Travel is a wonderful experience that enriches the spirit. So, whether you want to dream about some ideal travel destinations of your near or distant future, or reminisce about adventures you have already taken, here are some thoughts from our very own maroons on the wonders of travel.
What would be your dream destination to study abroad and why?
“If I could go anywhere in the world to study abroad, I would go to Norway. The beautiful landscape and scenic views would be a dream to live around. The possibility of hiking through the mountains, studying the environment, going whale watching, trying Norwegian cuisine, volunteering around the local community, and learning from the Norwegian way of life would be unimaginable. As a wildlife biology major, the vast biodiversity located across Norway is home to many rare animals and is absolutely amazing. Of all the animals in Norway I could see I would be over the moon to be able to observe a puffin. Norway is one of the few locations across the world where puffins can be reliably found. To be able to sit under the night sky and see the aurora borealis as I went to bed would be an unreal experience and a great opportunity with Norway being one of the few places to observe it.” -Hannah Bird (Class of ‘29)
What has been your favorite place that you have visited during your time at Roanoke?
“I’d say my favorite place that I’ve visited has been Salzburg, Austria. To begin, the natural beauty there was exquisite, to say the least. It quite reminds me of Roanoke or Asheville in the way that the mountains border the valley within which lies the city. Getting to stay at a hostel on the cliff above the old city was an amazing experience as well, and it was one of the only cities I visited in Europe where I got to spend a significant amount of time traveling with a friend. Speaking of, it was my friend Lilly who I met there; a graduate of Roanoke who is now teaching English in Vienna. As she is a recent convert to Catholicism, we both really enjoyed the catholicity of the city and its culture. Almost on every street corner, there were images or artistry of Jesus, Mary, or the Saints. I got to enjoy spending time not only with her, but with her roommate, her roommate’s boyfriend, and her roommate’s friends. We also went on the Sound of Music Tour together, which is my favorite movie of all time. Overall, I’d return to Salzburg with great joy, and I hope to visit one day again.” -Nathan Korner (Class of ‘28)
What is an ideal vacation spot for you?
“Honestly practically any beach house on a nice beach. I feel like when I’m at the beach there’s literally no worries in the world. And I’m just happy. Specifically, I would love to go to Hawaii. My parents got married there and I’ve always been interested in traveling to Hawaii.” -Aaron Barber (Class of ‘28)
Vance Redd
Staff Reporter
