Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
through the green-trimmed gravesites of his prison-mates who starved themselves
to death for the cause of Irish independence capped the experience powerfully.
With a local guide, like Aziz in Morocco, you'll learn more than just where to get
the best tea.
El Salvador's history is so tragic and fascinating that anyone you talk to be-
comes a tour guide. My Salvadoran guides with the greatest impact were the
“Mothers of the Disappeared,” who told me their story while leafing through
humble scrapbooks showing photographs of their sons' bodies—mutilated and de-
capitated. Learning of a cruel government's actions from those sad mothers left me
with lifetime souvenirs: a cynicism about many governments (you can tell by their
actions whom they really represent) and an empathy for underdogs courageously
standing up to their leaders when necessary.
Tourists can go to Prague, Norway, Ireland, and Central America and learn
nothing of a people's struggles. Or they can seek out opportunities to connect
with people (whether professional guides or accidental guides) who can share
perspective-changing stories.
