Why Take a Vacation? – Relaxation, Action, or Medieval Torture?

I believe vacations were “invented” so that people could get away from their normal routine once or twice a year, or maybe more. They are very good for one’s mental attitude because it allows one to be in a different environment and get a different point of view. Many people make new positive decisions about their life after having some time away from home. I always know when it has been a successful vacation because at the end of it, I’m ready to go home.

I like taking some vacations where I get to see new things and experience new cultures. I find it very educational to see how people live differently, get tortured (just kidding), and how their values may be similar or different from mine. By seeing historical sites and ruins, one gets a feel for how people lived throughout history, which is very interesting and intriguing.

Once I went on a road trip throughout Germany. I planned it very well in advance, and saw many different sights. Driving at high speeds on the Autobahn was really exciting! 

I found the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber to be very unique, especially their torture museum. They had “shame masks” on display, which were quite humorous. There were ones for nosy busybodies, gossipers and big mouths! I could understand how they were also quite effective, especially when a person had to walk around town wearing one all day long.

I could also understand how putting bakers in “human size” cages and hanging them in the town square, because they gypped their customers on the weight of a loaf of bread, would be very embarrassing. People would walk by and not only heckle them, but also throw things.

Seeing the torture equipment which was on display at the museum and understanding how it was used, was quite eerie.  I must admit that after awhile, I started to feel a bit uncomfortable as it became more real to me, that this type of torture actually happened to people! It made me think of how my life was so much better than theirs was – and isn’t that what vacations are supposed to be about!

For other vacations, I may decide to go to the same places that I’ve been visiting for years. These are places that I always seem to enjoy for relaxation and physical outdoor activities. Whether it’s for kayaking, paddle boarding, surfing, swimming, hiking or skiing, etc., I always feel like my physical health is improving. The travel may be for a shorter stay, if my destination is a location where I can arrive at it within a few hours.

Therefore, vacations can be used not only for improving one’s mental attitude, but also for improving one’s physical health. Whether one likes the ocean, lakes, desert or mountains, each location offers many enjoyments. Some people may find that it’s difficult for them to get away from work, but if possible, they may be able to do some work via computer or other methods, while on their trip. This way they won’t have to deny themselves some of a vacation. Either way, I find vacations to be very healthy for one’s overall life.

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