Traveler Interview: Taysha Ham
Hailing from the a small-but-famous town in southern New Mexico of Truth or Consequences, Taysha Ham grew up in a very rural area and has been around agriculture her entire life.
Taysha says she “absolutely loves to travel” and looks for every opportunity to do so. She recently went to San Juan, Puerto Rico to take pictures during a seminar for the New Mexico Agricultural Leadership Program.
As well as traveling across the United States, Taysha took the leap last summer and traveled abroad for the first time, staying in Belgium for three weeks.
“Belgium,” she writes, ” is full of the most kind-hearted, warm people as well as beautiful architecture and landscapes.”
“It was an amazing experience,” Taysha adds. “It’s because of these beautiful places and wonderful people that traveling is so appealing to me.”
We wanted to learn more about Taysha’s passion for travel.
The Gorge near Taos in Taysha’s home state of New Mexico.
The Jones: What inspires you to travel?
Taysha: I am very curious; I want to see as much as I can. I want to know what is out there and how it differs from what I am used to here. I grew up hearing of these magical places and I always dreamt of seeing them for myself one day.
Have you always enjoyed travel? What contributed to your love of travel?
Taysha: I have always loved to travel, even if it was a short weekend road trip. I actually love the idea of taking road trips with my family or a group of friends. I enjoy seeing the sites and spending time with those I love.
My love for travel developed when I was high school and I was able to travel the country through the different organizations I was involved in.
You completed a work study experience in Europe last summer. What did you learn differently than if you had worked in your home town?
Taysha: I grew up in a small town called Truth or Consequences, New Mexico. My hometown is a place where everybody knows everybody. My time in Europe gave me a chance to not only see new sights and experience an entirely new culture, but it also gave me a chance to show what I know. I found out that I can be independent and try new things while trusting in people I barely knew.
During my internship in Europe I literally met the internship group at the airport, I did not know a single person until we all met up at the terminal. From there I flew nine hours only to be sent off to live with a woman whose name I could not even pronounce.
The internship away from family and friends made me learn how to use the resources I had available and to not be so dependent on the state of constant communication that many people find themselves in on a daily basis.
What is your favorite destination? Why?
Taysha: I would have to say my favorite destination is Belgium. From the Belgium’s food to their rich European culture, the country offered an amazing experience and a beautiful place to be. I loved the opportunity to walk the cobblestone streets and see the houses, the shops, everything built in a way I am not accustomed to seeing.
I come from a place where the nearest house may be over a mile away, so to see houses literally connected to each other was very interesting to me. The people were so welcoming, and the atmosphere was great. It’s honestly very hard to describe, but during my stay there I realized just how wonderful traveling can be.
What destination has surprised you the most, either good or bad?
Taysha: Puerto Rico was a surprising destination for me. While I stayed mainly in the tourist locations, it was surprisingly easy to communicate with everyone I came into contact with. I was surprised at all the similarities between Puerto Rico and New Mexico. One of the biggest was the cultural similarities.
Puerto Rico is a very beautiful island, rich with culture and full of things to do and see. It was a great trip and I was able to see most of the island in a span of seven days.
Why do you consider travel important?
Taysha: Travel is important because it allows you to see the world from a different perspective. Whether you are traveling across the country or across the world, you are able to see new landscape, new cultures. It is one thing to read about the world and another to actually experience the world for yourself.
From your travels, do you have a practice or insight that makes your travel experiences more enjoyable?
Taysha: I would encourage you to go into each travel experience with an open mind. Not every place is going to be what you hoped it would be. That’s one reason for travel isn’t it?
Expect the best and make the most out of what you get. Take one day at a time and just enjoy the destination.
Taysha’s Traveler Interview makes us want to learn more about Truth or Consequences, New Mexico:
Truth or Consequences
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