Who, What, When, Where, How and Why:
Inquisitive, I am, and am seldom satisfied with a standard answer. On one hand, that’s exactly who I am, but on the other hand, I’m often satisfied with the idea that I will never know the answer. And that’s okay. Some day. Some time. Someone will find the answer and publish it for me.
Some will leave their past behind as they keep asking questions about things they can never know the answer to. Some will never leave their present place, even though questions should take them into research that begs them to travel to distant places and times to find the answer.
For example: I’ve been to Israel twice, although there was a time several decades ago that I never could figure out why people enjoyed going. But today? I’m ready to go again. Even by myself. I want to hang out in Jerusalem and study the history found in a single place. My other trips took me all over the country, and I saw a lot of interesting things. But, Jerusalem! That’s the place for me.
I want to travel to historical places. And study. I want to think back to ancient times and determine what life must have been like. I want to think back into a time and place, and relive it in my studies and thoughts. This is, perhaps, the reason why I enjoy Historical Fiction. (James Alexander Thom is one of my favorites!) Someone has taken the time to research, and they are bound and determined to tell the story in situ.
Now. That’s a strange word, but it has meaning that is applicable to my questioning mind…
In situ is a Latin phrase that translates literally to “on site” or “in position”. It means “locally”, “on site”, “on the premises” or “in place” to describe an event where it takes place, and is used in many different contexts. [Source]
So much of history can only be experienced “in place”. You cannot find it physically anywhere else but where it is original. In order to study it, and to ask questions hoping for answers, you must visit it where it is. I’ve been to museums in London where so much “history” has been ripped from the original ground and transported to a room in a far away place. Sort of sounds like a zoo! Oh, I want to go see Lions, Tigers, and Bears in situ!
Of course, I’ve seen bears in Alaska, but it’s about time to go to see the polar bears!
Arctic Ice! Here I come!
And lions and tigers, Oh My!
Savanna! Here I come!
I can sit and watch documentaries, read historical books, and day dream all day long about far away places. Or, I can figure out how to get there. And ask my questions. Who. What. Where. When. How. Why.
When I visit a foreign place, I want to see how people live. Today. Walk their streets. Visit their grocery stores. Hardware stores. I want to see how they have evolved from the history that I’m there to study. My wife is tired of me wandering the grocery aisles, looking at the local products! But you find something interesting! Every Time!!! In Scotland, I found a can of green beans that had been opened and pushed to the back of the other cans…
I was proud to find something weird!
Back to Jerusalem for a moment. Wandering the busy streets, all around the temple site, there are “quarters” for each of the 4 major sections of the temple area. They represent time. And history. And you can wander each of them: Jewish, Muslim, Armenian, Christian. Each is unique to a people, time periods, and a place you can research that is special to each group. A great time was spent in each one… But I want to go back. Here’s some documentation from another traveler: ====>>>> [Click Here]
I wonder, would I have followed Jesus back in those early days of his ministry? Would I have been looking for a Rabbi to teach me? Or hoping that this was finally the Messiah? Who can say. But I’m thankful for this portion of scripture that tells me someone was interested enough to question, and to follow.
And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? He saith unto them, Come and see. They came and saw where he dwelt, and abode with him that day: for it was about the tenth hour. (John 1:37-39 KJV)
Jesus. Where are you living? Come and see.
I guess we will go where we want to go if we are inquisitive enough to ask the questions, and follow our dreams. How about you? Where have you traveled in your mind, always hoping, someday, to be there in person?
Where have I been? Iceland, Germany, UK, Scotland, Canada, Mexico, Alaska(!), United States (about 37 states in all), Paris (just in the airport), Israel, Jordan, Petra, Jerusalem, Bethlehem.
Where do I want to go next?
Everywhere!