Journal #2

Before I can accurately answer if the article Roughing It represents a pre-interstate treatment of sacred space, I need to create a clear definition as to what a sacred space means to me. For some a sacred space involves a religious aspect while for others it is simply a place of solitude. Another definition of sacred space is through the way one appreciates the different areas that they are passing through. Primeau discusses how many “Americans have treated the highway as sacred space” for many years.

Twain represents this feeling by saying “I coveted his distinction and his distinction and his financial splendor, but particularly and especially the long, strange journey he was going to make, and the curious new world he was going to explore” (Twain, p.1). I think this represents a pre-interstate treatment because Twain talks about the strange journey that lays before him. I agree with this as being a sacred space since Twain is discussing the journey of traveling to the unknown. I think that even though traveling to the unknown can be scary to some people, others can find peace in the journey that is unknown. 

Another aspect that Twain discusses is the fact that he and the Secretary carried guns; “The Secretary had a small-sized Colt’s revolver strapped around him for protection against the Indians, and to guard against accidents he carried it uncapped.” With this description Twain provides an image that in order to be comfortable within a sacred space one needs to have a sense that they are protected from the wilderness or the great unknown. Twain also discusses how there was nothing for miles on this trial but every once in a while there was “a low hut or two in the distance.” This statement provides a sense that traveling to the west there was nothing to see except for the hills and plains so the silence of the passengers, conductor, and stage-driver provided a quiet serenity. 

I think Roughing It provides a good example of a pre-interstate of sacred space. This can be said because the different scenes presented by Twain shown what makes a place sacred, such as the absence of people, buildings, or even life in general. While living in a world with interstates now, we so often forget the importance of appreciating the things around us and instead trying to accomplish different tasks as fast as possible. I think that Twain also shows the importance of having a sacred place that can help keep people grounded in life.

Why do we read Gaudium et Spes?

I believe that we read Gaudium et Spes in a travel writing course because the document brings up critical points centered around the importance of traveling. The first point that is discussed through paragraph 60 is about the need to work diligently when making fundamental decisions. I believe that this is important to continuously think about because many economic and political decisions affect not only the person or people who are making the decision but also the people within the different political regions involved within a deal. 

Another reason why we read Gaudium et Spes in a travel writing course is to make students aware of their right to culture. While growing up people have the responsibility to develop themselves culturally while also helping others. We can help others through community service, mission trips, or even simple tasks such as unloading their cart at a grocery store. I personally believe that making ourselves more culturally aware will help us to make more conscious decisions while making us realize the benefits of growing up in a first world country rather than a third world country. By reading Gaudium et Spes we can be reminded of our duty to not only develop culturally as well as our duty to be servant leaders. 

A third reason as to why we read Gaudium et Spes is to show students different ways to use our leisure time. According to paragraph 61, the leisure time of most people has increased over time. Gaudium et Spes states that while it is important to use leisure time to relax, one can use leisure time to refine their character and become a tourist. Although Gaudium et Spes also states that leisure time can be used to preserve a communities spirit through sports and to bring people of different races and nations together. By reading this document in a travel writing class, students can learn about ways to spend their leisure time as well as how one can become more culturally developed.

Lastly, Gaudium et Spes demonstrates how important it is to walk away from an experience with a new meaning of culture. I think reading Gaudium et Spes helps give an understanding as to the deeper meaning of life and what can come about from immersing yourself in a new culture. This document also makes us realize how our decisions can affect those around us.