can put on a mask to disguise the pain you feel. A mask of normalcy and happiness. Acting like you live a perfect life, when in reality each day is a struggle. There is one thing that keeps you going. That gives the motivation to get up out of bed and face your fears. To face the day. Hope. Like the brightness of the sun that overpowers the unknown shadows of the moon. Like a rainbow that fills your eyes with vibrant colours after a wild thunderstorm. Like the stars that fill the deep night sky with light and wonder. The stars that ease your fear of the night and the mysteries of tomorrow. The stars upon which you wish. Wherever there is darkness, there is light. Whenever there is fear, there is hope. Hope. It divulges to you your worth. It tells you that you are worth something. It leads your thoughts, the thoughts that guide you to inspiration and success. You are smart enough. You are skilled enough. You are good enough.
TOCHESNTWICH HILL
I wanted to see the world, but the world saw me instead. And what I saw— I never want to forget. Just off Tochesntwich Hill Road, plus two wrong turns and a right, I landed myself in an abandoned field and turned off all my lights. The constellations frolic and play, suspended before my eyes. Layered eons of space, Regressed eons of time. Though the brightest stars may blink, those blind to life won’t see; the majestic shining of eternity. Ignorance is bliss, but it kills the human spirit, by living life with no curiosity. I wanted to see the world, But the world saw me instead. And what I saw— I cannot ever forget.
Some history should be erased Some History should be erased Traces of history lingering among memories. Thou people should know the aftermath of events, Which cannot be seen as heroic missions, But could also be viewed as tremendously tragic, Adopting historical debate within groups. Regardless of history, prehistory, or historiography, History of revolution thou shall exist. With treaties and legacies, Such as Treaty of Versailles and Declaration of Independence, Shall be considered as an authoritative historical record. But horrendous histories remain. Bringing people's doubt whether to erase its trails. Again, allowing different perspectives to its request, A series of misfortune shall not be remembered. Culture, social views, stories, and ideas may differ. Although it has brought the question to whether some history should be erased. With the adaptive manners of these records, Shall strongly be erased Due to the emergence of government, policies, laws, rites, and statuses in school. Therefore, elaborating the history to its extent, With the sense of eradicating the history of the past, Suppressing the series of actions. Coming up with a decision that draws people’s attention, Leads to where some history should be erased.
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