Traveling vs. Tourism

I lie low for a couple of days in London, just processing all that I had done and resting. I have time to contemplate what traveling means to me. I have wanderlust by nature but do not consider myself a tourist (at least on this trip). Here's why: When I travel, I don't have my normal defenses. I have to rely on other people and communication isn't always through speech. When I am alone, in a foreign country and without means for transportation I have to trust a voice on the end of the phone line, or a map, or a stranger and my instincts. At home I have a car, my familiar places, language and people. Almost nothing is uncomfortable. I use travel to make myself uncomfortable so that I can grow as a person. I learn to trust myself and my instincts. I learn that there is more good than bad and I have real experience instead of something I read or someone told me. It makes me feel strong and accomplished. Some people like to test themselves by surviving in the wilderness, I like to test myself in foreign countries. Of course I have some security by traveling with or to friends. I feel grateful to travel and to have friends.