Around the world

Over the 17 years of my life, I’ve traveled to 22 countries. I’ve seen Spain, Germany and Italy, but I’ve also seen Colombia, Vietnam, Indonesia – two completely different types of worlds, the first-world and third-world.
   I’ve seen the poverty in India, the cows that graze on trash along the streets, the savage way of driving their cars and auto rickshaws. But I’ve also seen the beauty in people, the picturesque gardens and the diversity in the shops along the streets.
   In Singapore, I’ve seen the indescribable cleanliness. The streets bare of gum or trash, the airport that includes swimming pools and orchid gardens – the perfection.
   In Southern France, I’ve been in the warm Mediterranean Sea and stayed up on those endless nights as the sun sets close to 10 or 11 o’clock on some nights. In the city of lights, I’ve tasted the delicious food in any restaurant, seen the endless lines of fashion – seen the art, the history and the vivacity of Paris. I’ve also seen the homeless, the drunks and the pickpockets.
   In Colombia, I’ve lived the culture. Seen the amazing handiwork they create, seen the girls in outlandish dresses heartily dancing salsa, seen the amazing scenery throughout the country. Yet, I’ve also felt afraid as dark eyes stare as you walk home at night.
   In total, I’ve stayed in France for two years, Colombia for a year and a half, India for a month and so on. But somehow, after just a couple of weeks I am eager to return home to the United States.
   Although I have never lived in any other country but America, I feel confident enough to say that I have stayed long enough in a variety of different parts of the earth to understand the world and environment around me.
   While each country I’ve been to has always been different and  in itself amazing, I always have this strong feeling as my airplane ride approaches closer and closer – this eager and excited feeling to return home to America.
   We constantly criticize everything our country does. Nothing is ever good, always needing to be improved. We criticize our government for caring too much or caring too little, criticize the taxes we pay, the wars we’ve engaged in.
   While criticism may lead to a better government and a better life, we often take for granted the quality of life we have compared to other countries.
   And, yet, after 22 countries, 22 governments, 22 different sets of laws, to me America is still the greatest.
   Yes, we have problems that could be fixed, but our country and the people who have composed it for many years have made it wonderful.
   Although I believe my opinion comes from my 17 years worth of traveling and my experience first-hand with the world, I am grateful to have been born and raised in America.
   So just for a second, be thankful. You live in America.
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   Sarah Bertin, a junior, is a Gazette voices editor.